A “loyal, reliable and active” volunteer has been named the recipient of September’s Lundie Memorial Award.
Jessica Warren, aged 24, of Cornerstone Church Uckfield in the United Reformed Church Southern Synod was nominated by Linda Hallet, one of Cornerstone’s junior church volunteers.
Describing Jessica as a “tremendous help”, Linda said: “Since joining Cornerstone and attending junior church since she was four, Jess has actively been involved in many areas of church life.
“In junior church she would willingly join with the dramatized telling of the Bible, playing anything from a sparrow to Herod.
“Since then, Jessica has completed several courses in order to serve the church; LICC emerging leaders’ course, safeguarding and first aid training. Jess has also taken on other roles in the church including the technical related parts of the Sunday morning service, as well as her role in the local Fairtrade group to help promote and educate people in the community on Fairtrade products and why buying Fairtrade where possible can help both people and the planet.
“Jess was very excited upon hearing that she had won this award.”
Each Lundie recipient receives £100 to use in the life of the church, and Jessica is in discussion with her Deacon on how best to use it for the benefit of both Cornerstone Uckfield and Crowborough United, a church they are linked with, as well as their local communities.
Jessica said: “My parents and the congregation are both immensely proud of me.”
When asked what advice she would give another young person considering being involved in the life of the church she added: “I would encourage another young person to not let fear stop them from trying new things and to take every opportunity that presents itself so you can use the talents that God has given you, as well as develop new abilities that can help others.”
Jessica herself is an example of this, sharing her talents in playing the violin, recorder and singing to enhance the worship of the church.