At our service on Sunday 28th January, we marked the start of the Year of Young People.  The Year of Young People (http://yoyp2018.scot) is an opportunity for generations to come together and celebrate Scotland's young people.  It is a platform for young people aged 8 to 25, giving them a stronger voice on issues which affect their lives, highlighting their ideas and talents and aiming to change society's perception of them.  

The theme of the service was 'One Church - One Body'.  Young people from the Y-Zone led a prayer dedicated to the forthcoming year of celebration and several members of our congregation signed a Church of Scotland 'Charter for Children and Young People' on behalf of all in the Church.  Signing the Charter, pictured from left to right below, were:

• Adam Wilson and Megan Graham - representing Dalziel High School
• Lesley Niven - a parent and representing St Mary's Toddlers 
• Allan Joyce - Session Clerk, representing the Kirk Session
• Marie Maxwell - representing the Junior Choir
• Iain Graham - representing the Y-Zone
• Rev Bryce Calder
• Kyle Mossman - representing members of the Junior Church
• Jim Brown and Joyce Conquer - representing the congregation
• Karen Maxwell - representing leaders of the Junior Church
• Stewart Maxwell - representing the Boys' Brigade
• Sarah Reilly - representing the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides
• Graeme Blackwood - a parent and Junior Church Elder