Young people urged to join new branch of The Guild

A Church elder from Aberdeen is encouraging young people to join a new branch of the Guild.

Matthew Philip said the Young Adult Guild was a place for those aged 18-30 who are passionate about mission, fellowship and discipleship.

The group, which discusses meaty topics including empowerment, and peace and justice, was formed in response to a decision to dissolve the National Youth Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2019.

The news comes as the Iona Community report to the General Assembly reveals that membership of its Young Adults Group (18-30) has doubled in the last 12 months.

It states that young members and volunteers say that the combination of a "down-to-earth faith and worship style, along with focused engagement in the politics of justice and peace" is what attracts them to life in the Iona Community.

Mr Philip, 26, appealed to commissioners at the General Assembly to encourage people in their parishes to consider getting involved in the Young Adult Guild, which officially launched in January.

Around 20 people have taken part in three online meetings so far which featured guests from different organisations who shared their knowledge and experiences.

Mission

The topics discussed were Empowerment Through Times of Change, addressing the challenges of stigma and myths around intellectual and physical disabilities in Uganda and Peace and Justice.

The steering group of the Young Adult Guild hopes people will soon be able to meet up in person in new groups across the country soon.

Mr Philip, a member of Craigiebuckler Parish Church, said: "The Young Adult Guild was formed by a group of young people, who all got together at last year's General Assembly.

"We wanted to start something new for young adults and were inspired to partner with the Guild, as we knew that they are highly respected for their work across the Church.

"We wanted to start something where young people and young adults feel like they belong and are part of something, with a focus on mission, fellowship and discipleship.

"Our initial aim is to build a platform with young adults where we hope to worship together, reflect together and learn about mission together.

"Our bigger and wider aim is that the Young Adult Guild grows enough so that we can have smaller local groups which we would hope to meet in person.

"I would like to encourage commissioners to spread the word amongst your congregations, Guild groups and presbyteries and use any platforms that are available to you to reach out to young people and young adults in your local area that would be interested in joining us at future Young Adult Guild meetings."

Mr Philip said people who are young at heart are always welcome to attend meetings.

"On behalf of the steering group, I would like to thank the Guild for the enthusiastic support that we have received, in helping to create the Young Adult Guild and progressing it to where it is now," he added.

"Without your support, we wouldn't have got the Young Adult Guild to where we are with it today."

The next meeting of the Young Adult Guild is on Monday, the 5th of June and the topic will be Home for Good.

If you are interested in getting involved, email Yag@churchofscotland.org.uk.