More than a Bible study.
ROOT 66 is a family of 16–25s figuring out faith and life together in Sunderland. Same journey. Different stories.
Come exactly as you are.
ROOT 66 is a community of 16–25 year olds from across Sunderland's universities, colleges and workplaces. We meet every week to open the Bible together, ask honest questions, and build friendships that last well beyond term time. You don't need a church background, and you don't need to have anything worked out.
Nobody should have to figure it out on their own.
Moving to a new city, starting a course, or working out what comes next can be a lonely business. So many students arrive in Sunderland each year not knowing a single person.
ROOT 66 exists to change that. It's a place to land, to be known, and to belong, whether you're exploring faith for the first time or you've followed Jesus for years. We take the Bible seriously and each other seriously, but we don't take ourselves too seriously.
Whoever you are, and wherever you're starting from, there's a seat for you here.
Know God. Enjoy Life. Build a Community.
Four things shape everything we do on a Thursday night and beyond.
Bible study
We open God's word together and explore it honestly, real questions, real discussion, no pretending. It's the heart of what we do.
Fellowship
Real friendships, not small talk. We actually check in on how everyone's doing, and we stick around for each other through the week.
Worship
Music, praise and celebration. A chance to lift our eyes off ourselves and worship God together as part of the wider church family.
Outreach
Serving the city we all call home. We want to be good news for Sunderland, not just talk about it.
What to expect when you come along
Turning up somewhere new is the hardest part. Here's exactly how a Thursday runs, so there are no surprises.
You'll be made to feel at home.
A warm welcome
Someone will say hello and introduce you around. Grab a drink and something to eat.
How's everyone really doing?
We take time to check in on each other properly, the good weeks and the hard ones.
Into the Bible
We open a passage and talk it through together. Ask anything, no question is too basic or too big.
Pray & head off
We pray for each other before we go. You're welcome to join in or just listen.
A few things you might be wondering
Do I need to be religious or know anything about the Bible?
Not at all. Loads of people come along who aren't sure what they believe, or who've never opened a Bible. You can ask honest questions and take your time, there's no pressure.
I won't know anyone. Is that okay?
Completely normal, most people came for the first time not knowing a soul. You'll be introduced around and made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
Is it safe and well run?
Yes. ROOT 66 is part of Bethany City Church, a registered charity (1112606) with a full safeguarding policy. You can read the church's safeguarding information here.
What does it cost?
Nothing. ROOT 66 is completely free to come along to.
You don't have to figure it all out first.
Come and meet us this Thursday. Find your people, grow in faith, do life together.