It's not often that a hardened 44 year old Star Wars fan gets to watch Darth Vader during a Church of Ireland worship service, but at the year's Anois Youth event, run by the Church of Ireland Youth Department various movie clips where used to challenge up to 150 young people (and the not so young!) on their relationship with God. Alan Breen, Youth Worker at Red Cross parish, Dublin, drawing upon famous Holywood scenes presented the Gospel message in a very engaging and meaningful way throughout the weekend...helping Anois participants engage with the "Father heart of God".

Alongside regular times of worship (including a Holy Communion Service led by Bishop Michael Burrows), Anois 2011 was again jam packed with activity for youngsters drawn from across the Church of Ireland. One could play Xbox to one's heart content, score goals in uni-hoc, or ride the rodeo bull until unceremoniously dumped! Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the weekend was the team games challenge which saw teams of young people cooperate across a range of mental and physical challenges... this 44 year old it has to be said chose not to go up the climbing wall!

On a more serious note, amidst all the fun, it was evident from the small group discussions, to late night chats over coffee, that the Anois participants were engaged with each other, the theme of the event and above all Christ Himself. Do pray that the Lord's work will continue from Anois2011 in the hearts and minds of those who attended.Of course, many, many thanks must go the small army of volunteers from across the Dioceses' who helped run this year's event. Without this vital support, in running the prayer team, first aid, the main stage or doing the 4 am security shift, this year's Anois would not have been the huge success it seems to have been.

Darth Vader might very well say... "May the force be with you" nothing compared to what almost 200 young Christians are able to proclaim in saying together..."May the LORD be with you."