JourneyOnline
When a call went out for nominations for church council members of the Toombul District UC, no one expected two members of the youth group to apply.
Thirteen year-old Colleen Heffernan and sixteen year-old Rosie Dennis were delighted and surprised when they were elected to their church council.
Minister Rev Jan Whyte said the girls are part of a vibrant group of young people within the church.
“They know that they have something significant to contribute to the church and are burning to do it,” she said.
“They really didn’t expect to be elected, because they worship in the Café Church group, and thought the people from the traditional service would not know who they were, and so would probably not vote for them.”
Ms Heffernan is not the only one excited about her new position.
“My parents were very proud of me for having a go and wanting to make a difference. Young people can make a difference in the church. This is one way we can do it.”
Ms Whyte said although the nominations were a “bit of a suprise at first, it is very exciting that Rosie and Colleen want to be leaders in the congregation, and feel comfortable about offering to play their part on the church council.”
“It is great that the congregation value them enough to vote for them. I think they will be good for us in a lot of ways.
“I hope we might have something to teach them, but I am sure that they have a lot to teach us, and I am looking forward to working with them.”
The older of the two new Council members, Rosie Dennis, believes young people have an important place in the church.
“Young people are important. We want to have a part in the decision making in the congregation. Just because we are young, doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to offer,” she said.
Youth leader and elder Meri Whyte has agreed to mentor the girls in their new positions.
Photo : Newly elected Toombul District UC Church Council members Colleen Heffernan, 13, and Rosie Dennis, 16
