What we set out to do IMG 5052

At an initial brain storming meeting in May 2019 the young adults considered the following three questions and discussed them in small groups. Their answers were gathered in the plenary. The group revisited what was said in June 2021 and realised that much of what has been said is being addressed and much is still to be explored.
Here are the questions and the feedback:

1 Why are you here? What do think the purpose of this group should be?
- To create something new – creating a forum for young Christians
- Learn about traditions
- Meet other Christians
- Community
- Why not?
- To learn more about others and help develop my own faith
- Church Visits to each other’s home denominations
- Experience others' faith
- To overcome difficulties
- Ecumenical link
- Led by Young people for Young People
- To get out of my denominational bubble
- To learn tools, ideas to bring back to help encourage other young people
- To learn from and accompany young people on our faith journey
- To share experiences of attending Church as a ‘young’ (19 – 35) person
- To understand why young people might go/not go to church
- To deepen my understanding of my beliefs and why I believe
- Social action – going out and doing something
- To help each other grow in faith
- To be a face of young ecumenism in Merseyside
- Talks – about subjects – homelessness etc. and different denominations
- To support one another and worship 

2 How would you like it to work practically?
- Having a plan/structure for meetings
- Social element e.g. Trips out – bowling, eating together
- Getting different church leaders involved
- Timings? Fixed length of meeting
- Monthly meeting- consistent approach
- Learning as a goal to find out more about traditions and experiences
- Rotating leadership –  from different traditions
- Snacks appreciated! Take turns at hospitality too?
- Publicity for the group and keeping in touch
- Location – central – easier – but if cost an issue, could use small room or church
- Getting more young people in to the group- outreach
- Guided prayer - sharing different ways of praying
- Meeting leaders of clergy of other traditions
- Church history – re. denominations- discussion topics/themes- we could present about our own different traditions
- Invite different clergy to be present
- Eco stuff
- Relationship to CTMR?

3 What would you like to get out of a group like this? What can this group offer to others?
- Regular chance to gather
- Support network
- Worship together
- Chance to learn about other denominations
- Meet other young Christians from all churches
- Friendship
- Social events
- Opportunity to cooperate
- Group pictures
- Free discussion
- Networking
- Building each other up - exploring different spiritualties and gifts
- Safe space
- Community
- Chance to visit each other’s churches
- Continued community outside of meetings
- Raw honesty
- Opportunities
- Balance of discipleship and community
- Time to share
- Acceptance
- Time – conversation - a picture of what unity looks like – a warm welcome