I had been hearing things about the Youth Service for quite some time but had never been quite sure what it was all about. I had assumed from its title that it was as it says, a service for the younger members of our Parish – particularly aimed at those involved in Pioneers and Junior Pioneers. I certainly hadn’t thought it was something that I might be welcomed to. How wrong I was.

It was clear from the moment that I approached St Mary’s Hall at 5pm on Sunday evening that this was certainly a service with a difference. The beats of modern worship music pumping from a rather impressive sound system set the tone for a contemporary, modern and upbeat approach to worship and this resonates throughout the whole service.

Before I had a chance to feel intimidated or concerned that I was perhaps the “aging lady” stepping out of her comfort zone and rightful territory, I was immediately greeted at the door by two of the most friendly and welcoming faces, keen to make sure I knew immediately how welcome I was. As I looked around me, I recognised many faces, young and old, from the 10am Sunday service I usually attend at St Mary’s. It is clear that while this may be called a “Youth Service”, you do not have to be young of body to attend!

The Youth Service takes place on the third Sunday of each month. There are four teams responsible for leading the service in rotation so each service has its own distinct flavour. This month, the topic was “A Journey with the Holy Spirit” and we were immediately ‘checked-in’ to Flight HS 2010. Our journey through the scriptures and how these can be reflected upon and incorporated into our daily spiritual life had begun!

The stage-area was a mass of multi-media equipment and electronic musical instruments, with an overhead projector guiding us through the service and the songs. Throughout the service there was plenty of singing, led by the Youth Band – a talented group of young people playing guitars, drums and keyboard with two lead singers ensuring we all feel inspired to join in, no matter what our singing ability.

We then explored relevant parts of the Bible before commencing on prayer with full involvement and illustration from the Pioneers and Junior Pioneers. The second half of the service provided an interactive opportunity to explore and develop our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit – all done through the innovative and inviting theme of a holiday. The group ‘broke up’ and were invited to move to the back of the hall to think about where we are in the journey right now and perhaps write a postcard about it. Slips of paper quoting single but important lines from the Bible were on offer for us to take away – perhaps to stumble upon in our pocket or handbag during our daily life.

After some time for individual reflection and an opportunity to peacefully invite the Holy Spirit into our life, the group reconvened for the final part of the service – more prayer and more singing, ensuring an uplifting end to an inspirational hour.
I am keen not to make this experience a compare and contrast between the traditional church service and the contemporary. Both approaches have their own individual characteristics unique and extraordinary to them. Indeed, in my eyes neither should be viewed as mutually exclusive because I feel able to gain from and give to both.

“Contemporary” and “intimate” would be the two words I feel best describe every aspect of the Youth Service, however, one should not feel that this modern approach is lacking in a clear or meaningful message. Throughout the experience I felt incredibly uplifted and close to God – perhaps a little more aware of where I am spiritually right now. It feels good to know that there are many different ways we can worship God and explore our faith within our own community at St Mary’s and St John’s.

If you are interested in getting a flavour of the Youth Service, it is well worth following this link to the parish website: http://www.waltonparish.org.uk/services/youth-services/youth-service-songs.

Jo Armstrong