Photo: Nicky Brown (centre) helped lead worship and the music band on the night (Credit: Lambeth Palace)
Young people from across the Diocese and beyond were united in a vibrant evening of prayer and praise as part of a special collaboration with the global prayer initiative, Thy Kingdom Come, to mark Pentecost on 19 May.
Pentecost is the day in the Christian year when the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus' disciples is celebrated.
FUSE, a regular joint youth initiative between the Dioceses of Rochester and Canterbury, and hosted at St Margaret’s Church in Rainham, brings together young people from both dioceses for an evening of worship and praise.
Having heard about FUSE, the Thy Kingdom Come organisers were keen to collaborate.
Led on the night by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the evening of worship and praise brought the 11 previous days of prayer to a powerful conclusion.
Photo: Archbishop Justin Welby (centre) is joined by two of the young presenters of the evening. (Credit: Lambeth Palace)
The event, which was also live-streamed, gave youth groups from across the country the opportunity to participate virtually.
For Kevyn Oliver, Children, Young People and Families Minister at Christ Church, Sidcup, the event brought a chance for real connection:
"The Fuse event in Rainham was a real blessing for me to be able to connect with other young people across the diocese to worship, reflect and pray together.
" I was able to bring along a Mum with her two sons from our church and they also said how blessed they felt."
A high point of the evening was when the cameras turned and all the young people taking part were invited to recite the Lord's Prayer together.
Cheryl Trice, the Diocese of Rochester’s Lead Adviser for Children and Young People's Mission and Ministry, said it was a wonderful moment:
"As these young people recited the Lord's Prayer together, they affirmed their faith and strengthened their sense of community, making Pentecost Sunday a truly memorable occasion."
Photo: Cheryl Trice, Lead Adviser for Children and Young People Mission and Ministry, helps lead prayer (Credit: Lambeth Palace)
She added:
"It was a night where geographical boundaries were transcended. This shared experience not only enriched the participants but also highlighted the importance of unity in worship and the profound impact it can have on the youth of today.”
The next FUSE event will be advertised in due course.