The opening worship was led by Bishop Ian.

He spoke to the text I Timothy 4,12  Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young.

Christ died for all. young and old, and all are equally a part of his Church which has much to receive from young people. The experience of time of our lives illustrated three attributes of young people which they offer to the wider church

• seriousness. It was the quality of seminars that attracted many

• enthusiasm. Contrasting sharply with many churches Sunday worship

• journey. Different styles of worship are acceptable. Routes on the journey may vary. arriving at the same destination

Bishop Ian finished by quoting from the rule of St. Benedict "it is often to the young that the Lord reveals what is to be done’

Works in a secondary school teaching R.S.. Philosophy & Theology.

It is important to learn from good practise and analyse bad practise to see what makes it  wrong.

Young people & older people) show their beliefs through their behaviour & there is a need to reflect on behaviour to understand underlying beliefs

Stories. cryptic and parabolic, can help people to reflect on behaviour & belief. He  told the story of "Hetty Green as an example of worship of false gods. Stories should he dramatic, focusing & intriguing to appeal

bid story of "The Salesman’ as a wav into consumerist approach. the world is a stockpile of raw material which humans use as selfish calculating machines. spoke of Nihilism leads to apathy & "nothing matters" attitude.

Youth beliefs, revealed in action, need to be understood if there is to be any effective mission in the same way that a missionary to Egypt would achieve little if they had no knowledge of Islam.

Contrasting stories/philosophies can be effective, e.g. Christianity is introduced towards the end of a discussion on what was wrong with Nazism. Modern parabolic "non-naff’ stories work powerfully, as illustrated by "The Godfather"

The Safari"

"The dream"

Rural Youth Worship

There is a real need among churches to not see worship as something that happens on Sundays or in church buildings only. Worship is about a relationship with God and the resulting lifestyle. Young people develop an attitude of worship when they see it in Christian action and are given the opportunity to discover God through a variety of activities.

In many ways rural youth worship is no different to urban/sub-urban youth worship! The difference is the situation in which it happens.

What are the challenges that face young people in rural areas?

Transport. isolation, education/employment opportunities, social life, expectation of family/community, lack of facilities, limited resources to develop facilities etc.

How do we offer opportunities for young people to worship/meet together? Using the three case studies try to create plans to help in the situations.

Note the need to work corporately — ecumenically, across parish boundaries, with secular organisations. This requires us to stop being territorial and to release young people from the guilt of feeling they can only attend "this churches activities"!

There is a base level need to bring young people on board from stage I if they are to own the vision and run with it. Our work should be with young people and not for young people. This avoids patronising young people and helps them develop their own vision. Congregations need to assess their part — transport ministry, release of buildings and the way they are used etc.

There is funding available but releasing it can be difficult — use your Diocesan Youth Officer who can help!!!

PRAY!

Send mail to robert.barlow@zetnet.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.