Love Southend Youth

Event: Leigh Christmas Lights Switch-on Open-Air Live Music

2011-11-16T01:40:00.001Z

Leigh Christmas Lights Switch-on Open-Air Live Music
featuring funk band ‘Doxology'

You're all welcome to this awesome event as part of Leigh-on-Sea Christmas Lights Switch-on.

The lights switch on and the Christmas procession arrives from 6pm on the Leigh Broadway followed at 7pm on the Leigh Road, in the Oasis The Coffee House (LRBC) garden, Open-Air Live Music with Funk band Doxology.

The event is hosted by Churches Together in Leigh-on-Sea.

The Route One Bus and SOS Bus will be out on the town as well...

Bring your friends see you there.

Cost: Free

For further information please contact Celia Lunn on 07889 755137 or Lucy Brown on 07512 410471 or click here to email.

YOUTH-FOCUSED EVENTS FOR 24/7 PRAYER AS PART OF THE NATIONAL WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR STREETS

2011-10-22T18:30:00.000+01:00

Youth Focussed Eevents For 24/7 Prayer As Part of the National Week of Prayer For Our Streets.at St Andrew's Church, Electric Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea SS9 9NW

SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER, 7PM START. SLEEPOVER!

Worship and Prayer
Option of Film-watching with Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows and nibbles
Lights out at 10pm with optional prayer slots

SUNDAY 30TH OCTOBER, 8AM

Wake up! Breakfast and prayer
Wash and dress.
Attend agreed place of worship
4pm TOGETHER AGAIN. - Corporate Worship and Prayer
5pm Games and Activities
6pm Dinner
7pm Love Southend Youth’s: Engage Youth Event
9pm Home-time!

PLEASE ENSURE THAT EVERY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 HAS A COMPLETED PARENTAL CONSENT FORM. FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT :
St Andrews on Phone: 01702 353491 or 07791079742 Email: StAndrewsYouth@mail.com Facebook: St Andrews Church (Page: Youth Hub).

An initiative of St Andrew's Church, Electric Avenue, SS9 9NW in Partnership with
Southend Christian Fellowship
Love Southend
Love Southend Youth: Engage
Chalkwell Group of Churches
Agape Church
WEBC

Relentless: Leigh Elim Host Band Night 7th October 2011

2011-10-05T09:43:00.000+01:00

Relentless7th October 7.30pm

Leigh Elim Church, Glendale Gardens, SS9 2BE

http://www.impact-elim.co.uk/

For Tickets and more info please contact Phil: 07595974070 or phil19@hotmail.co.uk

Cenecale...
Their mission - to rock some skulls and impact their audience with more than just words. With a vision that goes far beyond music, Cenacle are a band of passion, faith & hope. Taking their inspirational sound wherever they go, Cenacle's lyrics and music are an honest reflection of their journey through life.

Reuben James...
We are very excited to welcome Reuben back this year after being a favourite at last years ‘Unleashed’ event. Reuben mixes heavy beats with hard-hitting lyrics to create an exciting and unique performance.

Freedom...
Our very own worship band. Freedom is a band with a passion to see Jesus lifted high and see people engage with him through intense worship.

Engage: Youth Event September 2011, Picnic and Games in Priory Park

2011-09-06T19:22:00.001+01:00

Picnic in the Park

All youth groups in South-East Essex are invited to Priory Park for a picnic and games on Sunday 25th September at 1pm onwards.

This is a great opportunity to meet up with other youth groups in the area and have fun together.

Please bring along equipment for team games and a picnic to munch.

More info? Email the Avenue Baptist Youth Worker

Event: LZ7 Light Tour visits Southend-on-Sea

2011-07-20T11:58:00.002+01:00

LZ7 Light Tour

SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2011

at The Plaza Centre, 600 Southchurch Road, Essex, SS1 2PT

6:45pm Doors Open, 7:30pm Start, 9:30pm Finish

Tickets: £5 (watch the video for a special deal if you are from a local senior school)

To purchase tickets please contact us directly. You can pay by cheque or reserve to pay by cash on the door:

Telephone: (01702) - 461616 Jenny
Email: LZ7@openplaza.co.uk
Address: LZ7 Tickets, The Plaza Centre, 600 Southchurch Road, Essex, SS1 2PT

For more information visit: www.openplaza.co.uk/lz7.html

A message from Lindz West of LZ7 to the schools of Southend-on-Sea

Visit the bands website http://www.lz7.co.uk/

Engage BBQ: Change of Venue 17 July 2011

2011-07-17T17:04:00.001+01:00

*ALERT*

The Engage BBQ is being moved to Westcliff Free Church (on the London RD opposite the BP garage) Starts at 6pm ends by 8pm.

Volunteers required for Route One Bus at Hawkwell Baptist Church Fun Day

2011-07-13T12:06:00.002+01:00

This Sunday 17th of July Hawkwell Baptist are holding a funday in Magnolia Park. We are aware it is late notice but if you are available to help out on the Route One Bus and have done so before then please drop us and email. We have some volunteers but the more the merrier!

The funday is from 12 - 4pm so if you are available to give your time for the whole event or part of it then we would be very grateful.

Many thanks

Lisa Ford

Route One Administrator

www.routeone.org.uk

Engage: Next LSY Youth Event Sunday 19th June 2011

2011-06-01T12:55:00.000+01:00

The Next Engage Youth Gathering will include be a.....

Inflatables and Games Night with the Eliminator Bungee Run, Sumo Wrestling + other games, food, fun and inspiration.

Love Southend Youth announce the 5th occurrence of their exciting new event for church youth groups and their mates:

engage

youth social gathering
Sunday 19th June

7-9pm

at Hawkwell Baptist Church

Rectory Road

Rochford

Essex SS4 1UG
More info contact Simon Ford:

Email for more info here

Mob: 07534 904488

Please also consider coming prepared (and preparing some of your young people) to give your/their testimony of what God has/is done/doing in your/their life.

Engage is a gathering of young people from churches across the Southend-on-Sea area.

Youth Service: Refresh June at Leigh Road Baptist Church - Bring your youth group

2011-05-24T13:08:00.000+01:00

Refresh: Youth Service at LRBC
Sunday 12th June, 2011
18:30 - 21:00
Free
Venue: Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive, Leigh, SS9 1NN

The Second Sunday of every month (except during summer holidays): 6.30 -7.45 followed by Chill-Out Cafe until 9pm

Refresh is a monthly evening service at Leigh Road Baptist Church specifically aimed and teens and those in their 20's.

However it is open for all to attend and regularly sees many more age groups getting coming along and benefiting.

The worship music is contemporary, there is always relevant biblical message and the evening's theme is often also complimented with drama sketches, dances and big screen video presentations.

The talks can often be interactive and the presentation style is much more relaxed in nature - often with heckling involved!

Relevant accessible prayer is a big part of the evening, and we always give opportunity both to be prayed with and to be prayed for - however the choice is always up to you.

For those in their teens and 20's Refresh is followed by the Chill-Out Cafe that has a coffee bar, snacks, Wii, games, giant Jenga, crafts, prayer room and music until 9pm.

Many other youth groups from across the area attend and all are welcome.

For further information please contact David Elcock at LRBC on 01702 478698
or visit the Refesh webpage at LRBC online.

Engage: Youth Event May 2011 at Westcliff Free Church

2011-04-26T11:48:00.002+01:00

The Next Engage Youth Gathering will include a group drumming workshop with Steve Copper from Different Drum www.differentdrum.co.uk

Love Southend Youth announce the fourth occurrence of their exciting new event for church youth groups and their mates:

engage

youth social gathering

Activities include: Group Drumming Workshop with www.differentdrum.co.uk, food, fun, games and inspiration.

Sunday 15^th May

7-9pm

Westcliff Free Church
635 London Road
Westcliff-on-Sea
SS0 9PE

More info contact Jill Simmonds:

Email for more info here

Mob: 07845 970695

Engage is a gathering of young people from churches across the Southend-on-Sea area.

Free Easter Video every day during the lead up to Easter Sunday

2011-04-20T22:44:00.002+01:00

Hi Love Southend Youth.

Big Brother – Love Southend – is offering a different free Easter video to watch everyday in the lead up to Easter Sunday.

So why not take a trip over to www.lovesouthend.org and take a ‘gander’ - or just a look if you’re not cockney.

Happy Easter

Youth Service: Refresh April at Leigh Road Baptist Church - Bring your youth group

2011-04-04T19:13:00.001+01:00

Refresh: Youth Service at LRBCSunday 10th April, 2011
18:30 - 21:00
Free
Venue: Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive, Leigh

The Second Sunday of every month (except during summer holidays): 6.30 -7.45 followed by Chill-Out Cafe until 9pm

Refresh is a monthly evening service at Leigh Road Baptist Church specifically aimed and teens and those in their 20's.

However it is open for all to attend and regularly sees many more age groups getting coming along and benefiting.

The worship music is contemporary, there is always relevant biblical message and the evening's theme is often also complimented with drama sketches, dances and big screen video presentations.

The talks can often be interactive and the presentation style is much more relaxed in nature - often with heckling involved!

Relevant accessible prayer is a big part of the evening, and we always give opportunity both to be prayed with and to be prayed for - however the choice is always up to you.

For those in their teens and 20's Refresh is followed by the Chill-Out Cafe that has a coffee bar, snacks, Wii, sports hall games, giant Jenga, crafts, prayer room and music until 9pm.

Many other youth groups from across the area attend and all are welcome.

For further information please contact David Elcock at LRBC on 01702 478698
or visit the Refesh webpage at LRBC online.

RELENTLESS Band night at Leigh Elim

2011-04-04T17:51:00.002+01:00

Friday 8th April, 2011
Venue: Leigh Elim Church, Glendale Gardens, SS9 2BE
A Leigh Elim MUSIC event.

EMPIRE NATION
www.myspace.com/empirenationuk

BROUGHT INTO BEING
http://www.broughtintobeing.com/
www.myspace.com/broughtintobeing

and Leigh Elim's own band FREEDOM.

Pre-order Tickets £3 or £4 on the door

Contact Phil on 07595974070 or email phil19@hotmail.co.uk

More info http://www.impact-elim.co.uk/

Love Southend TV - watch the bands

Empire Nation - Light my way

Brought into Being - Cry me a river

Engage: Youth Event March 2011 at Southend Christian Fellowship

2011-03-11T14:21:00.004Z

Love Southend Youth announce the third occurance of their exciting new event for church youth groups and their mates:

engage

youth social gathering

Activities include: Wii competitions, food, fun, games and inspiration. More activiteis TBC

Sunday 27^th March

7-9pm

The Plaza Centre

600 Southchurch Road,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex
SS1 2PT

More info contact Jill Simmonds:

Email for more info here

Mob: 07845 970695

Engage is a gathering of young people from churches across the Southend-on-Sea area.

Event: Engage youth gathering February

2011-02-20T11:45:00.002Z

Love Southend Youth announce the second occurance of their exciting new event for church youth groups and their mates:

engage

youth social gathering

Activities include: Drum workshop, Wii competitions, food, fun, Games and inspiration

Sunday 27^th February

7-9pm

St Stephens Church

90 Alton Gardens

Prittlewell
SS2 6QZ

More info contact Jill Simmonds:

Email for more info here

Mob: 07845 970695

Engage is a gathering of young people from churches across the Southend-on-Sea area.

Engage: New Love Southend Youth Event

2011-01-13T13:39:00.003Z

Love Southend Youth announce an exciting new event for church youth groups and their mates,

engage

youth social gatheringActivities include: DJ workshop, card making, food, fun, Games & inspiration

Sunday 30^th January

7-9pm

St Stephens Church

90 Alton Gardens

Prittlewell
SS2 6QZ

More info contact Jill Simmonds:

Email for more info here

Mob: 07845 970695

Engage is a gathering of young people from churches across the Southend-on-Sea area.

Route One News January 2011: Taster Tour Announced

2011-01-07T11:39:00.002Z

Happy New Year!

We have made a few changes to the Route One newsletter which you will now find as a PDF.

