Two youth representatives from the URC Thames North Synod, accompanied by the Synod's Children and Youth Development Officer, recently visited GRASSROOTS Luton for a day of learning, reflection and community engagement.
The visit began at Newland URC, where the group joined the Sunday congregation for worship centred on the theme of light. Drawing on Isaiah's call to be "a light to the nations" and Jesus' declaration, "I am the light of the world," the service encouraged worshippers to reflect on how faith opens our eyes to the needs of the world and inspires service rooted in God's love.
During the service, the youth representatives shared how they seek to represent the voices of young people across the Synod, encourage participation in church life and build connections between congregations. They spoke about youth gatherings, leadership opportunities, and Synod-wide events.
Following worship, the visitors toured key parts of Luton. In Lewsey, they viewed colourful children's peace artwork displayed on lamp posts, celebrating friendship, hope and community harmony. In Bury Park, they learned about the area's rich cultural diversity, heard stories of interfaith relationships and community resilience, and visited the site of the former Bury Park URC.
A highlight of the day was meeting Pastor Lloyd Denny, Pentecostal minister, Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, former chaplain to Bedfordshire Police and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, and author of the Denny Review on health inequalities. Drawing on his extensive experience in faith and civic leadership, Pastor Denny spoke about community cohesion, the Luton in Harmony campaign, interfaith engagement and the vital contribution churches can make to public life.
Reflecting on the visit, the youth representatives Stan and Ore said: "What stood out for us was seeing faith lived out beyond the church walls. Hearing how churches, community leaders and people of different faiths work together for the common good showed us how Christian witness can make a real difference in society."
The URC Thames North Synod’s Children and Youth Development Officer Lorraine Downer said, “The visit offered an inspiring insight into how churches, community organisations and local leaders are working together to build stronger, more connected communities across Luton.”
The day concluded with generous Luton hospitality, while continuing conversations about faith, youth leadership, and community service.
Two youth representatives from the URC Thames North Synod, Stan (R) and Ore (centre), accompanied by the Synod's Children and Youth Development Officer Lorraine Downer (L), at Luton’s High Town Peace Garden.
Two youth representatives from the URC Thames North Synod, Stan and Ore (R), and the Synod's Children and Youth Development Officer Lorraine Downer (L), outside Newland URC Dunstable with the Minister Revd Naomi Young-Rodas (second from left).
The Synod's Children and Youth Development Officer Lorraine Downer, with the two Synod youth representatives Stan and Ore, speaking during the Sunday Service at the Newland URC Dunstable
The two URC Thames North Synod youth representatives, Stan and Ore (L), in conversation with the Minister Revd Naomi Young-Rodas (R) at the Newland URC Dunstable.
