Darkness to light
What an amazing time we had, such a great atmosphere and not a reporter in sight! Getting 150+ young people and youth leaders together, working together, worshipping together, engaging in a range of activitirs is just not newsworthy these days. However, we need to bang the drum, presenting positive images of young people, because a large number, the majority are great people, working out what they want to do in life and trying to live useful lives. I so enjoyed spending 12 hours with such a gret bunch of people. Thank you to those who came and engaged with us, and particularly to those who have made such great suggestions for a future event.
It does seem that there is an assumption that we will be doing another in 2010; actually I quite like the idea and it will give us the opportunity to develop what we offer and how we can challenge young people to live out their faith, or consider their values in light of the claims of Jesus Christ.
Watch out on the website for information, and if you have suggestions for the event, please do let us know - use the website comment option to put your point across.
September posting:
It amazes me that it is nearly a month since I wrote some musings - how time flies. My resolve had been to do at least one update a week, but where does the time go?
One of the exciting aspects of this job is the build up to an event, and darkness to Light is no different. Lots of elements coming together, lots more needing to!
We have the T shirt design completed, so just need people to book in and so we can get the sizes ordered! Talking of booking in we need people to turn their "we are coming" into bookings; we want to avoid the last minute rush, as well as lots of people getting the wrong size T shirt!
For me the idea that we can have an event that brings together young people from across the church spectrum, for fun activities, interspersed with collective times of worship, with opportunity to spend time thinking through issues like being young and Christian - should that make a difference, a place where people can receive prayer from people who are safe to pray with, but allowing more of God in your life. It is a great combination - and more details on this webs site.
We do need some more help with setting up and taking down, as well as a few people who can be general stewards, supporting where there are gaps throughout the night.
Finally, please pray for this event, for all the arrangements, for everything to come together properly. For everyone's safety throughout the night and that everyone will grow in their relationship with God; that we will all be real lights for Christ in the day to day reality of our lives.
August posting!
It's great to be working with Darren, Youth Chaplain in the Abbey and Karen & Ginnie from St Mary's, Watford on Darkness to Light an event for 13+ at the Abbey. Whilst we are a small group there are a growing number of people being drawn in to help run the 12 hour event.
It all starts at 8pm on Friday 30th October and ends by 8am on Saturday 31st! I am really excited by the range of stuff that we are planning - all linked as closely as we can to how we - each of us are drawn towards the light of Christ and how we, in turn take that light into dark places of the world we are part of. It is a massive challenge for young people to stand up for their faith in Christ and I want to be one of those supporting them as they work to be there, bring some light - and a bit of salt(!) into their schools and groups.
One of the areas we are having is a Godly Girl and a Godly Guy stream. I am excited to hear about the stuff that Sam Folett and his mates are doing, they have set up a website (http://www.j516.com) that is about supporting each other in their walk with God. During August they have run a conference in St Albans so it is not all about chatting on line. This is a bold venture and I encourage you to let people know about this website. I am hoping Sam will be around on 30th to share what he is doing and his vision.
We have a pamper area for girls; we did wonder about pamper for lads, but weren't sure what to include! We have a games area, chill out zone, food through the night, cinema, a bishop talking about faith, worship, prayer labyrinth all night, a prayer team who can pray with you, Christian Aid and Tear Fund looking at different aspects of bringing light into dark places. I particularly like the Michelangelo art, but you'll have to come to see how that works out.
There is so much being planned; we are putting information onto this site, so keep checking it out - and most importantly come. It will be great! Oh yes, you can have a nap if you need one!!
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Short links
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/darkness_to_light
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/171