A congregation which goes out of its way to ensure the voices of young people are heard has been recognised as a “Children and Youth Friendly Church”.
Desborough United Reformed Church (URC), in the East Midlands Synod, began its participation with Children’s and Youth Work’s Children and Youth Friendly Scheme in February and completed the steps required in November, with the support of Richard Knott, acting Children Youth Development Officer (CYDO) for East Midlands Synod.
Throughout the process, it was clear that Desborough had a passion for engaging with families and its community by running events, responding to feedback, encouraging participation and aiming to be as inclusive as possible.
Richard said: “The planning team listens well to its community and the children and young people they have contact with. A servant-hearted attitude is clear through the approach in all they do and seek to do.”
Desborough runs a weekly toddler group; holds Sunday JaM, a youth church aimed at making church accessible to families on the margins; takes part in the annual Desborough community carnival to raise awareness of church and opportunities for families to engage with giveaways and donations; and has created a community tradition of reclaiming the 31 October as a Christian festival by utilising Christian charity World Vision’s Patch the Pumpkin activity resources and holding games, face/hand painting, and distributing hot chocolate all of which are free of charge.
“The mission impact is huge,” said Beci Carter and Samantha Stone, Desborough URC’s Youth Leaders.
“We reach those already trick or treating in the neighbourhood and those who don’t want to do that but who will instead come to us, including teenagers who love it! Although it’s all good-natured fun, we see reclaiming the 31 October as a vital and valuable opportunity for community engagement and have built a strong relationship and reputation for the church in the community.
“Children will identify with the church through this engagement in the community and we have also built a strong partnership with World Vision and saw our pictures included in their publications.”
As part of the Children and Youth Friendly Scheme, congregations are encouraged to think about areas for development and Desborough identified that they aspire to create space for voices of all ages to be heard.
The church plans to build further on its interaction with children and young people by introducing a more regular process for young people to share their opinions in decision-making with Elders of the church.
Launched in September 2020, the scheme replaces the old Child Friendly Church Award and is a reflective and encouraging process which any church can undertake with the support of a CYDO or similar to help grow their engagement with children, families and young people.
Find more about the Children and Youth Friendly Church Scheme here.
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