An Important Update Regarding HopeMK and Our Vision for Youth Ministry in Milton Keynes
July 2026
Dear Church Leaders, Friends, and Supporters,
Unite is evolving. We look back and we are in awe of the legacy that many of you are aware of over the last decade, Milton Keynes has been blessed by an incredible move of unity, mission, and service among our young people. At the heart of this has been HopeMK. What started as a vision to unite local youth for social action and worship has transformed countless lives, blessed local communities through practical service, and shown our city the tangible love of Jesus. We are profoundly grateful for every young person who stepped out in faith, every adult volunteer who gave up their time, and every church that hosted a project, offered financial support, or lifted us up in prayer.
While we have loved how God moved amongst us in the past, we recognise that we are now in a new season that requires us to respond differently. As the cultural landscape, volunteer capacities, and church resources have evolved over recent years, we have continually sought to ensure that our youth-focused initiatives are both impactful and sustainable. Over the last few seasons, we adapted by introducing the Unite Sunday evening gatherings to help young people connect. While we value and appreciate the significant work that has been undertaken through Hope MK over the years, we believe that this is an appropriate time to establish a refreshed identity that reflects the current vision, direction, and priorities of the Core Team and the needs of the young people now. The three key values that will shape our gatherings and activities are:
- United in Hope
- Belonging as a Family
- Equipped for Mission
Rather than focusing exclusively on a single value, we aim to weave these themes throughout the annual programme so that young people experience and engage with each of them on a regular basis.
United in Hope reflects our desire to bring together young people from different churches and backgrounds, demonstrating the unity we share in Christ and the hope found in Him. Scripture reminds us in Romans 15:13 that God is the “God of hope”, who fills us with joy and peace so that we may ‘overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Belonging as a Family emphasises the importance of community, friendship, support, and discipleship. We want every young person to feel welcomed, valued, known, and connected, both within Unite and their local church communities. In the New Testament, it consistently uses the language of ‘adoption’ and ‘household’, to describe the church notably in Ephesians 2:19, which states we are ‘no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of his household.
Equipped for Mission focuses on helping young people grow in confidence and capability as followers of Jesus. Through teaching, discussion, prayer, practical opportunities, and leadership development, we want to equip them to live out their faith in their schools, families, friendship groups, and wider communities. In the New Testament, it consistently uses the language of ‘adoption’ and ‘household’, to describe the church notably in Acts 1:8 we are encouraged by this verse to share your faith, with others.
These values will shape how we do things slightly differently.
We want to build on the momentum of Unite events rather than having a stand-alone gathering like Hope MK. In doing this, we hope to build longer lasting impact that will spread across the year rather than one big movement.
What this means for the future:
Season of Thanksgiving: We want to celebrate all that God has done through HopeMK. We refuse to see this as an end, but as the completion of a beautiful chapter of youth mission in our city.
The Vision Remains: We still believe passionately in united, citywide youth ministry. We have picked up the mantle, and are ready to reshape, and pioneer new ways to gather and equip the next generation.
We would love to invite you to join us in prayer during this season of transition. Please pray especially for our young people, that the seeds of faith and mission sown during HopeMK will continue to take root and grow. We also ask you to pray for our local youth workers as they disciple the next generation across the different areas of Milton Keynes.
Watch this space for more information—we will be sending out an invitation to this prayer and revisioning event soon.
Thank you once again for your unwavering partnership, your shared passion for the youth of Milton Keynes, and your continued support of Unite ministry.
If you have any questions, would like to discuss this transition, or want to share your heart for the future of citywide youth ministry, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
With our warmest regards and prayers,
Unite Core Team
Carol Wheatle (Luke Chapman, Pete Telfer, Mung Hatzaw, Dorthy Muraya)
carol@mkbt.org.uk | 01908 270670
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