Mel and Tom are the friendly student pastors, here to help in any way they can!
What Happens
The Living Room
After the evening service from about 8-9ish we amble over to the Castle Rooms (a 30 second walk away from the church) for The Living Room! This is a relaxed cafe-style environment that gives you space to meet other students and chill out after a busy week with a supply of hot chocolate, tea, coffee, sweets and the occasional cake or two. There are also the odd special session which last year included chats ranging from Dr Flimer chatting about improvisation and how we should be prepared for different situations, to Dr D C Jones giving us a potted background to the Puritans! So quite a spread of bite-sized things to chew over.
LOGOs (The Student Cell Groups)
We have a number of student led cell groups which follow the same format and material as the church cell groups. These are brilliant and can’t be overemphasised! They provide an excellent and safe environment to study the Bible, support each other, pray, encourage and battle through daily issues. They provide warmth, love and friendship. GET INVOLVED!
Alpha
We encourage everyone to go on the Alpha course whether you’ve been a Christian ten years, ten minutes, or just want to find out more! Through it you will review the basics of the Christian faith and provide yourselves with a grounded and concrete start to university life. There is also the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on the Alpha weekend, usually in beautiful Bala, which makes a great break mid-term! We meet in the Castle Rooms, and each session begins with a wonderful hot dinner - which proves to be good motivation for many students to come!
Special Events
Student led Services
For one whole service EVERYTHING is student led – the worship, the sermon, the prayers, the welcome team, you name it, we do it! What an opportunity to push out in areas you feel gifted in, and to stretch your comfort zones. It is also a great chance to invite your non-Christian friends along, especially if they know someone involved.
Post Grads and Mature Students
Regularly (work load permitting) we get together and have dinner around someone’s house. This is a great chance to meet other Christian Post Grads, and also a chance for those who want to learn more about Jesus to have a chat and see what we actually think without the formality of church. Keep your eyes and eyes open.
Getting Away
Girls' and Lads' Weekends Away
During the second term after the exams are over and just when you’re gasping for a break, we offer just what you need! Two weekends, one for guys and one for girls. During the weekend there will be time to relax and be girls, or have some quality boys’ time whilst hearing from a great speaker. It is a time for refreshing and for challenge from the Bible, whilst getting to know each other better.
Summer Mission
Previously we have been to Nottingham, Cardiff and this year we visited Porthcawl. These weeks are a chance to put what you learn into practice. How does social action fit in with theology? Here you really get your hands dirty with gardening, painting, kids clubs, work with the elderly, litter picking and so much more! It has always been a way of support the work of the local church, building real fellowship and friendships and a great way to start your summer. I couldn't recommend it enough!
New Word Alive
During the Easter holidays we take a little trip up the coast to Pwhelli for New Word Alive. Great teaching, another chance for getting to know new people, good weather (not guaranteed!) and lots of extra bits thrown in too. We normally stay in self-catering caravans, but they are warm and comfy so no complaints there.
Christmas Ball
Every year we take the opportunity to get dressed up, have some great festive food and a bit of a dance! This takes place just before the end of term in December.
PLUS…
1-1 Bible Studies
If you feel you need or would benefit from some extra support and a chance to talk over things and see what the Bible has to say then this can be easily arranged. Mel and Tom loiter around at the end of the services, so just grab one of them and make a date.
Visiting
Because tea drinking is an acquired sport, you will get visits! These visits will be primarily just to say a friendly ‘hi’ and to check up on how things are going and of course to drink tea, but they can also be pastoral. At your request a particular problem can be talked and prayed about. In some cases Tom or Mel can put you in touch with someone on the listening team. Confidentiality is assured on all visits.
