Page 16 - Presbyterian Connection

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PRESBYTERIAN
SUMMER 2024
presbyterian.ca
Connection
Celebrating What Our Youth Can Do!
By Jacqueline Cleland, Pastoral Care and Outreach Coordinator for the Oakridge Christian Ministry,
a part of the Vancouver Chinese Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, B.C.
On the evening of February 10, Richmond Presbyterian Church (RPC) and Oakridge Christian Ministry, a part of the Vancou- ver Chinese Presbyterian Church (VCPC) in Vancouver, B.C., worked together to host the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ceremony. This event not only celebrated the achievements of young individu- als but reminded us of how in- credibly blessed we are to be able to come together and support one another as a community.
We were delighted to host both the Bronze and Silver Award ceremony, with music by Zab- rina Ng. The following people earned their Bronze Award and had the opportunity to receive it from Richmond’s Acting Mayor Chak Au: Alesha Chan, Claire Chiang, Jeremy Chiang, Nicole Chu, Makayla Dy, Ysabelle Lee, Faith Tang, Keira Uy and Eden Wu. Faith Tang also received her Silver Award. These award re- cipients were supported and en- couraged by their leaders Heidi Dy and Jacqueline Cleland. The Rev. Cur tis Bablitz kindly prayed for the youth and their inspiring future.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s In- ternational Award challenges, empowers and recognizes youth ages 14–24. By highlighting the amazing things they do and learn outside formal education, the award empowers them to discover hidden talents, develop untapped leadership potential, and make a difference in their community.
Pictured at front (left to right): Leader Heidi, the Rev. Curtiz, Makayla, Faith, Keira, Acting Mayor Au. In the back: Jeremy, Ysabelle, Claire, Eden, Nicole, Alesha and leader/director Jacqueline Cleland.
Since 1963, the award has helped motivate young people in Canada to set goals and chal- lenge themselves to take control of their lives and futures. Today, in Canada, the award is run coast to coast, engaging over 11,000 young people and over 1,400 adult volunteers annually.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Centre at Richmond Presbyterian Church originated through dis- cernment and discussion with Dr. Anne-Marie Ellithorpe, Heather Campbell and myself during the
pandemic years. It has been a mission of outreach that has spread to the broader commu- nity with participants spanning from Richmond (through RPC) to Vancouver (through VCPC). It has encouraged youth to volunteer at RPC’s community night, play for other churches’ Sunday worship, and teach those younger than them skills they have refined. It was a sign of hope and growth that, as a church, we opened our doors in February to the award recipients, their families and the
community, demonstrating how tiny seeds can grow into beauti- ful fruit.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from two speakers who have personally gone through the Duke of Edin- burgh’s International Award pro- gram. Faith Tang, a recipient of the award, shared her journey and how the program has helped her grow in confidence, leadership and service. Heidi Dy, a leader in the program, also spoke about the impact of the award on young
individuals and how it aligns with the values of the Christian faith.
It was a night filled with cel- ebration, encouragement and inspiration. The Duke of Edin- burgh’s International Award cer- emony recognized the achieve- ments of young individuals and brought together two churches to celebrate and support the youth in their community. It was a true reminder of what can be achieved when we support our youth, and was a beautiful reflection of the unity and love found in Christ.
Simcoe Treasurer Hangs Up His Calculator
Pictured (left to right) are Keith Main, the Rev. Mikal Schomburg and Deb Melnyk.
By Deb Melnyk, Clerk of Session, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ont.
During a Sunday service in Janu- ary, the congregation at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ont., recognized Keith Main for his many years of volunteer ser- vice as church treasurer. Keith has been the only person doing the treasurer’s job since I have been attending St. Paul’s. How- ever, his journey as our calculator master has spanned not 10, not 20, not 30, but over 40 years!
The Session expressed their gratitude for his tireless dedi- cation and diligence as church treasurer. A special “golden cal- culator” was presented to Keith by St. Paul’s minister, the Rev. Mi- kal Schomburg, and me, as Clerk of Session. The treasurer’s job re- quired many extra hours past our monthly Session meetings and I’m sure a few sleepless nights! Helping us steer the church in a fiscally sound manner has not al- ways been easy in difficult times but we have appreciated Keith’s caring commitment to St. Paul’s.
His retirement began in January 2024, and he has spent time as- sisting our new treasurer.
We are pleased that Keith has continued to serve our church in other ways as a lay reader, teller and as an active Session elder. We have certainly appreciated his 43 years of service in the treas- urer’s capacity, and he has been a good example of the scripture: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV).