illuminate is coming to Dursley!
illuminate is coming to Dursley!
In fact, we have already arrived…
Building on the activities already happening across Stroud and Archway School; illuminate is delighted to be moving into the Dursley Area. Working with Churches Together in Cam and Dursley our team will be developing a profile in the community including youth clubs and work in Rednock school.
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Our journey into Dursley started with a meeting to share the vision of illuminate, hear what was happening locally, and explore how we might come together.
One idea really struck a chord. A group of young people from Dursley Tabernacle had a vision to host a meeting space for young people at The Vibe. Making use of the existing youthwork facilities to create a space for their friends and peers to come, have fun, and explore topics linked to the Christian faith. Their vision was for an inclusive environment where people could ask questions, find out more and experience God’s love in tangible ways.
They called it Fusion Cafe and started meeting at The Vibe on Tuesdays after school until 5pm.
It became clear that Fusion Cafe and illuminate shared so much of the same heart and vision. So we agreed that it would be a great place to start working together. Since February 2022, young people, leaders from local churches and Barrie have been running the cafe in collaboration.
As the school year comes to an end, we’re exploring how to promote the Cafe and how to draw in other young people. In particular, those who are already linked to local churches.
Alongside the Cafe, Barrie has been working with Rednock school, discussing illuminate and finding common ground. We are already seeing the beginnings of a fruitful relationship with Barrie helping deliver RS lessons with years 10 and 11 – sharing lived experience as a Christian and helping the students unpack their learning and deepen their understanding.
Looking Ahead
For the next school year, we’re hoping for more lesson and extracurricular opportunities in the school, including prayer space events and launching a lunchtime group. We want to see Fusion Cafe flourish and grow – giving those young people we encounter in school a space to come each week to continue the conversations with their peers. We’ll be inviting young people already connected to Church to a breakfast and vision sharing event in the summer.
So please join us in praying for guidance, inspiration and open doors as we continue to explore where God is taking us over the next few months
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