On Sunday mornings GFEC youth group is divided into 2 sections - BANANA: school years 7-9 (11–14 year olds) and CREW: years 10-12 (14–17 year olds). Each group follows a programme of Bible study and discussions on 'hot topics' relating to Christian living. We also have a mission slot each term when we get a chance to hear about and support mission work through GFEC church members and visitors. The number of young people attending the groups on a Sunday morning has dropped over the past year, mainly due to several families leaving the church, but we usually have around ten young people. We have three teachers/leaders – Noel and Elaine Baker and Julie John. We are ably supported by our regular helpers – Alex Guest and Katrina and Adrian Kerr and occasional 'extra' helpers. We really value everyone's support and commitment and we thank God for them.

An exciting development over the year has been IG-NITE which runs every first Friday in the month at Cornerstone (after the Family Funday Club). This regular social runs alongside CHILL OUT, hosted by Paul and Julie John, which takes place every third Friday of the month. CHILL OUT provides a chance for the young people to socialise, relax and get to know each other and the leaders better. IG-NITE is aimed at providing a 'neutral' venue where young people (year 7 upwards) can bring their friends (Christian and non-Christian) to have a fun time and to hear a short Bible message. We usually have around 15 young people, 3 or 4 of these being un-churched. IG-NITE is led by Noel and Elaine with Russell Dyer, Lydia Margetts and Adrian Kerr helping regularly, along with various 'guest speakers.' We are really grateful to God for all the help and input into IG-NITE during this year.

We have had other social events over the past year, for example the Chinese New Year party, treasure hunt/BBQ and evening walk and we are grateful to Katrina and Adrian Kerr and Julie John for their help with these.

Points for praise/prayer:

• Praise for our fantastic young people, for Alice & Michael's public expression of faith at their baptisms this year and for the spiritual growth that we have seen in many of the young people over the past year.

• Praise for IG-NITE - the regular attendance, the opportunity to use Cornerstone, and for God to use this event to positively impact the young people.

• We want to start a youth homegroup for the young people aged 16+. Please pray for guidance, resources and timing on this.

• Pray for the young people - for hearts to be changed, for spiritual growth and unity.

• Pray for the leaders and helpers that we would rely on God as we seek to teach and model God's love to the young people.

• Pray for God to bring new families with young people to GFEC in the long-term so that the youth work can continue to thrive.

Noel & Elaine Baker