Isak’s Update February 2025, the second month of my illuminate adventure, has been full of excitement and rewards. I have had the privilege of teaching some RE lessons at Archway, sessions in the Tin Church (Paganhill) continue to draw in many young people, the curious questions lunch time group is Read more…
Isak has been a member of The Door and illuminate teams for a few years now, but as of January 2025 he has stepped up to become the illuminate Coordinator part-time alongside his other community youthwork activities across Stroud and beyond. We asked him to introduce himself… Let me start Read more…
illuminate has had an encouraging start the the new term, reopening it’s drop-in youth sessions in Stroud and in Dursley. We had the privilege to host all of the new year 7s from Archway for a lesson in the Tin Church, sharing with them all about what it means to Read more…
Have you ever wondered how to best disciple young people and encourage passion in them to put their relationship with God front and centre in their lives? Primarily, I would say that is done through consistent relationships with each other and trustworthy adults. However, it is also well worth considering Read more…
We’re delighted to welcome Lia Mills to the illuminate team as our new Intern for the next year. Lia, who will be based in Cam & Dursley, will be part of the illuminate team, as well as spending some time with our partner churches in the area. Alongside her role she Read more…
The new year 7s in Archway had an exciting visit to their local church as part of their Modern World RS module. Each class met with members of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Paganhill and had a good look around the fascinating church building, which was bought “flat-packed” Read more…
The academic year finished in real style as the illuminateStroud team and guest Artist Steph Cormack, took over year 7’s RS lessons in Archway School. Focusing on the question “How can people express their spirituality through art?” Students were encouraged to reflect on their first year in Archway from a spiritual and wellbeing perspective, building on Read more…
illuminate is coming to Dursley! In fact, we have already arrived… Building on the activities already happening across Stroud and Archway School; illuminate is delighted to be moving into the Dursley Area. Working with Churches Together in Cam and Dursley our team will be developing a profile in the community Read more…
I love September. I love the late summer sunshine, the rain and wind. I love watching the leaves start to lose some of their sheen as they think about turning golden brown. I love the way the nights draw in, and the dew on the grass and cars in the Read more…
Walking up the drive towards my front door, fresh from my daily exercise with my Labrador Maya, I spotted something bright red bobbing about between the front door and the wheelie bins. I was intrigued and so was Maya. After a quick sniff, she turned away eager to get inside Read more…