Just click away here: Route One News January 2011

We are grateful for Jacky Rossi who has been emailing out the newsletter, however, as the Route One administrator I have now taken on this task. Jacky still continues as the treasurer and we are very grateful for all that she does for Route One.

We are really looking forward to 2011 and have a new initiative planned for this year. So please take a read of the PDF Newsletter as we really appreciate any prayer and support that you can give to the project.

We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us all in 2011.

God Bless

Lisa Ford

Email Lisa

www.routeone.org.uk

Route One Bus: Half Term Update Nov 2010

2010-12-06T14:12:00.001Z

St Saviours – Christ Our Light Mission
We spent a whole day with St Saviours Church with the bus being open to visitors through the day and then for teenagers attending an event in the evening. We had a steady flow of people on the bus through the day and there were some great conversations going on. The evening event went really well with the bus being well used for discussions on faith. What was really encouraging for me was to see the folks from the church so involved in conversations and excited about it.
Rev Louise Williams writes-

"Thank you so much for supporting our mission week on Tuesday with the provision of the Route One bus. We were absolutely thrilled to see that all the youngsters in the evening went on the bus – and of their own accord – that was very encouraging. Thank you also for the training which you provided – we all found that most helpful."

YMCA visit @ Leigh Road Baptist Church
A group from Southend YMCA came to visit us at Leigh Rd Baptist Church. The evening was designed to communicate both the message of Christianity and what church is. The bus worked really well as the venue for the “message” part of this while a tour of the church building provided a fitting environment to talk about Church. David Elcock and a group of young people from the church did a great job of communicating their faith both on the bus and in the building. Below is a comment from David about the event.

"Thank you so much for bringing the bus over to LRBC on Thursday for the YMCA event. It is such a fantastic resource and the way that it engages not only the onlooker but also equips the young people to speak about and expand upon the Bible is so great."

Route One Update September 2010

2010-09-11T19:15:00.000+01:00

Hello and welcome to the Route One September update. Please take a few minutes to read this update and pray for the events which are coming up. One thing we can be sure of is that prayer is key to everything we do.

Will you join with us to see the church in our area impact the communities around us?

Below - information is in red, requests for your involvement are in blue and prayer requests are in green

The Bus at Westcliff Free Church

The bus will be parked on the London Road outside Westcliff Free Church from 6pm – 8pm on Saturday the 25th of September. This will be followed by a concert in the church building with the band Taste. Simon will also be speaking at the church on the following morning.

The Saturday event is for young people but open to all. We are putting together a small team to work on the bus at the event (contact Lisa lisafordr1@googlemail.com if you would like to be involved.) We have already done the training for this event so people who have already worked on Route One would be preferable. But please feel free to use this opportunity to come and see the bus for yourself if you haven’t already.

Please pray for a good turnout for this event. It’s a great opportunity for young people to invite their friends and it would be good to see a mixture of Christian and non Christians coming on the bus.

Christ Our Light mission with St Saviours

St Saviours Westcliff are running a mission week from Sunday 24th – 31st October see- www.christourlight2010.com . As a part of this mission we will be taking the bus along on Tuesday 26th October for the whole day 10am – 9.30pm

In the morning we will be running activities for younger children and also for their parents. In the afternoon the bus will be open to everyone to come and explore and the evening is for teenagers with activities running both in the church building and on the bus.

Please consider getting involved with this day. We already have people signed up from St Saviours but the church are happy for us to add others to this team. Training will take place on the evening of Thursday 21st October at St Saviours. Again please contact Lisa lisafordr1@googlemail.com if you would like to be involved.

This will also be another opportunity to see the bus and the exhibition so feel free to come down in the afternoon. We will be positioned on Kings Road outside the St Saviours church.

Please pray for the whole week that it will be successful in connecting with the local community and the church will see loads of folk come along to all the activities. Please pray for the activities on the bus and for life changing conversations with folks.

We also have other events in the pipeline so keep an eye on the website. Please pray for more doors to open into schools and for churches be able to grow their relationships and involvement in local secondary schools.

Thank you for your support and prayers. We also pray for you as part of the church in South East Essex that whenever you open your mouth, words may be given you so that you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel (taken from Ephesians 6:19)

Simon Ford
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Help get Delirious? To number 1 in the charts this Easter

2010-04-01T11:39:00.003+01:00

Artist: Delirious?
Single: HistoryMaker
Date: Available 28th March to 3rd April
Format: Download only

Delirious? In The Charts... Right Now!

Whoever said that Facebook was a waste of time? A couple of months ago a whole bunch of Delirious? fans started talking about how great it would be if this Easter there could be a song up there in the charts that raised the flag for faith in Jesus. They asked us to help out, and right now the charts are buzzing with the sight of HistoryMaker heading up there.

So far HistoryMakers - the single is up at number 6 in the charts. If we spread the word who knows where it'll be by the time we're at Easter Saturday?

Delirious? will be donating their profits from the UK single downloads to Compassionart projects that bring relief from poverty where it is needed most.

With the original studio version and a live take recorded at the band's final gig last November, there's still time to buy one - or both. They're just 79p, and iTunes is ready to take your order.

Studio version:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/history-makers-single/id362290577

Live version:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/history-makers-live/id362290374

Route One Update Feb 2010

2010-02-23T21:38:00.000Z

Here is an update of all that’s happening with Route One

This month we have some GOOD NEWS and some GREAT NEWS so be encouraged as you read on-

First the Great News

I know many of you have been praying for us especially for a release of finances so that we can grow the project and run it to a high standard. Our story is one of amazing breakthrough moments when the seemingly impossible has suddenly come into being.

I remember the moment I heard we had been given a bus and the day one gift was given enabling us to pay for the bodywork of the bus to be completely overhauled.

I also recall prophetic words which were spoken- at one church an offering was taken for Route One and a word was spoken that this gift would be multiplied 100 fold. The offering amount was £500 which x100 = £50,000 which was of course the amount we needed to launch the project. Once we had counted the offering and done the maths it made faith rise in us and within a year the money had come in and the project was up and running.

Back in October a different group of people took up another offering which also came to £500. Again a word was given this time the person saw that God was writing us a blank cheque. To explain how this word is now being fulfilled we have to back up a bit.

Back in the summer of 2009 Rev Stuart Kimber helped us put together an application for funding from the Anglican Churches Mission Opportunity Fund. Our application was for a 3 year grant which would significantly help towards a full time salary and office expenses. During the autumn we heard that some of the money allocated to this fund may have to been pulled out to meet shortfall in other areas. However we have just heard in the last week that our application has been successful and they are now asking us exactly how much we need!! Sounds almost like a blank cheque situation doesn’t it *Praise God*. Whilst not being greedy we have communicated back what we need and we now wait to hear their response. (Please Pray)

This is great news indeed enabling the mystery of the Gospel to be revealed to many thousands of people over the next 3 years and beyond.

Thank you for your prayers, your devotion and your gifts all of which have made you a part of this amazing story.

And now the Good News

We will be taking the bus into Shoebury High School alongside Life in Abundance in the last week of March.

During this week we will take lessons on the bus with between 400 and 500 students, take assemblies for the whole of years 7, 8, 9 and 10 and also give the opportunity for anyone who doesn’t have a lesson on the bus to come on at lunchtime. We are currently developing material around the subject of You are Unique and the lessons will include videos, group discussion and an interactive treasure hunt activity around the exhibition.

Please pray for this week that it will go smoothly and that we are a blessing to the school.

Thanks again for all you support

Simon Ford & The Route One Team

07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Event for Valentines Day: Golddigger Band Youth Event

2010-02-04T16:18:00.003Z

refresh bi-monthly youth service presents the band

Golddigger
live at Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1NN
Sunday 14 February 2010 > Doors open 6pm > Cost: Free
followed by the Chill-Out Café & Sports until 9pm
More info call: 01702 478698 > andy.warner@lrbc.org.uk

Love Southend Youth Aim to Perform Fourth Annual 'Panto in a Day, "Jack and his Magic Beans".

2009-12-17T18:00:00.003Z

The fourth annual “Panto in a Day” takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, 28th December, with the performance of “Jack and his Magic Beans”.

In previous years, teenagers from Love Southend Youth have staged 3 spectacular pantomime performances; “Cinderella”, “Aladdin” and “Snow White and the 7 Chavs”.

This year, the regular crew of actors and actresses, musicians, dancers, hosts, techies and stage-hands will turn their attention to Jack and his magic beans, so come expecting a few twists on a classic tale.

The young people, from various local church and youth groups, as well as university students, will gather together on Monday morning at the Plaza Centre, Southchurch, where they will be allocated their parts from a pre-written script. The actors and actresses will begin learning their lines that morning, as a volunteer army of teenagers begin to construct a set, design props, put together costumes, and practice extra material to be included into the end performance. A band of musicians will also begin practicing some improvised tunes to complement the drama.

The day is crazy and a little manic, but is always much fun, and it culminates in the evening’s public performance, in front of a packed crowd of adults and children.

The performance starts at 8pm sharp and tickets can be purchased from the Plaza Centre at a cost of £3 each. All proceeds go towards the work of Love Southend Youth in the borough.

So come along and witness a fantastic Panto performance, all for a good cause.

It’s guaranteed to be a great, fun-filled night for all the family (“Oh no it isn’t”…..”oh yes it is”)

For tickets, contact: Steve Dalley or Jenny Martin
Telephone: 01702 461616
Email: steve@scfplaza.f9.co.uk

Route One Update: November 2009

2009-11-22T17:25:00.000Z

Well there's lots to say but we will try to keep it brief. For more info you can go to the website www.routeone.org.uk

Route One in Schools
We recently took a team of 7 people from 5 different churches into Southend High School for Boys. We took lessons on the bus with year 7 on Jesus death and resurrection and also had the opportunity to have lessons with year 12 and 13 students who were allowed to ask some real life Christians any questions they wanted.
The two days we spent in the school were fantastic and we had a great time. The comments from the students and the teachers were all positive and the school have said they are very keen for us to come in again. This was a great first school visit for us, it really couldn’t have gone better and we are now keener than ever to crack on with the next event.

Bus at Hawkwell Baptist Church
We also recently went over to Hawkwell Baptist church at the end of an activities week for young people over the October half term. We went for the day and had a great time with some of the youth leaders in the morning who we trained to use the resource. They in turn became tour guides in the afternoon and showed the young people around the gospel experience. Again there was loads of positive feedback and we would even go as far as saying that for some people it was a life changing experience.

Come see the Bus
There are 4 events happening over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas and we would encourage you to get along to one of them to see the bus for yourself. We will be bringing the bus along to a Love Southend meeting on the - 10th Dec ember @ The Plaza Centre, Southchurch road 7.00pm-9.30pm This will be a great opportunity to see the resource for yourself and also find out more about plans for evangelism across the Southend area. Alternatively take a look at our website for info on the other events happening.

Please Pray
Simon our project co-ordinator is taking a step of faith in the New Year by giving up his job to focus on developing and delivering Route one full time. This will be fantastic as it will increase the capacity of the project and enable us to take more on but it is a step of faith for Simon and his family so please stand in faith with them for their needs to be met. Route One currently pays Simon a part time wage which will increase as funds allow.

Please pray for the upcoming events (see website for details) that we would be effective in connecting with and communicating with the people we meet.

Also have a think about ideas of how your church could use the resource.

Thankyou for all your support and prayers

Route One

07534 904488
info@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Route One Update 'n' Prayer

2009-07-17T12:04:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update on the Route One project...

We are taking the bus out this Saturday to the Rayleigh churches Fun Day. The event runs from 11am - 4pm in King Georges Park, Rayleigh.

Feel free to come and see us and the bus. Please also pray for everything to work and that God would go before us to prepare peoples hearts to receive the Gospel.

This has been a hectic few weeks for us getting everything ready. However, the bus is looking great and we have 15 volunteers manning the bus on Saturday which is going to be a lot of fun. We pray it would be a fruitful learning experience.

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Simon Ford
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Route One May Update

2009-05-01T19:48:00.003+01:00

These are exiting times for the project as we near completion of the refit. Every element of the layout of the bus has been designed to make the bus as near perfect as possible for serving the vision. The process has been tiring but immensely rewarding and as we now see the finish line we also see the more important start line of running the project out there in the schools and communities we are a part of.

