Olivia Stokes-Roberts (main picture) has “a special empathy” for the significant numbers of home-educated and neuro-diverse children attending Junior Church and Pilots at Hornsea United Reformed Church, says Elder and youth leader Margaret Knapton. “Olivia is able to engage the children lovingly in activities and support them through situations they find challenging – a gift we as children’s workers have very much appreciate.”

Olivia is now a member of the Pilots leadership team, taking a full and active part in the planning and delivery of sessions. “We very much value her insights on the dynamics of the group, which help us to involve all the children in safe, age/interest appropriate activities.”

Like many other 2026 Lundie winners, Olivia also reads in church and is involved in the planning of worship. Similarly, James Cole, at The Bay URC in Birchington, Kent, has organised a Songs of Praise afternoon, and carol singing in local cafés as part of the church’s outreach and charity fundraising. Not only that, but he also plays the organ for Sunday services, funerals and weddings, and has supported the church treasurer with online banking and by setting up a card payment machine for the church.

Charity fundraising is important to many nominees for the Lundie Awards, which celebrate the good work an individual child or young person is doing for their church and community. Rosie Stone put on her pyjamas to inspire the fundraising efforts at Stag Community Church for one of their chosen charities – One by One. Impressed by the charity’s work with children and families internationally, Rosie proposed a 10km walk around Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire – in pyjamas. She not only gave “wonderful messages in church asking the community to support the walkers”, but she herself raised £150, and encouraged friends and grown-ups to also participate, said Children’s and Families Worker Lu Hunt.

And at West Bromwich Albion football ground, Alice Coleyshaw joined her family with whatever they could take to keep warm, and slept in the stands to raise funds for work with homeless people. “Actually, it was not that bad, though I would not like to do it every night like the homeless. For dinner I had a lovely steak pie that was delicious, but it is sad to know that the homeless don’t get anything.”

Endorsing Alice’s nomination, Sharon Lloyd, the URC’s Programme Officer for Children’s, Youth and Intergenerational Work, said: “How fantastic to have a heart for the homeless at such a young age. A worthy recipient.”

The Lundie Memorial Awards scheme was established in 2020. Award winners receive a medal and certificate, and get to choose how to spend £100 for the benefit of children or young people in their church, synod or local community. Over thirty awards are still available under the scheme. To find out more and to nominate a young person you know, go to bit.ly/URCLundie.

Pictured: (main) Olivia Stokes-Roberts; (middle) Alice Coleyshaw and James Cole; (bottom) Rosie Stone

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While all eyes are currently on the Men’s World Cup tournament, another national team from England has qualified for the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup 2026, which will take place in November in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. One member of that team, Charlie, has inspired Dexter to an award-winning feat of fundraising.

Dexter, aged eight, who is also a keen footballer, heard about Charlie, a young man who had lost a leg to cancer but found fresh opportunities with the England Amputee Football Association’s junior programme. Last year, he was called up to play in the England men’s national amputee football team.

When Dexter learned that the team receives no central funding and that Charlie and all the other players must self-fund their travel, he created and shared a fundraising presentation with Charlie’s family, set up a fundraising page, and began raising money with impressive focus and determination. He organised a Christmas jumper day with his own football team, hosted a charity match (with Charlie, his dad and uncle all taking part), wrote to famous footballers, and involved local schools.

It wasn’t long before he had raised over £1,500 – an achievement that Hilary Miles, a church Elder at Christ Church URC, Petts Wood, said showed “extraordinary compassion, initiative, and determination. His efforts have given Charlie’s whole team hope and show what a powerful impact one person’s actions can have.”

The Lundie Memorial Awards scheme was established in 2020 to celebrate the good work an individual child or young person is doing for their church and community. Award winners receive a medal and certificate, and get to choose how to spend £100 for the benefit of children or young people in their church, synod or local community.

Confirming Dexter as an award winner, Sharon Lloyd, the URC’s Programme Officer for Children’s, Youth and Intergenerational Work, said: “What a wonderful youngster, so determined and driven. I look forward to hearing what he’ll do with the £100 – though I can guess!”

Over thirty Lundie awards are still available under the scheme. To find out more and to nominate a young person you know, go to bit.ly/URCLundie.

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The awards, coordinated by the URC’s Children’s, Youth and Intergenerational team, celebrate young poeple using their God-given skills, time and talents to good effect within their church or more widely.

Tinashe Mpofu was nominated because, at age 12, she has mastered the sound system at Gillingham URC in Southern Synod – playing recorded music to accompany hymns, and confidently livestreaming services.

Pamela Tolhurst, Gillingham URC’s Local Church Leader, praised Tinashe’s “energy and accuracy”.�� She said that Tinashe picked up the baton when her predecessor at the sound desk moved on to university, and has been “a good example of what it means to be trained to follow in the footsteps of someone else”.

