Jo Jones shares what happened at the annual Kensington Area’s youth weekend away – a joint event between churches for young people.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, it was wonderful to be able to gather 45 young people and their leaders from 9 churches across the Kensington Area at Oakwood Youth Challenge, Wokingham, for the annual weekend away. This event is an excellent example of collaboration between parishes, especially geared for those which don’t run ‘in house’ youth residentials.
There was a packed programme, including several ‘adventurous’ activities led by Oakwood staff as well as our own themed ‘Escape Room’, a highly creative scavenger hunt and an opportunity to relax making varied craft items.
Over 4 sessions all together, we considered different aspects of the story of Moses and what we can learn from that about ourselves, God and following Him. One session included a challenge to make a protective headgear for leaders using a range of items in only 5 minutes that would protect them if ‘gunged’ – to remind us of God’s protection! The results were incredible – and a leader was indeed ‘gunged’!
Bishop Graham joined us on the Sunday morning to lead an uplifting communion service, reminding us that the choice faced by the Israelites to follow God or not is the same choice we can make in our lives today. It was a great encouragement to enjoy worship and share communion as a group from diverse churches, celebrating our unity in Christ.
“My son loved every minute of it” – feedback from a parent
“My group gained the sense of being part of a church and a group of young people that is larger than our small group” – feedback from a leader
“This was a wonderful opportunity to gather young people from churches across the Kensington Area to be reminded they are not alone as Christians, to worship together and to build new friendships. It was great fun, yet there was also a real desire to deepen faith and learn how to follow Jesus in today’s world.” Bishop Graham
If you would like to find out more about combined youth events in the Kensington Area, contact Jo at joanna.jones@london.anglican.org