Thank you for your prayers. We have received gifts amounting to over £8000 in the last few weeks alone but please keep praying as we are not quite there yet. We need around another £4000 to complete the refit and then we will move into the new territory of running the project.

Here are some details of the work carried out on the bus in the last few weeks
We have now finished recovering all wall surfaces on the bottom and top deck. The flooring has been fitted downstairs and the ceiling is now finished upstairs. The upstairs now has a media screen, sound system, flush fitted lighting, heating and we will soon have air conditioning. The seating design is now finalised with two fitted benches and 13 double seats which are custom made for the bus.

Still to do:
Fit flooring upstairs, construction of 13 double seats, fit air conditioning, print and fit bible and church zones boards, design and fit church zone, recover driver seat, fit edging to stairs and sky lights, print handouts and worksheets, purchase 3 more computers and access ramp + other bits and bobs.

Please Pray

I was reminded on Sunday of Paul’s prayer requests. Let’s pray these same prayers over the Church here in Southeast Essex as we take the message to people:

Colossians 4:3
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ

Ephesians 6:19
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored

Thanks for you support

Simon Ford
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Route One Bus Update: January 2009 - Interior coming along

2009-01-03T13:41:00.003Z

Route One ground floor refit as of 3rd January 2009. This area will be a learning space and interactive discovery point for bus visitors. Got skills that can help this be a reality? Contact simon@routeone.org.uk

Southend youngsters gear up for an instant pantomime at Plaza Centre

2008-12-31T12:22:00.002Z

CHURCH group Love Southend has staged its third annual "panto in a day" at the Plaza Centre.

Two days after Christmas Day at least 25 young people, from various local church and youth groups met at the centre in Southchurch Road.

When the doors opened at 9am all the performers were handed scripts and told to learn their parts immediately.

Organiser Steve Dalley said: "Everybody had a lot of laughs and a lot of fun and when the curtains opened at 8pm more than 200 people paid £3 to watch the show."

To stage the show, Cinderella, the performers needed a "volunteer army" of teenagers to build a set, design props, stitch together costumes and practise extra material for the climax of the show.

There was even a band of musicians who ignored the noise around them and practised some improvised tunes to be included in the drama.

Mr Dalley said all the money raised will fund the work Love Southend Youth does in the borough.

He added: "I particularly want to thank Jill Simmonds, Sharon Melville and Jacki Rossi for all their work on the day."

Article and photo suppied by Evening Echo
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/4007781.Youngsters_gear_up_for_an_instant_pantomime/

Love Southend Youth Aim To Perform Third 'Panto in a Day!'

2008-12-01T15:50:00.001Z

“Panto in a Day”, in association with Love Southend Youth, presents: “Cinderella”!

The third annual “Panto in a Day” takes place on Saturday 27th December, with the performance of “Cinderella”.

In previous years, teenagers from Love Southend Youth have performed 2 spectacular pantomime performances; “Snow White and the 7 chavs” and “Aladdin”.

This year, the regular crew of actors and actresses, musicians, dancer and stage-hands will turn their attention to the panto classic, “Cinderella!

The young people, from various local church and youth groups, as well as university students, will gather together on Saturday morning at the Plaza Centre, Southchurch, where they will be allocated their parts from a pre-written script. The actors and actresses will begin learning their lines that morning, as a volunteer army of teenagers begin to construct a set, design props, put together costumes, and practice extra material to be included into the end performance. A band of musicians will also begin practicing some improvised tunes to complement the drama.

The day is crazy and a little manic, but is always much fun, and it culminates in the evening’s public performance, in front of a packed crowd of adults and children.

The performance starts at 8pm sharp and tickets can be purchased from the Plaza Centre at a cost of £3 each. All proceeds go towards the work of Love Southend Youth in the borough.

So come along a witness a fantastic panto performance, all for a good cause.

It’s guaranteed to be a great, fun-filled night for all the family (“Oh no it isn’t”…..”oh yes it is”)

For tickets call the number below.

Contact: Steve Dalley or Jenny Martin
Telephone: 01702 461616
Email: steve@scfplaza.f9.co.uk

Route One Bus: November 08 Update

2008-11-21T23:06:00.000Z

The Bus outside

You may already be aware that the exterior facelift of the bus is now complete and looking fantastic. This wasn’t just a lick of paint or a cover up job but a complete overhaul of the bodywork to the highest standard by the same people who do allot of the formula 1 transporters and who are doing the buses for the 2012 Olympics. The whole of the bus has also had a vinyl wrap applied which really makes it stand out.

The Bus inside

The bus interior is now top off the "to do" list and Jon Stuart and Simon have already made a good start on the refit. We have made good progress on remodeling the rear of the downstairs to create the Jesus Zone which is a seated area. We have also ripped out some other parts of the old layout to maximise space in view of being able to accommodate a class of 32 students + Teacher and R1 tour guides. Mark Chadwick and Simon spent a day scraping the floor of the upstairs which was hard work but necessary before laying any new flooring. We have also had an electrician look over the bus and he will be rewiring it in the next few weeks.

The Exhibition

We were expecting to take delivery of the Life Zone boards before the information evening last month but due to an error on the address label- they arrived the day after (how frustrating). However, they are looking brilliant (a round of applause please for Sam who designed them). Sam has now almost completed the Bible Zone and the Jesus Zone is also underway.

The Finances

We have been blessed to be able to complete the exterior of the bus and are currently raising the money to complete the interior and the exhibition. Please pray with faith for release of the money to get this resource operational. From an earthly perspective we will run out of money very soon but we are believing and praying for another miracle to happen.

It’s essential for us to keep our focus on Jesus and the commission he has given us. This is an exciting journey to travel learning not to worry but to trust him. Please join with us in praying for these things and pray that we would be obedient to the voice of God.

If you are keen to get involved with the refit of the bus then please contact us. Even if you don’t have any professional skills to offer there are ways you can help.

To see photos of the bus, the interior refit and the exhibition go to the Route One Facebook.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Simon Ford
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Come and see The Miracle Mysteries Play

2008-11-17T13:36:00.003Z

The Miracle Mysteries
Sunday 30th November, 2008
15:00 - 17:30
Cost: Free
Venue: Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive, Leigh, SS9 1NN

A non-stop, action-packed, fun-filled, family-friendly trip through a fantastic adventure book! Well known stories as you've never seen them before! The Reduced Shakespeare Company… meets Monty Python…meets… the Bible!

For further information please contact Ruth Rotherham on 01702 478698 or click here to email.

Other information about this event:
LRBC & Rhema Theatre Company present...

The Miracle Mysteries a feel-good entertainment for all the family! Featuring the stories of Creation, Abraham, Moses, Peter and St. Paul, The Miracle Mysteries is an action-packed trip through the Bible from the beginning of the world to the beginning of the church!

"I was speechless at the end of the show! Words cannot describe the magnificent performance that we witnessed today. We were blown away and loved every second! The children were all gripped from beginning to end. Thankyou so much for a wonderful show!- From raising the roof to hearing a pin drop!”
Kate Breakwell, St. Matthews CE (aided) Primary School, Teleford.

“Absolutely fantastic… we loved every minute of it”
Styal Primary School

“Excellent… a delight to watch so many children spellbound!”
Bollinbrook C.E. Primary School

"Zinging, bright, fast-moving and fun! Family fun with
depth to suit all ages! ...Children watched transfixed...”
The Scotsman, Readers Review, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007

Click here to visit this related website

Route One Update Sept 08: THE EXTERIOR FACE LIFT IS COMPLETE

2008-09-27T14:46:00.000+01:00

Great News!
The Route One bus is now looking mighty fine and ready to enter the next phase of the refit.

The vinyl wrap was applied to the bus in an air controlled room/oven to keep it at the idea temperature. The design took two days to apply and was completed at 6.30pm on Tuesday 23^rd.

Photos will be posted on the Route One Facebook ASAP but there are 2 opportunities to get a proper look at the bus in the next few weeks-

Route One information evenings:
20^th October @ The Plaza, Southchurch rd
7.30pm to view the bus- meeting starts at 8.00pm

And another
11^th November Venue TBC
7.30pm to view the bus- meeting starts at 8.00pm

These are not just opportunities to see the bus but to also catch the vision of the project. We will be explaining how each of the four zones of the exhibition work and showing some of the display boards and other interactive content. You will also see how the bus will be used and how you can partner with us in communicating the message of Jesus

Please get these information evenings advertised in your church notice sheet and feel free to forward this information to anyone you feel needs to hear about what is happening.

More info?
Simon Ford
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

LSY: Prayer for schools night

2008-09-05T16:27:00.001+01:00

On Friday 19th September Love Southend Youth are holding a town-wide prayer event focused on worship and praying for local schools; for those who study and work in school across Southend.

We have wanted to do this for some time, and in view of time commitments and the fact that many students will soon be returning to universities all over the country, we have combined this event with the monthly TRANSFORMATIONS PRAYER evening.

So basically, we are looking at a cross-generational, cross-denominational youth-led prayer and worship evening where we focus on praying for more of God’s love, presence and power in our schools.

Who wouldn’t want to come and be a part of it?

It really is a case of the more the merrier, particularly if you work or study in a local school!

7.30pm start @ the Plaza Centre, home of Southend Christian Fellowship (Southchurch Road).

Hope to see you there.

Route One Bus Project: Update July 08

2008-07-29T11:38:00.001+01:00

What is the Route One?

Route One is an initiative based in the South East Essex. It aims to help equip churches to communicate the message of Jesus clearly and creatively.

To do this we have developed a mobile interactive exhibition onboard a double-decker bus. The resource is designed to help people explore the significance of Jesus and his message. It can be used to deliver lessons in schools or for outreach in town centres and communities.

Here is a brief update on the project:

The Bus
Gavin Dixon of King's Church, Southend and Simon Ford, Project Coordinator travelled up to Suffolk this week to check on the progress of the bus. We were very pleased with how things are going (See photos). If you have been following on the Route One facebook you will realise how much needed doing as parts of the exterior of the bus needed replacing this is much more than a re-spray.

However, the bus is now ready for the final spray which will take place next week and will include the whole thing being baked in an oven to seal the paint on to the highest standard (YES they have ovens that big).

After this the vinyl wrap will be applied which will make the whole thing look stunning.

The Exhibition
Sam Nudds is hard at work designing the exhibition and we took the opportunity last weekend to try some of the boards out on the general public at the Rayleigh Churches fun day. This enabled us to get feedback and make some adjustments to the display before the final printing.

The Team
We have begun building the project team which will be responsible for the running of Route One. This is of course a gradual process but we already have people offering their time and skills to see this vision become a reality. Could you help out in some way? Please get in contact.

The Next phase
We are in need of a further £10,000 to complete the setting up of the project and we estimate our yearly running costs at around £35,000. The bus will soon be back in South East Essex enabling the start of the internal refit.

We will be holding a meeting after the summer (date and venue tbc) as we are keen for people to see the resource and to catch the vision of the project which is:
To equip the church to communicate the message of Jesus clearly and creatively.

PRAYER POINTS

For the final stages of the external work to go smoothly
For Sam to find the time in his busy schedule to complete the exhibition
For the project team to be established with the right people in place
For blessing to continue to flow and grow in the area of finance

Thanks for your support and prayers

Simon
Route One
----------
Simon Ford
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Route One update June 08

2008-06-11T09:07:00.002+01:00

Things are really starting to happen now which is all very exciting.

The sponsored cycle went really well with the weather being set to perfection and the all aspects of the ride going smoothly. Everyone enjoyed themselves some so much they decided to ride home afterwards making the distance they rode around 23 miles. We are still waiting for all the money to come in and will let you know the final figure raised in next months update.

The bus is now in Suffolk undergoing an external face lift. This involves steam cleaning, panel replacements and other bodywork processes, spraying and baking. Once this is all completed the bus will look all white and shiny.

If you are on Facebook you can become a friend of Route One/Si Ford and see photos of the bus as it changes. If you are not on Facebook why not join and get connected.

