**November 2008 Update**

This will be the last Hope 08 Bath update. It has been brilliant to see churches and organisations work together to do more to serve their communities, sharing the gospel in word and deed. As we look forward to 2009 it is exciting to see legacies of mission around the city and we pray that what Hope 08 has been the catalyst for in your church and community, will flourish for years to come.

Street Pastors

Street Pastors is now up and running, with teams patrolling on Friday nights from 10pm-3am. Throughout this time, we have volunteers praying back at the base, in radio contact with the team. Things have been fairly quiet so far – perhaps due to the work of the intercessors? That said, we have had plenty of opportunities to offer practical help and support, as well as engaging in conversations with a number of people on the streets.

We now have around 60 trained volunteers, so we’re aiming to expand to Saturday night patrols in the New Year. We will be launching these patrols at a New Year party at Hay Hill on 10 January – look out for further details. If you (or someone you know) would like to know about volunteering (as a Street Pastor and/or as a Prayer Partner), do come along on 10 Jan. Or contact Paul Bright on bath@streetpastors.org.uk or 07899 006103.

Hope in Our Schools

What started as a dream is becoming a reality. The recruitment process for a full-time Schools Work Manager is underway. The advert has been out on the internet for a couple of weeks and is now in Christianity and Youth work magazines (please reply to this email if you are interested in the role). Bath YFC has had quite a bit of interest already and would ask for your prayers for wisdom and guidance as the process moves forward. Bath YFC is still raising the necessary funds so would ask that if you are able, please highlight the need in your local church. www.bathyfc/hopeinourschools for a response form and more information.

Christmas

As ever Christmas is a fantastic opportunity to share the message of the gospel with people where you live. Aware that Churches will have many visitors over the coming weeks, if you would like to order copies of the ‘Jesus’ booklet to give out to visitors please let us know. You can buy the retelling of Mark's gospel from Bath YFC for £1 a copy. They come with the Hope 08 logo andwould make an excellent resource for any outreach that you are involved in.

Every blessing for the Christmas period

Hope 08 Team