Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace be unto you!
I trust that you are well, and completed all your back to school preparations in time. I write to apprise you of the
following:
International Coastal Cleanup Day – Saturday, September 15, 2018
The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is the national coordinator, and the Division of Youth Ministry has
partnered with JET for the past two years. I am personally appealing to youth coordinators to organize and
encourage youths within your congregation to participate in this initiative. There are over 100 sites where
cleanup activities will be taking places throughout the island. For more information about how you can
participate, feel free to contact the Department of Education and Youth or the Jamaica Environment Trust
at (876) 960-3693.
Youth Workers and Leaders Training – Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 am
These will be held at the Church of Saint Jude, Stony Hill, Mandeville Parish Church and the St. James Parish
Church. The focus will be on ‘Nurturing Disciples’.
5-a-side Football (Futsal) Tournament
Sports and games have always been an excellent outlet for young people within the community. This
tournament seeks to create an environment for youths and young adults to build confidence, and develop
social skills such as team work as well as encouraging general fitness and fun.
Kindly note the following considerations:
1. Each team can consist of church members as well as un-attached youths/young adults from the
community. At least one communicant member must play.
2. Congregations can have a maximum of two teams in the competition, but with different colours.
3. On the field there can be a range of different age groups.
4. Food items can be on sale on match days.
5. Creation of logos, crests and team colours are encouraged.
Rules:
1. Players may only play for one team in the whole competition.
2. No offside rule.
3. Duration of play – two 20 min halves.
4. Only lightening prevents play.
5. The ball may NOT be played above head height. However if the ball deflects off a goalkeeper
making a save, play will continue.
6. The ball may be played off the side and back walls (if indoor). Sliding tackles are NOT allowed.
7. The opposition must be a minimum of 2 meters from any free kick.
8. A goal cannot be scored direct from the kick-off, without touching another player first. Kick-offs
may go either forwards or backwards.
9. Unlimited substitutes: A player who has been replaced may return to the pitch as a substitute for
another player. A substitution may be made at any time, regardless of whether the ball is in play or
not, provided that the following conditions are observed:
the player leaving the pitch does so via his own team’s substitution zone.
the player entering the pitch does so via his own team’s substitution zone but not until the
player leaving the pitch has completely crossed the touch line
a substitute is subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referees, whether he is called
upon to play in a match or not
A goalkeeper may change places with any other player.
10. A team must have a minimum of 3 players on the pitch, or a 3-0 walkover will be recorded.
11. Points: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a lost. In case of Knock out rounds or
finals, two 10 min halves are played followed by penalty kicks, if required.
12. Footwear can either be tennis shoes or training shoes. No pegs
13. A breach of common sense is a breach of the law
14. Regular football rules and regulations apply.
Launch of Youth Month
Congregations are asked to mark the launch of Youth Month on Sunday, November 4. Where possible,
you are being asked to engage the youths in the liturgy. Special intercessions and a message will be
disseminated as the time approaches.
Youth Caucus- Saturday, November 10, 2018
This provides a forum for youths throughout the region to engage the leadership on matters pertaining to
doctrine, governance, finance, societal issues. The concerns and recommendations from these discussions
are to be tabled at the next meeting of Deanery Youth Coordinators, National Council, meeting of the 2019
Deanery Youth Representatives to Synod for contemplation and the Diocesan Board of Education and
Youth Department for follow-up, if necessary.
Anglican Ball League, Semi-Finals, November 17
Five-a-side (Futsal) Tournament culminating with the finals being played at Regional Rallies. The
tournament will commence in September. Each congregation can form at least two teams of five (5)
comprised of at least 1 confirmed Anglican, (one female – optional) and other persons from the
community. Teams will compete for trophy, medals and certificates. The cost for registration is Eight
Hundred Dollars ($800.00) and registration form will be disseminated shortly.
Installation of Deanery Youth Coordinators
Each deanery is asked to recommend to the Director of Youth Ministry person(s) to serve as Youth
Coordinator(s) within the Deanery. Notice is hereby given of my intension to have such persons
commissioned at the ensuing Celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Regional Rally on Saturday,
November 24, 2018. Kindly uphold them in your prayers.
Regional Youth Rallies
Kindly note the following:
Theme: Commission 5T: ‘Teaching to Reach’
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2018.
Venues:
Kingston – St. Cyprian, Highgate
Montego Bay – St. Michael’s, Clark’s Town, Trelawny
Mandeville – To be decided.
Start Time: 9 am
Refreshment: Congregations will have to make their own arrangements
Sessions:
Creative & Performing Arts: Liturgical Dances
Creative & Performing Arts: Using Drama in the Liturgy
Tips for Exploring the Bible
Using Social Media to Reach
Evangelism: ‘Each one Reach one’
Advocacy (Social Awareness)
Unpacking the Dancehall Culture (Forum)
Anglican Football League Regional Finals
Apologies for the length, but it’s the best I could do. I now ask for your support in promulgating the information
and rallying the troops. Feel free to liaise with your Deanery Youth Coordinator or myself at
cmears@anglicandiocese.com.
Sincerely yours,
Craig Mears (Rev.)
Director of Youth Ministry