Church Youth Leaders And Members Awarded
Several leaders and members of a Christian youth group were honoured with special medals during a Holy Communion service on Sunday [February 9].
Captain Joy Symonds, the commanding officer of the Bermuda Church Girls Brigade [CGB] at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Paget, received the Christian Service Award and the Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of her dedication to both the brigade and the church.
The medals were awarded by the Governor of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade headquarters in the UK.
The citation for Ms Symonds’s awards highlighted her leadership and mentorship: “Her inclusiveness, attention to detail and warm mentoring character inspires and helps CGB leaders and girls grow in faith and confidence.
“At all times she fosters a culture of giving and leads by example.
“She also encourages the girls to put their faith into action through service so that along the way they may encounter God.”
Ms Symonds was also commended for her fundraising contributions, which have included car washes, bake sales, and Christmas sales to support the brigade.
“These events are opportunities for the CGB and their friends and families to be involved in making positive differences in their community,” the citation added.
“One of her most impactful contributions has been organising donation drives for toiletries, confectionery, and other items, which are assembled into mini-Christmas hampers.
“These hampers are distributed during carolling visits in collaboration with St Paul’s Church Sunday School at local senior residences, including Sunny Vale Rest Home, Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence, and Frances Telford Nursing Homes.”
Beyond her work with the CGB, Ms Symonds served as a church warden and vestry member from 2009 to 2018 [at St Paul's] and played a leading role in launching St Paul’s Church Christmas Lunch Feeding Programme.
In recognition of her 15 years of service, Ms Symonds was also awarded the Long Service Award, along with fellow CGB officers Canon Anthony Pettit [ten years] and Lieutenant Jenny Arnold [25 years].
Emily Foster Skelton, who has served in the brigade for five years, Sarai Packwood and Marissa Norville [ten years] also received Long Service Awards.
The awards were presented by the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, and Governor Andrew Murdoch.
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