Energize celebration draws 200 young people and youth leaders

Tuesday November 9th 2010

The Mark Ferguson Band led the praise.Two hundred young people and youth leaders from parishes the length and breadth of Connor Diocese participated in the Energize celebration of youth event on Sunday November 7.

Stormy weather was no deterrent as they flocked to the hall of St Patrick’s, Ballymena, for an evening of praise, fellowship, fun and inspiration.

This now annual event was organised once again by Connor Energize Committee and follows three Get Connected networking sessions for youth leaders which took place at venues across the diocese during September.

A section of the 200-strong crowd at Energize 2010 in Ballymena.Worship in the hall was led by Mark Ferguson and his band from Portadown. Mark’s brother Peter is a curate in Carrickfergus. The band provided lively and inspirational music with words on a big screen allowing everyone to join in.

Mid way through the two-hour service a very relaxed Rev Simon Genoe, curate at Lisburn Cathedral, gave an enlightening talk on the difference between dangerous living and living dangerously.

Afterwards the young people were invited to come into groups for prayer, before the music got underway again.

The hall had been decorated especially for the occasion, with a prayer tent a big attraction, while Diane Rhodes, St Paul and St Barnabas, created a beautiful wall painting on the night. At the end the young people and their leaders had a chance to mingle over refreshments.

Energize initiatives continue with more Go For It Sessions during November. Looking ahead to the new year and a Refresh the Soul event takes place on Tuesday March 29 2011, providing an opportunity for leaders to join forces and be refreshed in their vision and heart for youth work in the diocese. This will be held in Antrim Parish Centre at 7.30pm. An Energize Youth Camp is also being considered for February 2012. Watch this space!

Lots more photos in our Photo Gallery

A young worshipper enjoys the praise at Energize.The Rev Simon Genoe lives dangerously on stage!

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