Volunteers and Children, Families and Youth workers gathered at All Saints Ilkley in the Bradford area for one of our TEND events on Saturday, June 6, to be thanked for and equipped in their vital ministry.
TEND events are run by our Children, Young People and Families Team, and are about: thanking people for their ministry to children, young people and their families; encouraging and equipping them and those they serve to grow in faith; networking with others and sharing experiences; and doing, making time and space to set people up for what they will do next.
The day began with worship and an introduction from the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Acting Bishop of Leeds and Bishop of Bradford.
A significant part of the day was dedicated to the workshops focusing on different areas of children’s, youth and intergenerational ministry.
These workshops included ‘How Do I Connect With Young People In My Area?’, which was a practical and inspiring workshop delivered by Andy Milne of Missional Youth Church Network (MYCN).
‘A Trauma-Sensitive Approach to Ministry with Children and Young People’ was a brief introduction to trauma and the importance of creating safe spaces within children, young people and families ministry.
‘Praygrounds’ looked at creating an intentional worship space for early years children in church that can help them engage with the liturgy and elements of a service.
In total, nine different workshops were on offer delivered by members of the Children, Young People and Families Team, as well as Andy Milne and Rachel Baker, Young Leaders’ Community Enabler in the Diocese of Sheffield.
The day ended with reflections and thanks from the Revd Canon Jonathan Triffitt, Interim Dean of Bradford.
Of the day, Katie Mayers from All Saints Otley said: “It was great meeting lots of other people who are involved in and children and young people's ministry around the diocese, and attending workshops on specific things.
“When you're involved in this ministry, you don't get a lot of time to just reflect and have a bit of space to think about what you’re involved in.
“It was so great to have that, and to get to meet some like-minded people and to share lots of resources and ideas.”
Bishop Toby said: “TEND is about making sure that people are looked after and are tended to, because they are doing so much for our young people.
“Please do come along to our next one in September.”
Liz Morton, Children, Young People and Families Team Leader said: “It was brilliant to see volunteers and leaders from across the diocese come together to share, learn more about and celebrate mission and ministry with children, young people and families at our first TEND event this year.”
There will be another TEND at St Andrew’s Purlwell in Batley on Saturday, September 5.
More on this can be found here.
Please see below a video from the Revd Canon Wendy Dalrymple, Canon Pastor at Ripon Cathedral, about the next TEND.