Cash boost for young faith projects
Two South Wales churches have received funding to encourage young people to develop their Christian faith.
Cynon Valley South Ministry Area received £500 to buy Bibles for young people to use during a Youth Alpha course. In Cardiff, St Mark’s Gabalfa received £785 to work with Saltmine Theatre Company to host family-friendly bible plays for local schools.
Both projects aim to engage young people in the Christian faith and introduce them to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
Cynon Valley South Ministry Area have launched a Youth Alpha course in St John the Baptist Church in Wales High School, Aberdare. Every Thursday lunchtime for half hour 30 young people come together to ask questions about life, faith and meaning. Ministry Area Leader Reverend Peter Lewis believes encouraging young people to ask difficult questions about the world around can help them understand how faith can have a positive impact on their life
“We talk about how to understand a world where bad things happen and how might God inspire us to make a positive difference in the local community,” says Rev Peter. “We wanted the young people to have a Bible they could use at home so they could continue exploring faith.
We want them to discover the Gospel message of love and hope
“We applied to the Mission Fund to help our Ministry Area buy youth-focused bibles so that can be used in their daily life. These bibles have space to write reflections or doodle on while they are reading passages. We didn’t want people to stop thinking about the questions we discussed at Youth Alpha – we want them to discover the Gospel message of love and hope and explore how Jesus can enrich their lives.”
Bringing the life-changing message of Jesus to young people through storytelling is at the heart of St Mark’s new theatre project. Along with St Phillip’s Church Tremorfa, they will be working with Saltmine Theatre Company to host a series of engaging productions inspired by the life of Jesus. Local schools are invited to attend to hear stories of faith, hope and love.
Children will come away with a better understanding of who Jesus is
Becky Heaps, Children and Families Pastor, says, “We’re delighted to be working with Saltmine to introduce Jesus to children in a fun and engaging way. Children will come away with a better understanding of who Jesus is and will have a connection with the church. It is Important for us that children know who Jesus is and how he can have a positive influence on their spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Hopefully they will come to church with their family and discover a friendly and supportive church community.”
Ministry Areas are encouraged to apply to the Diocesan Mission Fund which provides financial support for eligible projects.