Story: Vivien Urwodhi | Photo Anwar Suliman
Young people from Shiloh Church in Burngreave made their first public performance at Abbeyfield Park festival in July.
Up to 20 young people take part in the choir each week at the church, with choir director Nichol Shirley. They all work together as a group to sing songs by Gospel musicians such as Kirk Franklin. She said, “music is a big part of their lives, and it helps them build their confidence.”
The young people, whose ages range from 7 to 18 years, do loads of activities at Shiloh including drama, dancing, poetry, music and their choir. They are hoping to invite other young people from different backgrounds and different communities to take part, and their public performance was a way to show people what the group is about.
Pastor Beverley Marrett explained that the young people come together each week – Tuesdays is youth club, Thursday is bible discussion and Saturday is performance day. The Youth Group leader Celia Jackson-Chambers, who is one of the volunteers working with young people, said, “the club is fun in a Christian environment; young people learn how to respect each other and treat others as they would like to be treated themselves.”
Young people at the church said, “it’s fun, it’s a good place to relax and talk. And we can teach each other things like dance and drama.”
For more information call Pastor Beverley Marrett on 07890 027 854.