GO! Tell everyone…this ‘Forest School’ inspired service, for primary aged children and families of all ages, was highly successful.
Set in the grounds of St. James’ church Stalmine and led by Rev. Naomi, the service began with the youngsters seated on logs and blankets. The children enjoyed sharing their Halloween adventures from the previous night and this led on to some discussion about our fears and what scares us.
Rev. Naomi used some words from Psalm 23 and John 1, to explore how God shows us light in the darkness.
Once the safety talk was over, those gathered, were invited to participate in a range of physical challenges, crafting opportunities and hands-on activities. The blindfold challenge was not for the faint-hearted, with tunnels to crawl through and pallets to climb! Den-building was popular and provided an opportunity to construct a space to hide in, using sticks and tarpaulins. The fire pits glowed brightly in the diminishing light, and were a great attraction to the children who loved roasting apple slices, dipped in cinnamon sugar. Some lucky local birds will soon be enjoying a feast of seeds cradled in an orange rind, crafted by the youngsters and gardens will be decorated with some dazzling leaf mobiles, showcasing a variety of leaves in rich autumnal colours!
Everyone enjoyed jacket potatoes, beans and cheese before gathering together once more to recap on the main theme – God is with us at all times, and especially when we are anxious and scared. The children were invited to write or draw something which scares them and then peg their ‘fear’ onto the string of fairy-lights. The twinkling lights shone through the ‘fears’, in the same way that God’s love lights the way in good times and bad.
GO! provides an opportunity to explore faith in a different way, outdoors, surrounded by nature.
Thank you to all those who came to GO!
Thank you to Rev. Naomi and all the team who made the event happen.