Pathfinders is our group for teenagers which meets during the Sunday 10 am service, joining the congregation later for Communion. The group arranges social events for young people too.

The Pathfinders are a group of 11-18 year olds who meet regularly to discuss current events and issues of justice, and how our faith in God affects how we view these things and our involvement in them. We also look at stories and events in the Bible and, through our discussions, attempt to gain a better understanding of what they are telling us in terms of God, history, and our own journey of faith.

Our regular Sunday morning sessions start from 09:30 with hot chocolate and maybe a pain au chocolat for those who fancy it. Issues that have been considered in the past year include, amongst other things, Israel and Palestine, Climate Change, Fairtrade, Jesus’ incarnation, resurrection and ascension.

The Pathfinders also contribute to the worship at St John’s through their participation in Youth services, Harvest Festival, the Crib Service, Fathers’ Day and Mothering Sunday services, Tea and Favourite Hymns and the CTC Christmas service at Pinehurst. In addition, a number of the Pathfinders are part of the acolyte team, whilst others sing either in the Choir or in the GLorEE Group.

As well as our regular meeting, we arrange various social events. Last year a number of us went to the Big Church Day Out at Wiston House in West Sussex where music and worship form the basis of a fantastic day out. Other social events include the annual Bonfire Party and the Pathfinders Christmas Party. We hope to be repeating some of these events (as well as trying out new things) in 2013.