Antrim Guradian Newspaper Report

Antrim Guradian Newspaper Article taken today, November 27 2008:

"ANTRIM'S YOUTH EXPECTED TO RISE TO THE OCCASION

A CHRISTIAN youth movement from Antrim is to hold its first meeting this Friday (28).

RISE, which was launched in October, is aiming to 'bring the youth of Antrim together, regardless of denomination or church building'.

The meeting will be held in Antrim Baptist Church at 7.30pm but early arrival has been advised.

the group's mission statement reads: "RISE is a project which aims to helps us become the people we were created to be: young men and young women who love Jesus and want to be part of bringing positive change in thee town we live in.
"We long to see the energy, enthusiasm and passion of young people fuel this revolution. We want to show Jesus in a real and physical way for his fame."

RISE began with three 18-year-old - Jonny Solari, who attends Antrim Baptist Church, Ben Connolly, who attends 1st Prsebyterian, and Colin Hill, who also attends Antrim Baptist Church.

They say they want to bring the different denominations and churches in Antrim together, stressing that the project is also non-denominational and does not represent and Church community in Antrim.

As a project they hope to hold many different events in the next year. Fun days, cafe outreach, band nights, fundraisers and other event swhich will be organised by different people from differen churches.

By getting young people from different churches involved in decorating, welcoming, playing in the band and more, their aim is that relationships between churches will be developed so that they can become united in the wrok that they do inside and outside their church buildings.

At Friday's event, the band, 'Walls Need Gates', will lead praise and speaker, Matthew Boyd will give a message to those who attend.

Although this initial event is still going through preparation, there are young people from nine different churches and denominations directly involved in playing a part. They have also estimated that many more young people involved from different churches.

The project has requested help from the churches in the area for the first event, through financial aid, electrial equipment, youth leaders, young people and other resources, but especially prayer.

"We hope to make this youth event a regular one in the town, and use the church buildings as a venue for these," said Jonny Solari.
"Ben, Colin and I are excited about the first event but are looking nto the future too, so if aany churches would like to allow us to use theri building as a venue please get in touch."

For more infor visit www.riseantrim.co.nr"