Youth
Here at SML, we have a thriving and growing community of Young People which is supported by the wider SML Church Family. Here is an outline of our vision for the Youth Ministry, as well as some information about what we are doing to actively pursue it.
Building Community
At SML we have a lively community of Young People, from 11 to 18. As such, we aim to provide opportunities for them to build their own groups and friendships within the safe spaces which are our wider youth groups. We as a team are here to accommodate this growth, and help to bring structure and opportunity to these flourishing friendships through what we offer as a Youth Ministry.
Nurturing Faith
We as a team believe that our Young People have just as much to offer as anyone else, and we strive to help them achieve that potential through biblical teaching, as well as modelling the way of life that Jesus calls us to live.
Welcoming to the Church Family
All the Young People that join us as members of Youth are also a fundamental part of the wider church family, with their own part to play, their own gifts to offer. We encourage our Young People to see themselves as full members of SML, getting involved with the areas of church life that interest them the most.
During term time our youth offering looks like this
Sunday Services
Morning Service (Year 7 – 13) | 10:45-12:00 | Church
During our Morning Service at SML, we as a Youth Group worship in Church, followed by teaching and a time to hang out in the church centre.
SIX30 Service (Year 9 – 13) | 18:30-20:00 | Church
Our SIX30 service is a place to join with the wider church community, worshipping and learning more about Jesus. We also meet after the service, as a time to both reflect and to be around friends.
Midweek Groups
Our Midweek groups are all about building a lasting and spiritually healthy faith. We provide space for activities, games and just relaxing, as well as teaching and spiritual reflection. Our Midweek groups are the heart of where we pursue our vision of building community and nurturing faith which coalesce into being an active member of SML.
Monday: Older Youth (Year 9 – 11) | 19:00-20:30 | Church Centre
Tuesday: Younger Youth (Years 7-8) | 19:00-20:30 | Church Centre
Wednesday: Sixth & Up (Year 12 – 13) | 19:30-21:00 | Contact Youth Pastor for location info
Schools Works
SML provides Church of England Chaplaincy to St Edwards School, supporting the school’s spiritual life and thriving Christian Union. The SML Youth Team are always happy to support local secondary schools with Christian input, be that teaching or pastoral.
RESOUND - 10th June 2023
On 10th June, we were delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to SML for RESOUND, a gathering of over 350 young people from across Dorset, as part of the Diocese of Salisbury’s Mission Weekend. We had an amazing time as we worshipped together, prayed, heard an interview with Justin Welby, and Neil O’Boyle (National Director of Youth for Christ) shared from God’s word.
Pastoral support
Our Youth Pastor Rob Sallis is often available to offer pastoral support in whichever manner is most appropriate to the people involved and the situation at hand. This pastoral support is supported by our safeguarding policy, linked below.
Residential and Social Events
Youth at SML has a long history of providing opportunities for large group residential and social events, as well as midweek group specific social events. Our whole youth group events include the Youth Weekend Away, a termly social gathering and attendance of Summer Festivals as a cohort. We also offer smaller local social events in the surrounding area within their midweek groups.
Contact Our Youth Pastor (Rob)
Do get in contact with Rob if you have any questions, concerns, or queries:
Phone: 07498599637 | E-mail: youth@smlpoole.org.uk
Instagram: @smlyouth | Twitter: @smlyouth | Youtube: SML Youth