XChange

Year 7- Year 12  
 
XChange is a youth project established by Weymouth Family Church which runs every other Friday between 7-9 pm @ Bethany Hall, Westham Rd, Weymouth. We know there are many challenges that young people face today. These challenges include social and economic differences in our community, lack of equal access to educational opportunities, and a growing crisis in mental health and security of identity for some young people.  We also observe a lack of understanding, or exploration of spiritual identity amongst young people.
 
XChange is a part of Weymouth Family Church's mission to reach Weymouth & Portland with Good News about a God who loves them, and is a place that believes the best in the young people of Weymouth & Portland and wants the best for these young people. Philippians chapter 4: verses 8-9 in The Message (MSG) says 

'Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realised. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.’
 
We intend to highlight and praise the things that are excellent within the young people who attend XChange. We want to encourage them in their talents and aspirations, as well as promote social responsibility, and champion their ideas on how to improve their communities. We also want to gently and humbly encourage them to explore a faith in Jesus Christ, without any dogmatic requirements.
 
There has always been a youth group within the Church since it began in 2002. However, over the past 18 months, we have been establishing a new initiative for the youth group, a club not only for the young people attached to the church but for young people across the town.
 
At XChange, we include and welcome all young people in school years 7 to 11, no matter their background or beliefs. We aim to provide a safe and friendly environment, promote positive relationships, provoke spiritual questioning, and have FUN.
What do we do?
During the summer months we often go on walks, play beach games and go on trips. At other times on a regular Friday night at XChange we have available
  • Pool
  • Table Football
  • Table Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Game Consoles & more.
     
Every year we also take the group away to a week-long Youth Festival in Norfolk called NEWDAY in July/August. Newday is a chance or young people to enjoy a camping holiday, meet in a safe space and hear interesting talks about the Good News of Jesus, to join in sports activities and spend time together. If you are interested in finding out more or perhaps coming with us, please email at the address below.
Who are we?
We currently have two leaders running XChange
 
Garry Doyley (full DBS)
Garry is a husband and a father to two sons, he has worked in the small business sector for many years and is a local trader. He has been a member of Weymouth Family Church for 17 years and is a trustee.
 
James Kirkby (full DBS)
James is a husband, a father of two daughters and a foster carer who works in social care and education on a self-employed basis. He has been a member of Weymouth Family Church for ten years.
 
 
Mick Richardson (Elder/full DBS) oversees the work of James and Garry. He has a background in secondary education and working with youth who have been excluded from mainstream school.
 
We are currently recruiting additional volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please download and look at the job description here.
 
How do I join?
If you are or know someone between the ages of 11 & 17 (school years 7 to 11) who would be interested in attending XChange you can do two things.
1. Contact us to find out more our email address is office@weymouthfamilychurch.org.uk
2. Come down on a Friday night and see what we do. If you enjoy it and want to return, we would ask for you to take home a simple contact form to fill in for our records and that is it.