Three people involved in youth and children’s ministry in Bath and Wells joined others from across the country at special celebrations in London and York held as part of RECOGNISE, a national Church of England event celebrating those who serve children, young people and their families. Cathy Bond, Emily Jeffery and Annie Herridge from Weston Super Mare, Clevedon and Frome were nominated by the diocese to join the celebrations at Lambeth Palace. They travelled to London to join the festivities with around one hundred other youth workers and clergy.
Launched in 2025 RECOGNISE is nationally funded 30K Project, and is part of a wider vision to raise 30,000 new children and youth ministers by 2030, emphasizing the importance of children’s and youth ministry in the Church’s mission. Churches were encouraged to celebrate during the week of 6 – 12 July by thanking their teams and sharing thank you videos on social media.
Emily, from Christchurch Clevedon mentioned how lovely it was to connect with other youth and children’s ministers not only from Bath and Wells but other dioceses as well. She said, ‘Often when we gather, it’s to be filled up with all sorts of resources we could be using, and to think about how to do things better, so going to an event that was simply to say ‘we recognise you’ and ‘thank you’ was so special! Being recognised and nominated by our youth advisory team was really encouraging for me!’
On the day guests were given a warm welcome and treated to a tour of the grounds and gardens, a delicious cream tea and enjoyed a time of worship and prayer. Guest speakers were Ele Mumford and Ben Lindsay (OBE), who spoke passionately about the importance of listening to children and hearing their voices, standing with local communities, and being willing to ‘speak truth to power’ on issues of inequality and inclusivity, just as Jesus did.
Celebration events took place at Lambeth Palace, London and also at Bishopthorpe Palace, York to recognise the huge contribution of youth and children’s ministers in their churches and communities. Each diocese was asked to nominate three people to attend.
Archbishop Sarah Mullally joined the celebrations and offered her heartfelt thanks to all who work with children and youth, reminding those present that their work matters deeply and is vital to the life and future of the Church, where children and young people are able to ask questions, encounter the love of God and discover a faith of their own. She then spent time speaking personally with guests over tea.