More than fifty people came together for a youth service organised by the young people of the Coast Churches.

Children’s & Youth Pastor Kevin Waller led worship at St Columba’s on the evening of Sunday 5 May along with a number of young people.  Chorus-singing was led by a young band with guitar, harmonica and singing.  Two older girls sang a duet and a solo.  Three younger girls talked briefly about how they took the first step to faith in Jesus.  Sound and coloured lighting were managed by young people from St Columba’s Technical Team, along with a video showing words, music and scenes from the local area, made especially for the service.

During the service, three issues were explored that were important to young people – relationships, jobs, and depression.  We recognised that faith could not protect us from suffering in these areas, but that it could help us to deal with them.  One of the older girls talked about some of her experiences and how she drew strength from reading the Bible, in particular Deuteronomy 31: 6 – “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Later in the service, worshippers were given the option to sit and talk about the theme or take part in one of two workshops.  The first involved re-imagining Psalm 139, either in words or pictures – including self-portraits.  The second involved producing prayers based on the week’s newspapers.  Those prayers were later shared in the service.

Young and old alike were urged to let the light of Jesus’ love shine out from their faces and their lives of faith.  Adults were reminded that it was often through them that children and young people were enabled to grow in faith.

The next in this series of youth services will be held at St Andrew’s, Monkseaton, on 14 July at 6.30pm.  All are welcome.