Faith Alive Throughout the Clifton Diocese
Young people rose to the challenge of exploring and celebrating what
faith means to them at a special event in St George’s Church, Taunton.
Through contemporary music, dance, poetry and art work they tried to
express their feelings and beliefs.
Displayed around the church were sculptures and art work from the students of St George’s Catholic Primary School and St Augustine’s Secondary School, these included some very unusual gargoyles which the pupils had created after studying their original purpose on early church buildings.
The music wasn’t all contemporary; pupils from St Benedict’s School, Cheltenham as well as dancing to “I Believe” also chose to perform a very reflective dance to a sung version of “Kyrie Elesion” whilst the year six pupils from St George’s School chose classical music to help them interpret the Pentecost story.
Throughtout the sevice the muscians and singers from St George’s and St Teresa’s Churches in Taunton helped to lead the music for the congregation; for the younger children present, the words and actions of “If I was a butterfly” helped to express their thanks to God for creating them to be unique individuals, it was noticable however that the adults were not as adept at keeping up with the actions as the eight year olds!
Two young pupils who came from St Michael’s parish in Shepton Mallet danced their thanks and joy in creation whilst St Augustine’s music group led us in praise incorporating African music into their repertoire. The final hymn was “You shall go out with Joy” and hopefully that night everyone did.
The occasion would not have been possible without the help and support of Father John Cunningham, Dean of Taunton, who not only offered his church for the event but also provided the tea and coffee at the end and Father Robert Rainbow who, together with Liz Lewis the Anglican Chaplain and the staff at St Augustine’s School, helped encourage students in his capacity as chaplain.
Special thanks are also due to Mrs Martin from St George’s school who worked with the whole of her year six group to contribute to the event. Most of all however we are grateful for the support of Bishop Declan, who took time out from his schedule to be with the young people and to share with them his own experiences of growing up and why he believes.
Ann Fowler
Displayed around the church were sculptures and art work from the students of St George’s Catholic Primary School and St Augustine’s Secondary School, these included some very unusual gargoyles which the pupils had created after studying their original purpose on early church buildings.
The music wasn’t all contemporary; pupils from St Benedict’s School, Cheltenham as well as dancing to “I Believe” also chose to perform a very reflective dance to a sung version of “Kyrie Elesion” whilst the year six pupils from St George’s School chose classical music to help them interpret the Pentecost story.
Throughtout the sevice the muscians and singers from St George’s and St Teresa’s Churches in Taunton helped to lead the music for the congregation; for the younger children present, the words and actions of “If I was a butterfly” helped to express their thanks to God for creating them to be unique individuals, it was noticable however that the adults were not as adept at keeping up with the actions as the eight year olds!
Two young pupils who came from St Michael’s parish in Shepton Mallet danced their thanks and joy in creation whilst St Augustine’s music group led us in praise incorporating African music into their repertoire. The final hymn was “You shall go out with Joy” and hopefully that night everyone did.
The occasion would not have been possible without the help and support of Father John Cunningham, Dean of Taunton, who not only offered his church for the event but also provided the tea and coffee at the end and Father Robert Rainbow who, together with Liz Lewis the Anglican Chaplain and the staff at St Augustine’s School, helped encourage students in his capacity as chaplain.
Special thanks are also due to Mrs Martin from St George’s school who worked with the whole of her year six group to contribute to the event. Most of all however we are grateful for the support of Bishop Declan, who took time out from his schedule to be with the young people and to share with them his own experiences of growing up and why he believes.
Ann Fowler
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