Nineteen young adults from across the Oxford, Aylesbury and Wycombe hubs gathered last month for the first-ever YouShape residential.
From the very first cups of tea and warm welcome on Friday afternoon, there was a sense of ease and joy. “It felt safe and really warm,” one young adult said later, “and realigned me.”
After settling in and sharing supper, the group began the weekend with worship – a calm, prayerful space that set the tone for time together rooted in faith, curiosity and friendship. For many, the weekend offered both laughter and depth. “I really enjoyed laughing with friends of a similar age,” one participant said, “getting closer to God and feeling connected to him again.”
The heart of the gathering centred on exploring calling, vocation and discipleship. Bishop Mary invited the group to notice how God uniquely shapes each person, not only as individuals but as part of the Body of Christ – each one gifted, each one needed. She reminded them that calling is both personal and communal, a response to God that unfolds in the life of the Church.
This was echoed in Bishop Dave’s session on vocation. He encouraged everyone to look at how God weaves the strands of our lives together, calling us not only to tasks but to a way of being – walking with Jesus, responding to him, trusting his leading. The teaching landed well. “It’s been insightful,” one young adult shared. “Speakers answered questions I had before, and that’s been really helpful.”
Alongside teaching and reflection, there was plenty of space to breathe, wander, and connect. Walks in the crisp autumn air, conversations by the fire, shared music, card games and even a lively Swedish sofa game filled the margins with laughter. “I enjoyed getting to meet other young Christians on a journey of vocation,” someone said.
On Sunday, the Revd Pete Wheeler led the group in exploring contemplative leadership, focusing on shaping their inner life through the Holy Spirit and developing healthy rhythms and disciplines. Leadership begins with attention to one’s own heart, he reminded them, before flowing outward into community and service.
Worship and Holy Communion brought the weekend to a close – a fitting end that felt more like a beginning. The group left encouraged, rooted, and ready. Monthly gatherings resume soon, and a shared pilgrimage in May is already in diaries.
Every young adult left feeling included, supported, and enthused for the journey ahead – a community being formed, voices emerging, disciples growing in confidence and hope. One weekend, many stories, and a sense that God is shaping something precious among young adults across our diocese.
Find out more about our ministry for young adults.