Organisers at Bellevue Chapel are keen to publicise their youth club – 'Covies' – aimed at locals in S1 and above.
The regular Rodney Street sessions run on Wednesday evenings (7:30–9:00pm) during term time and are open to all. You don't have to be a member of the congregation, a churchgoer or a Christian to enjoy the sports, football, activities, trips, music and 'plenty of chat and discussion' on offer. Events coming up soon include a 'pub quiz', After Dark chill-out nights and a trip to Teen Ranch, Scotland.
Lucy Cloke – one of those behind the project – is straightforward about the Covies' relaxed ethos. 'Yes, there is a talk and discussion time at the end of a normal night,' she says.'For example, about what it means to be a Christian, what prayer is, what worship means, sometimes a short Bible study, and sometimes more general discussion of poverty, drugs, careers etc.
'But I would emphasise the discussion element. It is an opportunity to find out more and ask lots of questions. No expectations are made.'
Covies have been running nationally for about 25 years, and the name is a popular contraction of the more formal-sounding 'Covenanters'. To find out more, just turn up.