Durham CU doubles carol services due to demand
Thomas McBride
Durham University’s Christian Union doubled their carol service capacity this year. For several years the CU needed to close the doors to Durham Cathedral early as their carol services were full. This year, the Cathedral gave them double the time to use the building, so the CU doubled the capacity with two back-to-back carol services.
The Cathedral venue adds a draw for students, particularly at Christmas time, with an almost magical atmosphere. Across the two services, 2,500 students crammed in to sing carols and hear from God’s word. Director of Christians in Sport, Graham Daniels, captured the audience as he spoke from the beginning of Luke’s Gospel, unpacking the passage verse-by-verse with great dynamic enthusiasm.
Vital student ministry
Date posted: 1 Dec 2024
Dear Editor,
Many students have started university, and the importance of identifying as a Christian on campus by joining a Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, or similar ministry, cannot be exaggerated.
Revitalised CU sees multiple students come to faith
Milla Ling-Davies
Students and local church workers are praising God after several students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham unexpectedly came to faith last year - with one student calling it a 'revival'.
In September 2023, there was no Christian witness on the St Mary’s University campus. However, beginning with just two students, a new Christian Union (CU) grew to more than 25 members. They saw eight students profess faith in Christ and now have 93 on their wider WhatsApp group.
The quiet revival: 'I remain cautiously optimistic'
In recent months, much has been written about the so-called “quiet revival.” In essence, what is being reported is that we are seeing an increase in people, especially younger people, attending church, with a growing interest in the Bible.
In my work with The Open-Air Mission, I have certainly seen a far greater number of young people showing interest in the good news than I have previously observed. People are open to talking about the gospel and reading God’s Word. These are all good things, though I remain cautiously optimistic.