Helen Proudfoot, Diocesan Children's Adviser, who is organizing the service on behalf of the Diocese, said that it was an opportunity for the wider church to give thanks and pray for all those who give their valuable time to help in the teaching and nurture of young people in the community.

Those attending will be blessed and commissioned in their work by the Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, and thanked by the diocesan advisers responsible for this work.

This celebratory service will include music, activity, readings and prayer as well as an address from Revd Karen Hamblin.

Helen said today: "Week in, week out, up and down our large diocese, children and youth workers plan, prepare and deliver children and youth sessions in our churches and communities.  They are certainly appreciated by the children and youth attending and I would hope the churches they work among, but it is difficult for those of us at the centre to show our gratitude and give encouragement and support.

She added: "This service is our opportunity to gather all those involved in this important ministry together to say thank you, well done and please continue, sharing the good news about Jesus among the children and young people in our diocese."  

ENDS

Further details are available from

Helen Proudfoot

01332 388663

helenproudfoot@ddbe.org