For a week in December Meltham Methodist Church was transformed. Four gazebos were erected and decorated to represent various scenes from the Christmas Story. Each day children from the local schools were invited to visit, one class at a time, to go on a Christmas Journey.
The Journey began with the story teller (Suzanne Bridges) recounting the Creation Story using Godly Play resources. Following this the children visited Mary’s kitchen where Mary was found baking bread, which they got to taste. During the time spent there the Angel Gabriel came to visit Mary and give her the good news that she was chosen by God to bear His Son.
As Mary rushed off to tell Joseph, the children moved on to the hillside near Bethlehem where they were invited to become shepherds to look after the sheep. Once again Angel Gabriel put in an appearance to tell the shepherds about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. The ‘shepherds’ all hurried to the stable to see the baby and hear from the animals, as hand puppets, the story of the birth from their perspective.
The Wise Men’s palace was the next scene where one of the Magi explained who he and his friends were and why they travelled such a long way, bearing such unusual gifts for a baby. The children were invited to think about what gifts they might give to a baby today.
Finally the story teller related the story of the New Beginning, describing elements of Jesus’ life, from his birth through to his death and resurrection, again using the Godly Play materials.
The visit concluded with juice and biscuits to fortify the children after their long journey and they had a chance to make a Christmas card to take back with them.
Schoolchildren and staff from the schools all said they had enjoyed the trip – despite many of them having to walk in atrocious weather to get to us!
This truly was a Meltham Churches Together event as it drew participants from all the congregations of the Meltham churches. From supplying refreshments and props, people to welcome and guide the children on their journey, others to participate in the scenes and help with clearing up afterwards. All came together and had an enjoyable experience.
Grateful thanks to Suzanne Bridges (Huddersfield Methodist Circuit Children’s Work Co-ordinator) for her inspiration and leadership and to all those members of Churches around Meltham who participated so enthusiastically.
Lizanne Searson
The Journey began with the story teller (Suzanne Bridges) recounting the Creation Story using Godly Play resources. Following this the children visited Mary’s kitchen where Mary was found baking bread, which they got to taste. During the time spent there the Angel Gabriel came to visit Mary and give her the good news that she was chosen by God to bear His Son.
As Mary rushed off to tell Joseph, the children moved on to the hillside near Bethlehem where they were invited to become shepherds to look after the sheep. Once again Angel Gabriel put in an appearance to tell the shepherds about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. The ‘shepherds’ all hurried to the stable to see the baby and hear from the animals, as hand puppets, the story of the birth from their perspective.
The Wise Men’s palace was the next scene where one of the Magi explained who he and his friends were and why they travelled such a long way, bearing such unusual gifts for a baby. The children were invited to think about what gifts they might give to a baby today.
Finally the story teller related the story of the New Beginning, describing elements of Jesus’ life, from his birth through to his death and resurrection, again using the Godly Play materials.
The visit concluded with juice and biscuits to fortify the children after their long journey and they had a chance to make a Christmas card to take back with them.
Schoolchildren and staff from the schools all said they had enjoyed the trip – despite many of them having to walk in atrocious weather to get to us!
This truly was a Meltham Churches Together event as it drew participants from all the congregations of the Meltham churches. From supplying refreshments and props, people to welcome and guide the children on their journey, others to participate in the scenes and help with clearing up afterwards. All came together and had an enjoyable experience.
Grateful thanks to Suzanne Bridges (Huddersfield Methodist Circuit Children’s Work Co-ordinator) for her inspiration and leadership and to all those members of Churches around Meltham who participated so enthusiastically.
Lizanne Searson
