Sunday, November 30, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
After a short break during the Mission, EMS were back at St. John Vianney lunch club with 4 new students. 'The best ever!' said Joan, the organiser after being very impressed with their washing up skills. We hope to be back again soon.
After a short break during the Mission, EMS were back at St. John Vianney lunch club with 4 new students. 'The best ever!' said Joan, the organiser after being very impressed with their washing up skills. We hope to be back again soon.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Whilst special events were happening at St. John Vianney and St. Cuthbert's too, I joined up with the good people of St. Mary's to celebrate Youth Sunday itself.
It was a really special celebration, not least because Bishop Seamus was with us on visitation. He spoke movingly about our loving God and how we should not be afraid to enter into God's presence, in spite of all our faults and failings.
The theme of 'Outrageous Hope' had caught the imaginations of the children at St. Bega's school who had each made a colourful dove on which they had written their hopes ('My hope is that all wars in the world will stop and Manchester United will win the Premier League'!). These had been strung across the church with those of the children preparing to make their 1st Holy Communion attached to helium balloons that, with Fr. Nick's blessing, were let off into the sky after Mass.
The music was also a highlight, with Kev Walsh excelling himself on both guitar and vocals. It's great that he, along with many others, are so willing to share their talents with us in the service of the Lord!
Whilst special events were happening at St. John Vianney and St. Cuthbert's too, I joined up with the good people of St. Mary's to celebrate Youth Sunday itself.
It was a really special celebration, not least because Bishop Seamus was with us on visitation. He spoke movingly about our loving God and how we should not be afraid to enter into God's presence, in spite of all our faults and failings.
The theme of 'Outrageous Hope' had caught the imaginations of the children at St. Bega's school who had each made a colourful dove on which they had written their hopes ('My hope is that all wars in the world will stop and Manchester United will win the Premier League'!). These had been strung across the church with those of the children preparing to make their 1st Holy Communion attached to helium balloons that, with Fr. Nick's blessing, were let off into the sky after Mass.
The music was also a highlight, with Kev Walsh excelling himself on both guitar and vocals. It's great that he, along with many others, are so willing to share their talents with us in the service of the Lord!
The Diocesan Youth Ministry Conference brought together over 200 people to share their experiences of youth ministry with each other. We were both entertained and inspired by David Wells, a man who knows how to communicate serious theology to normal people better than anyone I've ever heard! Our stall in the marketplace attracted some attention and we invited lots of people to have a look at our blog, so we may even have some new visitors this morning. If we do, you're very welcome!
The Diocesan Youth Ministry Conference brought together over 200 people to share their experiences of youth ministry with each other. We were both entertained and inspired by David Wells, a man who knows how to communicate serious theology to normal people better than anyone I've ever heard! Our stall in the marketplace attracted some attention and we invited lots of people to have a look at our blog, so we may even have some new visitors this morning. If we do, you're very welcome!
Our now traditional Friday night extravaganza brought Bruce
Forsyth out of retirement to host, once more, the greatest ever TV game show!
We had people making pots out of clay, decorating cakes and Irish dancing with
mostly impressive, and sometimes hilarious, results.
We finished off the evening with time of prayer,
listening to the inspiring story of Ida B. Wells and reflecting on how awesome
we are as God's children, made in his image and likeness. And if you feel in
need of a pep talk, check out Kid President at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o
Many thanks to all who made it happen, especially Alistair for
being our host and our three expert demonstrators: Mr. Gribben, Linda and Mary.
(Photos to follow soon...)
Our now traditional Friday night extravaganza brought Bruce
Forsyth out of retirement to host, once more, the greatest ever TV game show!
We had people making pots out of clay, decorating cakes and Irish dancing with
mostly impressive, and sometimes hilarious, results.
We finished off the evening with time of prayer,
listening to the inspiring story of Ida B. Wells and reflecting on how awesome
we are as God's children, made in his image and likeness. And if you feel in
need of a pep talk, check out Kid President at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o
Many thanks to all who made it happen, especially Alistair for
being our host and our three expert demonstrators: Mr. Gribben, Linda and Mary.
