Taking the theme “Wise Words – Wise Actions” as their starting point, around one hundred 14-25-year-olds enjoyed a weekend of business, worship, and a wide range of activities – from prayer walks and karaoke to marshmallow toasting and ceilidh dancing.

Following lively discussion and a vote, Youth Executive was tasked with focusing their attention in 2026-27 on three priorities: social injustices for young people; international partnerships and collaboration with Christian youth; and environmental issues.

From tackling a housing crisis that prevents young people from moving out from home to recognising that those below the poverty line are impacted more by the effects of climate change, members of Assembly made clear the issues they are passionate about – and feel their churches and communities should care deeply about too. Taylor Hawkins, a delegate from Wessex Synod, was successful in persuading Youth Assembly to encourage synods and local churches to become more young carer aware. Their resolution will come to the recently formed Faith in Action committee for further discussion and action.

There was also a notable emphasis on the need to collaborate ecumenically. Delegates were present from different Christian denominations, from across the UK and Germany, as well as interns from the Joint Public Issues Team. Incoming Youth Moderator Kacie Hodgson has made “expanding our horizons through our ecumenical relations” one of the platforms of her year in office, and Moderator-Elect Alex Clements added that “where URC churches exist at a geographical distance, we need to support young people to feel more confident in getting to know young people of other Church denominations”.

The depth of commitment to Youth Assembly was evident throughout the event. Outgoing Youth Moderator Maya Withall, who joined the URC aged 11 from a non-Christian background, marvelled at the journey she has come on and said her colleagues on Youth Executive have inspired her to be better in her own work. The new Clerk of Youth Assembly, Jessica Gough, echoed that sentiment and told the gathering she was baptised recently and became a member of her local church. She said, “I honestly don’t think I would have made that decision had I not got involved with URC Youth.”

Christie Ntim led Youth Assembly 2026 into its first worship session and expressed what many others also felt: “a warming love from many participants at Youth Assembly, which filled me with so much hope and joy as we shared stories and wise words with each other.”

Recruitment is underway for young people who would like to help plan future Youth Assemblies. Details and an Expression of Interest Form at .

Pictured: (main image) worship; (montage) Maya Withall (past Youth Moderator), Kacie Hodgson (Youth Moderator, 2026-27) and Alex Clements (Youth Moderator-Elect) / wise words make wise badges / some umbrellas just don’t work

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“All the work I’ve done has been around how we help people find connection, security and belonging – these are things that I think are really important.”

Helen recently took up the role of Mission Practitioner (Children) for the URC’s Eastern Synod. She comes to it following eight years of being alongside children and families in the rapidly growing and increasingly diverse community of Trumpington, near Cambridge.

In a partnership between the local Anglican church and the county council, Helen – who trained as a clinical psychologist – brought expertise around vulnerabilities, mental health and complex situations such as domestic abuse, and an understanding of diverse needs alongside the context of Christian faith.

Helen understood her work as pioneering ministry, being alongside people beyond the traditional structures of the Church. When the initial project funding ran out, she ensured it continued under the auspices of the charity Connected Lives. “This work is about relationships and trust, and it takes time,” she says.

Committed to an intergenerational approach to her new role, Helen says we need to be thinking about children and young people within the context of what their environment is. “So, not just being with them on a Sunday and teaching them the Gospel, but asking who they are connected to. Because most of the time, children are with their parent or carer. What has their parents’ own experience of being parented been like? What do they know of what it means to belong, and how might this impact on their children’s life now?”

As Helen helps others make connections and find supportive communities, along the way she has also found her own desire to belong met within a local URC congregation. Drawn there by its embrace of the Open Table movement, which advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious settings, she found a new home – “a truly inclusive place with Jesus at the heart of it. It was open. Not bogged down in tradition. I found a home in a new place.”

Helen says she is pleased to be extending her work and interests into Eastern Synod, saying “I’d like to give back what I’ve learned at a broader level, across a larger area and within the URC.”

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The awards, coordinated by the URC’s Children’s, Youth and Intergenerational team, celebrate young poeple using their God-given skills, time and talents to good effect within their church or more widely.

Tinashe Mpofu was nominated because, at age 12, she has mastered the sound system at Gillingham URC in Southern Synod – playing recorded music to accompany hymns, and confidently livestreaming services.

Pamela Tolhurst, Gillingham URC’s Local Church Leader, praised Tinashe’s “energy and accuracy”.�� She said that Tinashe picked up the baton when her predecessor at the sound desk moved on to university, and has been “a good example of what it means to be trained to follow in the footsteps of someone else”.

Tinashe said she enjoys making church available for people who can’t attend in person, adding that good use of media helps people feel connected. “I get to share our church’s messages beyond the building and make worship accessible to everyone, even those at home.”

With the £100 that comes with award, Tinashe intends to support children’s activities at her church, including a creative project that will help children learn new skills and feel more involved. “It’s a way of giving support and critical thinking skills.”

