Last weekend our older JC’s Youth Group headed off to the beautiful surroundings of Rydal Water, to laugh, explore, play, learn, pray and just spend time with each other and with God. Here are some reflections from one of our leaders and one of the young people.
REFLECTION – By Minnie (Young Person)
Every youth weekend away that I’ve been on, I’ve really enjoyed the activities, the people you get to spend time with and being able to reflect on your own faith, praying and worshipping with other young people. I was particularly looking forward to this weekend away as myself and Kaitlyn (another youth) have recently started leading a youth band at church, and a lot of the participants of that we’re coming on the weekend, so I thought it would be a good bonding experience and a way to get to know each other. Having a smaller group of just the older youth was really nice, being able to play games in the evenings as one group and having lots of random conversations was great. I felt that we had all got to know each other really well by the end of the weekend and had mixed well in the variety of outdoor activities that we got to do.
The mini talks and bible sessions mixed into the weekend really spoke to me and had quite a lot of significance. We talked a lot about our own faith and it really made me think about my
commitment as a Christian. We spent most of the weekend looking at Colossians which challenged me and my faith, but by the end of the weekend it had helped refresh my commitment to God and I felt stronger and reassured in my faith. We also looked at our journey in faith and a picture that Joanna used was a Gate, which had recently come up in another Christian event, so this really spoke to me and felt very significant. Throughout the weekend we took part in lots of fun activities. I particularly enjoyed the walk to Ambleside, we got to see the Rydal caves which were amazing, as well as lots of beautiful views. We walked over many stepping stones and a wobbly log, on which Joe unfortunately fell into the river, but it was very funny for the rest of us.
We enjoyed fish and chips in Ambleside, as well as playing football and walking around the shops. We also tried a new sport in axe throwing, which was a lot of fun and surprisingly easier than I thought. My team did really well at lots of the games. Although the weather was really cold luckily it didn’t rain, meaning we could also enjoy crazy golf and orienteering.
Overall I had a really fun time away, as well as being able to reflect on my faith. Thankyou to all the leaders that volunteered to go away with us. We really appreciate it and
enjoyed spending time with you too!
STEPS – By Ruth (JC’s Youth Leader)
We walked 20,000 today, some uphill, some on stones over water, some in daylight and some in the darkness. Some were tough, sometimes we stumbled. But we kept stepping forward on our journey. Some bodies were tired, some ached, but there were smiles and laughs, friendship and snacks!
However many steps we have taken on our journey with Jesus, whether this is the first or a hundred and first, whether the steps are fast or slow, easy or painful and even when we have paused or stepped backwards. He is right there next to us, encouraging us, supporting us.
Thank you Jesus for walking beside us, for lighting the way, for being our guide, for helping us to overcome our fears, for offering a hand to steady us on the slippery steps and for carrying us when we just can’t go on.
As we continue on our own personal journey, stepping closer to you. We will look for you in the darkness and on the uphill climbs. And we will find you, right there next to us.