(Photos to follow soon...)
Sunday, November 09, 2014
An amazing weekend, planned and led by an amazing group of our young people. 74 people from 22 families, aged 2 to 94, enjoyed a fun and faith-filled weekend at the Youth Village. Our theme was communication and we spent our time creatively reflecting on four questions (see below for both questions and answers!).
We set out to offer people a relaxing and enjoyable
weekend, which gave them the time and space to reflect on their faith and enjoy
being with each other; we ended up discovering much more. As we prepared to
leave, many people commented on the amazing community spirit that we had
formed, how people had come together to share their faith as well as to care
for each other’s children. As one of the young leaders had observed, ‘It
doesn't get much better than this!’ It has left us, perhaps, with an insight into what the
church really is.
What do we
want to communicate to our friends and families?
·
Love, freedom, friendship, community.
·
We want to freely share our faith, to talk (and
sing) about God!
·
Honesty.
·
How precious faith is- a ‘friend’ for life.
·
The capacity for God to help us triumph over
every adversity.
·
God’s love.
What do we
want to communicate about God to other people?
·
Love and trust
·
‘Before you start preaching about God, you must
first start living your faith. Then you will lead by example, because actions
speak louder than words.
·
Why we believe in God. We should not be afraid
to talk about love and forgiveness and the need for self-sacrifice on a daily
basis.
·
God’s infinite capacity for unconditional love
and forgiveness.
·
We are here by God’s design and the divine plan
won’t work without all of us. Be who you are- the best version, now!
·
That he loves them!
What do we
want to communicate to God?
·
Thanks!
·
Our love and gratitude
·
Our willingness to listen and act.
·
Our trust.
·
We lift up to God those people who don’t feel
God’s love.
What does
God want to communicate to us?
·
Treasure the gifts you have been given.
·
I know you are trying- keep it up!
·
Be strong.
·
Unconditional love.
·
You will be alright because I am with you
always.
·
Peace, even in the midst of a storm.
·
This weekend has been a great opportunity-
continue to grow.
·
I love you!
An amazing weekend, planned and led by an amazing group of our young people. 74 people from 22 families, aged 2 to 94, enjoyed a fun and faith-filled weekend at the Youth Village. Our theme was communication and we spent our time creatively reflecting on four questions (see below for both questions and answers!).
We set out to offer people a relaxing and enjoyable
weekend, which gave them the time and space to reflect on their faith and enjoy
being with each other; we ended up discovering much more. As we prepared to
leave, many people commented on the amazing community spirit that we had
formed, how people had come together to share their faith as well as to care
for each other’s children. As one of the young leaders had observed, ‘It
doesn't get much better than this!’ It has left us, perhaps, with an insight into what the
church really is.
What do we
want to communicate to our friends and families?
·
Love, freedom, friendship, community.
·
We want to freely share our faith, to talk (and
sing) about God!
·
Honesty.
·
How precious faith is- a ‘friend’ for life.
·
The capacity for God to help us triumph over
every adversity.
·
God’s love.
What do we
want to communicate about God to other people?
·
Love and trust
·
‘Before you start preaching about God, you must
first start living your faith. Then you will lead by example, because actions
speak louder than words.
·
Why we believe in God. We should not be afraid
to talk about love and forgiveness and the need for self-sacrifice on a daily
basis.
·
God’s infinite capacity for unconditional love
and forgiveness.
·
We are here by God’s design and the divine plan
won’t work without all of us. Be who you are- the best version, now!
·
That he loves them!
What do we
want to communicate to God?
·
Thanks!
·
Our love and gratitude
·
Our willingness to listen and act.
·
Our trust.
·
We lift up to God those people who don’t feel
God’s love.
What does
God want to communicate to us?
·
Treasure the gifts you have been given.
·
I know you are trying- keep it up!
·
Be strong.
·
Unconditional love.
·
You will be alright because I am with you
always.
·
Peace, even in the midst of a storm.
·
This weekend has been a great opportunity-
continue to grow.
·
I love you!
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