Taking Shape

Dear Church Family



Following weeks of preparation, mostly in prayer, Outside Light has started to take shape. George, some of the youth leaders and young people from St John's Church and I went out on Saturday evening hoping to meet other youngsters. We weren't disappointed, there were three quite young girls and later on, a couple of older sisters. It helped having female leaders with us because they were able to make contact with these young girls, whereas if it had been just George and me this would have been somewhat harder. Anyway, we had a really good time, playing football (not very well by me - I never was that good but on this occasion I embarrassed myself. Must be the age :o)) It seemed to George and me that God was easing us and the young people from the church very gently into streetwork. The weather was good, atmosphere and company fantastic, and we had a bit of a picnic too. We felt blessed. The older sisters seemed interested in going to St John's Friday night youth club - they used to go to Guides there, but didn't know there was a youth club as well.

Tonight, Phil, George, Heather and I went out after praying, to the recreation ground by Alexander Gardens. There were a lot of young people there and we prayed for the words that would help us to make contact with them. We started throwing around a frisbee, and then George and Phil just walked up to them and started a conversation - simple as that. We told them we were hoping to meet there regularly on Monday nights, perhaps take food next time, certainly take a football. They seemed pleased to see us, saying there wasn't much to do. There were no negative comments!

After perhaps an hour, they went home and the four of us chatted and threw around some ideas about how Outside Light might take shape. A great deal of thought has to be given to form and structure, especially as regards issues that are as fundamental as whether we write our rules to exclude leaders who aren't Christian, or whether instead we make it very clear what Outside Light stands for and also ensure that leaders are prepared to buy into that. It seems that Outside Light is also about the growth of those working within it, as much as it is about showing young people that someone cares.

One of the most exciting ideas from this evening, was that we might use a bus as a mobile drop-in centre. This might complement or be an alternative to the second-hand sea container idea. Of course there will be logistical issues to contend with, but fortunately we have God to help us. Another idea that was suggested to me earlier this week was the revival of Spinnakers, which was an annual sailing event on The Norfolk Broads. Two of the youths who went on one of these trips, tough East End lads (Knaphill Holy Trinity Church was partnered with an East End church many years ago) who used to disappear to the pub, are now ministers!

We would like prayer for this idea and for the following, please:

1) Ensuring we get right the formation of Outside Light

2) Help with ideas for entertaining young people

3) That God will lay on the hearts of other Christian adults, the desire to work with young people

4) Good weather this coming Mondy evening.

Thanks

John