Gifts of technical skill in worship and of helping young people feel calm in a busy environment have been recognised by the United Reformed Church (URC)’s Lundie Awards.
The awards, coordinated by the URC’s Children’s, Youth and Intergenerational team, celebrate young poeple using their God-given skills, time and talents to good effect within their church or more widely.
Tinashe Mpofu was nominated because, at age 12, she has mastered the sound system at Gillingham URC in Southern Synod – playing recorded music to accompany hymns, and confidently livestreaming services.
Pamela Tolhurst, Gillingham URC’s Local Church Leader, praised Tinashe’s “energy and accuracy”. She said that Tinashe picked up the baton when her predecessor at the sound desk moved on to university, and has been “a good example of what it means to be trained to follow in the footsteps of someone else”.
Tinashe said she enjoys making church available for people who can’t attend in person, adding that good use of media helps people feel connected. “I get to share our church’s messages beyond the building and make worship accessible to everyone, even those at home.”
With the £100 that comes with award, Tinashe intends to support children’s activities at her church, including a creative project that will help children learn new skills and feel more involved. “It’s a way of giving support and critical thinking skills.”
The most recent Lundie winner is Lydia Raddings, from the URC’s Yorkshire Synod. Lydia volunteered with the URC team hosting young people at Greenbelt Festival from 2021 to 2025.
Judy Harris, Children’s and Youth Development Officer for the National Synod of Wales, says Lydia’s work was integral to helping create a welcoming and safe space for the 12-17-year-olds during the festival. “She has a wonderful way of coming alongside the young people, especially the ones who may be feeling overwhelmed in what is a busy and sometimes noisy festival”.
Judy spoke of Lydia’s “gentle way” of interacting with the young people, which calms them. “Her faith is shown in her actions, and she shows and shares this in a uniquely personable way.”
For details of how to nominate young people under the age of 26 for a Lundie Award, see bit.ly/URCLundie