The most recent Lundie winner is Lydia Raddings, from the URC’s Yorkshire Synod. Lydia volunteered with the URC team hosting young people at Greenbelt Festival from 2021 to 2025.

Judy Harris, Children’s and Youth Development Officer for the National Synod of Wales, says Lydia’s work was integral to helping create a welcoming and safe space for the 12-17-year-olds during the festival. “She has a wonderful way of coming alongside the young people, especially the ones who may be feeling overwhelmed in what is a busy and sometimes noisy festival”.

Judy spoke of Lydia’s “gentle way” of interacting with the young people, which calms them. “Her faith is shown in her actions, and she shows and shares this in a uniquely personable way.”

For details of how to nominate young people under the age of 26 for a Lundie Award, see bit.ly/URCLundie

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James, who was nominated by Susan Frowe, an Elder and Messy Church leader at Christchurch Port Sunlight in the Wirral.

Susan describes James as having natural teaching skills.

“James is someone the children love working with,” she says, “and it is clear that James enjoys working with them.”

James, who has been helping out at Messy Church for some time, attends early to help set up and helps the children with the activities, and helps make crafts for children so that they have something to take home to remind them of the session.

Susan says that James’s “caring, helpful and polite attitude is evident and is often commented on by parents and helpers”.

James says he enjoys attending Messy Church and seeing everyone have fun, he says attending helps strengthen his bond with the community. His skills extend beyond the scope of Messy Church. He can often be found helping with the tech team on the church’s weekly zoom service, having quickly learnt the skills necessary to be independent in this role.

When asked of his initial reaction to being June’s Lundie winner, James said: “To be told I was the winner felt really good. I was very happy to get nominated and to win was an amazing thing.”

James, who would love others his age to get involved with the life of the church, has this advice: “Getting involved with the church doesn’t just help you know the community around you but opens you up to new opportunities and is something you can always keep for the future.”

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. James isn’t fully sure of what to spend the money on but knows that the church needs new pencils and colouring pencils so that’s top of his agenda. He will also consult others at the church before deciding.

Learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award and how to nominate a young person.

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Dan, who discovered his love for the organ at the young age of five, has been playing in church since he was 15. He often plays the opening songs in one church before running to another, starting half an hour later, to play their introductory songs.

Although he is always adding new songs to his repertoire his favourite song is “How Great Thou Art”, the last song sung with his great grandad before he died and which he played at his funeral. Dan’s skills are often utilised for funerals and weddings, a responsibility he says is daunting but also a privilege.

Dan called his award win a shock and encouraged others his age to get involved in their communities.

“Do it,” he said. “Go ahead and you might surprise yourself and love serving the church too.”

Dan, who was nominated by Pam Tolhurst, Gillingham United Reformed Church’s local leader, is described by her as “a valuable member of the church, someone who is reliable and totally committed to giving of his best”.

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Dan is still thinking about how best to use this but knows it will be of great benefit to his church.

Learn more about the Lundie award and how to nominate a young person.

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Abbie McGregor, who attends Sawston Free Church in Eastern Synod, initially began helping serving refreshments for the church’s holiday club and really enjoyed it.

Julie said Abbie’s kindness and caring nature shone through and naturally led to her embracing church life. In particular, Abbie helps with junior church, leading games for the younger girls within Girls’ Brigade and assisting with Messy Church.

“I was so surprised about winning, but also excited about being chosen. I appreciate the recognition of my help, and I will continue to do so in the future,” said Abbie.

“A church community is a wonderful hub of kindness and compassion for all. Involving yourself in it is an amazing way to give back to the church and carry on the will of God.”

Abbie hopes to encourage others to get involved, especially those of a similar age to her. She was nominated by Julie Robinson, Sawston Free’s Junior Church Coordinator.

Julie said: “Abbie is one of those very special young people you feel so fortunate to be around.”

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Abbie is thinking about using hers to buy some youth Bibles to be used at Sunday morning church services.

Learn more about the Lundie award and how to make a nomination.

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Nominated by Rebecca Smith, junior church leader at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC in East Midlands Synod, Zoe is called a “ray of sunshine” in her church community.

Rebecca said: “Zoe has buoyed up the church with her jokes and ongoing service. We’re very grateful for her”

Since the Covid lockdown, Zoe has been a dedicated contributor to her church newsletter, which keeps everyone updated on events, recipes, and news. But what makes it extra special? Zoe’s joke section!

What started as a way to lift spirits during lockdown has now become a tradition, with Zoe sharing weekly jokes tailored to the season—whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even National Doughnut Week! Her humour has brought endless smiles to her church family.

For Zoe, the best part of her involvement is seeing the joy it brings to others:

“I love when church members come up to me with jokes they’ve memorised or just tell me how much they appreciate the laughs.”

Her advice to other young people?

“Go and get involved! I’ve made so many friends and had loads of conversations with people I would have never expected. It’s really helped build my confidence and people skills—it’s a great conversation starter!”

