This is a text-only version of an article first published on Monday, 16 November 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
PEOPLE from across the Diocese packed into Didcot's Civic Centre for Mend the Gap - an event held to consider how churches can engage with and include younger people.
TED style talks from speakers including the Viva Network and the Fusion Youth and community followed the keynote speakers, Diocesan children's adviser, Yvonne Morris and youth adviser, Ian MacDonald. Ruth Harley, who spoke about her work at All Saints, High Wycombe, said: "There was a real buzz in the room, with lots of people discussing ideas and exploring new things together, which is good for everyone.
There was plenty of food for thought. " The Revd Claire Alcock, from the Langtree Benefice in Henley, went along with two people from her church.
They were so impressed by the presentations that they are planning to present the Youth and Children's Family Awards at the next PCC meeting. It was the first time I had basically sat down with the two people who came with me.
It's difficult to get people together when they have busy lives.
It was really good.
It was half a day which was perfect for us.
One of our group went to the seminar on how to listen to your community, especially before you make a Mission Action Plan.
I went along to the session for teenagers as I still have teenagers in my family and that was really helpful for me.
I was able to share how I've plugged my teenagers into Christian resources on social media.
We don't have anything specifically for them at our church, but at least this plugs them in to what's going and introduces them to things that are going on in the world. "Jane Hull, a volunteer from St Swithun's, Kennington, in Oxford, said: "Though I don't have much experience at all as a children's work volunteer, it is really important to me that children are full members of our church community. " Jane says that she reads and uses the internet to find out about children's work, but is aware that approach doesn't work for everyone.
"The day gave me the opportunity to bring four others from our church, so we could discuss and to develop a shared understanding of how we approach children's work and why it is important. It was good, if not always comfortable, to have our assumptions challenged.
We were gently reminded of the importance of hearing and learning from children's perspectives, and challenged to build good relationships between individuals across the age groups. "Yvonne and Ian are happy to take a shorter version of Mend the Gap to your deanery or church. If you are interested then drop them a line on ian. macdonald@oxford. anglican. org or yvonne. morris@oxford. anglican. org