Highlights from the Youth Residential - By Ollie Greenfield

This weekend, 15 of St Paul’s young people headed to Lineham Farm for our annual youth residential. Set just outside Leeds, Lineham Farm gave us the perfect setting to escape the busyness of daily life and feel like a real retreat. Surrounded by countryside, away from school pressures, phones, and routines, our young people were given space. Space to have fun, deepen friendships, and encounter God in fresh ways.

From the moment we arrived on Friday, we shared food, explored the grounds, and settled into a slower rhythm together. That first evening around the fire pit, as we led our evening Bible study, was a real highlight. Thanks to a generous donation, each young person received their own youth edition Good News Bible. Together, we opened Scripture, explored the Gospel of Mark, and began asking big questions: What did Jesus come to change? And what does that mean for us today?

Saturday brought challenge, adventure, and a lot of laughter. Whether climbing, tackling low ropes, mountain biking, or learning bushcraft skills in the woods, our young people were stretched, encouraged, and often pushed beyond their comfort zones. There were so many stories of building resilience, growing in confidence, and gaining new achievements to celebrate in these moments. 

Bushcraft, complete with fire building and hammock making, offered moments of calm and teamwork, while mountain biking brought energy and excitement. 

But beyond the action, what stood out most was community. Meals were shared. Morning prayers led over breakfast tables. Friendships deepened. Young people who may only usually see each other briefly throughout their week had the chance to be present with each other all weekend.

Saturday evening’s second Bible study challenged us further: How do we live for Jesus in the world today? Honest discussions, thoughtful reflection, and worship together helped root the weekend’s fun in something deeper.

And then, of course, there was Saturday Night's big entertainment - Taskmaster.

Pure chaos. Endless laughter. Silly challenges. Team spirit at its absolute best.

From finding the most unusual item to drink from, to forming a team conga line attempting to pie Ollie the fastest. It was joyful, ridiculous, and unforgettable 

Sunday followed with a slightly wetter final activity and meal before we finished our time together and went home. 

Weekends like this matter because they create transformative moments. They give our young people the chance to step away from distractions, build meaningful friendships, explore Scripture deeply, and explore how their faith feeds into their daily lives.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, supported, and made this weekend possible. 

Blessings, 

Ollie