Pentecost
It was a heady mix of paraphernalia: a parachute, a fire pit, a ream of paper, a bag of popcorn, some squeezy paint bottles, a bag of milk bottle tops, an armful of sticks, a handful of feathers, a bunch of leaves, a packet of straws and…a fun-loving Pioneer Priest with a small army of faithful volunteers!
The reason?
GO! (God Outdoors) was calling.
Under bright blue skies and glorious sunshine, the team came together to unpack a service with a difference. This Forest Church inspired service has become a regular treat for primary-aged children in the Over Wyre Benefice.
The gates of St. James’ church were wide open to welcome the youngsters following their day at school. Biscuits and juice were gratefully received as the children made their way to the first activity station – paper airplane building. The design stakes were high; a flying competition was looming, setting the tone for an aero-dynamic evening, where elements of wind and fire were taking centre stage.
Themed around a celebration of Pentecost, the child-centred activities helped reinforce the story of how the disciples, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, were gathered together in the Upper Room and how they became filled with the Holy Spirit.
Following a highly-charged paper plane flying competition, Rev. Naomi gathered the youngsters under the parachute, to share the Pentecost narrative. As the rainbow-coloured object flapped around their ears and then was raised high, much excitement and drama was generated – recreating the feelings of a certain group of people long, long ago.
Children had the opportunity to create some wind chimes, decorate some sticks with flame-coloured streamers, embellish the wall with mud faces, enhanced with greenery and fiery head-pieces. Straw-blowing painting was not for the faint-hearted, as the more enthusiastic blowers moved their paint across the paper, the table and themselves!
As ever, the fire-pit was a star attraction. Using a quirky, home-made contraption, the little ones were able to pop some corn safely over the mesmerising flames, and then – to their utter delight – were able to tuck into the sweet treat.
Pasta, tomato sauce and cheese was on the menu for tea, followed by fairy cakes and ice lollies. The shared meal was enjoyed in the sunshine, before the youngsters made their way home…with wind in their ears and hearts on fire!
Interested?
What? GO! (God Outdoors) A service with a difference.
Date: Friday 11th July
Time: 3:45-5:15pm
Venue: To be confirmed
Explore our website for further details and follow our Facebook page (search for Over Wyre Churches CofE or St James’ Church Stalmine) for updates and news.
