Over the weekend of 5–7 June, St Giles’ Church, Northampton, hosted a residential gathering for young adults at the Chellington Centre in Felmersham. The weekend, known as Origin, brought together participants for worship, community, and discipleship in a peaceful rural setting.
Held annually, Origin offers young adults a space to share meals, build relationships and explore their faith in a supportive and welcoming environment. Across the three days, participants engaged in worship led by visiting speakers, spent time outdoors on walks, and enjoyed opportunities to relax through games and creative activities. This year’s theme, Influences, shaped a series of sessions designed to help attendees reflect on different aspects of their Christian lives and participants were invited to attend three out of four sessions: Identity, Spiritual Disciplines, Worship, and a Bible study focusing on the apostle Paul.
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The event was organised and led by Ruth Alexander, Student Minister at St Giles’, whose leadership helped create what one participant described as “a really open space… [where] there’s no judgement or preconceptions—you can just be exactly as you are.”
The weekend highlighted a growing sense that faith is vibrant among young adults aged 18–30. Many who attended spoke of a strong desire to “grow their Christian lives” and to connect with others at a similar stage of life. For one engaged couple, the significance of the weekend was such that they chose to celebrate their hen and stag gatherings as part of Origin.
Several attendees reflected on the importance of setting aside dedicated time to focus on faith. One participant likened the experience to “a pit-stop… you feel refreshed in your faith, and ready to go and live it out,” while another described it as “a detox from modern life… just have slower pace for a few days.” Others emphasised the value of shared experience, with one young woman noting that such weekends “build community among young adults… having that closeness and connection with other people your age.” A recent graduate added that it provides “a place with other Christians who feel the same way, who are at a similar stage of life”
Revd Jenny Paddison, Ministry Experience Scheme and Young Adult Coordinator for the Diocese said of the event:
“Ruth Alexander and her team created a vibrant, engaging and faith filled space where all were nurtured in body, mind and spirit. The welcome for everyone especially for those who came on their own was warm, friendly and made sure people felt safe and unjudged. The variety of activities and sessions on offer was incredible and yet nothing felt rushed. Most of all, it was deeply encouraging to hear from the participants about how much the weekend meant for their journey of faith.”
Across the Diocese there are increasing signs of young people exploring faith communities, seeking belonging, purpose and trust in a rapidly changing world. The experience of Origin offers encouragement to churches considering how they might engage with this age group. Prayer is an important first step, alongside reflecting on how to welcome, support and involve young adults in church life. As one participant observed, older members of congregations can play a vital role by offering wisdom, empathy and prayer, having themselves navigated the challenges of early adulthood.
While not every church currently has a strong presence of people in their twenties, weekends like Origin demonstrate the potential for growth when space is created for connection, openness and faith to flourish.
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