Youth Worship Event Shines at St Stithians College

July 30, 2024 | Boys’ College, Girls’ College | Author: Rev Elroy Kekana

On July 19, St Stithians College, in partnership with Scripture Union hosted its inaugural Youth Worship event. A highly anticipated occasion that brings together students, youth groups of different denominations, and a few Girls' College and Boys' College staff for an evening of spiritual reflection, celebration, and unity. This year's theme, 'Salvation for All' (aligned with Wesleyan theology), complemented the campus theme, 'One for All, and All for One.' The event was a resounding success, attracting participants from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. 

The gates opened at 17h30 for the outside youth groups (Bryanston Methodist, Northcliff Union, Junction Church, Every Nation Church Rosebank, Trinity Methodist, Rosebank Union, Origin Church, New Creation Family Church, Every Nation Ruimsig, City Hope Church, Godfirst Church Parks, Vineyard Church, St Stithians Youth Group, Community Church, and Scripture Union). The event then kicked off with a meet and greet and posing for photos, where over 300 students were in attendance!  

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The spirited opening event, held in Dace Hall, was led in collaboration with Every Nation Rosebank Church and New Creation Family Church worship teams. They were amazing in leading everyone closer to Christ through worship songs and prayer. What made it extra special was the participation of one of our own spirituality leaders, Kutenda Makwamaya BC (Gr 11) who played the keyboard during the worship. Kutenda Makwamaya, Nicole Lupke and Loice Chawanda GC (Gr 12) together with their spirituality committees/chapel stewards are such inspirations to their fellow students. These students worked tirelessly to make sure that the event was an enormous success.  

The event emphasised the importance of faith and community in today's world. The worship team set the tone for the evening with a few praise and worship songs, filling the hall with the presence of God’s Spirit, who worked in the hearts and lives of everyone present.  

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In between the worship sessions, Pastor Charl from Scripture Union addressed the attendees with an inspiring message from Proverbs 24: 16- “For a righteous person may fall seven times and rise again”. When the storm of life becomes too much for us, and we fall, we must be mindful that failure is only failure when we refuse to get up and try again. With God on our side, we can do better than the day before. This time of ministry was concluded with a prayer from Kutenda, who prayed for the diverse needs of our students. It was heartwarming to see our students taking the lead in this space.  

A highlight of the event was that all attendees had a powerful and uplifting experience that brought everyone together in a shared act of worship.  

The day concluded with a vibrant celebration on the school grounds, where students, families, and community members enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with food, music, and fellowship. This closing celebration was a joyful reminder of the strong bonds that unite us and the enduring power of faith to bring people together. 

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Reflecting on the event, many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others and deepen their spiritual journey. "The Youth Worship event can and will become a highlight of every term". It must become a time when we come together, support each other, and grow in faith together.  

The success of this year's Youth Worship event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from organisers (Saints Chaplains, Scripture Union, spirituality committees from the BC and GC) and our deputies Karen Prinsloo and Luke Pearson who assisted and guided us through this process. A BIG thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. As we look ahead, we are inspired to continue nurturing our faith and fostering a sense of community, knowing that together, we can make a world of difference. 

And thank you to GOD WHO WAS,IS AND FOREVER WILL BE, for being with us, and making the event possible.  

#InspiringExcellence #MakingAWorldOfDifference #One4AllAll4One #HappyFulfilment #StrongerOneAndAll