The first cohort of young people have been commissioned as Youth Discipleship Ambassadors for the Diocese of York, in a special service of Evensong in York Minster on Sunday 16th June.
All 14 young people have participated this year in a new diocesan programme called GROW – spending time with God and one another across four locations in our diocese, exploring aspects of Christian faith and life. The programme, shaped around the diocesan Rhythm of Life, has offered space to explore prayer, scripture and worship, as well as how we love ourselves and one another. The young people have also looked at living generously, how we share our faith with others, and the importance of having patterns of rest.
At the end of the programme, all those who took part were invited to become a Youth Discipleship Ambassador. This itself is a marking of a step in their journey of faith, as they make promises about the continuing growth of their faith, as well as seeking ways to be active in their discipleship and a voice within the wider Church.
In a special service of Evensong at York Minster, with the backdrop of choral music from the Choir of York Minster, Bishop John Thomson led the Commissioning through a series of promises the young people made, each relating to the Rhythm of Life. After commissioning and blessing them, the series followed with a sermon from the Revd Canon Ian McIntosh, Director of Mission and Ministry, who encouraged us all that we might add another response to those we had just said: “We you remember that before we do anything for Christ, we are beloved children of the living God, beautifully and wonderfully made.”
The Revd Donneta Thomas, Curate at the Benefice of Northallerton with Kirby Sigston, said:
“GROW recognises the importance of enabling and equipping our young people to be active in their faith, to be a voice in the Church which is respected and listened to, and their role in serving the church and community in mission and ministry.
“The Commissioning service was a really encouraging and exciting event for the young people, as they took their next step on their journey of faith. Young people across Mowbray Deanery are going to celebrate this together with a picnic pilgrimage soon.
“However, the journey doesn’t stop here. Each Young Discipleship Ambassador is now working towards their next steps exploring how God is equipping and enabling them in their new role as Ambassadors, and we’re very proud of them all.”
Please pray for each of these young people, and that we the Church will welcome and recognise the children and young people in our communities as we seek to ‘grow younger’. Do keep your eyes open for news about the next cohort of GROW beginning in January 2025.
