‘Here I am’ – three brief words
but they yielded a wealth of meaning as the theme for our Exploring
Worship Service on Sunday, June 14th 2009.
One by one, members of Trygs, our Parish Youth Group, presented stories
and situations from the Bible which ended with the commitment of these
words. Then, in lively drama our young people worked through the
meaning of ‘Here I am’ in our response to others – awareness of their
needs, not turning away but giving even at cost to ourselves of our
time and attention. In conclusion our confirmation candidates
spoke Jesus’ words from Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 25 vv 35 and
36. So, in scripture, music and drama, in imagery, psalm and
symbolic action, we explored these truths. Reverend Jane gave a
Meditation – as we offer ourselves to Christ, he is always giving
himself to us, and amazingly needing us for his work in the
world. In words from one of our Eucharistic prayers – ‘In Christ,
your Son, our life and yours are brought together in a wonderful
exchange.’ Anne Hooper led us in prayer reflecting these thoughts and
Reverend Jane gave a blessing.
Thank you to our young people, to those who will be confirmed in July,
and to those who guided them to bring us this hour of imaginative
worship.
Eileen B
The following article was
written by our Vicar, Jane, for the October 2007 edition of the Parish
Magazine.
(Jane retired as Vicar in 2009 but if you are interested in
TRYGS, please contact the
Rector and he will put you in touch with one of the helpers.)
A
“Mad” Weekend!
Well, that’s the official name given to the Bangor Diocesan Youth
Weekend that Trygs, our Youth Group, attended just a couple of weeks
ago. It was quite an adventure, starting at 4.30 pm on Friday
14th September when six of our young people piled into our Coach at
Holy Trinity for the trip down to the Christian Mountain Centre just
south of Harlech. There was a mountain of luggage as well, as the
young people needed to bring sleeping bags, mattresses, and quite an
extensive kit list. We had been warned that “they will get wet” –
which proved to be absolutely accurate for those who did any of the
water sports on offer! – so changes of clothes were a necessity.
It took us about an hour and a half to reach our destination and,
as the Centre is just across the coast railway line with a gate that is
closed unless the signal box gives special permission to open it, we
had to walk the last few yards with all our belongings, which we dumped
in the reception area and then we went straight in to supper. It
was really good to see nearly 60 young people between the ages of 11
and 16 gathered together from all over the Diocese. After the
meal everyone was allocated their sleeping quarters. The two lads
shared a four-bedded room with two other lads and all four girls went
off to the Stables, where they shared accommodation with another five
girls and one of the Youth Leaders.
At 8.30 pm everyone set off for what proved to be quite an
adventure in itself, namely a walk across the fields in pitch darkness,
with only torches for light, down to the beach, where one of the Centre
Leaders led a Meditation to the sound of the waves under a starlit
sky. Back to the Centre and an evening hot drink before retiring
for the night.
Breakfast was at 8.30 am and then everyone went their separate
ways to their chosen morning activity, the choice being rock climbing,
canoeing, kayaking, raft building, orienteering and initiative
tasks. After a break for lunch, there was another activity
session in the afternoon. The Saturday evening meal was a
barbecue and then two bands entertained everyone. By the way,
there is a strong Christian ethos at the centre - all meals start with
grace, at breakfast there is also a “Thought for the Day”, and the day
finishes with a Meditation.
On Sunday morning after breakfast and room inspections (quite a
feature of the weekend), there was a walk to the Church where the
Bishop celebrated an informal but meaningful Eucharist. On our
return to the Centre, the Bishop asked to see our group, as he wanted
to thank them personally for the money they gave last year to funding
the training of a doctor in Uganda, money which has made it possible
for this young man to continue his training this year. You might
like to know, that Trygs has decided to give another £250 pounds
towards supporting him. Then it was lunch and into our Coach for
the drive home. On the way back, I asked the group to write a
paragraph about the weekend – here’s what they said:
“This Weekend was super! Thank you. I really enjoyed
the activities and the food. The rooms were great and the staff
were always happy.”
“I’ve had a great time at CMC because of all the new experiences
and new people we’ve met. The staff were very friendly and the
food was great and I’m looking forward to going again.”
“I have really enjoyed this weekend and have had fun doing all the
activities and meeting the new people there. Thank you for a
really fun weekend!”
“I really enjoyed this weekend. I had great fun. I met
new people and made new friends. I also enjoyed the
activities. They were fun!”
“I’ve had a great weekend! I loved the activities and I made
some fab new friends. I wish we could have stayed longer so we
could try all the other activities and get to know everyone we didn’t
get a chance to this weekend. The food was lovely and staying in
the Stables was a fun adventure. Thank you to everyone there for
making this weekend a weekend to remember!”
“I really enjoyed the weekend. I loved the rock climbing and
the kayaking. The food was good as well!”
Perhaps I should add that we had some really nice comments from
the Leaders about what a nice group of young people we have in
Llandudno – an opinion I absolutely agree with. I have to confess
that I didn’t go rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, orienteering, etc.
etc. – perhaps next time (in your dreams!).
Please remember Trygs in your prayers (the group also includes
another two lads who were over the upper age limit of 16 or else I’m
sure they would have been with us). When we hear so much
that’s negative about young people, it’s good to know we have a group
to be proud of who faithfully raise funds for the child we sponsor
through World Vision in Africa and the dog we sponsor through the
National Dogs Trust, as well as money they’ve given to the School
Project and training the doctor in Uganda. They also make a
meaningful contribution to our church life through worship and give
valuable support in Sunday School, so you can see that they are an
important part of our Church Family who we give thanks for.
