2nd April 2025

More than 170 county young people gather for annual Christian Youth Event, Abide

On Saturday, 170+ young people gathered at St Michael’s CE High School in Chorley for The Church of England in Lancashire's annual youth event, Abide. 

The event, organised by Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education, is designed for churches across the Diocese to bring their youth groups to. 

They have a day of fun, games, workshops, Bible talks, worship and mix with other young people their own age; encouraging one another in their faith.

The theme of this year’s Abide was ‘Firm Foundation’ and focused on the parable Jesus told about the wise man who built his life on the rock from Matthew 7:24-27.

The event opened with a 30-minute live DJ set from ex-professional DJ, Jack Boon, 29, from Blackpool Church. Jack later shared his faith story in an interview on stage and said that before becoming a Christian, he had put his trust in wealth and material possessions, but they never made him truly happy. 

He said since putting his trust in Jesus he has peace and no longer feels the need to chase money and success.

After a time of sung worship, led by the worship band from St Thomas’, Lancaster, Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, led the young people in a Eucharist and gave a talk about ‘Building Your House on the Rock’. 

Bishop Philip encouraged the young people to take a next step in their journey of faith, whatever that looked like for them.

Then there was an opportunity to attend an interactive workshop. Workshops included a ‘Dream Lab’ which looked at how to seek God when choosing careers or next steps in education. 

Susie Mapledoram, Assistant Director of Education at the Diocese of Manchester,  led a workshop on the topic of mental health and well-being, entitled, ‘Faith, Feelings and You’.  There was also a Dance Space, an Active Space and a Space to Create.

After the workshops, the young people gathered in the Main Space for some big games! There was a Ball Pool Battle, an Over Under Relay game with beach balls and an Abide favourite, Buskin’ Bishop which showed photos of Bishop Philip at different UK landmarks.

In the evening session, Rachel Gardner (from YouthScape and St Luke’s, Blackburn) spoke on ‘Standing Firm in the Storm’. She encouraged young people to rely on God when life gets difficult and to stand firm with other Christians for an even stronger foundation.

The young people were then invited to receive prayer from the prayer team at the back of the room and there was a peaceful 10 minutes while worship music played in the background and over 40 young people queued up to be prayed for.

The event came to an exciting end with 20 confetti cannons launching during the penultimate worship song.

Ben Green, event organiser and Diocesan Youth Advisor said: “It was incredible and beautiful; God is definitely up to something with this generation of young people. It’ll be really exciting to see His outworking in our local churches.”

Sally Schofield, Deputy Director of Education commented: “It was wonderful to see so many young people worshipping Jesus in their youth groups.”

Iain Parks, Director of Education added, “Being able to witness the vibrant faith of young people at our Diocesan event Abide fills my heart with joy.  It was a pleasure to be present as they discovered Jesus, and many committed to a life centred on Him. 

"As Jeremiah reminds us, 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'. 

"Seeing first hand our young people’s enthusiasm which radiates hope across Lancashire continues to inspire us all to shine as lights in our communities.”

Next year’s event will be held on 10th October 2026, save the date!

• Above photos scenes from the Abide youth event

Heather Lee, April 2025