The Worcestershire West Rural team kicked off #Recognise week a day early yesterday with a special All Age service to thank those working with children and families across the patch.
Broadwas Church was decorated like a party, with balloons and banners, and there were cakes were made by some of the children.
Everyone who volunteers with children and families across the Worcestershire West Rural Team was sent an invitation in advance (including those working with Open the Book and Godly Play in schools, the All Age and Crafty Cafe services, Mainly Music and Animato choir.). There was also good representation of people from different congregations across the group of churches.
Claire Daffern, one of our employed Children, Young People and Families Ministers, said:
“The service had a wonderful atmosphere. The worship was uplifting and interactive, with contributions from the children and a talk from the Revd Anne Potter, based on the reading, ‘Samuel Hears a Voice’ (from the Lion Storyteller bible used by the Open the Book teams). The children's activity was to make a 'message board' for all the volunteers, thanking them for all they give.”
During delicious refreshments after the service, volunteers were given a pack of wildflower seeds as a thank you for helping our young people grow, while the children did a mini Jesus hunt!
The celebrations for #Recognise Week will continue with volunteers at the weekly groups presented with thank you cards designed/made by the children. There is also a small display in each church to recognise and give thanks for all the volunteers working with children and families, which includes an ‘I am the Vine’ poster and the Recognise 2026 prayer. 
Claire continued: “We are very blessed to have such a great team of volunteers in our rural patch, and it is wonderful to witness God at work in the lives of our young people and their families.”
How is your church joining in with #Recognise Week, which runs from 6 – 12 July?
