The Sunday’s Youth Group based in the Parish of S. Thomas the Apostle, Elson took to their beanbags, hid under their sleeping bags and headed into the Church for an all-night film event accompanied by more popcorn than could conceivably be consumed in a single night in October called “From Dusk ‘Til Dawn” – a name which was a parody of a Quentin Tarrantino movie.
The group had applied to the Youth Evangelism Fund for the opportunity to share their faith with young people who had not heard the Gospel, and after their successful bid they were awarded £2000 to support their initiative, which involved the watching of modern, secular movies and discussing the spiritual aspects of them.
“We always felt that the fingerprints of God could be seen in all things, and so many films have spiritual sides to them, we thought it would be a good way of sharing the love of God and the Gospel of Jesus” said Emma Rundell, aged 15, one of the members of the groups of older teenagers which meets regularly at the Vicarage to share food, fellowship and bible study to explore their faith.
More than 17 young people gathered to take over the Church for the whole night. At various points in the night, Blesséd, the alternative worship group based in the parish, offered short meditations and worship and the spiritual themes were drawn from films which included Finding Nemo, the Matrix and Slumdog Millionaire. Members of the parish raised themselves from their warm beds to bring food to the spiritual voyagers throughout the night.
“It was a really good night! Great fun and made me think” said 13-year old Lewis Borton.
“The Sunday’s Youth Group is a vibrant bunch of young people full of great ideas and a deep, profound faith coupled with a desire to share news of Jesus. I am immensely proud of what they achieved to organise this event and hope it will encourage them to greater things as well as encouraging other young people to engage with matters of faith through the group.” said Fr. Simon Rundell, Vicar of S. Thomas the Apostle and leader of the Sunday’s Youth Group
Sundays Youth Group meets on a Sunday Night at the Vicarage, 21 Elson Road, Gosport each fortnight. Further information can be found by texting 07976 802123 or by joining the Facebook group on http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19517313005
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