Diocese set to make 2009

the 'Year of the Child'

Church leaders are being encouraged to help make 2009 a year to remember for young people with the launch of an interdenominational Year of the Child, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Year of the Child.

In Ripon and Leeds churches are being invited to join the diocesan Year of the Child Project. Each month, for eight months beginning in February, a pack will be sent out to participating churches with a topic to think about. These include: my community, my school, the church, God’s world, the people of God’s world, and my life It’s hoped that churches will use the material for children’s groups with ideas for discussions, writing, drawing and craft work.

The work will be gathered and feedback returned with a celebration and display at the end of the year.

Children’s Work Adviser, the Revd ClareMacLaren said, “Here in the diocese we want to invite churches to take part in an exciting project, which will enable the voices of our children and young people to be heard not just in your parish, but at a Deanery and Diocesan level, too. We very much hope that each church will take part in this process.”

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, comments: “Young people all over the country need to hear the words of Christ’s love for them in all manner of ways. So too, we the Church need to hear afresh God speaking to us through the life and witness of children. Come and join the celebration, be challenged and inspired.”

Updates on the activities taking place under the Church’s Year of the Child umbrella will be published periodically during 2009 and distributed to local churches. Parishes interested in finding out more can download information by clicking here