Trinity United Reformed Church (URC), in Wigan, has become the second church to receive the Children and Youth Friendly Church Award for the work it does to support families.
Its work has been demonstrated through a variety of activities taking place there each week.
For example, many families within the local community attend Little Fishes, Trinity’s toddler group where they have been welcomed and invited to various church events such as Nativity and Christingle.
The church didn’t let the pandemic get in the way of their focus for mission, holding Muddy Church – an initiative popularised due to the virus – where activities took place outside, allowing families to come together to hear the message of God in a fun and safe environment.
Trinity also recognised the importance of outreach during the crisis, using its links with schools and youth clubs to share resources and advertise events.
Steven Mitchell, CYDO for Mersey Synod, said: “Trinity URC is a truly welcoming church which works hard to make sure every child and young person who walks through the door feels valued and empowered.
“The church’s development targets show a real passion to develop and make children and youth work a central part of the whole church, not just for the few who organise activities.”
It’s not just outreach that is at the heart of Trinity URC; a sense of ownership and belonging for those children, young people and families who walk through their doors is just as important to them.
Each child is welcomed by name as they arrive at church and the junior church leader ensures that each one has been spoken to and acknowledged.
In response to being asked about their vision for welcoming children, young people and families, the church said: “We welcome the opinions and ideas of our children and young people and wish to include them in the life of the church.”
This is the epitome of what the CYFC award represents.
Any church which actively undertakes to offer a welcome to children and youth, regardless of whether they currently count any children or young people amongst their congregation, can engage with the scheme, which is a reflective and encouraging process undertaken with the support of their synod’s children’s and youth work advisor.
Find more about the Children and Youth Friendly Church Award Scheme here.