Youth, Community and Belonging in Luton

By Stan and Ore, URC Thames North Synod Youth Representatives

Our visit to Newland URC in Luton gave us an opportunity to explore how churches and community organisations can work together to support young people and strengthen local communities. The visit was hosted by David Jonathan (Johny), who oversees the Grassroots Programme in Luton. We were accompanied by Lorraine Downer, the Synod’s Children and Youth Development Officer.

Through worship, conversations and meeting young people from the Luton and Dunstable communities, we saw the importance of building relationships, promoting social interaction and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to work together. The day also gave us a chance to share our work as Synod Youth Representatives and our commitment to encouraging young people’s voices and participation in church life.

We were particularly interested in how these approaches could help us improve youth engagement across our communities. The visit reminded us that supporting young people involves more than organising activities: it means listening to their voices, nurturing their leadership and creating spaces where they feel valued and included.

We left feeling encouraged to explore stronger partnerships with other churches and other young people in the Synod, turning our faith into practical action that makes a difference. We are grateful to Newland URC and the Grassroots Programme for their hospitality and for sharing their experiences with us.

A report on the visit from David Jonathan (Johny)

The visit began at Newland URC, where the group joined the Sunday congregation for worship centred on the theme of light. Drawing on Isaiah’s call to be “a light to the nations” and Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world”, the service encouraged worshippers to reflect on how faith opens our eyes to the needs of the world and inspires service rooted in God’s love. During the service, the youth representatives shared how they represent the voices of young people across the Synod, encourage participation in church life and build connections between congregations.

After worship, the visitors toured parts of Luton. In Lewsey they saw colourful children’s peace artwork displayed on lamp posts, celebrating friendship, hope and community harmony. In Bury Park they learned about the area’s rich cultural diversity, heard stories of interfaith relationships and community resilience, and visited the site of the former Bury Park URC.

A highlight of the day was meeting Pastor Lloyd Denny, Pentecostal minister, Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, former chaplain to Bedfordshire Police, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and author of the Denny Review on health inequalities. Pastor Denny spoke about community cohesion, the Luton in Harmony campaign, interfaith engagement and the vital contribution churches can make to public life.

Reflecting on the visit, Stan and Ore said: “What stood out for us was seeing faith lived out beyond the church walls. Hearing how churches, community leaders and people of different faiths work together for the common good showed us how Christian witness can make a real difference in society.”

Lorraine Downer said: “The visit offered an inspiring insight into how churches, community organisations and local leaders are working together to build stronger, more connected communities across Luton.”