On Sunday 21st July, I was thrilled to be invited to Hornsea URC to present the Lundie Award to local teenager, Olivia, in a joyful and emotive worship service. Olivia is a long-standing member of the church Pilots group and following her Master Mariners Award she is now a member of the leadership team.
Each month a child or young person who are using their gifts and skills to join in the mission of God in their own church and community receive the Lundie Memorial Medal along with £100 to spend in the local church. Hear what Margaret Knapton, elder and Pilots Captain had to say about Olivia’s contribution.
‘Hornsea URC has an appreciable number of home-educated and neuro-diverse children attending Junior Church and Pilots. Olivia has a special empathy with these young people, being able to lovingly engage them in activities and support them through situations they find challenging. A gift, we as children’s workers, have very much appreciated. Olivia has gained her Master Mariners Award and is now a member of the Pilots leadership team, taking a full and active part in the planning and delivery of sessions. We very much value her insights and discussions on the dynamics of the group, which help us to involve all the children in safe, age/interest appropriate activities. She is a willing reader in church and was a member of the planning team for last years ‘Alternative August’, planning worship around the Holiday Club material – Clubhouse. Very much ‘hands on’ and interactive worship. [Each August Hornsea URC plans for an alternative style of worship. This has included a month of outdoor worship around parks and community woodlands; visiting the relatives – worshipping with a different church each week etc.] Olivia is a breath of fresh air to our congregation, and it gives us great joy to see her receive the Lundie Award as she continues to grow in discipleship in the Kingdom of God.’
During the presentation Olivia spoken to the congregation, thanking them for their support, talking about the joy she feels being part of the church family and thanking Jesus for his love and guidance.
To find out more about the Lundie Memorial Award and to read about other recipients, visit https://urc.org.uk/category/children-youth/lundie/. To nominate a child or young person contact Megan Tillbrook megancyp@urcyorkshire.org.uk
Written by Megan Tillbrook, Children, Youth & Development Officer