The designers are busy finalising the external vinyl wrap design and the exhibition design. I’d say we have completed about 35% of the exhibition and are aiming to complete and send the exhibition to print by the end of the summer. The interior of the bus has been gutted and the internal refit will begin as soon as we get the bus back down from Suffolk.

Please pray for:

No hold ups or complications in the external refit.
We are starting to put a project team together.
Please pray for the right people to come forward to resource this project to see it become everything God wants it to be.

Thanks for your prayers
Simon Ford
Route One
07534 904488
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

Thundersley: Radiate with Manchester's LZ7

2008-05-30T18:01:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends

Just a small reminder that our monthly youth event 'Radiate' is on next Saturday. We would like to extend invitations out to other youth groups due to the nature of this coming Radiate. We have managed to book the band LZ7, who are part of the Message Trust in Manchester they often play at festivals including Soul Survivor and are very evangelistic in style and have a high level of professionalism. To see these guys live you could pay anything up to £12.00. You and your youth group can come and see them as part of Radiate for only £2.50! Not only will LZ7 be performing a one hour long set but you can also enjoy all the other radiate goings on.

Radiate Saturday Night Live

7th June 7:15pm - 10:00pm

LZ7 Live in Concert, Bouncy Castle, Pole Joust, Sumo Suits, Face Painting, BBQ, Football Competition, PS3, Wii on the Giant screen, plus The Pad the boys chill out room and The Salon a room for the girls including hair braiding, nail painting etc. Also Cafeanation, Tuck Shop, Pool, PS2 Zone and loads more!

If you would like flyers sent to you please let me know however more information is available through the website www.radiate.faithweb.com

Please Note - Radiate is for those in school years 5 through to 8.

As part of the evening a Gospel message and appeal will be given, if you bring any youth that respond they will be sent the usual Radiate things and we will do our best to let you know, we don't want to steal kids into our church or events but see them enter the Kingdom!

Hope to see you next week, any questions please let me know

Yours

Richard Keeler

Office - 01268 754731

Route One Update: Spay it again Sam!

2008-05-01T11:04:00.001+01:00

Just a quick update on the Route One project:

We have been busy ripping the old interior out of the bus.

The bus goes for the re-spray next week.

The sponsored cycle ride is happening on Monday with over 25 participants cycling from Rayleigh to Shoebury.

We are beginning to build up regular giving for the project more info to follow.

Have just received a one off gift of £2500 towards running the project *PRAISE GOD*

Please pray for-

The cycle ride to go well
We will be taking the bus up to Suffolk for the respray
We still need more funds to set up the project + for regular givers to come forward over the next few months for ongoing funding.

Thanks for your prayers and support

Route One
EXPERIENCE THE MESSAGE

Simon Ford
07896 326116
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk

"Out of the Box" Goes West...

2008-04-28T17:01:00.001+01:00

Love Southend Youth’s monthly “Out of the Box” meeting goes west this Sunday 4^th May to a new venue, Westcliff Free Church.

We are delighted to be able to enjoy a new venue for May, then will be returning to the usual home at Christchurch for 1^st June.

It would be great if you could bring your youth group and/or 18s-30s along to join us for worship, prayer, and a short talk. This month we will also be enjoying some dance and drama!

The meeting takes place at Westcliff Free Church, London Road, Westcliff (opposite the BP garage) and starts from 7.45pm.

For more details please contact Jill or Suzie Simmonds on 01702 313140 or 07725 197220

Particularly if you would like to host a future “Out of the Box” meeting in your building.

God bless you all, and thanks for the continued support and encouragement.

Steve Dalley
Southend Christian Fellowship
Love Southend Youth

Prayer Event For Southend Street Pastor's

2008-04-23T17:57:00.000+01:00

Southend Street Pastors have been faithfully going out on the Streets each weekend for almost three years now. They have successfully supported the launch of Street Pastors in other locations around the country but sadly last weekend they were unable to send out a team due to staff shortages on the Street Pastors team in Southend.

So you are invited to come to an urgent gathering to seek God for his favour on the Street Pastors of Southend and to cry out and ask that God would provide new volunteers to join the Street Pastor Team.

Do join us for Prayer For Southend Street Pastor's
Clarence Road Baptist Church
6 Clarence Road,Southend-on-Sea
Essex SS1 1AN
on Friday 2nd May 2008 at 8pm

Other information about this event:
We will pray for the Street Pastor Team before they go out for the night.

We would be delighted if you were able to be with us on the evening and would kindly ask you to publicise it in your local church.

If you aren't able to come we would value your prayers and any insight that the Lord may reveal to you.

Thank you for your prayerful support.

We realise that some of you live in other continents and won't be able to be with us, but would really value your prayers.

Travelling to Clarence Road by car.
Clarence Road is a one way road running from Clifftown Road (north) to Alexandra Street (south). Shortly after passing the Church on the right the Clarence Road (Southend Borough Council) car park can be seen. All adjoining streets have pay & display roadside parking.

Travelling by train
Connecting Southend to London Fenchurch Street the Central Station entrance is located in Clifftown Road adjacent to Clarence Road.

Southend's other railway station - Southend Victoria on the Liverpool Street line is situated at the north end of the High Street close to the Victoria Plaza Shopping Centre and the Odeon cinema complex and is approx a 7 min walk away.

Route One: Sponsored Cycle

2008-04-21T10:48:00.001+01:00

Route One sponsored cycle - sign up now!
We would love more people to join in. The ride is from Rayleigh to Shoebury covering a distance of around 11 miles.

It will be great fun especially if you can get a group of friends to ride together. We do need some more adults/over 16s to ride but anyone over the age of 11 can join in as long as you are a competent rider. Please see poster above (click on it to see it bigger) and ask a friend if they want to join in.

For more info or to sign up to ride please send Simon an email – simon@routeone.org.uk

Thanks
Route One
EXPERIENCE THE MESSAGE
Simon Ford
07896 326116
simon@routeone.org.uk
www.routeone.org.uk - visit this site for info on what Route One is.

Southchurch: Update Day 2 Tuesday Extreme Hope

2008-04-01T23:10:00.002+01:00

So today was April Fools Day and fortunately everyone was so focussed on God that no one pulled any pranks - either that or they were all too shattered.

The morning started off with worship led by Tim Churchward with his unusual hair. He talked about our identity and our hope in Jesus, quoting lots of chunks out of his dad's sermon from Sunday so brownie points to him!

We then had a kid's club where there were about 60 kids and 30 or 40 adults on top of that.

The theme for the afternoon was Noah's Ark and they made masks, collages, colouring in, pictures of animals and iced biscuits. The mums were treated to a bit of pampering and a bit of 'them' time too. We also had football over the park which had to be 15 a side. A good time was had by all.

The evening was back to SCF for grub and games in the evening including a huge game of empires which was won by Rachel Macclean.

Del

Southchurch: Extreme Hope Update Monday 31st March

2008-04-01T13:03:00.000+01:00

Today kicked off the start of extreme Hope 2008. It all started in the morning with some worship and the giving out of bright yellow t-shirts - you certainly wont miss us this week!!!! Steve also gave a talk on Hope and what Hope means. He told us we can put our Hope in Jesus - the author an perfector of our Faith.

In the afternoon it was the fun day and this involved the police, bouncy castles, face painting, water catapaults, ducks, football, frisbees and some very messy games involving eggs, wotsits, pegs and shaving foam!

The local children really enjoyed getting me as their teacher with the shaving foam!!! It was a good day and God ensured the weather was nice. We are back there tomorrow (Tuesday 1 April) to host football, pampering for parents, and craft clubs for the children.

In the evening we had a quiz and that was good fun. Did you know charlie chaplin once came third in a charlie chaplin lookalike contest?

Why not sign up to Extreme Hope08 Southchurch facebook group whose link is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10946645762

Cheers, Del T

Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay: Extreme Hope Easter Activities

2008-03-28T12:18:00.004Z

To see these details bigger just click on any of the images.

SOUTCHURCH: Next week 'Extreme Hope in Southchurch', let's get ready to rumble...

2008-03-28T12:10:00.002Z

Just an ultra last-minute reminder that next week (Monday 31^st March to Friday 4^th April) is the ‘Extreme Hope in Southchurch’ week of community action.

Should you bump into anyone this weekend who has not yet registered for activities, please let them know what we are doing and where!

Every morning we meet at 10.30 - venues below.
Every day you'll need to sort your own lunch, but evening meal is provided.
Every evening we are eating at Plaza at about 6, apart from Weds when we will eat at Holy Trinity
Every evening we will finish at The Plaza Centre at 9.30.

Monday - meet at Whittingham Methodist Church 10.30 - t-shirts given out
Activity - Fun day in park opposite - it may be cold so bring appropriate clothes
Evening - quiz night

Tuesday - meet Whittingham Methodist Church
Activity - craft club and footie - with maybe litter picking and a few odd jobs depending on numbers of people
Evening - club night

Wednesday - meet Whittingham Methodist Church
Activity - craft club and footie - with maybe litter picking and a few odd jobs depending on numbers of people
Evening - film night

Thursday - meet at St. Luke’s Church St Luke’s Rd, off Bournemouth Park Road
We are doing tea party for the elderly @ St Edmund’s Community Centre.
Evening - barbecue

Friday - meet at Ferndale Baptist Church in North Avenue - we are doing a work party in Cluny Square area - all messy jobs, some may be indoors but probably most out of doors.
evening - Crystal Maze

That's the week, and then don't forget the BIG PARTY on April 11th - at The Plaza - bring your mates - it's all free.

So now you all know, please also PRAY FOR US during the week. Your prayers for good weather, protection for the delegates, favour in the community, and opportunities to bless, serve and love local residents would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks so much guys and God bless you all

Steve D
on behalf of the Love Southend Youth in Southchurch team

Music Through The Ages Night

2008-03-18T10:08:00.002Z

SCF MISSIONS proudly presents:

The Third Annual

Music Through The Ages Night

This year bigger and better than ever!

Professional Pianist LORNA STEVENS will be joining the regular bunch of young, talented singers and musicians. Featuring well-known tunes from classical composers and popular songs from the famous musicals.

TICKETS: £5 EACH.

Snacks provided but please bring own drinks.

All profits raised will be used to purchase building materials for the ongoing construction of a new church and community building in Kingisepp, Russia.

SATURDAY 5TH APRIL 2008 @ THE PLAZA CENTRE, SOUTHCHURCH RD, SOUTHEND.
ARRIVAL: 7.30PM FOR 8PM START.

Radiate Saturday Night Live

2008-02-27T09:49:00.002Z

Why not bring your mates and youth group to:
Radiate Saturday Night Live
Saturday 8th March, 2008
19:15 - 22:00
Venue: Thundersley Congregational Church, Kiln Road, Thundersley
A monthly youth event for those in school years 5 - 8.
Full of loads of things to do, including girls room and boys room.
Cost: £2.50
For further information please contact Richard Keeler on 01268 754731 or email Richard@thebeacon.org

Extreme Hope 08 Southchurch: Get your youth group involved

2008-02-16T16:40:00.001Z

Dear Church/Youth leader,

I am contacting you with regard to Love Southend Youth’s (LSY) activities in Southchurch over the period of the Easter school holidays (Monday 31^st March to Friday 11^th April).

The LSY planning team are currently preparing our community work for the holiday period, and we would like to invite you and your youth group to get involved. Working together we can achieve significantly more than if we work on our own.

In the past 3 years Love Southend Youth have held several community-based projects and events in the Southchurch area during school holidays. Some of you may have heard of (or been involved with) projects such as Urban Extreme, Extreme Rebuild, Extreme United and Extreme Tuesdays. Together we have successfully hosted community fun days in local parks, street clean-ups, kids clubs, worship/gospel meetings, a beach party, a tea party for elderly residents, and more.

Our latest project, which is still in the planning stages, is being called “Extreme Hope”, to reflect the work of Hope 08 locally. Events are also being held under the same title in Shoebury.

I would love to see the various denominational groups across Southchurch coming together to bless and serve this area over the school holidays. We all know that our neighbourhood is one of significant social and economic need, and that we, as Jesus’ church on the scene, are called to love our neighbours.

