North Western Synod has, over the last few years, developed a scheme called 'Gathered Youth Groups' (GYG) in which young people of secondary school age come together in their local area once every half term to meet and play games and have discussions about life and faith. Often there are only one or two young people in a local church so this scheme gives them the opportunity to meet with other church-attending young people in their local area.
Louise Tiernen, 14, is an active member of the GYG at Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church near Rochdale.
When the COVID-19 lockdown was implemented, the synod took the opportunity to organise a weekly virtual GYG for all the young people who attended local GYGs. This has proved very successful and the CYDO, Leo Roberts, wanted to move this forward by inviting those young people attending to lead some of the activities. It was the response to this idea that led Leo to nominate Louise for the Lundie Memorial Award.
"Louise immediately offered to run an online music quiz for one of the sessions. It was a great success. She researched and delivered the questions herself. it was so successful that the other young people in the virtual Gathered Youth Group asked her to run another one and "Louise's Quiz" has now become a regular feature of our virtual meetings. In doing so, she has both set an example to and encouraged other participants to offer their gifts and talents to the benefit of the group."
It is a delight to be able to make this award to Louise for her contribution, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown when it is such a valuable gift to be able to encourage others. I am sure her quizzes for the Gathered Youth Groups will be something they remember for years to come. We look forward to hearing news of your award presentation and how you choose to spend the money.