New Methodist Youth President Welcomed

The new Methodist Youth President, Gracie Silk, aged 20, was welcomed to her role with a service at her home church, Melbourne Methodist Church, in the Nottingham and Derby District on Sunday 27 September.

Also attending were the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Mark Slaney, and the Vice-President, Caroline Stead, along with Gracie's family and friends.

Gracie was elected by the children and young people of the Methodist Church. The Methodist Youth President is a salaried position, working full-time for one year to serve the children and young people of the Methodist Church in Britain. The role involves meeting and representing young Methodist people to ensure that their voices are heard and to help them become involved in every aspect of Church life. Gracie succeeds the ex-Youth President, Genesis Padgett.

Gracie has been attending Melbourne Methodist Church for as long as she can remember, but became passionate about Methodism after becoming a Methodist youth representative three years ago. She has been studying Theology and Mission at Cliff College.

After the service, Gracie commented: "I am really excited to be the Youth President this year. I am especially looking forward to meeting young people from across the Connexion and hearing their stories.

"During my time in office, I want to help equip young people to speak out about the things that matter to them, while also helping them feel a deep sense of belonging within the Church.

"My hope is that every young person knows they are valued, listened to, and have an important part to play in both the Methodist Church and the Kingdom of God."

Ex-Youth President, Genesis Padgett, commented, "A huge congratulations to Gracie on becoming Youth President. It is an incredible achievement and I wholeheartedly believe that she will do an amazing job and really help all the young people in the Church."

Many of those from Melbourne Methodist Church were keen to share their congratulations on Gracie's new role.The Revd Nikki Geeson commented, "I am excited for Gracie as she takes on the role of Youth President. Her faith and her desire to represent the young people within the Methodist Church are evident, and I know she will do this with integrity, insight and a great deal of enthusiasm. I look forward to following her journey this year and offer her my full support and prayers."

Gracie's youth worker, Pam Worrall, said, "I've known Gracie since she was a shy toddler. Today she speaks from the heart to large gatherings, proclaiming God's Word. It has been my joy and delight to be a small part of her walk of faith."

Alan and Anne Brady, who have supported Gracie, said, "We wish her well in this role and will regularly pray for Gracie to know God's presence and guidance throughout this year.

"Gracie has been part of our church family since she was very young. It has been a joy and a privilege to watch her grow in her knowledge and love of God."

Emmeline Silk, Gracie's mother and Junior Church Leader at Melbourne Methodist Church, said, "Gracie has worked so hard to achieve the role of Youth President. She has achieved and experienced things that she would never have thought possible, or even known existed, and this is one of the things that she is able to communicate so effectively with young people – with God all things are possible.

"We are all incredibly proud of her."