Below is a plan of the events we will be hosting over the Easter Holidays; with more volunteers committed to the cause we would be able to look to arrange events for the second week of the holidays too.

· Monday 31^st March – Community Fun-day in Bournes Green.

· Tuesday 1^st April – Indoor crafts, games, pampering at Whittingham Methodist.

Outdoor football tournament and other sports at Bournes Green.

· Wednesday 2^nd April – as above.

· Thursday 3^rd April – Community Tea Party in St Edmund’s Community Centre (TBC).

· Friday 4^th April – Work Party and Acts of Kindness in the St Luke’s area.

· Friday 11^th April – Evening event with DJ Squeaky Clean & Resolute @ Plaza Centre.

We currently have a relatively small group of enthusiastic volunteers from a small number of Southchurch-based church and youth groups. We would love to see this group extended and involving other local church and youth groups. Would you and your youth be interested in helping us to serve, bless and love our local residents by joining up for some or all of these events? If so, please contact me (Steve Dalley) on the following:

Land line: 01702 461616 (SCF Plaza Centre – daytime).

Mobile: 07948 271383 (call any time!)

E-mail: steve.dalley@lovesouthend.org (I check this regularly!)

Also, are there areas of your church’s outreach and community work where you are struggling for volunteers? Do you have plans/vision but lack helpers? If so, feel free to get in contact with me and it may be that Love Southend Youth could support you for a period to assist your on-going work in the community.

I would love to hear from you so please get in touch. It would be great just to spend some time getting to know you and finding out what God is doing in your church/youth group at the moment.

God bless.

Steve Dalley,

Love Southend Youth (Southchurch Planning Team)

Southend Christian Fellowship

Tough Talk - Saturday 23rd Feb 2008.

2008-02-08T21:17:00.001Z

“Wakering Awakening” are holding an event called “Tough Talk” on 23rd Feb, 8pm starts. Entry is free and it is particularly aimed for teenagers/young adults.
The venue is The Memorial Hall, Great Wakering. 8pm start.

More info at http://www.wakeringawakening.co.uk/ or call 07906 477146

Tough Talk is a registered charity dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an informal way that appeals to people who would not normally go to a church meeting.

Tough Talk is made up of a group of men with backgrounds of ex-hard men from the East End of London, ex-bouncers, ex- debt collectors,ex-drug abusers and ex-violent men who, having let God into their lives, have turned their backs on their past. They now feel an urgent need to share their experiences with the hope of helping others. They have found that the message of hope in Jesus Christ reaches people from all backgrounds and age groups.

Powerlifting is the sport that they are all involved in. The team travel throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide performing powerlifting demonstrations as a backdrop to telling their amazing stories. In this way, the Christian faith is presented to people who would not otherwise come into contact with the Word of God.

Join us as we take a LEAP OF FAITH...

2008-02-04T17:06:00.000Z

Many of you will be familiar with the work of HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) in Southend. For those of you who don’t, please check out http://www.harpsouthend.co.uk

HARP do great work locally in supporting and caring for the homeless in Southend. However, this work can only be carried out by way of Local Government funding and the generous donations made by HARP’s supporters. HARP is currently threatened by the imminent prospect of funding cut-backs, combined with a general fall in the amount being given by local residents who support the work of HARP by making donations.

Love Southend Youth are, therefore, taking a small step to raise finances and awareness amongst the public to aid HARP in whatever ways we can.

On 29^th February 2008, the eve of the Leap Year, a small group of Love Southend Youth supporters will be sleeping out rough in the car park of the Plaza Centre, Southchurch, to spend just one night the way that many across Southend are forced to spend days, weeks, months and even years.

We will be foregoing our evening meal on the Friday night, and congregating around a large open fire in an old oil drum to keep warm. We will spend the night worshipping the God of the broken, poor, and hopeless and praying for the homeless of Southend.

On the Saturday morning (1^st March) we are hoping to hold a fund-raising fry-up where all profits will be given to Harp.

I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO SUPPORT OUR FUND-RAISING EFFORTS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

1-      Consider holding a similar event in your church/youth group.
2-      Come and join us for the night in the car-park.
3-      Make a donation to HARP, and encourage others to do the same.
4-      Sacrifice your evening meal on Friday 29^th Feb and donate the money you would have spent on food to HARP.
5-      Pray for HARP, that God would release finances and bless those who serve the homeless.
6-      Join us for the fund-raising fry-up (I will confirm this event nearer the time!)

Your support would be much appreciated.

God bless,

Steve Dalley,
Love Southend Youth,
Southend Christian Fellowship.

Love Southend Youth @ Transformations prayer...Friday 18th January

2008-01-10T14:49:00.001Z

Please could you encourage your Christian teenagers to come along to “Transformations Prayer”, the monthly meeting where we seek God together as town-wide church to ask His blessing to transform our town with His glory.

I have cancelled our weekly youth small group which takes place on Friday nights so that we can be at Transformations this month. Would you be prepared to do the same?

This month, Transformations will be led by a group from the Southchurch end of “Love Southend Youth” and it would be great if we were to be joined from teenagers from youth groups and churches from Shoebury, Thorpe Bay, Central Southend, Chalkwell, Westcliff, and Leigh.

The meeting will be taking place from 19.30 to 21.30 @ Westcliff Baptist Church (560 London Road, Westcliff). Please come and join us.

For more information just e-mail me back.

God bless,

Steve
steve@scfplaza.f9.co.uk

New year prayer with Love Southend & Hope 08

2007-12-27T13:51:00.001Z

We are delighted to invite you and your congregation to the Love Southend Hope 08 Prayer Week.

The Love Southend Hope 08 Prayer Week commences on the 12th January 2008 and finishes with a celebration on the 19th January 2008 at Southend Christian Fellowship, Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road, Southend.

Love Southend is already committed to delivering the intentions and ambitions of the UK wide - Hope 08, across the borough of Southend-on-Sea. Through word and action we hope the Christians of our town will join with us in showing the love which God has for the people of our town.

We urge all local churches to join us in beginning and rooting 2008 in prayer!

The detailed schedule of the Love Southend Hope 08 Prayer Week is included on the posters and leaflets which were recently posted out to church contacts at all churches in Southend. You will also find details in the events section of this website.

We would be most grateful if you would publicise this event in your church through your news sheets, announcements and by displaying the posters and handing out the leaflets.

Please stand with us, and together we will pray for a great transformation in our town.

Further information, posters, leaflets and OHP/data projector slides are available to download, please click on the links below:

A4 Poster/OHP Slide/Flier(PDF 1.3MB)
PowerPoint slide(.ppt 370kb)
Letter from Chairman to church leaders(PDF 314kb)

please do make use of these.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email kalbi.massey@lovesouthend.org or call 07990 581595.

May we wish you and your church all God's blessings for Christmas and the New Year, and thank you in anticipation of your prayerful support.

Revd Stuart Kimber & Kalbi Massey
Chair Love Southend & Prayer Co-ordinator

SCF: Panto in a Day! Aladdin

2007-11-29T18:25:00.000Z

Southend Christian Fellowship are to repeat 'massive success of last years Panto in a Day' with “Panto in a Day II”. It is taking place at the:

Plaza Centre
Southchurch Road
Saturday 29th December
7.30pm

This years panto is based around the story of Aladdin.

Entry is £3 and all profit goes to supporting the work of Love Southend Youth in the local community.

Steve Dalley of SCF commented:
"It’s gonna be immense, although I do admit to being slightly biased. Last year’s event was a massive success."

Can you help?
To make is a success they need donations of any Chinese-based - anything 'chinese' that you wouldn't mind loaning them for the day (not anyone's old takeaway though!!). Battery powered chinese lanterns, a mangle, large boxes, chinese clothes, an aladdin style lamp, policemen costumes, truncheons, whistles, and jewelled curtains or glass chains - the sort that catch and reflect light that people hang in windows.

So is you can help contact Steve Dalley on steve@scfplaza.f9.co.uk

Steet Symphony Essex - Date & Venue Announced

2007-10-26T10:35:00.000+01:00

STREET SYMPHONY ESSEX 24 NOVEMBER 2007
The Plaza Centre
600 Southchurch Road
Southend-On-Sea

BE A PART OF HISTORY
STREETS IS WATCHING

More info posted as we have it.

Living in a slum - for a good cause

2007-10-26T10:01:00.000+01:00

Tough test - Peter Tryon and Del Thomas want to empathise with the homeless

by Michelle Archard - www.echo-news.co.uk

CHURCH members will be slumming it in a makeshift shelter, with only rice and lentils to eat - all in the name of charity.

For two days and two nights, five members of Southend Christian Fellowship will only have sleeping bags and the clothes they turn up in for warmth.

They will also face a walk to get water and have to carry it back to their slum in buckets.

The only luxuries will be a working toilet and a gas stove to heat their rations - two small meals a day.

Organiser Del Thomas, 25, said the group's rough couple of days were to show what some people had to go through.

He said: "We are doing this to raise awareness of poverty and the conditions at least one billion people worldwide have to endure every day.

"We also want to raise money for them through Soul Action, a Christian charity working with local people in slums in India, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

"I went out to South Africa with the charity in the summer and saw the type of poverty people live in."

Del, a teacher at Temple Sutton Primary, will be joined by youth worker Steve Dalley, 26, teaching assistant Jackie Rossi, 50, Southend High for Girls teacher Peter Tryon, 24, and assistant shop manager Jenn Burry, 20.

The group will arrive at the car park of Izod and Burnips store, in Southchurch Road, Southend, at 4pm on Friday, October 26.

Their first job will be to build a shelter from plastic sheeting and cardboard.

They will stay there until 1pm on Sunday, October 28, when they will host a celebratory lunch for any supporters who turn up.

The team must complete a number of challenges to receive two meals of rice and dhal a day.

However, the rules state if anyone turns up at the slum, the group have to offer them a meal.

This means the food could run out quickly because it is open to the public. Del said: "It will be really tough. We could end up very hungry by Sunday. The kebab shop just a short distance away will prove quite temping, I'm sure. But to live as poor people do, we must resist."

The event is being supported by Love Southend and local churches.

People can donate money to the project by clicking the Just Giving link below.

http://www.justgiving.com/delthomas

Out of the Box this Sunday

2007-10-11T16:23:00.000+01:00

Hi Guys,

Just a very quick e-mail to let you know that “Out of the Box”, Love Southend Youth’s monthly youth celebration is taking place this Sunday (16^th October) @ Christchurch, The Christ Church Centre 56 Colbert Avenue (at junction with Warwick Road) SS1 3BP 01702 588468.

It starts at 7.45pm and finishes for 9.15pm. The celebration will have a Christmas-y theme and will offer a chance to worship, pray and socialise together whilst enjoying the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, the greatest person in all of history!

It would be great to see your youth group and to have the chance to worship with them. Please come along and join us if you can so.

Many thanks and God bless,

Steve Dalley
Love Southend Youth

Slum Survivor at Southend Christian Fellowship

2007-09-17T10:10:00.001+01:00

Hey Love Southend Youth,

October 26th - October 28th is going to be our Slum Survivor weekend ast Southend Christian Fellowship.

15 people (myself included) will be making and living in a slum in the Plaza Centre car park on Southchurch Road. The reason for this is to raise money and awareness about the 1 billion people worldwide who live in slums.

This post is being sent to see if you can help, there are FOUR ways to get involved:

Be a part of the slum - come down and visit the volunteers, see what the conditions are like. Maybe you have some connections to the press you could pass details on to them or their details on to me.
Pray - pray for the weekend, pray for protection and also for a heightened awareness.
Give visit www.justgiving.com/delthomas and donate as much as you can towards the cost. Every little helps.
Finally if you are on facebook join http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5014789671 and invite all your friends from facebook.

Lets work together to make a difference. Let me leave you with a word of scripture from 1 Peter 4 vv 8-11

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Del Thomas, SCF & Love Southend Youth Southchurch

An Extreme Summer of Tuesdays

2007-09-05T13:32:00.000+01:00

NB: Click on the photos above to scroll through the slide show

Summer 2007 saw the Love Southend Youth team in Southchurch pioneer a new idea called “Extreme Tuesdays”. The plan was simple, to devote one day a week during the school holidays to bless the people of Southend.

