The first Lundie Memorial Award for 2021 has been given to 16 year old Joseph Hartley who was nominated for the award by Rachel Wetherill, Church Elder.
Rachel told us how Joseph has willingly taken on a lead role in ensuring that the Audio Visual presentation and sound is available for all Sunday Services and other church life events such as church meetings, AGM and Messy Church.
Preparation to do this involves a lot of time which Joseph gives unstintingly - all the more admirable as he is in Year 11 and now studying for his GCSEs. Rachel goes on to explain how the role requires Joseph to prepare all the slides for church services, arriving early to ensure that equipment is working correctly, liaising with the worship leader, managing the slides, microphones and cameras, and reacting quickly and professionally to any sudden changes in the service or technical glitches which may occur.
"The services run seamlessly and, if you didn't know, you would believe that a professional was in the driving seat. His work is a wonderful modern way to serve God and his church and without a doubt enhances the ..worship experience for all members of the congregation. Joseph's passion for the role shines through and he always has a smile on his face. Everyone at Longcauseway is very grateful and it would be wonderful if this were to be acknowledged further afield.
We at URC Children's and Youth Work are inclined to agree. Our young people are digital natives and have so much to offer through their familiarity with technology in this time where churches are having to think more and more about new ways of being and doing God's work. Well done, Joseph, for stepping up to the mark with such dedication and professionalism. A Lundie medal well deserved!