Schoolchildren are enjoying special services designed just for them, thanks to a fresh link between a new clergyperson and a new headteacher.
Revd Lindsey Barber of St Nicholas, Cumberworth in our Huddersfield Area only arrived in post on Sunday, September 1 and quickly teamed up with Fiona Claxton, headteacher at Cumberworth First School.
“I wanted to make contact with Cumberworth First School, one of the church schools in my parish straight away and within the first week of term I met with the relatively new headteacher, Fiona Claxton to discuss how we could work together,” said Revd Lindsey.
“We very quickly established a good relationship and we have been planning many different things for this Autumn term.
“Mrs Claxton and her staff team have been open to adventure and so we planned a harvest festival, a pet service, and are looking forward to an Advent Worship and Christingle, but we have also been working together for many other things.
“We were able to lend a few chairs from church when the school's grandparent's afternoon tea initiative became so popular that the school didn't have enough chairs to cater for the event.
“I randomly call into school to say 'hello' and before you know it, I'm judging the 'Wear it Pink for Breast Cancer' cake competition.”
Revd Lindsey said how the recent pet service saw the whole school come to church with some of their family members, including the furry variety.
“That afternoon St. Nicholas accommodated 140 people, eight dogs, two guinea pigs, a chicken, a spider and the school mascot, Chips, a large goldfish.
“The event involved the children reading prayers and the Bible, singing some fun action songs and generally enjoying being in the church.
“The worst thing about it was, I volunteered to take Chips back to school. I got some funny looks as he sloshed from side to side in his bucket of water as we walked down the street back to school!”
The new interaction is encouraging a great relationship between church, school and the community, explained Revd Lindsey.
“It's not only the events themselves that are joyful, but the connections with staff, governors and parents.
“One parent booked a baptism after the Pet Service. God willing, over the next few years, we can continue to strengthen our partnership for the welfare of the children, school staff and congregation.”