The future of youth events in SA
Several changes are afoot for the traditional Synod-organised, state-wide youth ministry events such as Live Life Loud and SA Youth Camp Out (SAYCO). Tim Littleford explains in this letter.
Community engagement for young people
By Mike Wardrop
Intergenerational Discipleship Developer, Youth & Young Adults
Posted in Family
National Youth Week has started – and in the spirit of stereotypical youth rebellion, the week goes for 10 days, rather than seven, running from 8-17 April.
Last year’s National Youth Week featured a wide variety of festivals, events and creative happenings across the state, and 2016 promises to be even better with a commitment to cultural diversity outlined in the theme, “My Community is Your Community”.
For those of us in local Uniting Church congregations, National Youth Week has the potential to be a fantastic engagement opportunity to connect with teenagers.
Here are three ways for you to think about youth and your local congregation during National Youth Week.
- Think MISSIONALLY
As Christians, we are constantly on God’s mission to the world. To do that, most of the time we find we have to go OUT. How can your local congregation serve the community? What gifts do you have that would bless your suburb and community’s teenagers? A great start is to call your local council and find out areas you could help. Bring the church to your community.
- Think SMALL
Jesus was always about his Father’s business, and a lot of the time that involved the “least”. Who in your community gets missed? About one in every 1,000 South Australians between 12 and 25 are homeless. That adds up to about 1,500 young people a night. What could you do to represent Jesus to a homeless young person during youth week? Every action counts.
- Think COMMUNITY
Churches have an incredible capacity to love and serve others, but we can have a tendency to focus on what we’ve always done and forget to innovate. What can you do to listen to the voices of teenagers from within your church community? How can you help them to have a significant role in decision-making and to let them lead – not in the distant future, but right now?
We can’t wait to hear the stories of how churches are making their communities better and seeing teenagers thrive in faith and life!
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For more information on National Youth Week, please visit the website.
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