Riverview Review 2023 - Flipbook - Page 46
MEIGHAN O’CONNER
& CHRIS FOURIE
YOUTH
We have loved gathering with
teenagers as we continued
to bring shape to Riverview
youth ministry through weekly
gatherings and events.
These regular gatherings are
supported by two camps. These
times of getting away (summer
and winter) are really important
for strengthening friendships
but also for helping teens to
encounter Jesus and recalibrate
their growing faith.
Our objectives for all youth
activities are designed to foster
Friendship, Faith and Fun. We
know that teens form friendships
with Jesus and with each other
through activities that are fun and
enjoyable. Some of the highlight
activities of the year included
real-life Mario Cart, a baking
competition, partnering with local
41
mission organisations, “Youth
sleuth” and hosting our first interyouth sports carnival. We also
introduced various offsite events
such as beach trips, and bonfire
nights and a pool party.
In 2023, we introduced Sunday
Youth. Held at the same
time as the adult gatherings,
Sunday Youth offers teens an
environment where they can
hang out with others, play games
and engage in a programme
that helps them to develop as
followers of Jesus.
Another of our primary focuses
has been to promote a healthy
worship culture whilst also
placing a greater emphasis
on biblical literacy. We are
currently working on developing
discipleship tools to help the
spiritual growth of both junior
and senior teens. Since the start
of 2023, we have witnessed
our teenagers become better
integrated into community
as they have fostered strong
relationships with one another
and their youth leaders. We have
observed a heightened curiosity
about Jesus among our teens and
how faith is relevant to their lives
and in the world.
We have been greatly encouraged
by their embrace of rhythms,
habits and practices taught
through the life of Jesus, all of
which are positively impacting
their daily lives. Walking
alongside the teenagers of our
community is both an incredible
blessing and privilege, and we
cannot wait to witness how God
continues to shape the young
people of Riverview into faithful
followers of Jesus.