26 Mar 2026, 11:44Charlene Martin
NEC Youth Day: Connected People, Purpose and Praise!
When was the last time you got on your knees and prayed - really took time to seek God, to know Him for who He is, not just for what He can do for you? Some came to be honest and share what was truly on their hearts and where they felt they needed to grow. Some came to be connected - connected with other young people, connected to their purpose, connected in praise.
With so many ways to connect in this world, it seems there is never a time when people are fully disconnected from one thing or another. So why is it that people can still feel so disconnected from God? What is consuming their time, and how can this shift?
The North England Conference (NEC) Youth Advisory hoped that NEC Youth Day would foster a sense of connectedness to something greater than the everyday “to-do list.” The day, which took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on March 14th, saw many young people and older attendees gather to connect with one another and, most importantly, with God. Hosted by the Youth Advisory Team, the theme of the day was Connected People, Connected Purpose, Connected Praise.
Sabbath School focused on the first part of the theme, Connected People, creating space for the youth to deepen existing relationships or form new ones. Group leaders facilitated discussions that allowed young people to share experiences and struggles. Raeanne Lowe shared how special the moment was, “to see connections and hear stories that shaped faith, journeys that built trust in God, and the blessing of praying for one another.”
The hosts, Tryphena Rowe and Kuda Gonese, guided the youth through the day, with much in store for them to learn and experience.
The youth were then challenged to examine their purpose. Pastor Jeff Melki, Youth and Pathfinder sponsor for the Irish Mission, emphasised the importance of connecting with God rather than building walls that keep us from Him. This continued the theme of Connected Purpose, leading one attendee to express a strong sense of belonging and community from the message, and a desire to deepen her understanding of God’s specific role for her life.
Connections throughout the day continued in the beautiful surroundings of the ICC, allowing for further conversations and reflection on the learning that had taken place.
The final element, Connected Praise, was an uplifting and impactful experience of worship through song. Throughout the day, Naomi Parchment led an army of young people as they used their God-given talents to join the congregation in songs of praise. Many attendees noted how engaged and deeply moved they felt during the service. The testimony segment followed, with young people once again sharing stories of how God had worked in their lives. Two young men spoke about the importance of being intentional in sharing the gospel and becoming comfortable working alongside others, recognising that each person has a part to play in spreading the message.
The day ended with prayer - a powerful way to send the youth forward. Commitments were sealed, and hearts were covered in God’s presence, with a prayer that He would continue to work through them to fulfil the purpose He has for each of their lives. Kuda Gonese added, “I was reminded that when people are truly connected, purpose becomes clear, and praise becomes powerful.”
The Youth Advisory prepares events with the hope that young people will begin or continue their relationship with God, growing spiritually through sharing their faith and helping others to understand His love. Staying connected through people, purpose, and praise.
When was the last time you got on your knees and prayed - really took time to seek God, to know Him for who He is, not just for what He can do for you? Some came to be honest and share what was truly on their hearts and where they felt they needed to grow. Some came to be connected - connected with other young people, connected to their purpose, connected in praise.
With so many ways to connect in this world, it seems there is never a time when people are fully disconnected from one thing or another. So why is it that people can still feel so disconnected from God? What is consuming their time, and how can this shift?
The North England Conference (NEC) Youth Advisory hoped that NEC Youth Day would foster a sense of connectedness to something greater than the everyday “to-do list.” The day, which took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on March 14th, saw many young people and older attendees gather to connect with one another and, most importantly, with God. Hosted by the Youth Advisory Team, the theme of the day was Connected People, Connected Purpose, Connected Praise.
Sabbath School focused on the first part of the theme, Connected People, creating space for the youth to deepen existing relationships or form new ones. Group leaders facilitated discussions that allowed young people to share experiences and struggles. Raeanne Lowe shared how special the moment was, “to see connections and hear stories that shaped faith, journeys that built trust in God, and the blessing of praying for one another.”
The hosts, Tryphena Rowe and Kuda Gonese, guided the youth through the day, with much in store for them to learn and experience.
The youth were then challenged to examine their purpose. Pastor Jeff Melki, Youth and Pathfinder sponsor for the Irish Mission, emphasised the importance of connecting with God rather than building walls that keep us from Him. This continued the theme of Connected Purpose, leading one attendee to express a strong sense of belonging and community from the message, and a desire to deepen her understanding of God’s specific role for her life.
Connections throughout the day continued in the beautiful surroundings of the ICC, allowing for further conversations and reflection on the learning that had taken place.
The final element, Connected Praise, was an uplifting and impactful experience of worship through song. Throughout the day, Naomi Parchment led an army of young people as they used their God-given talents to join the congregation in songs of praise. Many attendees noted how engaged and deeply moved they felt during the service. The testimony segment followed, with young people once again sharing stories of how God had worked in their lives. Two young men spoke about the importance of being intentional in sharing the gospel and becoming comfortable working alongside others, recognising that each person has a part to play in spreading the message.
The day ended with prayer - a powerful way to send the youth forward. Commitments were sealed, and hearts were covered in God’s presence, with a prayer that He would continue to work through them to fulfil the purpose He has for each of their lives. Kuda Gonese added, “I was reminded that when people are truly connected, purpose becomes clear, and praise becomes powerful.”
The Youth Advisory prepares events with the hope that young people will begin or continue their relationship with God, growing spiritually through sharing their faith and helping others to understand His love. Staying connected through people, purpose, and praise.