I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that our children and youth are ‘the church of tomorrow.’ If so, you’ve probably also heard it said that ‘they are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today!’ So, which is of these is actually true?
Or perhaps it could be both. These are the ones who will be, in time, leading our churches - making decisions, and taking things forward. But for them to be effective in that, they must be an active part of the church now!
Next time you’re in church, take a look around at some of the young people, and think on this; ‘who are you looking at?’ Maybe future pastors, teachers, politicians; people in influential positions. Or maybe there’s a bus driver who cheers everyone on their bus with a smile, sharing Jesus in their day-to-day lives. Whoever it is, it is someone with potential; someone God has a plan for.
Our aim for the youth within our church is firstly to encourage them; that they can grow into the people who can fulfil the plans God has for them. Secondly, it is to provide a place where they can bring their friends in order to reach out to them with the love and fullness of life that is offered through Jesus.

To support our youth we have three main meetings:
Friday night youth @ECC:R
This is a meeting at the building every Friday night from 7pm - 9pm and is aimed at anyone from school year 7 – 13. The aim is to have fun, to build relationships and grow together as we learn about how Jesus wants us to live life.
Sunday night youth @ECC:R
After our Sunday night meetings we have opportunity for our youth from school year 6 -13 to go back to one of our leaders houses just to hang out. This happens from 7.30pm (or as the meeting ends) until 9pm.
Youth small group
This is aimed at youth from school year 10-13 and meets in one of the youth leaders houses. The aim is to take some time to go deeper into God’s word and seek to apply what we learn to our everyday lives.
Youth also have trips away, such as to the ‘Gathering’ (http://www.serious4god.co.uk/), to Elim Festival and other events during the year.