Tinashe said she enjoys making church available for people who can’t attend in person, adding that good use of media helps people feel connected. “I get to share our church’s messages beyond the building and make worship accessible to everyone, even those at home.”

With the £100 that comes with award, Tinashe intends to support children’s activities at her church, including a creative project that will help children learn new skills and feel more involved. “It’s a way of giving support and critical thinking skills.”

The most recent Lundie winner is Lydia Raddings, from the URC’s Yorkshire Synod. Lydia volunteered with the URC team hosting young people at Greenbelt Festival from 2021 to 2025.

Judy Harris, Children’s and Youth Development Officer for the National Synod of Wales, says Lydia’s work was integral to helping create a welcoming and safe space for the 12-17-year-olds during the festival. “She has a wonderful way of coming alongside the young people, especially the ones who may be feeling overwhelmed in what is a busy and sometimes noisy festival”.

Judy spoke of Lydia’s “gentle way” of interacting with the young people, which calms them. “Her faith is shown in her actions, and she shows and shares this in a uniquely personable way.”

For details of how to nominate young people under the age of 26 for a Lundie Award, see bit.ly/URCLundie

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James, who was nominated by Susan Frowe, an Elder and Messy Church leader at Christchurch Port Sunlight in the Wirral.

Susan describes James as having natural teaching skills.

“James is someone the children love working with,” she says, “and it is clear that James enjoys working with them.”

James, who has been helping out at Messy Church for some time, attends early to help set up and helps the children with the activities, and helps make crafts for children so that they have something to take home to remind them of the session.

Susan says that James’s “caring, helpful and polite attitude is evident and is often commented on by parents and helpers”.

James says he enjoys attending Messy Church and seeing everyone have fun, he says attending helps strengthen his bond with the community. His skills extend beyond the scope of Messy Church. He can often be found helping with the tech team on the church’s weekly zoom service, having quickly learnt the skills necessary to be independent in this role.

When asked of his initial reaction to being June’s Lundie winner, James said: “To be told I was the winner felt really good. I was very happy to get nominated and to win was an amazing thing.”

James, who would love others his age to get involved with the life of the church, has this advice: “Getting involved with the church doesn’t just help you know the community around you but opens you up to new opportunities and is something you can always keep for the future.”

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. James isn’t fully sure of what to spend the money on but knows that the church needs new pencils and colouring pencils so that’s top of his agenda. He will also consult others at the church before deciding.

Learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award and how to nominate a young person.

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Dan, who discovered his love for the organ at the young age of five, has been playing in church since he was 15. He often plays the opening songs in one church before running to another, starting half an hour later, to play their introductory songs.

Although he is always adding new songs to his repertoire his favourite song is “How Great Thou Art”, the last song sung with his great grandad before he died and which he played at his funeral. Dan’s skills are often utilised for funerals and weddings, a responsibility he says is daunting but also a privilege.

Dan called his award win a shock and encouraged others his age to get involved in their communities.

“Do it,” he said. “Go ahead and you might surprise yourself and love serving the church too.”

Dan, who was nominated by Pam Tolhurst, Gillingham United Reformed Church’s local leader, is described by her as “a valuable member of the church, someone who is reliable and totally committed to giving of his best”.

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Dan is still thinking about how best to use this but knows it will be of great benefit to his church.

Learn more about the Lundie award and how to nominate a young person.

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Abbie McGregor, who attends Sawston Free Church in Eastern Synod, initially began helping serving refreshments for the church’s holiday club and really enjoyed it.

Julie said Abbie’s kindness and caring nature shone through and naturally led to her embracing church life. In particular, Abbie helps with junior church, leading games for the younger girls within Girls’ Brigade and assisting with Messy Church.

“I was so surprised about winning, but also excited about being chosen. I appreciate the recognition of my help, and I will continue to do so in the future,” said Abbie.

“A church community is a wonderful hub of kindness and compassion for all. Involving yourself in it is an amazing way to give back to the church and carry on the will of God.”

Abbie hopes to encourage others to get involved, especially those of a similar age to her. She was nominated by Julie Robinson, Sawston Free’s Junior Church Coordinator.

Julie said: “Abbie is one of those very special young people you feel so fortunate to be around.”

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Abbie is thinking about using hers to buy some youth Bibles to be used at Sunday morning church services.

Learn more about the Lundie award and how to make a nomination.

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Nominated by Rebecca Smith, junior church leader at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC in East Midlands Synod, Zoe is called a “ray of sunshine” in her church community.

