Youth

We want to be a diverse community of all ages centred on Christ, so children and families are a key part of the mix. Together we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and learn to live the way Jesus calls us to. 

 

We are committed to welcoming families of various shapes and hope that children and young people (aged from school year 6 up) will feel at home in the church community. This is why children and young people are with us in our gatherings at certain times and we stay together as ‘all ages’ at least once a term and other occasions. 

 

Our youth face challenging questions as they go through school and college, so we have groups for them to explore these issues together as well as encouraging them to find their place among the wider church family. 

 

All our work with children and young people is covered by our safeguarding policy. Portswood Church is a member of Thirtyone:eight, formerly the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS), and our teams are cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service as appropriate.

Youth Groups

Lava

Lava is the name of our youth group.

 

Lava meet every Wednesday evening from 7-8.30pm either in the church building or one of the local parks (when the weather allows), for bible study, prayer, games and themed activities (and hot chocolate whenever possible)!

 

The older youth, Lava Plus (school years 9-13) also meet on the first and third Sunday evening of the month for a meal, bible study, chat and prayer at the church building. 

 

The youth also meet every week on a Sunday morning during the service apart from the first Sunday in the morning, for a bible study, chat and prayer (aimed at those in school years 6-8 but the older Youth are welcome to join in or stay in the service.  On the first Sunday of the month, the Youth are encouraged to serve in a variety of ways including on our PA/Video teams, our Host team, Worship team, Refreshments, Children's work to name a few.

 

By the time our youth reach 18, generally transition them into wider church life, so our Sunday morning programme flexes to reflect that. We also encourage our youth to serve in the wider church in a variety of ways including on PA/Video, helping in children's work, serving refreshments, welcoming and in our music teams.  They also get involved in the All Age services. 

 

Once a month we encourage our youth to join in with other citywide groups such as Youth Encounter Services

 

Midweek youth groups

Lava youth group

7.00pm - 8.30pm every Wednesday during term time 

Join us for fun games and activities, the occasional outing, and a chance to explore life and faith together. Lava meets in the back hall of the church building (use the side door towards the back of the building on the right-hand-side), in one of the local parks or in Youth leaders' homes. 

Sleepovers

Twice a year we blend a mix of games, food, activity trips, exploring God’s message and sleeping (considered optional by some!) on the floors of the church building. Could a weekend be any more epic?