More than 100 young people from five churches in High Wycombe gathered at Latimer Hope in Chesham for a weekend of fun, faith and food.
The weekend, the first of its kind in Wycombe deanery, was an ecumenical event with young people aged 11 and above welcomed. They took part in joint worship, and shared food, as well as laser quest, water fights, spray painting and craft activities. The youngsters were able to explore a variety of subjects, like identity and science and the big bang, in smaller breakout sessions.
Mark Humphries, Director of Children and Youth Ministry at St Peter's Loudwater, said:
“This event is huge for the young people who come along. Being surrounded by their peers and seeing their peers worship and engage with God gives them the confidence they can live this life that God asks us to. There are people who recognise people from their year group at school who they didn’t realise were Christians so they have someone they know they can speak to about their faith.”
The event was such a success the organisers are hoping to make it a mainstay of the ecumenical calendar. They are also looking at running a week-long youth festival specifically for young people, in the Wycombe area in the summer months.
Mark added:
“It is really important to offer young people talks on subjects they can relate to. So often a church preacher will try to be cool and engage the young people and miss the mark. Here everything is geared up for the young people, from the talks to the games we play. It makes them realise this place is for them and that God loves them.
“For us as youth workers, we get the sense that it is only going to go from strength to strength. We are planning monthly worship events and more socialising opportunities.”
Photo credit: Alfie from Maltmedia_
Notes to Editor
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About the Diocese of Oxford
The Diocese of Oxford is the Church of England in the Thames Valley region of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. There are over 800 churches in 626 parishes, the largest number of churches of any diocese in the Church of England. The diocese is also home to 285 schools and academies educating some 60,000 pupils.