Rebecca said: “Zoe has buoyed up the church with her jokes and ongoing service. We’re very grateful for her”

Since the Covid lockdown, Zoe has been a dedicated contributor to her church newsletter, which keeps everyone updated on events, recipes, and news. But what makes it extra special? Zoe’s joke section!

What started as a way to lift spirits during lockdown has now become a tradition, with Zoe sharing weekly jokes tailored to the season—whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even National Doughnut Week! Her humour has brought endless smiles to her church family.

For Zoe, the best part of her involvement is seeing the joy it brings to others:

“I love when church members come up to me with jokes they’ve memorised or just tell me how much they appreciate the laughs.”

Her advice to other young people?

“Go and get involved! I’ve made so many friends and had loads of conversations with people I would have never expected. It’s really helped build my confidence and people skills—it’s a great conversation starter!”

When asked how she felt about becoming a Lundie Memorial Winner, Zoe said: “I feel so lucky to have such kind people around me to even consider nominating me. I am going to continue submitting my jokes to the newsletter to spread a little bit of joy.”

Winning the Lundie Award comes with a £100 prize, and in true Zoe style, she’s planning to use it for something fun for the whole church—maybe a Christian comedian or even a clown!

To learn more about the Lundie award and information on how to nominate a young person, see: /category/children-youth/lundie/��

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Lu Hunt, the Children’s and Family’s Worker at Herringthorpe URC who made the nomination, described Joe as: “Someone who really does make a difference in the life of the church. We are so proud of Joe and we’re so grateful to him for everything that he chooses to do.”

Joe has been helping out at church for the past three years now and enjoys volunteering at the kids’ and holiday clubs, managing the technology for the team and is considered an invaluable asset as “holiday club would struggle to run without his expertise”.

Lu explained further: “Joe attends a Thursday evening youth group and has started a book and resource table laying out Christian books and things that advertise what goes on in the life of the church. He prides himself on sharing the Gospel where he can, including in school and at the youth group. At the Synod residential in Leeds in September last year, Joe did the same thing and brought things with him to encourage other young people to engage with the Bible. Joe is often overheard having conversations with other young people who ask him searching questions. This is an invaluable ministry within the church.”

Joe who was surprised to be Decembers winner said: “I like helping people to learn about Jesus and helping them to become disciples. I would say to any other young person considering being involved in their church that it’s good to get involved and help people become disciples.”

Joe’s future aspirations at church include working on a youth session to lead on a Sunday morning and completing his schoolwork experience within the church to enable him to learn about other ministries.

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Joe is yet to decide what he would like to spend the £100 on specifically but knows it will be used to continue sharing the gospel with others.

Learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award and how to make a nomination.

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Nominated by David Bailey, church secretary at Greenmount URC, Poppy is described as “a happy, outgoing character” who loves church life and considers it her “second family.”

Poppy is a shining role model for younger generations, enthusiastically helping with holy communion, tea and coffee events, and art days. She brightens church life with her creative artwork for the notice board, inspiring others through her contributions.

Upon receiving the award, Poppy said: “I was so surprised! I didn’t even know I’d been nominated.” Her advice to other children? “Try coming to church—you may be surprised by what you learn and how much you’re loved. If you already go, keep being your amazing self!”

Poppy plans to use her £100 reward to buy resources for church crafts, hoping to encourage creativity and inspire more children to attend services.

October’s winner is 12-year-old Lucy Hancock, from Eastern Synod.

Joyce Billing, the children’s work leader at Hoveton and Wroxham URC, nominated Lucy and described her as “a young girl we are very proud of”.

Lucy, who is a member of JAM (Jesus and Me) is also a member of her local Scouts group. Her passion and commitment for the scout group motivated her to work with friends to create a video which was submitted as part of a grant application to the government’s Youth Investment Fund.

The group were successful in their application and was awarded more than £1million to help rebuild and extend the local scout HQ where the group currently meet.

Lucy is yet to decide what to spend her prize money on.

To learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award and nominate someone special, see URC Lundie Memorial Award.

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Launched in 2020, the team set out to give out 100 awards named after the Revd Robert Henry Lundie who was born in Kelso, Scotland in 1824, who became a minister at the age of 19. He was very active in promoting schools.

The 50th award was bestowed on 11-year-old William Eneso from Thames North Synod in July who was called a “shining example of what a modern-day disciple should be like” by his Sunday school teacher. The team is now preparing to deliver its 53rd award.

Dr Sam Richards, Head of Children’s & Youth Work said: “It has been wonderful to see all these children and young people being recognised for the amazing ways in which they are living out their faith and playing their part in the mission of God.

“We have 47 more awards to offer – and I can’t wait to receive nominations from local churches wanting to celebrate the contributions of their younger members. They are indeed ‘setting the believers an example in love, in faith, in how to live’ 1 Tim 4:12.”

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