When asked how she felt about becoming a Lundie Memorial Winner, Zoe said: “I feel so lucky to have such kind people around me to even consider nominating me. I am going to continue submitting my jokes to the newsletter to spread a little bit of joy.”

Winning the Lundie Award comes with a £100 prize, and in true Zoe style, she’s planning to use it for something fun for the whole church—maybe a Christian comedian or even a clown!

To learn more about the Lundie award and information on how to nominate a young person, see: /category/children-youth/lundie/��

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Lu Hunt, the Children’s and Family’s Worker at Herringthorpe URC who made the nomination, described Joe as: “Someone who really does make a difference in the life of the church. We are so proud of Joe and we’re so grateful to him for everything that he chooses to do.”

Joe has been helping out at church for the past three years now and enjoys volunteering at the kids’ and holiday clubs, managing the technology for the team and is considered an invaluable asset as “holiday club would struggle to run without his expertise”.

Lu explained further: “Joe attends a Thursday evening youth group and has started a book and resource table laying out Christian books and things that advertise what goes on in the life of the church. He prides himself on sharing the Gospel where he can, including in school and at the youth group. At the Synod residential in Leeds in September last year, Joe did the same thing and brought things with him to encourage other young people to engage with the Bible. Joe is often overheard having conversations with other young people who ask him searching questions. This is an invaluable ministry within the church.”

Joe who was surprised to be Decembers winner said: “I like helping people to learn about Jesus and helping them to become disciples. I would say to any other young person considering being involved in their church that it’s good to get involved and help people become disciples.”

Joe’s future aspirations at church include working on a youth session to lead on a Sunday morning and completing his schoolwork experience within the church to enable him to learn about other ministries.

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Joe is yet to decide what he would like to spend the £100 on specifically but knows it will be used to continue sharing the gospel with others.

Learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award and how to make a nomination.

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With the help of a £500 Children’s and Youth Work grant, Jamie secured a spot as a volunteer with , a responsible travel and ethical volunteering company, working on an inspiring marine and wildlife programme in Sri Lanka.

Over the course of seven unforgettable weeks, Jamie, 22, rolled up his sleeves and dove into a variety of meaningful projects. From caring for turtles at a sanctuary to leading beach clean-ups and planting trees, he played a hands-on role in protecting the planet’s incredible natural habitats.

But it wasn’t all about conservation — Jamie also had the chance to teach English to local children, making a real difference in their lives.

“This trip has definitely strengthened my faith in multiple ways,” Jamie said. “Firstly, it’s provided me with a different perspective on life. There were many times where all I could do was stand in awe of the beauty of God’s creation. It’s important that we take time to step back and stand in awe of Him.”

At the sanctuary, Jamie helped feed the turtles and clean the tanks, administered medicine and love and care.

“The tanks are refilled using a pump that draws sea water directly from the ocean and through a network of pipes to the sanctuary. However, the pump only works in good weather conditions, so the smaller tanks were often filled by hand, which involved a lot of running to and from the beach with heavy buckets of water. Some of the turtles are unable to live in the wild so are residents of the sanctuary whereas other turtles need treatment before being released back to the wild. Some of the turtles arrived with barnacles on their backs and needed sand baths.”

Volunteers also helped collect litter from local beaches, with Jamie saying he has a newfound hatred for polystyrene packaging because it breaks down into tiny balls that are near impossible to collect.

Describing his feelings upon his return home, Jamie said: “I want to go out and explore the beautiful world that God created, giving back however I can. I’m reframing the ideas I have of the job and life I want for myself. I don’t know what that will look like, but I know God will guide me.”

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Find out what grants and funding opportunities are available through the URC.

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Nominated by David Bailey, church secretary at Greenmount URC, Poppy is described as “a happy, outgoing character” who loves church life and considers it her “second family.”

Poppy is a shining role model for younger generations, enthusiastically helping with holy communion, tea and coffee events, and art days. She brightens church life with her creative artwork for the notice board, inspiring others through her contributions.

Upon receiving the award, Poppy said: “I was so surprised! I didn’t even know I’d been nominated.” Her advice to other children? “Try coming to church—you may be surprised by what you learn and how much you’re loved. If you already go, keep being your amazing self!”

Poppy plans to use her £100 reward to buy resources for church crafts, hoping to encourage creativity and inspire more children to attend services.

October’s winner is 12-year-old Lucy Hancock, from Eastern Synod.

Joyce Billing, the children’s work leader at Hoveton and Wroxham URC, nominated Lucy and described her as “a young girl we are very proud of”.

Lucy, who is a member of JAM (Jesus and Me) is also a member of her local Scouts group. Her passion and commitment for the scout group motivated her to work with friends to create a video which was submitted as part of a grant application to the government’s Youth Investment Fund.

The group were successful in their application and was awarded more than £1million to help rebuild and extend the local scout HQ where the group currently meet.

Lucy is yet to decide what to spend her prize money on.

To learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award and nominate someone special, see URC Lundie Memorial Award.

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