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I understand that you want to make the point that there isn't allot of focus on that age group, and i agree with you! But my point of view is that you need to look at this issue with all the facts at hand. Ask yourself these questions: How many people from that age group come to Church (St.Marks) on a regular basis? How many people from that age group volunteer in community activities when we ask for help? i.e. Annual Fete, Renovations etc. How many people from that age group regularly have confession and communion at St.Marks? How many people from that age group actively partake in the Church community? The answer for most of these questions is "Not Many" Effectively what we have done is IDENTIFY an issue where people are not attending the Church at that age group. So now we need to understand WHY. To do that we need to ask people from that age group and get some answers. Luckily for you i have already done some of this. Most of the answers seem to be revolved around the following issues: - Relationships - Marriage/engagement to person at another church. - Busy with Uni & part time work. (mostly working weekends and study during the week) - Social life - Birthdays, parties etc. Although these sound like excuses, most of them stem from the "Lack of benefit , or value that they see in the Faith and the Community." I believe, that this ultimately comes back to the community and the Church to instil the faith and "Value" of service in our current youth. With the view that a stronger foundation with deep roots in faith, service and rich traditions of our Church will guide them and keep them near the Church. Even when other priorities in life present themselves. We understand and are aware of this issue, and I guarantee you, that is why the service to the current youth (Prep to High school) is the focus of our Church. We are building an English Church to cater for Non-Arabic speaking youth. We are organising camps and regular outings/activities for all age groups. All of this, to encourage the youth of today to become involved and love the church. Not just as an obligation or duty to handover to them, but because of the importance of learning, teaching and living by the Word of God and living by His example. The world of today WILL corrupt anyone who's faith is not strong. Being close to the service and Church provides the support of a greater family unit, and exposure to all our teachings, history, knowledge and experience of our Church Fathers, Saints and Martyrs. This is our ONLY defence against the corruption of this world. Your statement of "targeting" implies that you are attacking the Service we have at St.Marks. I urge you to stop looking at our Church and see that it is lacking (negative attitude), but look at it with love and see how you can help or contribute to it (positive attitude). As Our Lord Jesus Christ looks at us, ALWAYS with love, and knows that we are lacking. He completes all that we lack. Be part of the solution. I pray God opens your heart, eyes and guides you to make a positive contribution to our Service, and Church. God Bless YOU always. Peter |
