Departments: Christian & Spiritual Development
Christian and Spiritual Development Worker Rob Hurd
In my role as CSD Worker I have four key areas that I offer;
Co-ordinate regular opportunities for Christian worship and prayer across Nottinghamshire.
- I organise a monthly staff devotional meeting called Set Aside. Any YMCA staff are more than welcome to attend. Held on the first Monday lunchtime each month. We have lunch, time for a chat, then there is a guest speaker and short time of prayer and reflection. See our upcoming events page for details of the next Set Aside meeting.
- I also organise individual events such as the Christmas Carol Service.
Organise spiritual growth activities for the benefit of staff, residents and members.
- Over the years I have ran a variety of weekly faith and ethics discussion courses for residents. There is a short film which includes a certain aspect of Christianity, or ethical issues, then we have a discussion on it, and finish with healthy snacks.
- In Mansfield I have organised a variety of workshops on varying ethical topics of which include a Prejudice & Racism Workshop that I currently run. Not limited to Mansfield I hope to bring these workshops to venues across the county. If you're interested get in touch!
- One of the volunteers who helps me also offers free hair cuts occasionally, which has been well received.
- I have also been on the planning team for the Business Alpha Course that takes place each year, from September to December in the Council Offices in Nottingham. This is open to anyone.
Offer pastoral support to staff, residents and volunteers
- In addition to the Gym Pastor Scheme (above), I also offer pastoral support to staff, residents and service users. You will find the CSD poster at all our 5 sites offering support, and all new residents are offered CSD Support in their interview for accommodation.
- I am able to sign post people to a chosen place of worship. I have recently designed a directory of all the places of worship in the Mansfield and Nottingham areas, with contact details, which is accessible to all staff and residents.
Develop positive relationships with local church leaders, chaplains, and churches.
- As Chair of Mansfield Inter faith Network and a member of Nottingham Inter Faith Council, I attend all meetings. I am also hoping to start an Inter Faith Network meeting within the YMCA for understanding and reconciliation amongst those of different faiths.
- I also attend all the Mansfield Churches Together, Mansfield Ministers Fellowship Group, Business Alpha, and ‘Christians @ Work.’
- I attend the regional CSD planning meetings.
- These meetings are ideal opportunities to network with other organizations and communicate to people the excellent work that Nottinghamshire YMCA do.
- I also attend regular staff meetings, and any other appropriate meetings that occur.
- I am also available to speak to different church groups about homelessness and the work of Nottinghamshire YMCA.
