Youth
Hello & welcome
Our heart is to partner with parents as we lead young people into a growing relationship with Jesus.
With that heartbeat we have developed 3 core programmes to empower young people to connect, discover and grow throughout their time with us. We think about these in 3 ways, our relationship: Up (with God) • In (with Each Other) • Out (with the World).
We are guided by the invitation of Jesus to “come follow me” and what that means for you and I today.
Join us on the journey.
If your family are NEW to Windsor, Mark (our youth pastor) is currently on sabbatical however we would love to grab a coffee and connect with you – just drop us an email to arrange a time [youth@windsorbaptist.org].
In the meantime, PARENTS – help us by registering your household below. This simply means we have all the necessary contact details and consents sorted to enable your child to attend and participate in Windsor Youth.
Friday Night Shine
For anyone Yr8-11 [ages 11-15] & Yr11-14 [ages 14-18]
Running every other Friday, 7.00-10.00pm in the Loft.
This is a social – bring your mates – outward focused space with a Gospel heart. We share food, play games and enjoy chatting about life and faith.
Junior Youth [yr8-11 • ages 11-15] runs 7.00-8.30pm.
Senior Youth [yr11-14 • ages 14-18] runs 8.00-10.00pm.
Note – Yr11 is our flexible year where young people can decide which time to attend.
Between 8.00-8.30pm is when we mix, mingle and enjoy food together. This time is open to Juniors & Seniors.
Point Leaders: Mark Houston & Gareth Elliott
AM Courses
For anyone Yr8-11 [ages 11-15]
Running every other Sunday morning, 10.30-11.45am in the Loft.
This is our Sunday morning small group, ‘workshop’ environment for young people to explore, understand and experience the Bible as one unified story that leads to Jesus.
This year our Year 8s are unpacking the Biblical story through the Shema, the Jesus Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer; our Yr9 & 10s are exploring the Character of God through the Torah; while our Yr11s* are asking ‘Why _____?’.
*Yr11s meet once a month to help equip and transition them to engage in the 10.30am gathering.
Point Leaders: Ben & Shannon Johnston
Sunday Night Youth
For anyone Yr8-14
Following a pattern of 2 on, 1 off, 7.00-8.30pm in the Loft.
This is our Sunday night environment for young people to gather and encounter God through worship, teaching & one another, and be equipped to live like Jesus.
This year we’re exploring the character we’re called to pursue as apprentices of Jesus, and how our character impacts the relationships we have. We plan to focus on six traits: love, faithfulness, wisdom, honour, integrity and courage.
Point Leaders: Mark Houston, Sara Graham & Dan Johnston
Sitting around our core programmes, we have...
Tea & Toast
For anyone Yr8-14
Running immediately after the 10.30 gathering in the Loft.
This is a simple space to connect and enjoy community over the delights of tea & toast. It’s a good jump in point for new faces – so if you’re new to Windsor, you’re officially invited! Come and say hi.
Young people & leaders serve together to setup/clear up, usually wrapping up around 12.15pm.
One to One | Mentoring
For anyone Yr8-14
We offer all our young people the opportunity to be encouraged as they walk alongside someone with more faith experience. Usually meeting for 90 minutes once a month to eat, chat, study and pray.
We tend to use the ‘Walk with Me’ app to structure these times, however content can vary to suit the young person.
Point Leader: Dan Johnston
Residentials
For anyone Yr8-14
“change of pace + change of place = change of perspective.”― Mark Batterson
We love getting away with our young people at different points in the year. Walk Wisely in November; Spring Retreat in March and Summer Madness in July all provide special opportunities for connection, community and change, as we figure out what ‘following Jesus’ looks like in our everyday lives.
Parent Nights
What happens at home is more important than what happens at church.
Once a term we get together with parents to connect, listen and learn, as we celebrate the blessings and navigate the complexities of discipling Gen Z in a rapidly changing world.
Our next evening will be in the Autumn – more details coming soon.
Catch Ups
Whether you’re a young person, parent or leader, sometimes stuff happens and we need to chat it through with someone who will listen.
Mark has set aside Thursday 5 October 2023 (8-10pm) to catch up with anyone who would like to grab a coffee and chat, so just let him know. If that date/time doesn’t suit an alternative can be arranged.
Serving
When we follow Jesus we say goodbye to our independent and piecemeal lives, and say hello to a large and integrated life as members of his resurrection body – refreshed and sustained by his Spirit. (1 Cor 12 MSG)
We love giving young people opportunities to try stuff, grow their initiative, pick up new skills and practice as they learn to play their part in the body.
Abide
A free poster given out every six weeks to encourage Abiding in the Vine (John 15).
Our 3 core practices (reading, praying & stopping) help us to be rooted & grounded in God’s love each day, and from there be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as apprentices of Jesus.
LEAD
We’re excited to offer a new leadership development programme.
An opportunity for anyone Yr11+ keen to grow in their love of God, deepen their character, explore their gifts and develop in competency as they serve others.
This programme is £99 for the year covering 3x development days (2.00-9.00pm) to include activities, resources & food.
Provisional start date: Saturday 14 October 2023
Internship 23/24
Our internship is a one year, up to full-time placement for 18-25 year olds, giving emerging leaders the opportunity to learn, grow and discover across two different ministry areas: Kids & Youth.
