‘Easter JOY, where HOPE blooms’ was the apt theme for the latest God Outdoors event, held only five days after Easter Sunday.
From the moment almost thirty primary-aged youngsters arrived, tumbling excitedly through the gates of St. James’ church, accompanied by their responsible adults, to the moment they reluctantly left the grounds over ninety minutes later, there much JOY in action.
JOY in the outdoors
JOY in the opportunity to meet with God in a natural setting
JOY in the adventure of a range of sensory activities
JOY in companionship
JOY, sheer JOY!
After picking up a homemade biscuit and a welcome drink of juice following a week back in school, the children set off on an Easter Trail, searching for clues which re-visited the Easter narrative.
On completion of the first challenge, Rev. Naomi brought the group together in the ‘Reflection Circle’, where they played some games and practised their listening skills. This was followed by some planting of seeds, which, like the Easter story, will burst into life out of darkness. Some prayers and a ‘wind-up’ Amen completed this part of the service and the children then ran off in multiple directions to participate in the range of hands-on (and feet-in) activities on offer.
Fires were lit and toasting sticks were prepared, ready for the scrumptious, over-sized marshmallows. Gathering round the fire pits, the youngsters loved the mesmerizing flames, not to mention the gooey delights, although some mallows were sadly cremated in the process!
Another big draw was the mud pit. Again, it was an opportunity to wade in barefoot, experience the blackness and messiness and emerge triumphant after cleansing feet in fresh water.
For those who love a crafting challenge, there were Easter crosses to make and decorate with foliage and flowers. Once again, the transformation from bare sticks to a glorious cross, reflected the recent Easter weekend’s events.
Air-dried clay was used by some children to make a tomb, complete with a rolled-away stone, sitting in an Easter garden, with a gravel path and sown with grass seed and wildflowers. The imagery mirrored the gospel account of Easter Day, where a time seemingly bereft of hope was transformed into one of glorious joy.
Den-building was an option for those who love a logistical challenge. This is generally where Dads, ably assisted by their little ones, can showcase their vision for creating a stable structure out of some long, wobbly sticks, bits of twine and some old bedding! Once secure, it usually becomes an attractive place in which the little builders can enjoy some extra toasted marshmallows uniterrupted!
After so much activity, the youngsters were ready to tuck into a simple tea of jacket potato, beans and cheese, followed by banana bread and Easter rice-crispy cakes.
Gathering the children back into the ‘Reflection Circle’, Rev. Naomi summed up their shared experience. Out of the chaos and messiness, new life had emerged. Darkness had given way to light. Sadness had been replaced by JOY…Easter JOY, where HOPE blooms.
Interested?
The next GO! will be on Friday 13th June 3.45 – 5.15pm (venue to be confirmed)
And then on Friday 11th July 3.34 – 5.15pm (venue to be confirmed)
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