Circus skills, live music, inflatables, juggling, photo booths and birthday cake were guaranteed to get the party started when scores of our young people joined others from across the Church of England for a birthday party with a difference.
For the Church of England Youth Council celebrated its 10th birthday in York Minster on Friday with the simple message: ‘Be Inspired – Get Involved.”
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu welcomed over 300 young people and said: “Children and young people aren’t the future of the Church – they are its present!
“The Council has been the voice of young people in the Church of England for a decade now, and they have a lot to celebrate. The Church of England has been enriched by their ministry and wisdom, and it’s wonderful to see them gathered together for a party in York Minster.”
Young people aged 14-25 from across our new diocese were represented including groups from Burley in Wharfedale, HT Skipton, HT Idle, St Barnabas, Thwaites Brow, St Marks Utley, HolmeWood, Clayton, Sorted and Bingley Sea Scouts joined in the fun and fellowship. The circus skills were provided by Holy Kapow based in Shipley.
Some of their quotes:
“My lot couldn't stop raving about the event all the way home!”
“We had a brilliant time at ?#?CEYC10! On behalf of @holytrinityidle thanks to the team for last night...”
As well as all the exciting activities, there were stalls from a variety of Youth and Mission Agencies and Gap Year organisations to help inspire young people to volunteer and get involved. There were also opportunities for young people to sign up for membership of CEYC and help to shape the church now and into the future
Said Steve Grasham, Children’s and Young People’s Adviser in the our diocese said: “It was great to support the Church of England Youth Council in planning the event and celebrating 10 years. I have already had a couple of young people ask how they might get further involved – they’ve been inspired to find out more.!
A Flickr album with photos from the night can be found here https://www.flickr.com/photos/57933250@N08/sets/72157648773918716/; to download photos click on the photo to see it individually, and click on the download icon.
The Church of England Youth Council represents the young people of the Church of England, encourages young people to develop their gifts and callings in the church, and engages with issues that affect young people.