Diocese appoints a new Children's Officer
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Julie Currie as the new Children's Officer for Down and Dromore.
Julie brings to the new post 12 years teaching experience and 6 years as the Children and Youth Coordinator with CMS Ireland and a lifetime involvement with children and young people.
She tells us a little about herself...
I grew up in South Belfast but now live in Newtownards. My home parish is Belvoir in Belfast.
My experience involves working with children and young people in many different roles, from primary school teacher, Crusader (Urban Saints) leader, Brownie Guider and Sunday school teacher.
I also have experience of leading bible study groups, organising training events, weekend and camp programmes, outreach programmes in Austria, Brazil, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Nepal and Rwanda with various organisations and leading camps and overseas team visits.
One of my lifetime ambitions is to have been on every continent in the World, only one left to go . . . so I guess it may be off to Antarctica next!
I see my new job as to initiate, facilitate, train, communicate and encourage children’s work, in whatever guise, in the parishes throughout Down and Dromore. To highlight the importance that children bring to the whole life of the church and their place within this.
It is with great excitement and high expectation that I will be able to come alongside many leaders, volunteers and clergy who are already working with children and young people and of whom I have had the delight in getting to know through my previous job with CMS Ireland. It will be great to reconnect with you again.
As the Children’s Officer I hope to step beyond my own expectations for the children and young people of today, bringing them closer to God and challenging them to love, serve and be used by God. Engaging and focusing them on the reality of Christian living today at home and abroad, through the network of Sunday school teachers, Children’s workers, clubs and organisation leaders already in place throughout the Parishes in Down and Dromore.
One of my first jobs will be to get out on the road and meet the people on the ground, connecting with children, leaders, volunteers and the clergy and finding out what’s been going on - recognising our diversity and celebrating our good practice.
I look forward to meeting you, coming alongside and working in partnership together with you in the months and years ahead.
Julie