INTRODUCTION
We give glory to God Almighty for His mercies in our lives and His love towards us. The goal of the Youth Fellowship Ministry is to positively impact the lives of the youths of the church with the encouragement embedded in the word of God. To the glory of God, we have been functioning in this light. In maintaining structure, there was re-appointment and replacement of Youth Executives and they assumed office on the 12th of February, 2023.
ACHIEVEMENTS/ACTIVITIES
YOUTH CHURCH SERVICES:
Services in the Youth Church are held as follows:
- Thanksgiving Service – 1st Sunday
- Communion service – 2nd Sunday
- Youth Sunday (Main church) – 3rd Sunday
- Mattins/Bible Study – 4th Sunday
- Variety Sunday (Interactive sessions, film shows, etc) – 5th Sunday
PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES
1. EAT, PRAY AND SHARE (EPS)
This is an annual valentine’s program of the ministry, that has not only spread across the Archdeaconry, but also across the Diocese. It is usually the first program held in the year (according to our calendar). In the year under review, we catered to over a hundred guests (within and outside the Archdeaconry) and also invited renowned relationship coach, Mrs. Nike Folagbade.
2. JOSHUA GENERATION (CHURCH OF NIGERIA)
In 2023, delegates were sent to represent the church and by extension, the Archdeaconry and the Diocese at the annual Church of Nigeria youth conference (Joshua Generation) in Abuja.
3. 6 SUNDAYS OF DIVINE ENCOUNTER
The ministry initiated a series which ran for 6 Sundays in the church. Topics on self doubt, relatiosnhip, low self esteem, were discussed. For this program, we had the opportunity of inviitng The Ven. Henry and Mrs. Oludamola Adelegan, Dr. Erere Otrofanowei, Mrs. Magdalene Adegoke and Chike Praise.
4. PASSWORD
Being the host of the annual Archdeaconry praise concert, The Youth Fellowship Ministry was very instrumental to the success of the 7th edition of Password (Password 7.0).
5. DIOCESAN YOUTH CAMP
The fellowship was represented by 10 of its members at the annual Diocesan Youth Camp (held at the Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Comprehensive College, Epe). They participated actively as delegates and as volunteers.
6. BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP
The Breakfast Fellowship was re-introduced as it is an integral part of reviving the youth ministry. This was made a reality by the support of our Vicar, The Ven. Folorunso OreOluwa Agbelusi and our Chaplain, The Rev. Canon Bola Osinupebi. It is scheduled to hold monthly (3rd Saturdays) and we had the first edition in October 2023.
7. ACADI TRAINING (CHURCH OF NIGERIA)
A new initiative of the Primate and Mama Nigeria against Gender Based Violence, was brought to the Diocese of Lagos. We had youth representatives and our chaplain selected for this training and to the glory of God, it is still in progress.
CELEBRATIONS AND BEREAVEMENT
In the year under review, we celebrated as a ministry and also shared in the pains of some of our members.
- Admission and Graduation into and from tertiary institutions
- Conclusion of the NYSC programme
- Job offers and promotions
- Landmark birthdays, wedding anniversaries and child birth
- The Election, Consecration and Enthronement of The Rt. Rev. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi as the 9th Bishop Of Lagos
- The passing of loved ones of some of our Executives
We bless God for all He has done and pray that those who have suffered losses will be comforted.
APPRECIATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Without the active contributions of many people, 2023 may not have been remarkable. We sincerely appreciate beginning the year with His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi (Bishop of Lagos), who at the time was serving in our parish as the Vicar.
We also appreciate dearly our Father in God, our Vicar, The Ven. Folorunso OreOluwa Agbelusi, for continuing the good work being done in the Youth Fellowship Ministry.
Our love and appreciation also to our friend and Chaplain, The Rev. Canon Bola Osinupebi, whose active interest in the Youth Ministry has been a tremendous source of encouragement to us.
To the Youth Committee of the church, our patrons and matrons, all of whom we cannot mention by name, we say thank you for your support and show of love. We cannot but publicly thank Hon. Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, Mrs. Iyabo Attah, Mrs. Joyce Binite, Mrs O. O. Adesola and Sir & Lady Stanley Amuchie. God’s blessings, favour and peace to you all, in Jesus’ name.
We appreciate the rest of the curates of our church and all the workers of the church, across departments. They have all been helpful to us. May God provide them with helpers as well.
Finally, we thank the entire congregation of Our Saviour’s Church. In one way or another, you have also been of immense help to us. You have encouraged us one-on one on many occasions and in many other ways. We appreciate you. Many of you have spoken up in support of us at various fora. You have also continued to encourage the development of our departments – especially the music and media departments through which we minister to the congregation of the church occasionally. May you always produce the savour of Christ in your lives, in Jesus’ name. We look forward to experiencing the great things that God will do through you and us in 2024. May it be so, in Jesus’ name.