Liverpool prayer walks celebrate vital youth ministry volunteers

To thank the incredible volunteers serving local children and youth, the Diocese of Liverpool has organised a special series of prayer walks for National Recognise Week.

Recognise Week is a nationwide annual initiative dedicated to honouring and thanking those who minister to children, young people, and families within the Church of England. Between 6-9 July, seven separate walks will chart paths across the boundaries of neighbouring deaneries, uniting communities in prayer for the younger generation and their mentors.

The extensive routes will connect numerous deaneries, including Toxteth & Wavertree, Liverpool South, West Derby, Huyton, Widnes, St Helens, Wigan, Ormskirk, North Meols, Sefton North, Sefton South, Liverpool North and Walton, Warrington, and Winwick.

This celebratory week also aligns with the Church’s wider 30k Project, an ambitious initiative striving to recruit and train 30,000 new youth and children’s leaders by the year 2030.

Members of the public are invited to participate in the upcoming walks. It offers a great opportunity for fresh air, community fellowship, uplifting conversation, and collective prayer for the individuals guiding young people on their faith journeys.

The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said:

“Recognise Week is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for all who faithfully serve children, young people and families across our Diocese. Through these walks, we will gather in prayer and celebration as we recognise the invaluable role of those who encourage faith, provide support and help shape the lives of the next generation.

As we journey across our deaneries, we hope to inspire more people to join this important ministry, helping young people encounter God and see his presence grow in their communities”

Kate Eagleston, Strategy Lead for Youth and Children, said:

“Recognise Week is all about celebrating the people who generously invest their time, energy and faith in the lives of children and young people. Every day across our Diocese, volunteers, clergy, youth leaders, parents and many others help young people discover Jesus and grow in faith.

We hope these prayer walks will not only recognise and encourage those already serving, but also inspire others join in this ministry, helping the next generation discover Jesus and see their faith flourish.”

There are so many individuals giving tirelessly to nurture the faith of the emerging generations.