No Despond in Slough!Martyn Payne |
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The theme today for all the classes was 'whose world?', but when I arrived at St Mary's CE Primary School in Slough, I could immediately see one answer to the workshops' question: it was clearly 'our world!' in more senses than one. This was not only the title of their special week of activities but also on this final day the children had all come dressed in national costume. But that wasn't all. St Mary's is one of the most multicultural schools I have been to so far with Barnabas. All the world seemed to be here and what a rich and exciting mix it was. So it was before a really colourful assembly that I stood at the start of the day, which began with some thoughtful fun and laughter and continued in that mood, as I led workshops with each year group in turn. Each session was quite short and with groups of 60, but the children were very engaged and seemed really to enjoy themselves. Another answer to the workshop question is, of course, 'God's world!' and through some games, simple drama and a story we explored what that meant and what sort of 'maker' God calls us to be in order to look after his great making. This was particularly true for Years 4, 5 and 6, who thought about the brokenness of our world. Once again the opening story in Living in a Fragile World proved an absorbing visual focus as they wondered whether God would still say 'it's good' when he looked at the earth today? And where did it all go wrong? And what might God want us to do about it? The teachers were very welcoming and their feedback encouraging, including a substantial book order, talk of a return visit and plans for INSET next year - so watch this space. At the end of a busy week for this particular pilgrim, his progress was graciously helped by this particular Slough, which definitely did not leave him despondent! |
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