Spider-Man and discovering who is discipling our children
Earlier this year the latest Marvel movie was released – Spider-Man: Brand New Day. With all the Spidey hype and advertising around, I was reminded of the classic Spider-Man meme. It shows three separate Spidermen pointing at each other, as if they’re trying to work out who the real friendly neighbourhood hero really is. Seeing […]
Our powers combined: the joy of connection at the second Mid-North Coast PY Camp
Last year saw a gathering of 50 youth and 14 leaders from four different Presbyterian churches across the mid-north coast of NSW come together for the first ever Mid-North Coast PY Camp. The leaders involved were just excited to have made the camp happen at all – they were breaking new ground in their churches […]
Eastern rosellas, and the importance of listening to children
Recently, seven-year-old Miles Phillips and his dad shared a song that went viral! Unexpectedly, the whole world has now been walking around singing about Eastern Rosellas. Many have been surprised that such a catchy song could come from someone so young. But instead of causing us surprise, this actually ought to remind us that young […]
Loving those with neurodiversity as made in God’s image: Steph Wong’s thoughts on inclusion in a youth ministry context
In both her day job and her ministry work, Steph Wong has a passion for helping those who might find accessing the world harder than most. At PY Encourage this year, Steph brought all her professional expertise and personal experience and, alongside her husband Simon, spoke about neurodivergence in a youth ministry context, and what […]
Bridging cultures and faith: Inside Hany Abraham’s ministry to youth at Merrylands East Presbyterian Church
When asked if he enjoyed PY Encourage, Hany Abraham didn’t hold back. “It was lovely. I wish it was on three times a year!” Hany looks after the youth group at Merrylands East Presbyterian, a church that runs both an English and Arabic service on Sundays, and a youth group on Friday nights. Hany has […]
An open door for questions – Les Moreman’s SRE teaching experience
An open door for questions – Les Moreman’s SRE teaching experience Growing up, Les Moreman’s family were inconsistent at church, but SRE was a constant in his primary school years. He has fond memories of singing songs about God in SRE classes as a child. You gave me Jesus and you made me your child […]
Long-term commitment, long-term impact: James’s SRE experience
What does James Annesley want people thinking about teaching SRE to know? “It’s not always fun. But it always fills me with joy when I finish.” James has been teaching SRE in primary schools for over 30 years, since he was at university. It’s something he continued to do as he went into full time […]
Serving and growing: Cooper’s experience of a university Christian group
Cooper Rispin grew up in a Christian home, taking on a faith in Jesus for himself when he was in year eight. By the time he left high school, he’d been serving in kids’ ministry at his church for a while, and through the chaplain at his high school he’d already been challenged to think […]
How Presbyterian churches can bridge the gap to university ministry with Jye Stephens
Moments of transition can be moments of vulnerability in the faith of young Christians. The shift from the sheltered community of youth group to the independence of university life is no exception – it’s a time that often presents a high-stakes challenge for a young person’s faith. So what can our Presbyterian churches do to […]
Prepared for a life of faith – Sam Koster’s story
Samuel Koster’s working week involves navigating the sobering realities of a funeral home, supporting the operations of an irrigation company, and perfecting the art of roasting coffee. It’s a busy load, yet Sam manages it all while serving as an Elder at Griffith Presbyterian Church and caring for his young family. But for someone who […]