Three young people who are playing their part in the mission of God have been awarded a Lundie Memorial Award.

Organised by the United Reformed Church’s (URC) Children’s and Youth Work team, each month the scheme awards someone aged under 26 with a certificate, medal, and a £100 prize to be spent on benefiting children and young people in their church, synod or local community.

So far, Kieran Ineson (in January), Trinity Pendlebury (in February), and Charlotte Cassar (in March) have gained the award.

Lorraine Webb, URC Children’s and Youth Work Programme Officer, said: “We are trying to avoid using the word “winner” as Kieran, Trinity, and Charlotte are really representative of all those nominated.

“The service these young people are giving to their communities and churches is nothing short of outstanding. We, in the Children’s and Youth Work department, are really proud of all our nominees and we hope they are of themselves too.”

Kieran, 15, from Heckmondwike URC in Yorkshire Synod, was nominated by his Pilots officer, Marion Brierley.

Marion described Kieran as “helpful and considerate member of Pilots, always first to volunteer and spot where help may be needed and is well liked by all. He lives with his mother and nine-year-old sister and takes on the role of carer and helper for both”.

Trinity, 14, was nominated by the Revd Martin Whiffen, Minister of Chorley URC in North Western Synod.

"Trinity is a hard-working, dedicated young person. She gives time each week to help homeless and vulnerable people by serving at Chorley URC’s Open Kitchen,” said Martin.

“Trinity approaches her tasks at Open Kitchen both cheerfully and enthusiastically and her contribution to the work is greatly valued. I had no hesitation in nominating her as a worthy recipient of the Lundie prize.”

Sixteen-year-old Charlotte was nominated by the Revd Josh Thomas, Minister of Petersfield and Liss URC in the Wessex Synod.

“Charlotte has been instrumental in the success of our ‘Youth Ukraine Mission’ team,” described Josh. “For a number of years now, she and a group of our young people have accompanied the adult team of volunteers who serve two Ukrainian villages in the south of the country which border Hungary. These villages have suffered greatly from their historical position.

“Charlotte is a key member of our church family. She is always willing to help out in any way she can. She regularly reads from the Bible, helps to welcome people to church, sings with the worship group, helps with the junior church and the creche to name but a few things. Despite having so many other things that take up her time, she is always enthusiastic and smiley and her faith really does shine through.”

Find out how to nominate young people here.

_{Pictures: Charlotte Cassar (top) and bottom Kieran Ineson (bottom).
Published: 31 March 2020}