Real-life help from diocesan experts for parishes looking to grow their ministry with children, young people and families, has been summed up in a personal account by one of our churchwardens.
The diocesan Children, Young People and Families Team (CYPF) supports parishes in many ways, including through conversations, training, sharing resources and facilitating learning communities.
How this works in practice is helpfully explained by Patricia, a church warden from St James Heckmondwike, who shares her experience of working with the team, below:
“Earlier this year, a new family with young children joined our church. The parents asked if we had a Sunday school. As it was some years since the church had needed to offer such provision, we contacted the CYPF," Patricia said.
“CYPF’s Jo Young came that same week to talk to those of us who had volunteered about how to run a Sunday group. She offered support, encouragement, energy, materials and ideas.
“Given such warm support, we felt able to begin our work with the Sunday group and from starting out as uncertain volunteers, we have gone from strength to strength.
“The children love coming to church and taking part in the activities we organise. We are immensely grateful to Jo for her guidance.
“Then, CYPF’s Alex Burbidge came to our church and ran a three hour course which we all agreed was inspirational. Once again, and this time from Alex, we felt warmly supported and encouraged. We were able to share with Alex any concerns we had and he provided us with a very valuable listening ear.
“Given the demographic of the area we live in, it has been difficult to attract families to church. We are keen to grow this area. We turned once again to the CYPF for advice.
“Alex came to church, this time with his colleague, Aimi, and spoke to the Sunday group volunteers about engagement with schools.
“We have been able to act on the practical advice given and with the excellent materials provided by Alex and Aimi, we have re-introduced Messy Church. We are holding our first session in late September.
“We also plan to follow other ideas in the materials provided to engage further with local schools," Patricia said.
"We feel very fortunate to have been able to turn to the CYPF and we are so thankful for all they have done to support and guide us.”
The Ven Bill Braviner, Archdeacon of Halifax added his praise for the CYPF team, led by Liz Morton: “The Children, Young People and Families Team have engaged really helpfully with the congregation at St James, Heckmondwike, and enabled a great ministry to develop in the parish.
“This is the real character of the Team - they will come alongside our churches, get to know their story and their needs, and work together to advise, support and encourage great ministry for our communities.
"We are blessed to have such a great resource and such great partnership across our diocese.”
If you’d like to contact the CYPF team, their email address is childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.
You can also find out more about them by clicking here.