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Chris and Carol - YCM Co-ordinators:
Chris says: I was brought up in a Christian family, but rebelled as a teenager. I met and married Carol and later returned to the church. I grew up with Pathfinders, CYFA and Brickwork, where I had a great time and many relationships were built. I’ve been involved with many different children’s groups over the years, including the Scout Association, and personally felt that God was calling me into this ministry. It is a great privilege to see young people develop and grow in Christ, in particular, our own teenage son, Matthew
Carol says: I’m married to Chris and between us we co-ordinate the Youth and Children’s Ministry. I became a Christian about a year after I was married, initially coming to church because I enjoyed singing. We have a fantastic son, Matthew, who came along to Brickwork with us as a baby! I am passionate about young people learning about Jesus. Children can learn so much at an early age – I wish I had had a Christian influence during my childhood.
So how did we get involved in this Ministry?
In September 2003 we were asked to be hosts for a Youth Alpha course. We agreed, but didn’t want to do anything more than open the door and make the refreshments. It seems that God had other ideas! By the end of the year a new youth group had been formed, FIRE, and the rest, as they say, is history. We strongly feel that God has put us in this place for this work – there is much to be done. We feel honoured to be involved in the lives of so many children and young people – we often feel that we now have an extended family.
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Emma - Hi, I’m Emma. I am the youngest leader of Rainham Parish Church. If I had to describe myself to someone, all I would say is that I am short, and I enjoy seeing people have fun. I am 19 years old and was one of the youth a couple of years ago. I had a lot of fun doing stuff such as camping, going to worship events and helping others. I wanted to carry on being able to do these things and help others to enjoy them as much as I do, so I became a leader, and here I am. We have some really great leaders here who we could not do fun stuff without. Why not read on and see what they say about themselves. |
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Carol - I’m a mother of two and a grandmother of three. I became a Christian after bringing our daughter for baptism 27 years ago. I have been involved with the children’s work, mainly 3 – 7 year olds, and with Brownies for twenty years. In my spare time, I enjoy days out to historic houses and gardens, cross-stitch and reading. |
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Janet - I’ve been leading for two years now, after a very long break. It feels like coming home, as I was a Pathfinder leader for more years than I care to remember……….. and I still can’t help thinking of some of the group’s mums and dads (not to mention Chris!!) as about 13 years old!! I’ve lived in Rainham, and been a member of the Church family here, for most of my adult life and have recently almost retired from teaching. I’m looking forward to helping with the weekday children’s club which will, we pray, give us the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with many more Rainham youngsters. |
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Paul - I am married and have three children, all now grown up. I work in facilities maintenance in London. I enjoy walking, cycling and sometimes skiing. I like to go to the theatre and am a West Ham United supporter. I have been involved for many years in youth and children’s ministry and am happy to be part of a team of leaders. I still enjoy the opportunity of interacting and teaching, and find working with young people stimulating. It is rewarding to see them develop. Although it was a long time ago I remember, as a young person, being part of a youth group, and am pleased to see the way many of its members went on to be church leaders in different parts of the country. I know that the young people we are working with today have the same potential to become leaders in the coming years. |