A recent digital initiative led by the Church of England’s Blackburn Diocese in Lancashire is shining a national highlight on the unsung heroes working with children, young people, and families (CYPF) across local parishes.
Titled ‘Recognise Week’, the week-long campaign is running from Monday 7 July to Sunday 13 July, celebrating those that play a significant role in nurturing the religion of the subsequent generation.
Organised as a part of the Church’s 30k Project – an ambitious goal to recruit 30,000 recent leaders by 2030 – the campaign goals to thank, encourage, and pray for Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) leaders.
It will achieve this through a social media push featuring videos, personal tributes, prayers and messages of appreciation.
At the guts of Recognise Week are two specially produced short movies, including the Blessing Film, which features young voices from across the country offering words of affirmation and gratitude to those serving in CYPF roles.
The Diocese of Blackburn has described the campaign as one in every of its most ambitious digital efforts up to now.
Digital content teams have prepared a stream of each day posts, while parishioners are encouraged to share their very own stories and videos using the hashtag #Recognise and tagging @BlackburnDiocese for wider sharing.
The celebration will culminate on Sunday 13 July, when churches nationwide are invited to formally recognise their CYPF leaders during services, offering thanks for his or her dedication and spiritual impact.
“This week is our moment to say thanks, to pause and to have a good time, to recognise the amazing work happening in kid’s and youth ministry and the impact it has not only now, but within the years to return,” said Sarah Earnshaw and Ben Green, the Diocese’s Children’s and Youth Advisers.
These leaders include each clergy and laypeople, volunteers and paid staff – individuals often serving quietly but significantly in parishes throughout Lancashire and beyond.
The diocese hopes this campaign is not going to only raise awareness of their contributions but in addition encourage others to get entangled.
Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, has thrown his support behind the campaign.
He said in a video as a part of the local Recognise Week campaign: “I got here to faith as a young person. Most Christians do find faith in Jesus Christ once they’re children or young people. Which is why our ministry to children and young people is completely vital.
“Recognise Week is such a incredible initiative. An entire week during which we will pray for those called to work with children and young people. Thank them and do all we will to support them of their ministry.
“So let’s take full advantage of Recognise Week and make certain our kids and youth staff get the worth and the credit that they deserve.”
The campaign’s impact is already being felt in churches like Blackpool Church St Johns, where Youth Pastor John Wyatt shared a heartfelt video: “If you serve in kid’s work and youth work within the Diocese of Blackburn, I just need to say an enormous thanks.
“You are the hands and feet of Jesus and also you’re creating spaces where young people and youngsters can grow and thrive.”
