Our Senior Youth Weekend Away took place at the beginning of March, with 34 older youth from St Mary’s coming together for an unforgettable time of faith, fun, and fellowship. Once again, we returned to the beautiful Oakwood Activity Centre in Wokingham, where the fantastic accommodation and activities made for a great setting.
This year, our teaching theme focused on Nehemiah and what his story reveals about prayer, planning, problems, purpose, and priorities. Led by Melinda, we explored how Nehemiah relied on God in every step – praying before acting, persevering through challenges, and staying committed to God’s mission. It was amazing to see the young people deeply engage with these themes, reflecting on how they apply to their own lives. But the weekend wasn’t just about the teaching, it was also about meaningful discussions, tough questions, and growing together in faith.
These weekends are often highlighted in the testimonies of our young people, and we are so grateful to those who support them in prayer.
Saturday was packed with exciting activities run by the centre, including archery, low ropes, and crate stacking. We also took on the SYWA Survivor 2025 challenge, pushing ourselves both physically and mentally. The evening ended perfectly with gospel singing around the bonfire, creating a powerful moment of worship under the stars.
Looking ahead, our Junior Youth Weekend Away is set for October 2025, promising just as much fun, adventure, and time spent in God’s Word. We can’t wait!