St Nics’ thriving youth group, made up of 11–18-year-olds, recently returned from an unforgettable residential weekend in Seahouses, Northumberland. Twenty-one young people took part in the weekend, which focused on the theme of Holiness.
This was the first residential weekend in several years and its success has already sparked plans for more. The weekend was led by St Nics’ Youth Missioner Hannah Wilkinson, supported by a dedicated team of youth workers ranging in age from their early 20s to their 70s.
The programme followed the story of Moses and the Burning Bush and featured a fantastic mix of activities, including fish and chips, a bracing dip in the sea, games inspired by TV programmes The Traitors and Taskmaster, and a lively neon silent disco.
Alongside all the fun, they spent a lot of time worshipping and praying together. They saw God move in incredible ways, with young people hearing from God, praying for one another and receiving words and pictures for each other.
Hannah commented, “God is with us all the time but something special happens when we are away together. Away from everyday distractions, God can do something really significant. We saw young people grow in their love for God!
St Nics offers a variety of creative spaces for young people throughout the week. The main gathering is Sunday Youth, where the group meets to eat pizza, talk about the Bible passage and worship together at the 6:30pm service.
Other regular activities include Friday Drop-in, a relaxed after-school space in the church café where young people can play games and hang out, and Anointed, a monthly youth worship night with sung worship, prayer, talk, snacks and games.
St Nics also partners with Durham Sixth Form Centre in a mentorship scheme that pairs A Level students with mentors from the congregation.
Looking ahead, excitement is building for a summer camping residential, taking 25 young people to the Satellite Festival in Bath this August. Satellite offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time with God while enjoying a packed programme of speakers, worship, sports, food, dancing at the silent disco, and much more - alongside around 3,000 other young people.
If you’d like to know more or to join a group visit St Nics’ website: https://www.stnics.org.uk/youth-ministry