At Chiltern we run a variety of groups and events to bless and care for the young people in our church and community.
We hope you will find this a space where you feel welcomed & loved.
Every week during the school term we host a Friday night youth group aimed at providing a safe space for young people (Year 7+) to hang out, have fun, and connect with friends.
We play some game, eats some snacks, and share a short talk. We want to inspire all young people to find purpose, adventure, and hope in the love of God. We also provide support and encouragement for those who want it - the rest just eat the snacks!
The group meets from 19:30 - 21:00
For the youth (12-17) that attend on a Sunday morning, there is a group that runs in the youth lounge upstairs. They will head up to the lounge during the sermon after worship.
This group involves an interactive Bible-based lesson where we learn about God and his plan for the world, the church, and all of us. There are usually some biscuits on offer too.
Our morning service runs from 10:45 - 12:15
Pursuit Connect is a space for our older youth (Year 10+) who want to develop and grow their faith. Every Wednesday night during the term, we meet to chat more in depth about different topics and discuss how we can live as followers of Jesus.
The aim is to connect with God and connect with each other; to support one another as we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This includes Bible-based teaching, prayer, encouragement, and snacks (of course).
The group runs from 19:30 - 21:00 at Ryan and Jess' flat.
During the Summer break each year we take a group of young people to a national Christian youth event. These are open to anyone and are often the highlight of the year. Many of the young people who come find it inspiring and uplifting for their own faith, and for some it can provide a safe place to explore any questions they have about faith and life. For everyone, it is buckets of fun and a chance to build friendships and make memories.
In 2024 we will again be attending the Dreaming The Impossible (DTI) event in Stafford, which runs from 27-July to 1-August. More information will be available shortly.
Here is their website if you wish to know more about DTI: https://dreamingtheimpossible.org/
INTRODUCING MYSELF
My name is Ryan and I have been the Youth & Worship Pastor here at Chiltern Church since January 2018. Originally from South Africa, I was born and raised in a coastal city called East London, where I was introduced to the Christian message for the first time as a teenager. It has sincerely changed my life.
Since I had not grown up in a Christian home or gone to church growing up, I developed an intense curiosity in the Bible, Jesus, Faith, etc. This helped me not only explore my own faith but to encourage others in my church community. Feeling that this was something God might be calling me to give my life to, I studied for my Bachelors in Theology (Honours) degree in Cape Town.
During my time in Cape Town I spent 7 years (5 as an intern) serving in various roles at the church. I gained a lot of experience working with children, youth, and young adults. I enjoy supporting and encouraging young people in their life and their faith journey. I have been able to teach, counsel, advise, and challenge many young people over the years; a task I do not take lightly.
It was also in Cape Town where I met my now wife Jess, who has the same passion for serving young people. We married in April 2019 and have a cat named Moses. Jess works as an Occupational Therapist for the NHS and is also very involved in the youth work here at the church. She is a great blessing to me and the young people here!
In my youth-related role here at Chiltern, I run the above groups with an amazing team of volunteers. I also partner with other youth workers from Sutton to host combined events and to run groups within the schools in the area. Additionally, I regularly meet with youth from the church for chats about school, life and faith; and/or to pray with them.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into my life and my role here. My passion really is to serve the young people here at Chiltern and in Sutton. If you have any questions for me or feel like I might be of any service to you and your young person for any reason, please do get in touch.