Previously, LSY has invested in the St Luke’s Ward, the Kursaal Estate (and nearby Southchurch Park), and the Newington Avenue area. We wanted to revisit as many of these areas as possible, to continue to develop good relationships with the churches and communities operating in those areas.

And so, a plan was formulated:

Tuesday 24^th July – Kursaal estate: games, activities, fun, acts of kindness
Tuesday 31^st July – more of the same!
Tuesday 7^th August – Community Beach Party
Monday 13^th August – Community Tea Party in St Edmund’s Community Centre
Tuesday 28^th August – Work parties and acts of kindness in St Luke’s ward.
Ongoing project – painting, decorating and other jobs in a local nursery.

We had decided to dedicate the whole day to God, and so from 10am to 10pm volunteers from churches and youth groups across Southend were invited to come and spend the day together; worshipping, having fun, receiving Biblical encouragement, guidance and focus, eating and most importantly seeking to express and demonstrate God’s love to our local community.

We received a pretty decent response, with an average of 20ish young people attending each Tuesday. The idea was also that those who were away on holidays at various points would be able to attend at least one “Extreme Tuesday”.

Many good works were achieved by the team. The Tea Party was a massive success, our teenagers worked so hard and always with a smile. As a result, we have been asked to hold these Tea Parties more often and in other areas too.

The Beach Party was good fun, not as many children as we had hoped for wandered over to say hello and to get involves, but those who did have much fun with us. There is definitely scope for repeating the event, but maybe in a different area next time.

The Work Party in St Luke’s ward found that many local residents were eager to put their efforts and endeavour to good use. To the extent that Love Southend Youth now has a database of local residents (mostly elderly or disabled) who have asked for assistance with every-day activities such as gardening, painting etc that they are simply unable to do by themselves.

Most importantly, those who volunteered were able to take something of God’s love and servant-heart into each area that they invested in. Whether at the nursery or on the beach, the teenagers of Love Southend Youth were able to show something of God’s love for their neighbours and community.

Well done guys, and massive thanks to all those involved.

Steve Dalley, on behalf of the Love Southend Youth planning team.

Extreme Tuesday's Launch Party...

2007-07-16T17:17:00.000+01:00

A very quick reminder to say that the LAUNCH PARTY for this summer’s Extreme Tuesday's is taking place tomorrow evening Tues 17th July from 8pm to 10pm at the Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road.

This is a great way for people to have some fun, but also for those interested in helping over the summer to find out more about the 'ET' program, and to meet those they will be spending time with over the summer.

Please remind any of your young people that have shown an interest that they are very welcome to come along.

God Bless,

Steve D

Summer here? Extreme Tuesdays: Sign Up - Get Involved

2007-07-09T17:44:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 17th July, 2007 - until Tuesday 28th August
Venue: All over Southchurch
Cost: Free

Instead of holding a week-long series of activities across Southend, we will instead be holding an 'Extreme Tuesday' on each of the six Tuesdays of the school holidays. Meet at 10 a.m at the Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road, for worship, prayer and teaching. Followed by a chance to grab some lunch, before setting off to the designated areas.

There will be an evening meal provided for all delegates and then a chance to either chill or party at the Plaza Centre in the evenings.

Here's the programme
Tuesday 17th July - launch party at the Plaza Centre, all very welcome!
Tuesday 24th July – Kursaal activities, street clean-up
Tuesday 31st July – more Kursaal activities, community fun-day.
Tuesday 7th August – Beach party, open to all.
(Oi! watch this one it's an Extreme Monday!)
'Monday' 13th August – tea party held for elderly residents in the St Edmunds’s Community Centre area.
Tuesday 21st August – we are away at Soul Survivor, so are still open to ideas!!!
Tuesday 28th August – jobs/chores done for residents in the Cluny square area.

Get involved!!! God Bless, Steve Dalley.
For further information please contact Steve Dalley on 07948 271383 or click here to email.

Click below to download a poster for your church.
ExtremeTuesdaysPoster.pdf

Love Southend at Park it! community day Southchurch Park

2007-05-10T12:19:00.001+01:00

Love Southend Youth will be supporting an event in July 07. The event is called “Park It” and is being hosted by a range of local organisations. In short, the council has won a grant of £5k (ish) to hold an event celebrating community life in the Southchurch Park area.

Park It! Will take place on July 14^th,10am to 4pm there will be a whole host of sports events, arts, crafts, demonstrations and more in Southchurch Park and all open to the public.

Love Southend Youth have volunteered their services to Mick Holland (Southend Neighbourhood Watch) for the purpose of stewarding on the day. Steve Dalley (Southend Christian Fellowship) & Rev Martin Harris (Christ Church, Southend) are supporting the planning for this event.

So can you help?
We need volunteers to come down and support the event, particularly those who would like to serve as stewards. Anyone interested should get in touch with Steve Dalley on steve@scfplaza.f9.co.uk. Volunteers can be any age.

THE JOURNEY: Musical at Thundersley Congregational Church

2007-05-03T10:41:00.000+01:00

Teen Challenge UK Presents
THE JOURNEY
Sunday 13th May @ 7.00pm
Thundersley Congregational Church
Kenneth Road, Thundersley

For more info contact Ian Miles, 01268 754731 or email milesy45@hotmail.com
And event for all ages | admission FREE.

We at Thundersley Congrefational Church (Just over the border) are excited to invite you, your church and contacts to a Teen Challenge UK event that we are hosting. This event is a dramatic musicla that tells the story of a young mans search for freedom from his nightmare world of addiction. The cast are graduates of the Teen Challenge discipleship programme, each with a remarkable testimony of the Lord's power and grace in their lives. Steve, the lead character, a former heroin addict, is now a pastor at a church in Dublin.

The Journey is a full stage production that runs for approximately 90 mins. The story is mainly told through songs and music with large screen video and drama.

It is a real message of hope for those struggling with life controlling problems. It gives young people and insight into the world and dangers of a lifestyle that is often alluring. For believers, it has proved to be challenging and inspirational.

Encounter at SCF

2007-04-26T17:36:00.001+01:00

6th May 2007 @ 7:00pm
The Plaza Centre - Southend on Sea

Andy Robinson
from a NewFrontiers Church in Horsham

Discusses "Real Freedom - Being able to do what you like, but choosing to do what is right!"

Dwell
A fantastic worship band, fresh from Spring Harvest, will be leading worship

Peter, We wanted to let you know that Encounter is on the road again and will be in Southend-On-Sea in Essex on Sunday 6th May 2007.

Southend Christian Fellowship are hosting Encounter at the Plaza Centre, 600 Southchurch Road, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, SS12PT

This is, as always, a great way to meet with God through worship and hear the word of God. It is also a great opportunity to bring friends as opportunity for Salvation is constant part of the Encounter programme.

Tickets for this event a free, so please bring all your friends, or your entire youth group !

Andy Robinson is a full-time youth pastor for a Kings Church in Horsham, which is part of NewFrontiers. He is also the Managing Director of the Silver Ring Thing UK. Andy is a Southend boy and was in fact a former member of Southend Christian Fellowship youth for almost 10 years. Andy has been involved in youth work for over 20 years and is passionate about training and empowering young people to race towards their potential in God. “I want to see young people not only reach their potential, but to be given opportunity to become leaders while they are still young.” You many well have seen Andy on TV in his role with Silver Ring Thing as he has appeared, with his team on Channel 4, GOD TV, Premier Radio, BBC Radio, as well as being in the The Independent, The Guardian and many other papers in recent weeks and months.

Dwell are a Christian band who are God inspired and love taking their music to into Christian and secular environments alike. They are not only very gifted musicians, but are also anointed worship leaders. Dwell are part of the Weald Community Church in Sussex.

Dwell have have just come back from serving with the youth at Spring Harvest and in 2006 were on main stage at Greenbelt leading worship for the Sunday morning meeting. It is a great privilege to have them with us at encounter again

Cluny Square Residents Give their thanks to Extremers

2007-04-26T17:31:00.001+01:00

We have just received this from Del Thomas:

“I went to the Cluny Residents meeting on Monday as I promised….

To start off with we were offered a huge appreciation for all we had done. John Barber mentioned the work we had done behind the shops which he said was monumental and an incredibly good effort even if it didn’t last long. Then one of the of the residents pointed out what an incredible job we had done at St Edmunds Hall in clearing the soil at the back and how polite and hard working we all were. Anne Brooks then spoke after this and explained how we also went to resident's homes and also cleared out her greenhouse and truly appreciative she was of that job and seconded the fact we were all so polite. John then said we had worked incredibly hard and how he thought that the fun day we put on was extremely well organized. He commented on how many residents came out and joined in, and how impressed he was with the impact we had on the area for those two days.

God bless
Del”

Well done guys!

Prayer for young people of our town

2007-04-21T21:27:00.001+01:00

We met last night and were led in prayer by the Youth of the town. Steve Dalley had 7 pointers for prayer which I would love to encourage you to pray for! They are:

Unity amongst the youth groups across the town.
Continued favour with the council
Relationship building with non-Christian youth groups and organisations
Specific locations, Cluny Square Bournes green (Newington Rd), and the Kursaal Estate.
What is on God's heart for Southend Youth to so next?
Pray for local schools. God's blessing and protection
For God to use the youth to LOVE.............. southend!

If you were with us thank you for joining with us to see the youth make a difference in our town. If not please continue to pray from where you are.

Transformations Prayer Nights

How extreme: Free HUGS

2007-04-19T12:38:00.000+01:00

So there is this phenomenon of free HUGS that is sweeping the world. I believe that many Free HUGS were given out over the extreme:UNITED week. Here is a video of the founder based in the USA that inspired the movement. But do remember to keep safe and only give out hugs in groups and never on your own - and of course only if the person wants a hug :0)

Video submitted by Del T, add your comments about this below.

Prayer for Town led by Young People

2007-04-16T23:42:00.001+01:00

We are excited that the youth of our town will be leading the next transformations prayer meeting on Friday 20th April at 8pm at Westcliff Baptist Church.

Please come and be encouraged by what the Lord is doing through the youth of this town and encourage them with our prayers in all their activities.

God bless

Mark and Gill Johnson The Well

More Photos: Tilt your head and have a look

2007-04-13T11:17:00.000+01:00

Photos as submitted by Del Thomas, what do you think? Have you got any better, let us have 'em then! Add your stories about these photos in the comments below.

Day 4: Thursday: Last day for this week

2007-04-12T17:03:00.000+01:00

Well today was our last day of Extreme and it was another action packed day. We started off today in worship and Steve Dalley spoke to us about being a community and how important it is that we carry on being 'extreme' in our normal day to day lives. We then went out to our afternoon programme. There was no fun day team so instead the team had to work very hard up at Cluny Square (more on this in the seperate post, below!).

It was also the last days of the holiday clubs at Belle Vue and Southchurch Park. We have met a lot of people this week and hopefully we will have touched or maybe re-touched a lot of lives this week. The evening was finished with a club night at SCF. DJ Squeeky Clean played along with Resolute, a break dancing group. There were some old style tunes such as Jesus Freak and Jumpin' in the House of God and the night really impacted people especially Mike Mc clean!! All the delegates each recieved a certificate with a personal message on it. An example of which would be Andy Hart's (who has had his arm in a sling after getting in a fight with chip oil and losing!!), whose said `has single handedly helped out this week.'

It has been a good week, if you have any comments, videos or photos then email them to this website via the email address to the top right or post you comments to each post.

Some snaps emailed by Roz Butterworth. Add your Comments!

