youth groups
Whilst I had what might be described a fairly normal childhood, this did involve attending Sunday School and Youth groups.
I went on to serve at youth groups for several years both in Edinburgh and in London, which has given me a heart for young people to be championed and supported by the church.
We were youth leaders (Pathfinders) in our church in north London, and as we moved around the country, found ourselves called to set up and run youth groups in Doncaster, then Hitchin, then York and finally in Duffield!
My experience of the church over the last 50 years includes preaching and leading services in many rural and suburban churches, both Anglican and Methodist, as well as many years of leading youth groups.
I oversee our church’s children's work , and have helped at several holiday clubs and youth groups.
evangelising effectively in schools, youth groups, and universities.
Youth are looking for community and purpose, which youth groups and out-reach can offer.
My experience in helping to lead youth groups and school Christian unions could offer insight into what youth value in churches.
Setting up community projects including youth groups, civic pride and church outreach.
Think of all the youth groups, classes, and bereavement programmes that take place in these buildings, and how people’s lives are transformed through the provision of a well-maintained local communal meeting place such as a church.
Youth groups and activities are brilliant and I applaud the Diocese for encouraging us to think more about this provision.
This involved operating at very high levels, meeting government leaders, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, diplomats, armed forces, Rebel Groups church leaders, women’s groups, and youth groups For eight years, I was the Registrar at Christ Church, Oxford, from whence I left to become the Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in 2010.
We live in the parish of Emmanuel, Croydon where our sons have joined various youth groups, and my youngest son has just joined the choir of Croydon Minster.
In 2023 I gave up my NHS work to take on the role of Deputy Director of Lovewise, a Christian Charity that seeks to help parents, youth groups and schools to teach on the subjects of marriage, sex and relationships from a Christian perspective.
Sunday by Sunday, day by day, up and down the country, in parishes, schools and chaplaincies; in workplaces, open churches and coffee mornings; in youth groups and warm hubs; at baptisms, weddings and funerals; in worship and the celebration of sacraments, and beside the hospital bed; in conversations on high streets and in small acts of pastoral care — the Church of England displays the glory of its myriad witnesses to Jesus Christ.
I know my faith was enhanced by my attendance at summer camps and youth groups in my teens.
I am a member of the Creation Care Team and from time to time, I help with the cooking for the mid-week youth groups.