CICS is pleased to announce that we are in the process of employing not 1 but 3 people to look at developing our work within Primary Schools!

Following interviews in June we recognised 3 people (or Three New Musketeers) each with strengths, talents and abilities in different areas. After prayer it was a unanimous decision to employ all 3 on a 6 hours a week term-time contract. 

So the 3 new workers for CICS are:

Karen Hill (above centre in purple) - Karen helped to launch Ark Church in Huddersfield and Halifax and regularly visits schools in Kirklees to talk about Fairtrade.

Nancy White (above right in yellow) - Nancy helped develop the education resources at Halifax Minster and has a wide range of skills that will help CICS strengthen church and school connections and offer training and resources to local churches. Nancy is Assistant Priest (Voluntary) with Todmorden United Benefice.

Angie Stradling (above left in patterned) - a former teacher at Crossley Heath Angie will be a great asset in both Primary and Secondary schools and will help lead on assemblies and lessons as well as speak in churches. Angie worships at Northern Lights church. 

We look forward to seeing how our work will grow with three excellent people now part of our team! They will start on 1st September.

CICS invites you to a Supporters and Vision Evening

Wednesday 5th October, 6pm - 7.30pm
Cafe 816, Dean Clough, Halifax

Meet the new workers
Find out more about exciting new ideas
Enjoy a buffet meal
Meet new friends
Fun activities, presentations, goodies and more!

The evening is free but an offering will be taken for the work of CICS.

We are also inviting attendees to bring an item or a completed shoebox for Operation Christmas Child (an initiative CICS will be promoting in schools this year) - see web link for details of what items are needed! 

This evening is ideal for supporters, church leaders, teachers and those working in schools, parents, grand-parents, etc.

RSVP office@cicscalderdale.org.uk / 07725501465 (Paul)

Some highlights of the last term include:

Nearly 100 people including the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Howard Blagborough, were equipped and resourced around 'Raising Children and Young People in a Digital Age'.

2200 It's Your Move books were distributed to young people about to make the transition from primary to secondary school (these cost CICS £1.20 each - can you sponsor some of the booklets that were distributed?)

Neil was one of the VIP guests at Ryburn Academy Awards evening where he presented the Humanities Award. 

Prayer Spaces and Open The Book stories have taken place in several Primary Schools including the team from Bus Oasis who visit several schools in North Halifax.

Neil was interviewed on Branch FM radio station about our work.

Gatherings were held around Pray for Schools fortnight with several churches praying for schools, Christian teachers and staff within Sunday services. 

Crossley Heath included CICS as part of a diversity day where Neil shared about life as a Christian and talked about the Bible and how it can be a guide for life at Rastrick High as part of the Gideons Bible giveaway. 

Info Point has taken place at lunchtimes in Brooksbank, Brighouse High and Ryburn Academy and the lunch club continues at Rastrick High. 

Several pupils have received mentoring from CICS volunteers. 

These are exciting times for CICS as we look for new ways to share relevantly the hope and love of Jesus in schools across the Borough. With terrible and meaningless happenings and acts of violence almost weekly we are passionate that the message of love, respect, value of self and others needs (regardless of religion, belief, gender, etc) to be at the core of our education system and as CICS this is something we actively share in schools. Will you stand with us through prayer and finance? 

Donate into our Bank Account: Santander - Sort Code: 09 01 53 Account Number: 41984485 - Account Name: Christian Initiative in Calderdale schools

Donate on-line - click here