FOR PIZZAS, BEARS,
DRAMA AND PRAYERS

A special commissioning service was held in July, to mark the launch of the IGNITE Community - the joint Ickenham and Harefield Youth Project - and to dedicate the Project, its leaders, helpers and the young people themselves to God.  The youngsters took the lead throughout the service, which was held at St Mary’s Church, Harefield, with their choice of music and prayers and their dramatic performance, based on Matthew’s parable of the wise man who built his house upon the rock. 

Rev Martin Davies of St Mary’s led the service, and delivered the sermon entitled “Building on the Young”.  And Youth Worker James Wood was interviewed by St Giles’ Rector Adrian Guthrie, to give the congregation a flavour of what has been happening since James started work in the parishes in November last year.    James, who previously was an assistant youth and children’s worker at Holy Trinity, Northwood, has been getting to know the under 18s, with sessions in the churches and out and about on trips.  Food – especially pizza - seems to feature regularly!  Rooms have been decorated at St Giles’ and St Mary’s for use by the Project.  Upstairs in St Giles’ Church Hall, a room has been decked out with sofas, a TV, table football, an air hockey table, and facilities for making drinks and snacks.  This is the location for the regular NEON Friday night meetings, held during term time, to which all Ickenham 11-18 year olds are invited. 

James hopes the Project can encourage young people’s involvement on Sunday morning and in home groups, and confirmation sessions too, following on from the friendships formed at the wide range of IGNITE Social Events and Drop Ins.  “Through IGNITE, the young people will be shaping and building their own community”, said James, “a community we hope will be Father focused, Christ centred, and Holy Spirit breathed”.  He asked the congregation to pray every day for the young people, and for those who work with them to have wisdom to understand and see where God is guiding IGNITE. 

A bring and share lunch after the service gave more time for all to talk about the Project so far, and its plans for the future.