2007-04-08T16:42:00.001+01:00

Day 4: An incident at Cluny Square

2007-04-05T23:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday was clean up day for the Cluny Team. We went to St Lukes Community Centre and helped do some gardening and cleaning windows there and we also cleared an alley behind the row of shops on Cluny Square and also went into a couple of residents houses to do a couple of jobs which they requested. Below is a story of what happened with a couple of the local lads:

"In order to save time, we had split into two teams to start at 2 different ends of the alley and then we would meet in the middle. Now some of the boys (a PCSO later told me they were very well known to them and always caused trouble) who caused trouble yesterday came along and started egging the group of us at the other end to me. They then came down to me and i thought they were going to throw eggs at me. They stopped and asked me what i was doing so i explained i was clearing up the rubbish to make the alley look nice. They turned round and said why? So i replied `I am doing it as a favour to the community as an example of love.' One of the boys then turned round and said to me `I will show you a example of man love if you come back to my house' to which i laughed and said it is not quite the same thing, I explained we were talking about God's love. He said `well thats odd isnt it?' To which I said `Yes and what's odder is we all paid £20 to do this'. This really threw them and the conversation carried on as to why we would pay to pick up rubbish. We talked about the fun day etc. Anyway the boys went off and didn't egg us anymore which i thought was very cool. About half hour later they came back and actually started to help us. It was only for about 15 minutes but they were picking up litter etc. which just blew me away. It just goes to show what can happen if you challenge people's mindsets."

The PCSOs spoke to me today and they said how very impressed with the job we had done behind the flats and how clear the alley looked. Also local cmmunity leaders such as John Barber also commented on how great the job was. Finally check out www.ferndale.org.uk/news to find out more reaction from the Reverend Steven Dray.

Day 3: Wednesday: Kids clubs galore

2007-04-04T11:13:00.000+01:00

Its wednesday and we are now three quarters through the week. Today was the last day at Cluny Square and although we had trouble with our water initially it all went off well and the children enjoyed it. Also we had a holiday club at both Southchurch Park URC and Belle Vue Baptist and both of them went really well as well. It was a great day had by all.

There must be more stories and picturs to tell and show. Email us your photos and videos to the address above. Post those stories on the comments below. Go on you know you want to!

First photo submitted: James in Bev's Sunglasses!

2007-04-04T00:55:00.000+01:00

So what do you think? Have you got any more worthy snaps? Then send them in, I am sure there are more out there. Add your comments on this post below.

Day 2: Pig pens, Dr Who and fun days

2007-04-04T00:00:00.000+01:00

Today was Tuesday and we all met for worship. Jezza was telling us how fantastic we all are and reminding us about Dr Who as well!?

We then put on an indoor fun day which went very very well at Belle Vue Baptist Church, on Southchurch Road. One of the guys said that he couldn't see how we could have improved on it at all, and that it was spot on. He has organised lots of Christian events so well done to the guys who organised this event!

Members of the public were asking for free hugs today as well which was cool (and surprising!). Over at Christchurch in Southchurch we ran a Holiday Club and that went really well. The Rev. Martin Harris came along to lend his creative skills. Dino led a posse down to Hamstel as well and they created a lovely pig pen (they claim it is a compost heap but we have our doubts!).

What do you think it was? And how did you think the day went? Are you any wiser on the whole Dr Who thing? Add your commenst below.

Day 1: The delegates go down to the park

2007-04-03T00:57:00.000+01:00

Monday 2nd April was the start of the week proper. We started in the morning with a talk from Mark Churchward of SCF reminding us how we are all chosen by God. The t-shirts have been customised as always (with rips, felts and sparkles) and some people took last night's sermon to the extreme!

We had a fun day at Southchurch Park today which was great. All the old fave's were there as well as some new ones. There was a bible verse trail, the police came down and gave demonstrations and we also had some performers come and teach some children their skills. There were about 300 people who came through the gates and all of them had a brilliant time helped by good weather.

We also ran a kids club at Belle Vue Baptist.

Got any comments on the day? Were you a punter at any of the events? Or were you helping? Add your stories to the 'comments' section of this post.

No April fools: A view of the opening night, 1st April 2007

2007-04-01T23:44:00.000+01:00

The opening night of extreme:United launched the week in a great way. We had a great time at Christchurch in Southchurch worshipping God and barracking Dino!! Tim told us all about the free hug society in Sheffield who wait around outside a shopping centre Saturday giving out free hugs. He told us that this week we are giving out free hugs to Southend.

Are you on extreme:United this week, why not give us your reports and comments on what you have been up to. Or if you are a supporter leave words of encouragment or written prayers of support by clicking on the comments section of each post to add your thoughts.

ROSALIND BUTTERWORTH of Christ Church, writes:

2007-04-01T22:35:00.001+01:00

This Easter, Love Southend Youth is organising it's fourth outreach event and you are warmly invited to get involved. Entitled 'Extreme:United', this year's first event will include kids
clubs, fun days and of course, work parties. Each morning will kick off with giving glory to God and hearing what he has to say to us.

Each afternoon from 1 til 5 the teams will be setting up for and then running whatever job theirs is; be it football, litter picking, or even just praying with non-Christians. Then, after a dinner kindly provided by a local church, the delegates will get to hang out til about 9.30,
relaxing at churches running cafes, showing films or simply getting out the pool tables. YOU are offered the chance to join in on the blessing. The event will last for four days next week, and will have a launch night at Christchurch this Sunday evening (that's tomorrow!) from 6.30 til 8.

Even if you have just one afternoon free then you will be enthusiastically welcomed onto a team. If you are praying for the event, a team or an individual, then you are invited to come and join the delegates tomorrow night, at the morning worship sessions at Southchurch Park URC from 10am or even at the evening chill out sessions. Please note that you cannot be too wise, too childlike, too holy, too busy or too important to get involved - anyone from 11 to 111 is encouraged to be a part of God's anointing on Southend! If you would like more information or forms for Extreme:United then please contact Jacky Rossi at rossis4@hotmail.com, or just simply turn up tomorrow.

It's here... Extreme: United Easter 2007

2007-03-02T18:21:00.000Z

Extreme: REBUILD has evolved for 2007 - introducing the all new Easter 2007 Extreme: United.

Taking place this Easter '07 over two weeks, here are the details as they stand:

Extreme: United Week A
This will be based in Southend High School for Girls during the week of Mon 26th to Friday 30th March. The Christian Union will be hosting a week of lunchtime sessions based on what the Bible says about our identity.

Who are we?
Where do we belong?
How does God see us?

The Gospel will be shared each day and there will also be question and answer sessions, and testimonies from CU members, and a chance for people to respond to what they have heard. So get praying one and all that God will bless this week massively.

Extreme: United Week B
This will be similar to the Extreme: Rebuild program of Easter 2006. There will be two locations this year: Southchurch and Shoeburyness. Morning worship sessions will be held at Southchurch Park URC (tbc), and then after lunch we will be going out into the community to serve and love on the residents that we encounter. There will also be a range of events in the evening that give us the chance to let our hair down(if you've got any) and have some fun after a long day’s work.

Feel free to invite your mates to the evening events even if they are not involved during the day!

A full program will be posted on this site nearer the time – but the following have been already been confirmed:

Monday 2nd April '07 – Southchurch Park fun-day - 13:30 to 16:00hrs.
A range of entertainment including bouncy castles, water catapult, clowns and face-painters, police demonstrations, and much more.
Tuesday 3rd April '07 – indoor fun-day at Belle Vue Baptist Church - 13:30 to 16:00hrs
Weds 4th April – Cluny Square fun-day - 13:30 to 16:00 - entertainment as above.
Thursday 5th April – work-party based in the Cluny Square area.
We will be going onto the streets for litter-picking, alley clearing, and to complete other tasks requested by local residents. A chance to get down and dirty to bless and love on local residents.

So get in in your PDA, Mobile Phone, Diary My Space Calender and get involved.
The cost of the week’s involvement is £20 – which includes food, entertainment, and of course a FREE T-SHIRT (this year it will be a green one! very stylish!) Get yourself signed up by requesting a form from Steve Dalley – contact him on steve@scfplaza.f9.co.uk or contact your church’s youth leader or download and send in the completed forms below.

Delegates for Leigh, Westcliff and the rest of the borough are more than welcome!

Form Downloads
Southchurch Delegate Form
Southchurch Parental Consent Form

Leigh-on-Sea Extreme:UNITED Saturday 3rd March 07

2007-02-26T00:21:00.000Z

I have just returned from Blenheim Primary School where we worked on creating a new garden space as part of Extreme: REBUILD last Easter 2006.They have asked us to help out again this Saturday moning coming on March 3rd at 9am.

They would like us to help construct three raised flowerbeds for the children, which shouldn't take long if we get a good number. You will have to be 14+ in age unless you are with a parent, who can also help and take part this time.

Please drop me an email with your name, church and phone number by 9am Friday morning so I know who is coming. I will also need you to get your parents if below 18 to sign a consent and registratione form - you can't take part without one, sorry. I will email this back to you if you email me david.elcock@lovesouthend.org

I am not sure what time it will finish but you can give as little or as short time as you have. Please if you have it bring along your Red EXTREME Tshirt or Blue one, wear old clothes and bring some refreshments/packed lunch.

God bless
David
----------------
David (Elcock)Love Southend Extreme:UNITED
Leigh Coordinator
david.elcock@lovesouthend.org
www.lovesouthend.org/extreme
www.lovesouthend.org

Surprise meeting with satsified customer

2006-12-24T16:13:00.000Z

Summer seems a long way distant as we get ready to celebrate Jesus' birth again. However memories are strong in those that were affected by thw work of Extreme Rebuild in th Summer. Paul Drage of Southchurch writes about a surprise meeting with satsified customer, be encouraged...

I was just finishing my shopping in Sainsburys when I noticed a boy waving at me,I was thinking what to buy and then suddenly noticed he was still trying to get my attention. I didn't recongise him as a relation or a BB boy, then the penny dropped, Woodgrange Estate and the name process in my head started, I tried one name and it was correct, his mother smiled as we spoke, she seemed so pleased to meet someone of the team who had made her son happy during the summer holidays, she thanked me, I expressed my thoughts we may be back but then the boy started recalling his joyful memories of scoring the vital hit in a game.Seeing him again was worth it and the joy which the team led by Ros and Sonia created and the lasting happymemories in the children's minds. The final thought can be summed up in an old hymn To God be the Glory...
Paul D

Happy Christmas - God Bless

Prayer @ SHSB Friday 8th December

2006-12-07T18:52:00.000Z

be at Southend High School for Boys

Friday 8th Dec

7.30 - 9.30

Live worship,

DJ SqueekyClean,

prayer for this and other local secondary schools, and the young people of our town

JACKY xx

Youth prayer night - 8 December 2006 SHSB

2006-11-25T21:44:00.000Z

Hi all

Please come and support the next school prayer night with your youth obviously! - at

Southend High School for Boys
Friday 8th December
7.30 start - 9.30
worship, prayer and a bit of socialising!

(Please note, this is not just for people who go to Southend High for Boys, it's to pray in that school, for that school AND lots of other local schools and issues dealing with our young people.)

Please pass this round as widely as you wish - thank you!

Jacky Rossi xxx

Keepy Uppy Champion Gets More than He Expected Outside TALK Nightclub

2006-11-15T14:51:00.000Z

Dan Magness expected to hear about Jesus at his local church.

He would even have settled for a weekend seminar on the Bible or how to pray.

Instead, Dan – the UK football freestyle champion – discovered Jesus at 3am outside a Southend nightclub.

He says: “I was in Southend with a couple of mates and must confess I was full of another kind of spirit.

“We saw some street pastors talking to clubbers and I thought to myself ‘I want to go talk to them.’

“Minutes later, they were telling me about Jesus and I knew then as I stood on that drizzly pavement, that Jesus was my Lord.”

Dan, 23, shot to fame earlier this year as the man who trained the World Cup stars to do spectacular tricks with a Pringle’s can in the hit TV commercial.

The ad, featuring big name such as Steven Gerrard and Roberto Carlos, delighted millions of viewers when it was shown between televised games.

Adds Dan: I spent three days with the players in London doing that commercial. It was great fun and they were marvellous to work with. I felt very humble that such great footballers praised my talent. They loved the tricks and asked me to give them a few tips. It made my day.”

Dan is also a familiar face at half-time at some of the biggest premiership clubs up and down the country where he performs his dazzling tricks which include balancing a bicycle on his head.

He won the UK football freestyle championship with an amazing variety of ball control skills – not least keeping a ball off the ground for a staggering thirteen and a half hours without a break.

