On Monday 29th September, Bishop Ruth welcomed the three new members of the Tsedaqah Community, Liam Malia, Bethany Johnson and Theo White-Spenik and Joe Harding who is the first future youth member in Diocese of Liverpool to Bishop’s Lodge for their commissioning.
Now in its 9th year of operation, Tsedaqah House is a residential community formed by The Triangle of Hope and Diocese of Liverpool to provide a unique and prayerful, reflective and impactful space for young adults committed to social and racial justice. Since its beginning, this partnership has grown to include UK and overseas partners. It is a component of The Liverpool Diocese Ministry Experience Scheme and The Young Adults Service Corps. Part funded by USPG and supported by The Church of England Racial Justice Unit, Tsedaqah House has equipped young adults over the years to discern God’s call and they can now be found all over the world making a difference.
Future Youth is a new national scheme to encourage gap year students aged 18-30 to spend a year leading youth ministry. Those who partake in Future Youth, test God’s calling on their lives by pursuing ministry in a safe and supportive environment. Future Youth is a chance for young people to be championed and for churches to be grown. Youth and children’s work can sometimes be made to feel like the smallest cog in the machine – and yet it lays the groundwork for the future of the church as well as bringing life and vibrancy to church congregations today. Joe will be joining the new youth hub in St Helens for this year.
In attendance for this special service at Bishops Lodge was Bishop Ruth, Canon Debra Walker, chair of Trustees, Canon Mal Rogers MBE, the Bishop’s Canon for Reconciliation and supports the work of Tsedaqah House, Rev Julia Pratt, Anglican Chaplain at Liverpool Hope University, David Walker, treasurer of Tsedaqah, Canon Dr Neal Barnes, Canon for Mission and Faith Development and also Rev Mark Stanford, Community Chaplain.
At the commissioning service, Bishop Ruth personally welcomed all members to Liverpool and gifted them all a small holding cross as a welcome gift, after the service at Bishops Lodge, Bishop Ruth invited all of the guests out for a meal in Woolton.
Bishop Ruth learned more about the new members of Tsedaqah House, she discovered that Theo, who is 26 is originally from San Francisco and is a passionate artist and animal lover. Theo’s main placement will be at Liverpool Parish Church. Bethany is 27 years old and originally from Jamaica. Bethany is a keen environmentalist. Bethany’s main placement will be with Together Liverpool. Liam, who is 25 and originally from Manchester and became a Christian when he was 14. Liam enjoys watching films – particularly old James Bond films and he is also an avid reader. Joe who is 19 and from St Helens and is originally a parishioner of The Mount St Helens, Joe was just recently baptised and is an enthusiastic young musician who can play six different instruments!
From everyone across our great diocese, we warmly welcome all new members of the Tsedaqah Community to our diocese and hope they have a wonderful time here.
