News from the Lundie Memorial Award

News from the Lundie Memorial Award

Do you know a child or young person who is playing their part in the mission of God in their church, synod, local community or the wider world?

The Lundie Memorial Award is designed to highlight and celebrate such individuals who are using their God-given skills, time and talent to good effect. Each month for 100 months the Children's and Youth Work Committee are awarding a medal and certificate to one of the nominated children and young people, along with a financial award of £100 to be spent to benefit children and/or young people in the church, synod or local community, however the award winner chooses.

Read about the amazing young people and children nominated for this award and how the recipient chooses to spend the money.

Wessex Synod Charlotte Cassar small              Lundie medal logo full colour 2

16-year-old Charlotte Cassar was nominated for the Lundie Memorial Award by the minister of Petersfield and Liss United Reformed Church, Revd Josh Thomas. He described the wide-ranging contribution Charlotte makes to the Mission of God within her own church and overseas.

"Charlotte has been instrumental in the success of our ‘Youth Ukraine Mission’ team. For a number of years now, she and a group of our young people have accompanied the adult team of volunteers who serve two Ukrainian villages in the south of the country which border Hungary. These villages have suffered greatly from their historical position. They have been part of five different countries in the last century. Although some villagers can get permission to work in Hungary, most rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. They have different teams working to support the local ministers; running medical and dental clinics, a summer holiday club for children in school, and a youth and community team making pastoral visits to villagers. Charlotte has shown great enthusiasm and passion in her work with the school’s team and through this she has been able to share something of her Christian values with countless children and young people. As well as the impact she makes whilst she is on mission, she has also helped to encourage and inspire many other young people to consider taking part in the trip, which in turn enables these young people to discover and develop talents and gifts which they can use to the glory of God. All of this costs money and Charlotte is always front and centre when it comes to the fundraising for all of our young people. She has successfully helped to organise and execute a number of events for this purpose.

Away from the Ukraine mission, Charlotte is a key member of our church family. She is always willing to help out in any way she can. She regularly reads from the Bible, helps to welcome people to church, sings with the worship group, helps with the junior church and the creche to name but a few things. Despite having so many other things that take up her time, she is always enthusiastic and smiley and her faith really does shine through. The other children and young people in our church look up to her and I am sure that the way she embodies Christian service will inspire others to follow her lead. I cannot recommend her more strongly for this award."

We were in complete agreement with him. Another very worthy recipient of the award – we look forward to hearing more from Charlotte. 

Remember, you too can nominate a child or young person who is playing their part in the mission of God in their church, synod or community. Let's celebrate together.

 

14-year-old Tiffany Pendlebury was nominated for the Lundie Memorial Award by Martin Whiffen. Minister of Chorley URC.

He described her in his nomination, saying,  "Trinity is a hard-working, dedicated young person. She gives time each week to help the Homeless and Vulnerable people of Chorley by serving at Chorley URC’s Open Kitchen. The work is arduous and not always pleasant. At times the folk at Open Kitchen can be difficult and aggressive.

"Trinity approaches her tasks at Open Kitchen both cheerfully and enthusiastically and her contribution to the work is
greatly valued. I have no hesitation in nominating her as a worthy recipient of the Lundie Prize.

"For information : Open Kitchen has served over 12,000 free meals to homeless and vulnerable people in the six years it has been
operating." 

We look forward to hearing about the presentation of her certificate and medal and finding out how Trinity plans to spend the £100 award.... watch this space for more news, and hopefully a photograph or two 

Also nominated this month were 17-year-old Morven Sanderson from Scotland for her role as synod youth representative and her contributions to raising funds to help those who are homeless AND 14-year-old James Rowbottom from North Western synod who came through some difficult times to be a valued member of the church community, the Sunday School, the church choir and support for his cousin who has additional needs. It was a difficult decision to choose between these three worthy nominations and we hope that the church and synod will celebrate Morven and James when they receive their certificates too.  

Remember, you too can nominate a child or young person who is playing their part in the mission of God in their church, synod or community. Let's celebrate together.

KEIRAN INESON - YORKSHIRE SYNOD 

Kieran Ineson Jan 20      Lundie medal logo full colour 2  

Fifteen-year-old Keiran Ineson from Heckmondwike URC in Yorkshire Synod was the first recipient of the Lundie Medal. 

Keiran was nominated by his Pilots officer, Marion Brierley, who is also a church elder and Junior Church leader. 

Keiran is described a helpful and considerate member of Pilots, always first to volunteer and spot where help may be needed, and is well liked by all. He lives with his mother and nine-year-old sister and takes on the role of carer and helper for both, 

As Keiran was unable to be at Youth Assembly for the launch of the Lundie Memorial Award, his local Children's and Youth Work Practitioner Megan Tillbrook and some friends from his church accepted the award on his behalf. 

He chose to take his group bowling as he felt that was an activity that children and young people of all ages could enjoy together. We look forward to hearing more about their trip! 

 Remember, you too can nominate a child or young person who is playing their part in the mission of God in their church, synod or community. Let's celebrate together.