In October this year we had a time of guided reflection together at the Roost to think about Beyond Youth as a project and how we as individuals relate to it and the young people we meet through it. Paulette, volunteer and all round hero, offers her memories of the day.
Mid way through October, on a wet and windy day a small group who lead and volunteer with Beyond Youth met at The Roost Community, based in Netherwitton. The Community, led by Beth Rookwood, works with young adults across Northumberland. We were welcomed to a beautiful log cabin which they had helped build.
As we gathered together around the log burner Beth centred our thoughts. We spent time silently reflecting on how things felt; focusing on our head, heart then our bodies. We then repeated the exercise the second time acknowledging thankfulness for these different parts of ourselves.
After this, we were asked to work in pairs talking and listening to each other for a short time on given topics. I believe that the safe, secure atmosphere of the cabin allowed for some deep and meaningful sharing to happen between pairs then within the group.
After lunch came a time to think about commitment firstly to ourselves then to the Beyond Youth Team. The group then had the opportunity to share: the strengths that they saw; the challenges they sensed; fear that they had; need that they were aware of; hope that keeps them going; and the faith they put their trust in.
There was a consensus of opinion that the leaders of Beyond Youth were the strength that allowed those they met to Be You and flourish, be that as volunteers, young people or children.
The day was an opportunity to connect with others who have a shared desire to join in the mission of God amongst those they worked with in Ashington, Newbiggin and Lynemouth.
The culture of Beyond Youth was evident through the open, honest conversations that happened in the safe, nurturing environment of the Roost community at Netherwitton.
The day allowed time for the team and volunteers to consider what ‘Be You’ meant for themselves and for the project Beyond Youth.
Although reluctant to accept the invitation to attend (*note from Dave – Paulette didn’t want to join because she didn’t want others to miss out, not because she hates us!), the day gave me the opportunity to broaden relationships with others and learn about various projects happening in other places.
I was able to dedicate time to focus on Beyond Youth and think about my relationship with it, the involvement of my church and the impact the project is having on the children and young people in our communities.
Written by Paulette, Ashington Holy Sepulchre