Young people from churches across Ealing and Brentford in West London recently gathered for “REACH”: a series of events filled with activities, music, and inspiring conversations, with the most recent one hosted by St Paul’s & St Faith’s Brentford.
These events form part of an ecumenical collaborative effort between local churches called West London Youth. REACH aims to engage young people in meaningful discussions about faith, life, and community, with other things on offer for those who want to explore further.
We talked to Macy Ward, currently on The Apprentice Programme, about her involvement so far and what happened at the latest event.
Macy’s journey into youth ministry began with her work at a Christian charity in Manchester, where she used music to connect with young people on critical issues like anti-knife crime and exploitation. Feeling a calling to delve deeper into discipleship, Macy returned to London to be part of her home church community and to guide the next generation in their faith journey.
“I felt God was calling me to learn more about what it means to disciple young people and to be part of that journey,” Macy shared. “I wanted to be that stable person for them, just as my youth leaders were for me.”
Local professional footballers sharing their faith
The Reach event we talked to Macy about was a great success, drawing young people from various youth groups, schools, and communities. The church was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, featuring inflatables, video games, ping pong, food, and music. A highlight of the evening was the participation of football players from Brentford Football Club, who shared their personal experiences and faith journeys.
During an interview, the footballers discussed how they cope with the pressures of being in the public eye and the role their faith plays in their mental health. Their candid responses about listening to worship music and relying on their faith captivated the young audience.
“The kids’ faces lit up when they heard their superstars talking about God,” Macy recounted. “They were glued to every word, inspired and intrigued by what they had to say.”
The event was able to spark meaningful conversations about faith as well as providing a evening of fun for young people. Macy shared that the young people were eager to ask questions and engage in discussions. “We had amazing conversations going, and the same kids came back the next week for our follow-up sessions,” Macy said. “It’s encouraging to see them open to talking about faith and wanting to know more.”
Future Events
The success of REACH has set the stage for more events, including a fireworks night in November and a Christmas event on 14 December. These gatherings aim to continue fostering a sense of community and faith among young people.
There is power in the collaboration of churches bringing young people together. With dedicated youth workers like Macy and others involved, these events are not just about fun and games but are nurturing a deeper understanding of faith and community, giving young people a chance to become part of a group local to them.
Churches interested in learning more or getting involved can follow West London Youth on Instagram for the latest details or email luke@parishofbrentford.org.uk.