The Schools week is where we give children from local schools the opportunity to learn about Easter and Christmas from the perspective of practicing Christians.
6 years ago we decided to expand the work that was then (and still is) being done by Slough Baptist, for schools local to us. We adapted their program and, though it is distinctively our own, still retains some of the core elements of the original program, such as the booklet and some of the games and teaching methods. The program and resources have been fine-tuned over the years, for example this year changes have been made to the booklet, the teaching guide, and some of the resource materials.
Interaction is a key part of Schools Week and the kids have fun, ask questions, and get involved. There’s a thief to spot, a game which needs volunteers, a booklet to fill in, many questions to ask and to answer, and, at the end, a song to sing.
Over the last 6 years several people have acted as leaders, and many people have volunteered to help out, cook, and be baptized! Yes, a lot of the people have changed, but the message and commitment haven’t.
As for this year we had over 400 children come to the church to hear about Easter. They heard the Easter story broken down into illustrated stages, the significance of Easter in relation to the life of Jesus, and what baptism is all about – complete with demonstration. Also, all of the kids left with Easter biscuits that they had decorated themselves.
A big thankyou to all who have played a part in this year’s production, from those tidying up the church on Sunday, to the cooks, and leaders and the helpers. But most of all thanks go to the school children without which it wouldn’t be possible, or a anywhere near as much fun.
Christmas Schools Week returns in December.
hello
Hi Danielle