 |
Thanks to a Gen2 Grant, the ‘Sheepfold’ has been revealed at West Haddon Church of England Primary School.
Following consultation between the school, the Revd Kevin Montgomery of All Saints’ Church, West Haddon and the PCC, new life and peace have been brought to the school’s original prayer garden.
The children now have their own arbour seat, a large wind mobile and light sensory panel, flowers, windchimes and of course a sheep. The latter being a lovely wooden sheep seat, covered in fake grass, very stroke-able! An adult bench has also been added, and exciting plans are being made for the school and church to work together to provide prayer space activities. When visiting the Sheepfold, you might also meet Lola, the school’s much loved pastoral support dog, who enjoys any amount of stroking. However, a year 1 child remarked “I just like lying on the grass and looking at the sky”. Where better to find God?
A recent monthly community worship, usually led by the children in church, was instead held in the school playground. Following the worship, and to introduce parents to the Sheepfold, year 6 students acted as guides on a walk to experience Psalm 23. The ‘green pastures’ of the playing field; the gently waving water-coloured material, ‘he leads me beside still waters’; the ‘right path’ led through the gate and along the ‘name of Jesus’ chalked on the paving stones.
Visitors were then guided through an initially obstructed pathway, where two children held canes with black streamers, ‘though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death’, which parted, to reveal the shepherd and his sheep quietly waiting, ‘his staff will comfort me’.
Finally, to demonstrate the love, care and compassion of Jesus, children distributed, chocolate hearts, hand crafted paper roses and family worship invitations, before guiding visitors to coffee and biscuits. Each ‘reveal’ along the way was highlighted by words from the psalm.
The year 6 children completed their good work by distributing cakes, with a sheep topper, to every child in the school to enjoy at morning break!
The Gen 2 Grant scheme has now closed, but if you would like support to offer similar activities in your community please contact Charlotte Nobbs.