President: Carolyn

This is my second term as president of the New Church Youth Association.  In this role I chair council meetings and our AGM and take a lead in co-ordinating NCYA activities such as the Annual Art & Craft Exhibition, Children’s Day and the NCYA presentation at the annual conference of the New Church. 

As I don’t think of myself as a natural leader I sometimes wonder how I have come to be president!  Having attended a New Church Sunday School from early childhood I progressed to becoming a Sunday School teacher in my late teens.  Later, I joined the council, of what was then the New Church Sunday School Union and, eventually, took on the role of running Home Sunday Club, which I continue to do.  I enjoy teaching a Sunday School class at Kearsley New Church.  I am keen to help children to know the Lord and his love for them and find being involved in this uplifting and very satisfying.  It is great to work alongside other like-minded volunteers on the NCYA council.

Secretary: Gwendolen

I have been a member of the NCYA for at least 20 years and love being involved with this valuable organisation.  As Secretary I am usually the first point of contact for those wishing to enquire about us or who wish to receive our resources.  I take minutes of the meetings and keep in communication regularly with the President.  I also edit the Sunrise Magazine which is a lot of fun but it can be challenging trying to get articles and photos for it!

Treasurer: Joanne

Hi, I’m Joanne and I have been the NCYA Treasurer since September 2022.  I have been going to the Accrington New Church all my life and remember attending their Sunday School as a child. Currently I am on their Committee and I’m also their Treasurer. As I am quite new to the NCYA I am enjoying learning how it runs and helping with all their valuable work.  I’m the one responsible for paying all the expenses and keeping an eye on the bank account!

Committee Member: Christine

I have been involved with the NCYA for over 20 years, initially taking an interest in the work done locally to support the children at the Bradford church which I attended as a child myself, then with my own family. Being able to support the work of the NCYA (and in its previous form as the Sunday School Union) was something that I enjoyed and felt was valuable.

After my ordination in 2008 I was appointed to the Keighley church and maintained my involvement with the NCYA council, where I have been happy to support the work of continuing to offer support and resources to church-based Sunday Schools and the postal Home Sunday Club as well as spending several years assisting and then leading the annual Summer Camp. Sharing the ideas from Bible stories and helping people of all ages see something of the inner sense and how it can be of real use is a huge part of my life.

Committee Member: Alison

Hi, I’m Alison.  I write the monthly letter for the older children who receive our Home Sunday Club packs.  I really enjoy the challenge of thinking of interesting things to write about and I try to combine current events with looking back at Jesus’ time, and basic teachings from the New Church.

Committee Member: Helen

I have only been on the NCYA for a couple of years and have no specific role. Having taught for over 30 years I’ve gained lots of experience of engaging young people. I therefore believe the skills I bring to this group are contributing ideas and creativity. I believe the NCYA had an important role in educating children in an engaging way whilst providing materials and expertises to aid their spiritual development.

Committee Member: Keith

Hi, I am Keith and the only male member of the team. I have been with the committee for a few years and joined to provide technical support for the website, having worked in IT for over 25 years.