Church to celebrate unsung heroes of youth work

People's perceptions about how the church relates to young people is often that it is out of touch, but the reality in many parts of the church is very different, says the Church of Scotland.

The Church added that it may be surprising to know that more young people are involved in youth groups and organisations through their local church than through local councils.

"The church is moving forward and, in different ways across the country, is finding ways to relate to and encourage young people," said the Church of Scotland.

"Recognising the changing needs of young people today is always a challenge, but it's important to recognise and celebrate the fact that there are many thousands of unsung heroes volunteering their time and energy to work with young people through and in their local church."

As part of this new movement for change and to celebrate all those unsung heroes, The National Gathering on 3-4 May will provide a central event showcasing some exciting ways to engage with young people, ways to communicate and celebrate the amazing life and mission of Jesus, and to provide a fantastic two days for young people across Scotland.

A youth festival for teenagers and those in their twenties called Youthzone @ The Shed forms part of The National Gathering, to be held at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. The venue is a huge shed at the Royal Highland Centre and over the two days it will be an inspirational place for teenagers and young adults. There will be bands, inspirational speakers, cage football, street art, urban dance, big-screen DVD's, X-Factor competitions, basketball, DJ concerts, beauty therapy, chocolate fountains and chill-out areas.

Organisations such as Tearfund will be available to talk to young people to encourage their involvement in voluntary and gap-year opportunities in Scotland and all over the world. The opportunity to help others through volunteering locally, nationally or globally provides young people with a means to live out what is a central part of the message of Jesus - 'love one another'.

Rev Jim Ritchie, coordinator of the YouthZone, said: "The YouthZone @ The Shed will be a fantastic celebration of all the good things that are happening with young people across Scotland, and a source of ideas and encouragement for young people and leaders of groups to explore new ways to make Jesus' good news relevant to life today."