CAPTION: The Bishop of Crediton celebrates with newly confirmed Christians at St David's Church, Exeter
Christmas Confirmations for Students from Devon Primary School
Five pupils from St David’s Primary School in Exeter were confirmed in a service led by the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, on the 18 December.
The pupils have been connected to the church through the outreach work of St David’s Church Exeter and St Michael’s Mount Dinham. Both churches have been working closely with St David’s Primary School to connect families in the local community with church.
The Breakfast Club reaches out to families in the community
They have created a range of different outreaches, including a Breakfast Club drop in. The Breakfast Club is aimed at school parents and younger siblings of school pupils.
Initially the breakfast club would offer toast and hot drinks, but it has scaled up to include soft play, a sensory tent and a reading corner for younger children. The Breakfast Club now also serves hot food such as bacon and eggs, with the help of grants and donations.
The Breakfast Club is a time for families and volunteers from the community to have breakfast together, play and connect.
The session ends with a very casual time of prayer.
They also offer an After School Club as another form of outreach. This was initially set up as a Confirmation course for pupils from the primary school’s year 5 and 6, and later expanded to include members across KS2 and KS3 alumni.
Rev’d Ash Leighton Plom, who helps run the sessions, said, “These sessions are more structured, starting with free play, a game, a teaching slot, and craft, with light food available throughout, made possible by grants and donations.
The After School club originally started as Confirmation Course for pupils at St David’s Primary School, Exeter.
“[these sessions] offer discipleship, fellowship, and help retain their connection to church as they head to secondary schools outside the parish.”
“It’s been good to see the growth in prayer, discipleship, and servant-heartedness through these, both in group attendees and team members.”
Five members from these groups, aged between 8 and 14, were confirmed in the confirmation service led by Bishop Jackie.
These pupils now regularly attend Sunday church, particularly at the 4pm Sunday gathering at St David’s Church. This service includes contemporary praise and worship, teaching, prayer and free food.
