Recognise Week: Celebrating Youth & Children’s Workers & Volunteers
This week (7th-13th July) is Recognise Week, a national celebration to honour everyone involved in ministry with children, young people and their families.
Recognise is an initiative of the Church of England’s 30k Project, which aims to raise up to 30,000 new children and youth leaders by 2030 through the recruitment of volunteers, training and formation of new CYPF minister, and enhancing support for existing CYPF ministers. Ruth Lee, diocesan Growing Younger Disciples Lead, is part of the 30k project board.
On Tuesday 8th July, a special reception was held at Lambeth Palace. It was a beautiful occasion to recognise and appreciate the dedication of youth and children’s ministers across the country. Each attendee also received a letter from the King thanking them for their work with children, young people and families in the church.
Representing our Diocese at the event were Ruth Lee (Growing Younger Disciples Lead), Penny Carrier (Clifton Parish), and Sarah Sharpe (Connect Gamston), who were nominated to attend as our diocesan representatives.
Sarah Sharpe remarked:
“It was a truly inspiring afternoon — not a celebration of a select few, but a heartfelt tribute to everyone who invests in the lives of children, families, and young people across the Church of England. We were reminded just how deeply valued every volunteer, youth worker, minister, and faithful presence is — anyone who shows up with love, consistency, and prayer. Even King Charles shared his appreciation, with letters delivered to us all.”
In honour of the week, we asked some of our church leaders what they appreciate most about their children’s and youth workers:
St Mary’s Sutton-in-Ashfield
Julie, Vicar of St Mary’s Sutton-in-Ashfield, shared her appreciation for their Children & Families Worker:
“Kitty is a real inspiration to us all! Her love of God and the passion she has for sharing this with others, especially children, young people and families is inspiring. She has endless creativity and energy, fuelled by the Holy Spirit which overflows into every area of her life. Thank you Kitty for your generosity and leadership, encouraging many along the way. We all at St Mary’s really want Kitty to know she is hugely appreciated and loved!“
St Swithun’s Retford
Portia, Operations Manager at St Swithun’s Retford, shared her appreciation for their Children & Families Worker:
“Sarah isn’t just a kids and youth pastor, she’s a force of nature! She walks into the room and the atmosphere shifts. She brings joy, energy and laughter. Sarah is the kind of leader you pray for – and was a huge answer to prayer for us as a church, she was well worth the wait! She goes above and beyond (and then a little further), never doing anything halfway. From messy games to meaningful moments, from deep chats with teens to dancing with toddlers — she brings her whole heart every time.”
Portia continues, “We’ve seen great fruit from her leadership: kids love coming to church, teens feel seen, families feel supported, and the team thrives under her joy-filled, faith-fuelled leadership. Sarah, you’re a gift, a legend and an answered prayer wrapped in glitter, purpose, and a little bit of controlled chaos – we love you!”
This Sunday 13th July is the national day of recognition across the Church of England. We invite you to join in by giving thanks and celebrating all the amazing work taking place across our diocese in children’s, youth, and family ministry. Why not celebrate the children, youth and families workers or volunteers in your parish this Sunday? You can find helpful resources to support your church or service this Sunday here.
We are grateful for everyone involved in this vital ministry as we seek to reach younger generations in our diocese as continue to grow disciples of compassion, confidence and courage.