Coming together to ‘Rebuild’ youth and children’s ministries

Monday September 13th 2021

Connor Youth Officer Christina Baillie; Bishop George Davison; Children’s Ministry Development Officer Victoria Jackson; and the Rev Andrew Campbell, rector of St Patrick’s, Broughshane, at the Rebuild event on Saturday, September 11.

Youth and children’s leaders came together to ‘Rebuild’ and look positively to the future at an event hosted by St Patrick’s, Broughshane, on Saturday September 11. (Check out our photo gallery below!)

Organised by Connor Youth Officer Christina Baillie and Children’s Ministry Development Officer Victoria Jackson, the morning event was attended by representatives of parishes across the diocese.

The church hall was set up to allow for social distancing in line with Covid-19 guidelines. Attendees were welcomed by Victoria, before the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, opened with some words and prayer.

He told the gathering: “We have a terrific resource in Christina and Victoria, two ladies with a lot of experience and wisdom to share with you. Do make use of them during the year.

“They are a resource that the diocese provides you to help you provide the very best you can for the children and young people in your parishes.”

Robin Fairburn from the Good Book Company was on hand to share some useful resources, and there was a Children’s Workshop led by Victoria which looked at the importance of children’s ministry; practical ideas for children’s ministry during Covid-19; and training on the new All Aboard 2 Resource

Christina led a Youth Ministry Workshop, and at this she launched two new resources – Pursuit and The Jesus Sessions [further information on these will be available soon] – and recommended resources from The Big House, CIYD and Tearfund. There were also some top tips for working with young people in this season.

Attendees were put into groups with those in similar roles for discussion, promoted by a series of questions.

Most participants were able to stay on after the event finished to enjoy lunch and fellowship together.

Victoria said: “We were delighted at the uptake and with the atmosphere throughout the morning. It was clear to see how much everyone was enjoying having the opportunity to get together again and to share experiences and ideas.

“There was a real hunger and desire to get our children’s and youth ministries up and running again which was so encouraging for us as we answered questions and endeavoured to provide ideas.”

Christina said it had been fantastic to have Bishop George along to kick off the morning and share encouragement from the Bible. “Both Victoria and I are keen to support parishes in whatever ways we can, for example through leading family services, helping plan your youth or children’s ministry or recommending resources,” Christina added.