On Tuesday 14th September St Bartholomew’s Church in Marsden acted as host to both walkers and supporters of the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) Relay.
The walk began in St Ives on the 13th June and will end in Glasgow on Sunday October 31st in time for the UN Climate Conference (COP 26). Members of St John the Baptist Church Mossley were the hosts to the walkers on Monday evening/ Tuesday morning and some of their congregation joined them to walk over the soggy hills to Marsden, and arrive at St Bartholomew’s around 15.40 for a welcome tea break.
Soon members of our congregation came to join us in church and it was great to see the children of Marsden ‘After School Club’ who brought a wonderful banner into church to officially welcome the walkers. The children were very interested and asked lots of questions about both the walk and our church, and especially enjoyed an impromptu tune from John on the organ.
After the children had gone home, we went across to the hall and shared a wonderful meal and I would like to pass on thanks to all those who donated food especially to the children who had made us a very tasty vegetable stew. After our delicious meal we went back into church and Jo led us in a moving service where we gave thanks for our wonderful planet, prayed that we may take better care of it and for hope for the future demonstrated in the commitment of these young people.
On Wednesday morning in beautiful sunshine a total of seventeen walkers (seven from our congregation) walked along the canal bank to St James Church in Slaithwaite for lunch.
Many of us left the walk there but others joined and we waved off the walkers as they continued along the tow path to eventually arrive in Huddersfield for another meal and service. I would like to once again pass on my thanks to all those who came to support our church and the YCCN Relay and ask that you will pray for the YCCN and give thanks for their commitment and dedication for the future of our planet.
Alison Gibson
Follow YCCN on twitter @yccnetwork / also on facebook and instagram
Fantastic effort to raise awareness of COP 26
Wonderful to be part of the service and join in part of the walk – though muddy canal footpath and wheelchair do not go well together!
Such an important issue to raise awareness of (climate change not muddy paths!) and one of the ways we can express our faith in action.
We were also encouraged to write to our MP ahead of COP 26. Pro forma letter on the yccn.uk website
On behalf of Marsden Kids Club CIC Ltd may I thank Alison Gibson for allowing us to be part of the welcome party for these walkers. The children really enjoyed chatting with the walkers on climate change, our children are very aware of the challenges we face to protect our planet.
Your “Welcome” poster was so colourful and a brilliant way to let the walkers know they are valued. Thank you for everything you do. Graeme.