Author Archives: ruth white

Our wonderful Young Leaders decided that we needed a summer ball so they set about planning and organising an extravaganza with music, food, an impossible quiz (thanks Anto), games, decorations and even a photo booth. The ball was for all our young people aged 14+ and included some of the gang who were back from University too. It was a brilliant night with lots of fun and I was struck by the love the young people have for one another with younger members immediately included in their family. Special mention and thanks go to Tushar who carried the vision and made it happen. I think the video of unedited pictures captures the evening quite well…

We’ve had a wonderful year with our Seekers, Anointed and Sent youth groups who continue to astound us with their dedication, eagerness to seek God, love for one another and openness to all Jesus wants to

do with them. We’ve had trips, residential experiences, group work, games and more games, dramas, artwork, friendship, obstacle courses,

dressing up, teaching, silliness, music and of course lots of Scripture and prayer. They keep coming back for more because Jesus is the only one who truly satisfies. It has been beautiful to see the young people (and groups) grow and a real privilege to be able to share in their lives. God is so good!!

In May we started a second Seekers group based in a different Parish – St Andrew’s in Cottam. It is early days and it has had a bit of a slow start but we are hopeful that when we return in September it will go from strength to strength. We’ve loved getting to know the new children who attend and look forward to walking with them in the years ahead.

We had a fantastic time in June with 8 Primary School afternoon visits and a whole day with around 60 Year 3s from the Small Schools Cluster. We explored themes from trusting in God to following Jesus to the Eucharist! The children loved their sessions and joined in so well. They had some amazing ideas and answers too. Our Yoke Young Leaders helped us to lead the days which added a boost of energy too. These sessions were so successful that we are now looking at setting aside regular time each week to work with Primary Schools.  

In February Half-Term we took our young leaders away for a retreat full of teaching, prayer, creativity and training. They responded so well with their openness to the Spirit, their love for one another and all their hard work. We stayed with Fr Philip Conner (and of course Bosco the dog) at St Joseph’s in Lancaster where we were made to feel really welcome and at home. The church in Preston is blessed to have such a dedicated, talented and holy bunch of young people who are leading the way for others. Here are what a few of them said:

This mid-week residential in Lancaster was a more in depth, personal and mature retreat in which I learnt some answers to questions about my faith and formed more questions. The blend between praying, learning and getting to know everyone was perfect as it didn’t leave me bored or fed up; but instead got me realising the importance of God which I may have been neglecting. Tushar

The retreat definitely helped me to develop my own personal relationship with Jesus. It made me realise how much I need Jesus in my life and that being without him is not an option for me. It also helped me to bond with my peers, deepening my relationship with other Christians as well as God. Richa

It helped me to develop a deeper understanding of why I am a Christian and to understand the importance to open up my heart to him. The retreat also allowed me to delve further into my purpose in the world and how I can help bring the word of God to others as a community. Alvina

The retreat allowed me to know Jesus better and gave me the opportunity to experience his love more. The times of prayer were really good as it gave me time to reflect and allowed me to be opened up to the Holy Spirit in a way that I haven’t been before. All in all, it was 3 days filled with spirituality, teaching and chances to bond with others in a way that may not have been possible without the retreat. Anto

The retreat has helped to form a much deeper personal relationship with Jesus. It has also helped me to understand how I can spread the word of God and what makes me a Christian. I also believe that I have formed a closer relationship with my teammates. Alfi

The retreat has changed the way I see my faith. I feel like I have grown closer to god and have been more willing to let the holy spirit in. It has also helped to bond with others in our group allowing us to come closer as a community. I have realised that god loves us so much that he won’t force his way into our lives, we have to let him in and after this retreat I feel more willing to let him into my life Ellie