Across the British Isles districts, young people and leaders gathered in different locations for a series of winter retreats, creating space for worship, community, and encounter with God. From Wales to Scotland and Northern Ireland, each gathering reflected a shared desire to invest in young people and provide environments where they can grow in faith.

NYUK South gathered from Friday 30th January to Sunday 1st February for their Winter Retreat and AGM in Conwy, Wales. The weekend was filled with games, laughter, mission, and worship. Participants were encouraged to think and act compassionately toward those in need on the Friday night by John Wigley, Director of Sanctuary Trust. Saturday included a picture hunt around Conwy and serving in Colwyn Bay through painting a community café, litter picking and giving out flowers to local businesses. In the evening District Superintendent Carl McCann invited the young people to consider what they want the future of NYUK to be and whether they are willing to step forward and be a part of it. Their AGM also took place, where a new council was elected. On Sunday, the group joined Llay Community Church for their morning service, where the young people shared highlights from the weekend.

At the same time, NYUK North (Mainland) gathered in Moffat at the Well Road Centre, with around 50 people in attendance, including over 30 young people from five churches. With the theme “There is More,” the weekend included worship, sermons, shared meals, games, and a photo scavenger hunt. The speakers for the weekend were Joshua and Bethany Sanderson from Bangor, Northern Ireland. The desire was to create space where young people could encounter God, and through the weekend, lives were changed, with some young people making commitments to the follow Jesus.

Later in the month another retreat was held in Northern Ireland, where NYUK North (NI) gathered with around 60 people from seven churches in Ballycastle. Centered on the theme “God is…,” the weekend explored different characteristics of God and how who He is affects who we are, with sessions led by Hollie Patterson and Lauren Hamill. Through worship, teaching, reflection, and prayer, young people were encouraged to step into their identity as sons and daughters of the King. The impact was seen in young people knowing they are loved and choosing to step into a relationship with Jesus.

– shared by NYUK South President Maria Prescott and NYUK North President Nick Barclay

To see more photos and videos from the weekend retreats, please go to their Facebook pages NYUK North and NYUK South.