This Sunday 15th May, the Pilots will come to churches across the UK. Pilot is an organisation offering programmes of worship, education and fun designed to compliment and supplement what went on in church on Sundays.

The establishment of this organisation recalls a story of a missionary. In November 1817, an English missionary John Williams stepped onto the island of Tahiti. Sponsored by the London Missionary Society, Williams’ task was to bring the Good News to the people of the islands of the South Pacific. However, due to the difficulties in transportation, on several occasions John found himself without a boat and had to remain on his base of Rarotonga, unable to journey to other islands. John Williams returned to England only once, to raise money for a new boat, The Camden. Unfortunately, Williams died on November 20th 1839 on the beach of the island of Erromonga, killed by cannibals.

London Missionary Society decided to carry on the mission of John Williams. The society appealed the churches to raise money to build a new ship. Williams was a hero in the eyes of many children, children around the country worked through lunch breaks, they worked extra shifts, sold possessions, and even sold their lunches to raise the money – believing that they too, were called by God. Finally, the mission of John Williams was carried on and a total of seven ships were built.

In 1936, Pilot- a new organisation for children and young people was formed recognising the fascination that the nautical theme had for young people. The organisation was non-uniformed and flexible, catering for both boys and girls.

There are now 162 Pilots companies in existence, spread all over England, Scotland and Wales served by the United Reformed Church. Pilots are organised into four age-groups: Deckhands (5-6), Adventurers (7-10), Voyagers (11-14) and Navigators (15-17). They enjoy a mix of games, worship, projects, discussions and working for crests or seals related to specific interests. The programme retains a world church flavour and is proving to be a very effective method of Christian education.

Pilots has been performing very important roles in the ministry of churches throughout the years. It involves children in the life and mission of the Church very well, making the churches realise that children are integral to the ministry and mission of the Church.

Over the years Pilots has been supported by the United Reformed Church since its inception and sponsored by the continuing Congregational Federation. Pilots is becoming known beyond the parent denominations, other churches both within the UK and abroad are showing interest.

Churches that would like to invite Pilots to come on the weekend can visit the website of the United Reformed Church link: http://www.urc.org.uk and make an online application.