Please note that the West Midlands Synod does not have a Children's and Youth Development Officer at present, as Richard Knott is now working for the East Midlands Synod in this role. A joint gathering for young people is being organised for 15-17 September 2023. Please email trainingpa@urc5.org.uk for information.
Your voice mattersDear friends,
As your Children’s and Youth Development Officer I have been tasked with four key objectives as set out by the Synod prior to my appointment.
It is hoped therefore that whatever is planned and developed by the Synod for the engagement among children and young people is the best fit for what churches need and see as a priority. We have set up an on-line survey on the Synod website. Please share these links as widely as possible. Some young children or those unfamiliar with using technology this way may need assistance to complete the survey, you can also request a paper copy from me or from the Synod Office. For children 10 years of age and under (https://forms.gle/aZA2M167Y4R8HJVi7) For young people aged 11-17 years (https://forms.gle/6QqyU5qwFdHHW4yP7) For young adults 18-25years (https://forms.gle/L9dLtZUGNgzpsFhj6) For Ministers and other Leaders or interested people (https://forms.gle/B8EkBsmijQ4nugbj6) I intend to gather all responses by 15th February 2023, so please make sure you complete the survey before this date. Please spend some time to prayerfully consider your answers. Please also pass this on to anyone who has an interest or involvement with children, young people or families. We would love to know what you as part of the West Midlands Synod think and how we can best serve you in the future. And we will use these answers to prayerfully consider our planning for children and youth. If you would prefer a paper copy or need any help completing the questionnaire, please get in touch with the Synod Office or with Richard Knott who is currently on part-time secondment in the Synod he can be reached via email cydo@urcwestmidlands.org.uk or call 07577-867024. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to this. Richard Meet your CYDO![]() Richard Knott began work with the Synod on 6th January 2020 as Children and Youth Development Officer (CYDO).
Richard joins the Synod with a wealth of experience in children’s and youth ministry in both volunteer and paid roles spanning more than two decades. Richard also has a degree in Children’s and Youth Ministry following part-time study at Cliff College. Richard and his wife Sharon are relocating from Edinburgh and their adult son is staying behind. Richard says… “I am delighted to have this God given opportunity to serve alongside you in seeking to connect with and to engage children and young people in a life of following Jesus. I am passionate about the church as the body of Christ which is at its best when all ages are fully involved together.” Richard is new to the Synod and new to the URC. He is keen to make connections with churches of all shapes and sizes across the Synod, those with healthy and active connections with children and young people and those that currently do not have such connections (yet). You are encouraged to make contact with Richard who would be delighted to hear from you. Email cydo@urcwestmidlands.org.uk Mobile 07577867024 Facebook Cydo Urcwestmids (https://www.facebook.com/cydo.urcwestmids.7) Want to keep in touch?Richard is producing a regular mailing with news and resources. Fill in the form below to subscribe to the newsletter.
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Shrewsbury gain the Children & YOUTH friendly church scheme award![]() Congratulations to Shrewsbury URC for becoming the latest church in the Synod to gain the CYFC Scheme accreditation.
Read on for their story of how they completed the assessment process. A short account of Shrewsbury URC's
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