Youth Cafe

The Youth Cafe (11-15's) meets on a Sunday afternoon/evening in the church.  There are currently 7 who attend regularly and they are encouraged to bring their friends.

They are a lively group of young people who are largely familiar with the "church environment". Several of them attend church on a regular basis.

They have evolved from a youth network group that was originally led by Richard and Ruth Morgan (the previous Rector and his wife) and then Josie and Graham Dowling. (Graham has recently been ordained) and who have moved to their new church. This Youth café (11-15’s) is  currently continuing along the original lines.

A "typical" meeting might comprise of the group getting together and sharing their "highs" and " lows" from the week.  From these there may be opportunities for general discussion, prayer and encouragement between members of the group.  This gives the members of the group opportunity to understand and support one another and they are becoming quite close.

There is usually a teaching slot taken from "Martha's Diner" by Pete Townsend.  There are also ball games and physical activities each time we meet and we have access to the church hall for these or the front lawn of the Rectory in good weather.

All the above are interspersed with visits to the youth café tuck shop!

There are also social activities.  Again the members are encouraged to bring friends and family.  These have included a bowling party, a beach party (posh picnic!)

The Christmas party was also exciting with guests from the Christian girl band "Collective" and Tim Abbott who heads CYO.

Future events that the group have requested include Pizza/DVD night and more bowling!  It is also hoped to join in outreach activities, celebrations, concerts etc in the Colchester area. The older members of the group enjoyed their time spent with the Norwegians playing football and volleyball and enjoying fellowship with them.

The youth café is manned by willing volunteers and it is hoped that some additional external input will be available from a youth worker/ gap student in conjunction with CYO.

The aim of the group is that whilst sharing and having fun,  the members of the Youth Café are growing and developing in their gifts and in growing awareness of their own unique "position" in Christ Jesus.