Three young people from the 麻豆传媒 Church Yorkshire and Eastern Synods and the National Synod of Wales have become the latest recipients of the Lundie Memorial Award.
Here, we recognise and celebrate October, November and December’s receipients.
October
Applause to ten-year-old Lily Hatton, from Yorkshire Synod, who is October鈥檚 recipient.
Lily鈥檚 bubbly personality is said to shine through all that she contributes to within her church family: from singing worship songs loud and clear, or her willingness to help with whatever is needed.
The ten-year-old regularly participates in 鈥榃hizz Kids鈥�, the children鈥檚 group in her church, attends all-age worship, and enjoys and excels at reading the Bible out loud bringing it to life for others to hear.
After the service Lily can usually be found collecting the hymn books, stacking them carefully and helping to clear away refreshments.
Lilly鈥檚 cheerfulness is described as having a 鈥減ositive effect on the rest of the congregation making them smile and feel as though she is a friend to all鈥�.
John Paskell, an Elder at West Melton URC who nominated Lilly, described her as 鈥渁 very willing, helpful young girl who is keen to contribute鈥�.
November
Congratulations to 14-year-old Harri Bourne, National Synod of Wales, who is November鈥檚 recipient.
Nominated by the Revd Julia Bartholomew, Minister and Children鈥檚 Club Leader at Rhos-on-Sea URC, Harri is described as an 鈥渙utstanding committed, reliable, mature and adaptable younger leader鈥�.
Harri began volunteering at 鈥楩lying Foxes鈥�, an after-school club, to help him work towards the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. While at the group, he helps run any tech needed, sets up and tidies away without being asked and helps to serve the refreshments on offer.
Julia said: 鈥淗arri鈥檚 experience and knowledge of growing up in the church, has meant he has been able to get alongside those younger than him and nurture and support them, as they themselves grow up in the same church.
鈥淒uring regular Flying Foxes team meetings, Harri articulates his knowledge, helping the other members of the team to understand the younger members needs and wants.
鈥淲hen the opportunity to participate as a member of the service crew at an Urban Saints camp arose, Harri jumped at the chance, even giving up weekends to be trained and to attend the camp itself. The days were long, often starting at 6.45am and finishing at 11pm but Harri showed himself to be reliable, cheerful, made new friends, joined in group discussions, and completed his duties of serving meals to a table of eight, clearing and washing up, helping to run games and activities.鈥�
Harri said he was 鈥渟o surprised鈥� when told he was November鈥檚 recipient of the Lundie Memorial Award, explaining that when started off volunteering he found it fun and rewarding and so kept it up.
Harri hopes to donate this 拢100 award to , a local charity which helps disadvantaged children in his hometown.
December
A huge well done to nine-year-old Lexi Cobbold, from Eastern Synod, who is December鈥檚 recipient.
Nominator Jo Patel, a local leader at Wattisfield URC, describes Lexi as a 鈥渁n enormous help and valuable part of the volunteer team鈥� at the Wattisfield鈥檚 Saturday morning caf茅.
Lexi began volunteering for the caf茅 after attending with her grandmother. Every other Saturday Lexi鈥檚 whole family attends the caf茅, participating and waiting for her to finish her 鈥榮hift鈥�.
When assisting at the caf茅 Lexi helps to set up and tidy away, serves food and drinks, and chats to those who attend.
Jo said: 鈥淟exi consistently turns up, with a smile and willingness, which is a real credit to her. Her cheerfulness and maturity are loved by everyone and she has lovely communication skills.鈥�
Lexi said she was 鈥渟urprised and happy鈥� when she was told she was the latest recipient of the Lundie memorial award, explaining that she enjoys helping in the caf茅 and chatting to everyone and is looking forward to receiving her certificate and medal.
Lexi hopes to use her 拢100 award money to purchase a blossom tree for the church grounds and some decorations for the caf茅 itself.
Each month, a recipient of the Lundie Memorial Award will receive a medal, certificate, and a gift of 拢100 to be spent on the benefit of children and/or young people in their church, synod or local community. For more information, see bit.ly/URCLundie.