March

U P D AT E April
2021

Mike writes...
As 267 looks towards a more ‘open’ season of ministry I have been
reflecting on the importance of creating community and joy-filled spaces
where people can gather.
“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously.
But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible
disease of loneliness can be cured.” Kurt Vonnegut
I believe that God has called 267 to be able to offer community and
connection that will counteract the isolation and loneliness many have
experienced over the last year. If we place young people at the centre
of this community, not just so that they benefit themselves, but more
importantly for what they can bring to those around them. I’ve seen how
young people do friendship; no they are not perfect, but they love their
friends deeply, they make time for them, they check in on them when they
are down, they fight for them when there is opposition and they embrace
the simplicity of just being together. These behaviours are central to a
great community, but more than that, people are able to heal when they
dwell in this type of community, a community where they feel
welcomed, loved, valued, included and protected.
“We don't heal in isolation, but in community.”
S. Kelley Harrell

So, as we navigate 2021, carrying the scars of the last year but
also the hope of the coming year, my prayer is that we will do
all we can to provide a community that people would find easy
to join but then choose never to leave! (without wanting it to
sound like cult!!)
Thanks...
l We are still here! We’ve battled, we’ve probably got a few scars, but we are still here
and ready to serve kids, young people, leaders, churches and volunteers in the coming
year. We thank God for the team and the support of our trustees.
l Even though Fuel has been on Zoom we have had a consistent group attend and it has
been great to check in and invest in these young people.
l Ellie and Alex have continued to produce some epically brilliant online material
through ‘Two-Minute Tuesday’, ‘Five-Minute Friday’ and ‘Testi-Mondays’. We have been
connecting with more and more young people through Ellie’s creative Instagram ministry
and it’s been great to allow them such freedom to do this. Ben has also enabled us to
record additional podcasts over the last few weeks so watch out for them.
l The launch of ‘Haven Angels’ happened this term and we have been blessed with
some very generous gifts which is going to allow Claire and the team to grow and expand
this essential ministry. Continue to pray for them as they work out what Haven looks like
within current restrictions.
l We give thanks for the plans that are coming together for the months ahead. We are
excited about the possibility of running residentials over the summer team and love our
relationship with Felden Lodge.
l This month we hosted an online training session as part of ‘the Conversation’ ministry.
It was great to chat with 14 leaders about the importance of mentoring and discipleship.
l We give thanks for Dave, one of our trustees, who is stepping down after being
involved for many years. Thank you so much Dave for your friendship, wisdom and
support.
l We’ve been able to post out to young people, students and leaders various
‘Encouragement Packs’. These have been a great way to stay
connected but also to bless individuals with simple
gifts and encouragements, and who doesn’t love post!
l On 13th February we held a very different fundraising
event; an Online Guest Chef night! 100 groups of
people, or ‘Zoom log-ins’ joined us and we raised almost
£2000 as well as learning how to cook a sublime Thai
curry. Thank you to everyone who joined in and thank you
to Doug from ChefLive.
l We give vast, huge, massive thanks to all our donors
and supporters; your continued support and prayers
raising
enables us to keep going. Know the difference you are Live’ Fund
Our ‘Chef .
making! a lot of fun
Event was
Please...
l We have exciting plans for the coming months so would value your prayers as we
wisely plan and discuss what is possible. It would be great to have at least one ‘in-
person’ Fuel, to be able to buy a lot of youth and kids leaders brunch ‘IN’ a café, to be
able to run a residential in June and also a summer gathering festival for kids and young
people!! We pray, we follow the wisdom and restrictions and at the right time we will be
ready to go!
l Pray for continued protection for the team and their families. God has really looked
after us all and enabled to still be able to deliver some very creative ministry
l Pray for all the kids and young people that are heading back into school settings this
month. It has been such a chaotic year; we pray for the peace of God to move deeply. We
pray that 267 will be able to offer community and connection that will counteract the
isolation and loneliness many have experienced.
l We’d love to run our June residential for school years 3, 4 & 5, but we want to be safe
as possible. Pray for wisdom as we plan and would we know the best way to run an
event should we believe it is safe and appropriate to do so.
l Take a moment to pray for one of our
phenomenal team: Liz, Claire, Ellie, Alex, Ben
and Mike
l Pray for The Haven as it starts going
back into school. Would Claire and the
team have great conversations despite the
restrictions that are in place
l In April we are having to move our
kit out of their current storage venue
(again!). Pray for the right space to become Podcast recording on the
topic of ‘dating’
available that will enable 267 to thrive
and grow.

Some scripture that is encouraging us at the moment:

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Saviour,
the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who
formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with
strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their
waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with
awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy
Psalm 65
Diary
Some important upcoming dates to pray for...
l Tuesday 9th March – Haven Online Upcoming (hopeful) Dates!
l Tuesday 9th March – l Friday 4th–Sunday 6th June –
267 trustees meet Years 345 Weekend Away at Felden
l Wednesday 10th March – Haven Online l Sunday 27th June – FUEL Celebration
l Monday 15th March – l 267 Summer Festival – 25th–30th July
Haven in Sandringham School (more exciting details to follow!)
l Friday 19th March – Podcast recording
– theme: grief and loss!
l Monday 22nd March
Haven in Sandringham School
l Wednesday 24th – Friday 26th March –
Youthscape ‘Renew Normal’ Conference
l Sunday 28th March – FUEL on Zoom
l Monday 12th April –
Haven in Sandringham School
l Monday 12th April – 267 trustees meet
r our
l Sunday 18th April – 267 Team to lead Watch out fo
od casts on
service at St Luke’s Cell Barnes Lane fortnightly P
unes…
Spotify and iT
l Monday 19th April –
Haven in Sandringham School
l Sunday 25th April – FUEL on Zoom
l Monday 26th April –
Haven in Sandringham School

If you would like to volunteer with

the267project then drop us an email –
director@the267project.com or
pa@the267project.com Thanks