After the successful hosting of Glen 21 this month, the latest Provincial Youth Newsletter tells the story of how young people across the country came together both online and in person to enjoy worship and a host of exciting activities.

The ‘Glen Special’ says: ‘Throughout lockdown, young people and leaders across the Province have been meeting weekly on Zoom to chat, play games and pray together. Glen 21 made the most of this technology to help us speak face-to-face.

‘House Groups all met on Zoom, and this proved to be a safe, thoughtful space for delegates to share their experiences, talk about their faith and ask questions.’

The theme of the week was darkness and light, which allowed the young people to explore their faith in good times and bad. And worship, which is an integral part of Provincial Youth Week, was held on Zoom but for the final act of worship, delegates gathered together for an in-person Eucharist at St Ninian’s Cathedral in Perth (main picture).

Activities throughout the week included a quiz, film night, murder mystery night (above), crafts, ‘lazy exercise’ (try it!), pizza-making, arts, crafts, photography, creative writing and different ways to pray – plus an online ‘Ceilidh in Your Kitchen’ with Glen regulars The Gallivanters Ceilidh Band.

Organisers were also delighted that by the time of Glen 21, Covid restrictions had been relaxed enough to allow leaders and delegates to meet up in small regional groups across Scotland.

The College of Bishops was represented by Bishop Andrew Swift, who spoke about the challenges of being socially distanced, with the help of an unexpected prop – an actual barge pole!

The PYC asks that the news about Glen is shared as widely as possible, on church or diocesan websites and on social media. Any of the text may be reproduced for the purposes of publicising the youth week. Permission has to be requested for reproduction of any images within the Newsletter: please contact ClaireBE@scotland.anglican.org

The full 11-page Newsletter is available here.