A well-known figure in Newcastle Diocese is stepping back from her children and youth work role after “eight wonderful years.”
But while she is leaving her role as Diocesan Development Officer for Children’s and Youth Work, the Revd Rachel Scheffer will continue as Priest in Charge of Heddon-on-the-Wall, Matfen with Ryal and Stamfordham.
Rachel said much good work had been done since she began working with young people in 2015, but now that Tara Russell (Children and Youth Team Leader) and Susan White (Youth Advisor) have settled into their roles, now is the right time to step aside.
“In the last year it has been great to welcome Tara and Susan,” said Rachel. “Now after eight wonderful years and all that we’ve achieved, it’s the right time for me to step back.”
Rachel was originally working alongside the Revd James Harvey, who was Priest in Charge at Felton and Longframlington with Brinkburn at the time, and Judith Sadler, who was Children and Youth Team Leader. The team formulated a new strategy ‘Growth and Faithfulness’ and organised regional roadshows in which they would take inspirational speakers to different parts of the Diocese to share the good news of Jesus to young people and their communities.
The roadshows were also an opportunity for churches to share news of their own achievements, which were good examples for others to follow.
During Covid, the team played a key role in keeping children engaged during lockdown. They created ‘Moments of Faith’ cards and initiated the ‘Christmas in a Bag’ scheme. Now, there is a strong and ongoing determination to support all parishes as they strive to grow younger and more diverse.
Rachel explained: “During Covid, even though the churches were locked, the children and youth work continued. Tara and Sue are building on all of this now and I wish them every success moving forward.”
Rachel’s parents were children’s workers, and therefore she always felt destined for a role in which she thoroughly enjoyed.
She added: “It has been a huge privilege to see how people in the diocese have been able to give their time freely to help and support young people as they start out on their faith journey. Churches are in a good position to offer fun opportunities in good, safe environments.