Gauzebrook Group

In 2008 Bristol Diocese made seedcorn grants available to start pioneering growth projects across the Diocese. The Gauzebrook Group was a successful applicant, gaining funds to employ a Rural Schools and Churches Worker. This post was so successful that it has continued to be funded by grants and donations even after the original seedcorn money was used up. To build on this success, share our experience and to minister more effectively among teenagers, we have supported a SWYM trainee. The trainee has successfully completed two years, during which youth groups and a Christian Union were set up and wide ministry experience gained. We now wish to take this work further and support another trainee.

Our employees are employed by Hullavington PCC The trainee will work alongside the Rural Schools and Children's Worker, receiving on the job support, training and supervision. Overall the project will be led by Rev'd Christopher Bryan, who has worked with several youth/children's workers and curates. Our previous experience of supporting and training a SWYM trainee has gone extremely well. We long to see children and young people in the countryside being given a real opportunity to encounter genuine living Christian faith, and hear the gospel message, so they can make their own response.

The Gauzebrook includes 8 village parishes to the North of Junction 17 of the M4 and to the South of Malmesbury, where most of our young people attend secondary school. The work will focus on the 2 largest parishes: Sherston and Hullavington, with some supporting ministry in Stanton St Quintin and Luckington.

Little Lights Fresh Expression for 0-5s and parents/carers Mustard Seeds Godly Play group, for primary age Junior Church Messy Church TOAST youth group for secondary school age Open youth Café at Luckington Christian Union at Malmesbury Secondary School, and co-operative work with other youth workers at Christian Union in Abbeyfield School, Chippenham Holiday Clubs and activity days Regular All Age Worship Open the Book and Collective worship in primary schools Experience Easter etc for local schools Lunchtime and after school clubs in primary schools Baptism and confirmation prep experience other ministry experience as appropriate depending on interests and skills of trainee