Energize youth event aims to inspire

Tuesday September 23rd 2008

Youth workers and young people from across Connor will gather in St Brigid’s, Glengormley, on Sunday for a major celebration of youth.

The Energize event aims to challenge, inspire and enthuse young people and their leaders about youth work and the impact it can have on church and community.

The evening, which will celebrate the vibrance and power of youth ministry, takes place on Sunday September 28, beginning at 6.30pm. It will be followed by roadshows in Connor’s three archdeaconries during November.

As well as worship there will be a juice bar, a coffee dock, arts, drama and music, visual displays including inspirational photos of youth work in the diocese, and prayer spaces. The evening will conclude at 9pm

The aim is to have young people aged 12 and over, along with leaders and volunteers and clergy from every parish in Connor represented.

Sharon Hamill of the Church of Ireland Youth Department, who is on the organising committee, said the evening was to embrace movement, allow people to have the opportunity to meet others and share experiences.

“The evening is aimed at inspiring those involved in youth work and at challenging people about how they ‘do’ youth work,” she said.

Bishop Alan will welcome everyone at 6.30pm, and this will be followed by dance, worship led by Keith Neil, youth worker at Lisburn Cathedral, and a chat by the Bishop who will highlight his own personal journey.

An audio visual show will give a glimpse at youth work across the district, before a 45 minute break to allow people to mingle, chat and have something to eat or drink.

There will be a further dance display and more worship before another brief talk by the Bishop who will conclude the evening with the Blessing.

This will capture the imagination and will be a platform for us to say to people all over the diocese we are going to come out into the diocese and meet you.”

A photographer from the diocese will be present so youth leaders or clergy attending with anyone under 18 is asked to endeavour to get parental permission for photographs to be taken prior to Sunday evening.