Youth Club
Youth Identity , (a name chosen by our Youth), started in November 2007 with the overall objective of complimenting and supporting the existing “youth” and Junior Church groups through socialising, promoting fellowship and encouraging a healthy bonding between the young people. To support this, it had to be:
F un - to enjoy.
I nclusive - of all members of our Church’s Youth Group and enable our Church Youth to invite friends.
T houghtful - to provide the caring and supportive environment that a Christian-orientated organisation would expect.
We kicked off on Friday, 23rd November with a night walk from Denbies Vineyard to the church for hot chocolate, barbecue food, music and time to socialise. Ably led by Mark Williams, Chris Currie and Steve Tait, 24 of our Youth and their friends set off in the bitter cold night guided by the light of the full moon and a splattering of torches! Of the event, Emily Hinchliffe and Linzi Graham wrote:
“On Friday the 23rd of November, the URC Youth Club, Youth Identity, set out on a crisp evening walk. With the moon guiding the way, we gathered in the Denbies Vineyard car park. Briskly we strode forward up the hill, with the occasional fright, often from some traitors in the group. Wrapped up warm, members of the Youth Church and their friends carried on laughing and singing on their way. We were all enjoying ourselves. As we got to Ranmore Common and started down the hill, it got a bit tricky going down the rocky path. We arrived at the bottom, mostly intact, and continued across the bottom to St. Martin ’s School. We arrived back at the Church for burgers and hot dogs and all-around warming-up in time for a music quiz before it was time to go home.”
Since then, we have had three more activities, all successfully attended with numbers ranging from 15-30: two “chill-outs” at the Church with a variety of activities, and an exciting visit to Laserquest followed by a chili supper.
We’re now in the process of forming our next set of activities, so here’s what we have planned so far:
Future dates for your diaries (Activities subject to change)
December 13th - Christmas Party
January 10th - Laser Quest
January 24th - Chill-out Evening
February 7 - On Your Marks Competition
February 12 - Chill-out Evening
March 7th - Weekend Away
March 21st - Go-Karting
April 4th - Themed Evening
April 18th - Chill-out Evening
May 2nd - Treasure Hunt or Hashing Activity
May 16th - Chill-out Evening
June/July - TBC
Aug 21-24 - Greenbelt Festival
It has been quite rewarding for those of us lucky enough to be involved in organising and running these activities and we are truly blessed with a great group of young people. A big thanks to everyone in the Church who has helped so far, be it through active involvement, advice or thoughtful prayer – it’s all so appreciated.
Should anyone want further information about Youth Identity, or even be willing to get involved in whatever way you feel is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Chris Williams, Sandra Currie and Rosemary Morrison
