Young People Explore “What God is Like” at Canberra Region Youth Event

Creativity, connection and community were at the heart of a joyful Youth Event held on Saturday 21 June, hosted by the Canberra Region Presbytery in partnership with the NSW/ACT Synod Pulse Team and Uniting Creative. Around 30 young people from across the Presbytery gathered at Sanctuary in Narrabundah (the former St Aidan’s Uniting Church) for an afternoon of workshops, worship, and fun – and they weren’t alone! About the same number of adults – parents, leaders, and supporters – also came along to cheer them on and be part of the celebration.

Importantly, this event wasn’t just dreamed up overnight. It came about after months of discussion and planning by youth and children’s ministry leaders from across the congregations of the Canberra Region Presbytery, who shared a vision to create space for young people to connect, create, and worship together. It was exciting to see so many congregations represented on the day, including Gungahlin, North Belconnen, Kippax, Canberra City, Wesley Forrest, Tuggeranong, the Molonglo Church Plant, Queanbeyan, and Yarralumla. We also had the joy of welcoming young people from other churches across Canberra, in a wonderful display of ecumenical friendship and unity. A huge thank you goes especially to Marike Jago, Luke Keenan, and the amazing group of volunteers who gave many hours of their time and energy to bring this event to life. It is hoped that this can become a regular and much-anticipated gathering for young people across the region.

The afternoon kicked off with a high-energy Worship Music Workshop, led by Tash Holmes, Uniting Creative Mission Catalyst, and ably supported by a fantastic music team from Quakers Hill Uniting Church. With Tash’s guidance, the involvement of Uniting Creative, and the Quakers Hill team’s musical gifts, the group explored how music can be more than just sound – it can be an invitation into worship, community, and connection with God.

After an impressive afternoon tea (where the catering team clearly outdid themselves!), the young people chose between two creative workshop streams: Visual Arts and Drama. In the Visual Arts space, young people rolled up their sleeves to design and paint vibrant banners, which later became central to the worship service. Meanwhile, in the Drama group, creativity took a theatrical turn as they prepared an enactment of the beautiful children’s book What is God Like? by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Through movement and storytelling, they brought to life the wonder, mystery, and kindness of God.

The day reached its high point with a well-attended Youth Worship Service, where the young people led the gathered community in singing, praying, laughing, and reflecting on the question: What is God like for us? Once again, the music was beautifully supported by the Quakers Hill team. Rev James Aaron from the Pulse Team offered an encouraging message, inviting everyone to express their prayers by adding Lego pieces to a growing, colourful prayer tower – a powerful, tangible symbol of our shared faith, diversity, and creativity.

The evening finished the best way possible – with pizza, sushi, dessert, and lots of chatter and laughter echoing through the space. People left not only with full stomachs but also with hearts full of connection, joy, and a deeper sense of community.

A big thank you to the Pulse Team, Uniting Creative, the Quakers Hill music crew, volunteers, youth leaders, and all who came along — proving once again that when young people gather with open hearts and curious minds, something special happens.

James Ellis