Once again the annual Irish District Youth Weekend was hosted at the end of October in Gracehill and the theme centred around One World Week encouraging our young people to look after our world and all those in it.

Friday night consisted of 'getting to know you' games and snacks and a few rounds of werewolf provided by Gracehill's own Owen Johnston. When it was dark everyone played outdoor games.

Saturday started off with a walk to Galgorm to raid the local shop for tuck and then play football on the playing fields. When back at Gracehill the group got stuck into a fair-trade game. This game revolves around families making trainers and is designed to help young people experience what it is like to make a product in an unfair world. In the afternoon there was a Bible Study led by Br Peter Dunn. This focused on the theme for the weekend.

Later Sr Debby Armstrong had everyone making homemade baubles and decorating wooden spoons and Sr Hannah Carmichael got folk doing some baking. After dinner Br Stuart Walker from Kilwarlin joined the group and brought renewed energy to the evenings' games around the village.

Sunday morning included Morning Worship. The young people took part in the first section of the service with a modern day twist on the Genesis 1 creation account noting that climate change affects everything, a power point recalled the best bits from the weekend and also included some prayers written by the young people. It was lovely to share the service with the Gracehill congregation. After the morning worship the young people joined together for burgers and chips. The youth weekend was a great success and thanks go to all the young people who attended and to everyone who came to help out or provided support.

Sr Debbie Armstrong
Gracehill