Three local United Reformed churches have become the latest in a growing number of congregations to receive an accreditation for the work they do engaging young people.
The Children and Youth Friendly Church Scheme can help your church improve the welcome it gives to children, young people and families.
The churches are:
Groby URC in East Midlands Synod which is in the privileged position of having an accredited lay pioneer in its eldership. The church has established a new Christian-based community expression for households containing children with special educational needs on a fortnightly basis.
Young people are also sent birthday cards and receive a Bible when they turn nine-years-old, and spaces are created for children and young people to be creative and learn about God at the same time.
Also in East Midlands Synod, Enderby URC gained the award for praying regularly for children and young people and for schools and nursery provision in the community. And for providing a means for uniformed groups using the building to request prayer in a creative way.
Enderby URC also provides space for the groups to lead a service as part of the village’s annual Remembrance Parade, which attracts more than 200 people to the building.
Richard Knott, CYDO+ for East Midlands Synod, said: “They are clearly a prayerful people.”
At St George’s URC High Heaton in Northern Synod, children and young people are active with vestry prayers, work alongside adults in preparing and serving communion, then collecting empty glasses afterwards.
St George’s makes regular contact with its local primary school to maintain established relationships. And all communication is open to young people to have a voice at the church’s meeting.
Hannah Middleton, the Synod’s CYDO+, said: “The links which are being strongly developed with both the local primary school and the uniformed organisations using the church premises once again demonstrate the desire for mission this church is forging.”