Some of the young people at Fusion

It was the vision of three Penwith youth workers to allow young people to worship God in a culturally relevant way. They met in November last year and formed Penwith United Youth, informing local churches of their vision and encouraging church involvement. Thus in February 2001 Fusion was born. The aim is to bring together, each month, the young people of the west of Cornwall and let them worship God.

Jason Bradbury - DJ from Bassline

Picture a neutral venue. The Gig Bar of the Godolphin Inn at Marazion has been used for the first two events. It overlooks St Michael's Mount, and the Bar is bedecked with oars and old pictures.

Picture a pumping sound system and a kool light rig.

Picture a DJ and singers, a testimony and a talky bit, and with a plate of sausage and chips thrown in to the £2.50 entry charge, then you've got Fusion.

Young people from as far as St Just had joined with others from Penzance and St Ives, from a variety of church backgrounds, or none at all, with ages ranging from 12 to 17, for a pacey, varied and well - received programme.

"It helps us to worship God," Seb, one of the local teenagers told me. "For us young ones it's better than a Sunday morning service!"

Collecting the food!

John Ferris, the Methodist youth worker in Penzance, explained that the aim of Fusion was to "provide relevant worship but not in any one church building."

DJ Jason Bradbury from BassLine in St Austell played a kicking set, with tunes like The Tribe's "Jumping in the House of God" and dba's "Planet Love" getting the worshippers on their funky feet.

"It's better than sitting at home on a Saturday night," said one teenage girl who explained she didn't normally go to church. A friend had dragged her along but she thought it was good and would come along again.

Mary from Shekinah Community Church shared how she'd missed the point of Christianity by being trapped in the religion of rules and regulations, but through discovering the joy of the daily relationship with Jesus had found a love to shout about.

Praising God - Fusion style!

Edwin Buwule of NCYM sang and spoke. He was joined by Dave Gee of St Ives and Becky and Panama, two of the young people in a sketch entitled "Love Is". Tracey Cooper's prayer at the beginning of the evening that we'd "have fun and learn more about knowing God" was certainly answered.

If you're a teenager in Penwith get along and check it out. If you're a youth leader get your young people there. If you can't get there, pray for this work.

Fusion has to look for new premises as the Godolphin Inn kicks into the tourist season next month. Pray that the right venue be found. Watch the “What’s On” page for details of the next event.

For further information about Fusion contact Sarah Blight:
Tel 01736 330613 Email sarah@sblight.freeserve.com

Report by Phil Hadley