Many visitors joined the congregation of St. Johns on Sunday to acknowledge the 'International Year of the Child.' The celebration was led by the worship group.

2009 marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations 'International Year of the Child,' and many of the churches in Britain have declared this the year in which to celebrate children in the church, to review the work with young people, to challenge the churches to fresh vision and expression, inspired by the vision of the child.

Rightly, much effort is put into children's and young people's wellbeing and opportunities in life, but sometimes listening to them can be overlooked, and often their contributions can be ignored. At St. Johns, in a church visioning session, it has been resolved to make 'church' more attractive to young people, no mean task.

"In this act of worship today we seek God's word, Christ's example and the leading of the Holy Spirit," began Mr. Graham Powell. "We gather in God's presence, listening and responding to God's word and going out to live in the world."

Three members of junior church, Connor, Lara and Molly, had joined the worship group for Sunday's service. Using their various talents, they enchanced worship and gave the celebration extra meaning, their enthusiasm an inspiration to us all. It is always good to have them take part in worship, but more so on a day when we were particularly thinking of young people.

To demonstrate their needs in the world today, two very moving 'Power Points' were shown, one used as an intercessionary prayer and the other showing 'The Way Forward.' It is important that we take their message on board, times have changed and we as a church must change also. We must realise the different needs of young people and answer those needs if we are to become a church for the future.

Prayers of thanksgiving were said by Mrs. Gwen Nicholl.

A David Cornick 'Prayer of Meditation' was then read by Mrs. Sheila Noot, accompanied by Lara on the violin.

Before the closing blessing, "Living God send us out in the power of your Spirit to live to work for your Glory," Graham invited everyone to refreshments in the large schoolroom to share in fellowship. Thanks go to everyone who contributed to such a humbling service.

This Sunday's worship will be at the usual time of 11 am and will be led by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. Everyone is welcome.