As usual, this summer was low key and quiet, a time to spend with the family, go on holiday/staycations and some R&R ahead of a new academic year starting. Despite it being low key, there was still a lot going on that has helped us prep for this new school year.

Youth Hub

We had a Youth Hub session to keep in touch with our youths and also tee up our new youth podcast that we’re planning and preparing for this term. We’re launching Echo Youth: Our Voice. His Word. This will be a new youth-led podcast exploring faith, purpose, and real-life issues from a Christ-centred perspective. Born out of our growing Youth Hub, collaborating with three other churches and a youth charity, the podcast will now play a key role in our community. We are so excited for what will come out of this! Our young people will record these during Youth Hub sessions and it will be truly a podcast by them, for them. Similar to Youth Alpha, we know God is moving amongst our young people and cannot wait to see the messages that come out of their time together behind the mic!

Men’s Prayer & grappling

In August, we hosted a prayer and training event for Christian men as part of the men’s ministry that runs out of my gym. Every Saturday, I offer free training sessions for Christian men, creating a space for faith and fitness. This initiative is also linked with several other gyms across the country who share the same vision, so it was a real blessing to gather everyone together for a day of fellowship, encouragement, and training.

We welcomed around 35 men from across the UK, all eager to connect, train, and be strengthened in their faith. The day was packed with both physical and spiritual challenges. On the training side, we offered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing sessions with professional coaches, giving everyone the chance to learn something new. We also shared a BBQ together, which gave us space to fellowship.

The spiritual side of the day was equally powerful. We had talks from myself, Bob from Speaker’s Corner and Sam from the Men for God podcast. With messages focused on Christian discipline in our daily walk with Christ, and the importance of being bold in sharing the Gospel.

Overall, the event was a fantastic reminder of what it looks like when men come together to encourage one another in both body and spirit. We’re excited to see how God will continue to grow this ministry, and for the next event.

Soul Space

For a couple of years we have prayed about a room within the Rivergate Centre that also links to George Carey CofE primary school. We wanted this room to become what we call a Soul Space; a room that the community and the school can use as a prayer room. Within the last couple of weeks we have now entered conversations with BRL and the school to develop a timetable that works for all parties so we can open the room for the community to use. It has been such a blessing and at the same time, we have had individuals walk into the the Rivergate Centre, asking for a space they can pray (alone and be prayed for) which just highlights how important the Soul Space would be. Watch this space!

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Below is a prayer for a new school year, usually for students to pray for themselves but we can use to pray over our littes, but also over ourselves as we are now in the full swing of the 2025/2026 academic year!

Lord Jesus, I ask for Your help as I begin this (new school) year.
Allow me to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before me.
Open my eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this (new school) year brings.
Open my heart and mind to new friends (and new teachers).
Give me a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with my studies/work and courage to accept new opportunities, even those outside of my comfort zone.
Help me to be attentive (to my teachers) and let me experience Your presence in my new friends.
Jesus, inspire me to do my best this year!
Amen