24 August 2007
Children to take over Methodist Church House
The Methodist Church is one of the first UK denominations
to sign up for the 11 MILLION Takeover Day. On Friday November 23,
children and young people will take over at Methodist Church House,
finding out about the different work that goes on to support the
national Church and offering their own thoughts and insights.
The 11MILLION Takeover Day is an initiative of the Children's
Commissioner for England that invites the 11 million children and
young people in England to take control of businesses and
organisations. Individuals, groups and institutions are being
encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to listening and recognising
the talents of children and young people across England by handing
over the reins for one day.
Doug Swanney, Methodist Children's Work Development Officer, says;
"The 11MILLION Takeover Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate
and recognise the importance of children and young people in our
society and the role they have to play. We can show children that
they really can make a difference - we need to empower them and
show them that their opinions, skills and ideas really do count.
We're looking forward to the takeover here at Methodist Church
House - it will be great to hear how the children would like to see
things done here and to see what they can teach us."
Local churches are also being encouraged to get involved, with
resources available at www.11million.org.uk
including child protection and safety guidelines from the NSPCC.
Safeguarding advice is also available from the Methodist Church and
churches can share their ideas for the day on the MethodistChildren
website: www.methodistchildren.org.uk.
Jonathan Kerry, Coordinating Secretary for Worship and Learning,
says; "Takeover Day gives churches a chance to do something
different, whether it involves a community event on the Friday
night or a special Sunday service to celebrate children's
contributions. They could invite children to get involved in all
the different tasks that go into making the church run properly -
everything from writing the weekly newsletter to greeting people as
they come though the door."