Two new Network Youth Church leaders – with strong connections to Cumbria – have been appointed to support ministry to hundreds of young people.

Catriona (Cat) Kinghan - who lives in Cockermouth and completed a Certificate in Pioneer Mission in 2023 - will start in Derwent Deanery. Lily-Beth Smith, who was born and raised in west Cumbria and who has discerned her call through the Future Youth Ministry Experience Scheme in Whitehaven, will move to Kendal Deanery as a first ever Trainee NYC worker.

Hannah Burgess, Growing Younger Enabler for Youth, said: “We are excited to be appointing our home-grown youth leaders from within the county. It is so encouraging to see Lily- Beth’s growth through Calder NYC and the intern scheme and Cat, who previously volunteered with Derwent NYC, moving up into this new role.”

There are 11 Network Youth Churches across the county which connect each week with hundreds of young people aged between 11 and 18. Activities include drop-in youth clubs, cafe spaces, prayer spaces, schools and street-based youth work, outdoor activities, days out, and indoor sports.

Cat said: “I’m looking forward to stepping into the Network Youth Church post for Keswick, Cockermouth and Binsey. It feels a little like walking into the mist, with the post having been vacant for many years but entering into a job where you are reliant on the voice of God to guide you is going to be an exhilarating ride. No doubt it will be a bit daunting at times, so prayers for courage and direction are much appreciated.

“Having lived in and around Cockermouth for the last 17 years, I know many faces, but over the next few months, I am eager to connect with as many people as I can, across the whole area, to hear your guidance, feed on your wisdom and gather your stories about where God is moving. Please do get in touch if you feel you can lend me time for a cuppa or a walk.”

The Rev Charles Hope, Chair of Derwent NYC Ministry Council, said: “It is great to be able to welcome Cat to our team here in Derwent Deanery. It has been a long time since we have had a Deanery Network Youth Worker, and at last the post is now taken. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm to support the development of Network Youth Church in all its varieties and forms, building on the work that has been and is being done. Cat, with her many skills and experiences will be a great asset to us all. We very much look forward to working with her as she settles into her new role in September.”

Lily-Beth will also start in post at the same time in Kendal Deanery and as a trainee will be supported and mentored by experienced NYC colleagues

She said: “It’s a great joy to have been appointed as a Trainee NYC Leader in the Kendal Deanery. I hope within the next three years to have responded to a call in pioneering and nurturing faith with young people and to also have grown as a youth minister.

“I look forward to learning from a great team of ministers, co-workers and most of all the young people I encounter across the ecumenical church. This will bring brand new challenges but also exciting ways to solve those challenges and to grow and journey together in faith as a wider church.”

The Rev Tiras Dainty-Share from the Kendal NYC Ministry Council said: “We are thrilled to welcome Lily-Beth to the Kendal Deanery as the very first Trainee Network Youth Church Leader! This is a significant time filled with opportunities to connect with young people, introduce them to Jesus, and nurture their faith in fresh and meaningful ways. With her energy and passion, Lily-Beth will play a vital role in helping to shape and grow this new chapter of youth ministry, joining in the mission of God already at work across our Mission Communities. We look forward with hope and expectancy for all that lies ahead, praying God will bless Lily-Beth’s time among us, guiding her steps and using her gifts to sow seeds of faith in the lives of many young people.”

Visit https://networkyouthchurch.org.uk/ for information about Network Youth Church.

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.