Commissioning Service for the Leaders and Helpers of the Junior Church
In recent months we have been gathering evidence for the United Reformed Church’s ‘Child Friendly Church’ award. This award recognizes the Church’s commitment to the children and young people in their care in nurturing and developing their Christian faith. The leaders and helpers play a vital role in shaping a child’s understanding of God, the role of Jesus in their lives, and the gifts that each child has through the Holy Spirit.
Our service on 15 September acknowledged Fleet URC’s commitment to nurture children and young people in their faith, and asked God’s blessing on the leaders and helpers in this task. The service was led by our Minister, Revd Ruth Dillon. Phil Ray, Children and Youth Development Officer for Wessex Synod, who has been helping us with the Child Friendly Church award, also took part in the service.
At the start of the service the young people presented their ‘Joseph’ banner – a beautiful work of art that they have been creating during the summer months, inspired by the well-known Biblical story of Joseph and his brothers. The banner will remain on display in the church for several weeks as a testament to the talents and dedication of the young people and their leaders.