But growing up as a football mad youngster in Guildford, Dan always felt something was missing in his life. None of his family were Christians and he’d only ever been inside a church for weddings and funerals.

He finally found the answer to what he was seeking when a Christian friend gave him a book about another award-winning sports star to read.

“The book was Taming the Tiger by Tony Anthony,” he explains.

“Tony is a former three times World Kung Fu champion who killed people and finally came to Jesus while in prison in Cyprus. I’ve never been a big reader but I read Taming the Tiger in a weekend. It really touched my soul.”

Unknown to Dan, Tony Anthony is based in Southend – the very town where he and his friends chose to go clubbing a week after he finished reading Taming the Tiger.

“God has perfect timing,” laughs Dan.

“When I went up to the street pastors I told them I’d just finished Tony Anthony’s book. They said they knew him, in fact they shared a house. I couldn’t believe it. Tony’s book had started me thinking about Jesus and a week later, here I was talking to guys who knew him personally.”

Less than a year after becoming a Christian, Dan says his life has changed dramatically: “I don’t drink anymore or smoke and above all, I have a prayer life.

“I also have a joy in me that is difficult to explain. I used to be bad tempered and impatient but now I control both.

“God has given me a talent and I want to use it to praise His name. I don’t go out Bible bashing but it’s amazing how often I get to talk about Jesus to perfect strangers who come to watch one of my demonstrations.

“I’ve also spoken to a lot of Christian footballers who give a great witness by the way they play the game and things like tithing.”

Although Dan had a youth contract with Wimbledon, he has never really wanted to play professionally himself, although he is a big Liverpool fan and hopes the club can repeat its European success again this season.

While some football writers might claim that is a tall order, Dan Magness believes in miracles. As he says: “Amazing things happen when you least expect them – even in Southend.”

By James Hastings - Freelance Journalist

If any of the LRBC FC team want to read a copy of Taming The Tiger, let David Elcock know and we will get a copy. Tony Anthony is a member of Leigh Road Baptist Church

Scanned for spam and viruses by Blackspider - from instanton.it

L7Z at Radiate across the border

2006-10-06T20:15:00.000+01:00

Are you 10 -14 years old? If you are why not check out and go along to our friends in Thundersley at Radiate. Check out their website at www.radiate.faithweb.com for more info. Saturday 14th October features LZ7 (Lindz West) all the way from Manchester. A former member of the Tribe. Not to be missed.

Keep checking back at www.lovesouthend.org/extreme for all the latest happenings and update with Love Southend Youth!

Southchurch Update 19 August

2006-08-19T16:36:00.000+01:00

Sonya Low is one of our volunteers, at work every Tuesday & Thursday
afternoon, from 1-5.00pm. She's one such volunteer from a variety of
churches, involved with extreme:REBUILD at the Kursaal (or
Woodgrange) Estate. Here, she kindly gives us an update from last week:

We had the great fortune of being able to do three days work here this week. The youth club on the estate asked us to come and do something as one of their activities that had been planned was cancelled,so we worked on wednesday as well. There were fewer delegates as the yearly pull to soul survivour was great, however
this did nothing to alter the effect God had here this week.

We got to spend more time with specific children this week and help encourage them in their sports activities, one young boy in particular has become an enthusiastic player and now is eager to join in and try. In the begining he wouldn't participate as
willingly.

We have noticed several them blossom over the last week or two in their abilities and confidence with us as they are encouraged by the delegates.

In your prayers this week could you please pray that they will begin to encourage each other more, we have noticed alot of abusive and derogatory talk and names etc if someone doesn't play so well, however we are praying that our example of love and encouragement will rub off as we all work together more.

One of the highlights for me this week was when we were litter picking one of the boys who was helping us called up to his dad in the block above where we were cleaning. "Look Dad I'm doing something good" His dad came out onto the balcony with his mum and they both stood and watched him working. Thank you God for that lovely moment

Sonya

Please pray for our urban regeneration team. For more information,
please e-mail Rosalind Butterworth at agapes_grip@hotmail.com or ring
Elizabeth Butterworth on 01702 333319.

Extreme REBUILD:: Half way through the summer

2006-08-12T13:16:00.000+01:00

LOVE SOUTHEND Youth with extreme:REBUILD continue with their urban regeneration work, every Tuesday & Thursday from 1-5.00pm. Kursaal Estate is tha place, Godly passion is tha pace, as Christians from different churches clean up, fix up a dysfunctional estate - whilst playin' with kids an' buildin' relationships with adults.......adults? We NEED more adults to help. Will YOU help? If so, please contact Rosalind Butterworth at agapes_grip@hotmail.com or ring Elizabeth Butterworth on 01702 333319.

EXTREME REBUILD SUMMER: Southchurch

2006-07-24T11:24:00.000+01:00

Extreme Rebuild continues in Southchurch this Summer holiday. After the success of Summer '05 and Easter '07 and various dates in-between the Love Southend Youth Extremers are back.

Monday 24th July, 2006 (until Monday 30th October) Venue: Woodgrange Drive Estate

Throughout the summer the Woodgrange Drive Estate will play host to more eager volunteers in red. Each Tuesday and Thursday from the 24th July to the 1st September a team will be in the centre of the estate.

Do you have a couple of hours free this summer? Are you ready to make a difference?
Cost: £1.00 per session
For further information please contact Rosalind Butterworth on 01702 584986 or click here to email.

Belfairs Methodist Anniversary Invite To All

2006-06-03T19:23:00.000+01:00

Click on the image to see a larger version of the flier.

Extreme Prayer For Southend's Senior Schools Tour

2006-05-19T11:48:00.000+01:00

So here is a date for your diary. The next Schools Prayer Night will be on the following date:

Friday 26th May, 7pm - 9.30pm

Belfairs Media Arts School
Highlands Boulevard
Leigh-on-Sea Essex
SS9 3TG

Why not come along and pray for this school and worship God together.

So you think you're good at fussball!

2006-05-15T21:23:00.000+01:00

Maybe you should keep practicing at all your various youth clubs!

Help needed: Feature in Suzie's News

2006-05-05T12:02:00.000+01:00

Those of you that came to SCF during the evenings of Extreme:REBUILD will kow there was a news slot that detailed the fun news and breaking stories of that day.

There is to be a feature length episode at Journey this Sunday 7 May at SCF, Southchurch Road, Southend at 8pm.

The news desk needs at Suzie's News needs your help. We are trying to find suitable reports or stories about the Love Southend week in order to fill our required time slot. There don't necessarily need to be funny, but if they are we're more likely to use it. Any videos or photos to back up your story would be ideal but again not necessary. If you would like to be video interviewed regarding the story then this can be arranged at some point before Sunday night.

Really this is just a update on what happen over the week and if anything has happened anytime afterwards.

Any help would be great as my ideas are limited and rubbish!! Let me know ASAP.

Robert Bailey
Editor & Co-Anchor Suzie's News
robertoctavius@hotmail.com

All sit down, sit down next to me

2006-04-19T23:11:00.000+01:00

So here it is, for those that were at the last night on Maundy Thursday at SCF, it was just a big sit down. The Boys gave up defeating the Girls and most stuff and they joined together to create possibly the Southend World Record for sitting down with no chairs. Can you spot yourself? There were over 100 involved - EASY!

Southchurch: Caption competition

2006-04-19T00:55:00.000+01:00

Photo 1 Photo 2

Here is a chance for you to put your wittiness to the test, the funniest caption for each photo will win a prize.

Just add your caption by clicking on the comment link on this post below. Don't forget to say which photo your - funny ha ha! - refers to. You will of course need to leave your email address if you are to win the prize so we can contact you.

Leigh: The Buzz Good Friday

2006-04-14T19:33:00.000+01:00

The second BUZZ of the Extreme:REBUILD week. From 8pm to 10 pm tonight with free hot cross buns. Join the Leigh zoners and come and watch the BIG SCREEN cinema - Bruce Almighty. Games such as pool, darts, playstation and giant sports hall... you will find us at Belfairs Methodist Church, Eastwood Road North.... and don't forget your table tennis bat!

Southchurch: leave the dark side

2006-04-13T08:34:00.000+01:00

Last night (Wednesday 12 April) saw Southchurch with even more caterpillars, a Shoebury invasion, great to see you lads, and many felt the force (of Jesus) and left the dark side - yay. This was followed by extreme:CLUBBING (for 18+)

Today(Thursday 13 April - last day - sigh! Fun day @ Whittingham (we were mobbed in Southchurch Park yesterday!)

Tonight the final boys v girls - can the girls maintain their supremacy? C'mon boys put your backs into it!

Jacky xxx

The Chairman of Love Southend speaks!

2006-04-12T23:13:00.000+01:00

This is like Luke skywalker getting knowledge and encouragement from Yoda. Here speaks the Chair of our daddy organisation Love Southend (actually he is just like you and me really)

The Chairman wrote he:

'Just wanted to wish you all the best with the work you're doing this week from all the Love Southend team - showing God's love is about meeting people, spending time with them and showing we care - and its when we earn peoples respect it makes them far more interested in hearing the amazing news of the gospel. As we approach Good Friday, it's a time to remember what Jesus did for us, and challenge ourselves and others to listen to the incredible Easter message. All the best, and keep up the great work.'

Jonathan Ullmer - Chair, Love Southend

How to be a Christian

2006-04-12T08:04:00.000+01:00

We are half way through the week and that means that it is Wednesday. In Leigh we will see the Leigh Extremers clearing a pond and painting a giant mural at Edwards Hall Primary School, Eastwood from 10am to 4pm. Also a the third day of a Holiday Bible Club at West Leigh Baptist Church - that is a storming success so far. Around 100 kids coming along every day. Wednesday nigh at Belfairs Methodist see the first BUZZ youth club of Easter, with big screen video and sports, and bread nad chips. Don't miss it from 7pm and agian on Good Friday.

More fun days in the Southchurch area and much more pampering for tired Mums in the holidays. A big shout out to the 9 delegates from Southend High School for Girls.

Shoebury continues working it's Cafe hang out and painting playgrounds in the Saxon Estate - with loads of fantastic delegates form Shoebury High School.

It's great to be involved in God's big adventure. So how to be a Christian? Here is one take? Want to know more? Ask a delegate.

Southchurch: arctic monkeys, interstellar catterpillars .....

2006-04-12T07:50:00.000+01:00

Last night in Southchurch saw a kicking guest appearance from t't Arctic Monkeys, a giant incontinent caterpillar - are your jeans dry yet Greg?, and a cast of out-takes from The Comedians - hold on a moment while I glue my sides back together. Tonight we will be joined by the Shoebury Massive (and that's just Rich) so see you there!

Weather forecast for today - dry (ish) so c'mon the Reds!!

Jacky x

Southchurch: Sad news

2006-04-11T23:03:00.000+01:00

Well unfortunately yesterday saw the demise of a much loved part of Love southend youth, the pregnant frog was found dead in Cluny Square hidden amongst the glass and dog droppings. On the plus side the day was really cool as did the second day at Belle Vue which saw EXTREME jenga (jenga where you cant use hands) this was a hoot to see the churchward twins using their feet to play jenga, what with their extreme poop scooping yesterday they are really taking it to the extreme!!!

What else can they do tomorrow to be extreme? See you there 7pm SCF, The Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road.

How to fold your T-Shirt

2006-04-11T09:27:00.000+01:00

It has come to our attention that some of you are getting wrinkles and creases in your fantastic Extreme:REBUILD T-Shirts. We this is just not propper, or indeed right. So we have flown to Japan to ask the experts how to fold a t-shirt oragami style. So watch on, study, practice and apply this t-shirt folding method to stop those creases.

Southchurch: what else could you do with chopsticks?

2006-04-11T09:11:00.000+01:00

See you tonight (11/04/06) for more fun, games, cocktails - bring your mates! Up to date news reports from around the Southchurch REBUILD - plus some mystery guests! So that's SCF, Plaza Centre, Soutchurch Road. 7pm 'til 10pm and every night throughout the week until Thursday.

On the matter of the chopsticks, if anyone can think of a more 'extreme' way to pick up 'stuff in parks' post it!!

Jacky