Frequency

Young people from St Mary’s are encouraged to be part of a new expression of church that has recently been set up in Christchurch, Thame, called ‘Frequency’.  The main service runs from 6.30 to 8.15pm on Sunday evenings with a social time afterwards until 9.15pm.  People from all the local Churches are encouraged to attend and get involved. It is intended for young people aged 12 upwards, with the opportunity for them to learn more about God and strengthen their relationship with Him in a style that suits them.  The aim is to achieve this with a variety of activities at different levels: these begin with a quiet time, before the scheduled start of activities, at 6 pm.  From 6.30pm there is time for others to arrive, catch up and get something to eat. Usually this is followed by worship, after which two different activities run at the same time, one of which involves some participation at an individual level.  As it has only recently started, 'Frequency' is still developing and the leadership is open to God’s leading.  The leadership team have regular meetings together with some of the young people to discuss direction.  A variety of worship leaders are used and talks, DVDs and quiet, reflective times are included. The new leadership team believes Frequency offers great potential where young people from different churches and backgrounds can meet and support each other on their journey of faith.

One of the leaders of Frequency is Pete Stratton, who leads a cell group on Monday evenings, a Bible study group on Wednesday evenings.  He is also organising a trip to Soul Survivor next August for local people.  He is a youth worker on the staff of Barley Hill Church.

Fusion Youth & Community works in Thame and the surrounding area and seeks to serve communities elsewhere in the UK and abroad.  One of the projects they run in Thame is a youth café called Underground.  It provides a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for young people in the basement of Christchurch on Fridays from 3.30 to 6pm.