CAPTION:
Devon Schools explore the Easter Story through the Big Sing Easter Experience
The event was led by the Diocese of Exeter’s Education team, and supported by local clergy
The Diocese of Exeter’s Education Team recently hosted a special Easter event at Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth, welcoming pupils from local schools in the Exmouth area for a day of reflection and celebration.
The Big Sing Easter Experience combined a series of interactive stations telling the Easter story, followed by a service with Easter songs and hymns.
Almost 200 children in upper key stage two attended the event.
The Easter Experience featured six interactive stations that guided pupils through the Easter story.
The first station, themed around Palm Sunday and titled ‘Future Hope’ included a black cloth pathway and the opportunity to re-enact Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, with the children waving palm branches and cheering.
The next station, ‘Servant King’, focused on the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. At this station, the pupils were able to wash each other’s shoes.
The third station was themed around the Last Supper, and titled ‘Remember Me’. Here the pupils learned about the events of the meal and were offered bread and grapes.
A garden scene was created to reflect Gethsemane, and here the children were able to decorate and write on pebbles to create symbols of hope. At the next station, the children were encouraged to write on wooden crosses their reasons for hope in a time of reflection.
The final station looked to the resurrection, and therefore new life. An interactive tomb was created, allowing the children to find easter eggs!
After exploring the Easter Experience, the schools gathered together for the Big Sing.
Before the service, The Beacon Church of England School, in Exmouth, led several worship songs which others joined in with.
The Bishop of Exeter spoke about hope, through an interactive quiz, and the school groups retold the Easter story with props.
Another element of the event was an interactive ‘Collage of Hope’. Each pupil held a piece of fabric and was asked to think about what they could do to make the world a better place. They were then invited to put the pieces of fabric together to create a collage, each piece a strand of hope which could make an impact.
Paul Stock, Education Adviser for School Organisations, Governance and Admissions, said, “We decided to host the Big Sing Easter Experience for schools in Exmouth and the surrounding area as we wanted an opportunity for children to get together and explore the Bible in an interactive experience. This was a fantastic chance for children to join together in song and to explore faith.”
“It’s also an opportunity to build links between our schools, diocese and local churches, enabling local churches to further children’s work.”
Rev’d Steve Jones, Rector of Exmouth Coastal Churches, was involved with the Big Sing event. Steve said, “The Big Sing showed us all how, by working collaboratively across the deanery and with the diocesan education team, we could host a large first-rate outreach event for our local schools that would provide children and staff with a Christian spiritual encounter that would be both powerful and memorable.”
Michala Firth, Education Adviser for School Effectiveness: Christian Distinctiveness, said, “It was fantastic to see so many children from nine different schools across the Exmouth area coming together to enjoy singing and learning about the Easter story in a creative and engaging way.
“The event also brought together local clergy and volunteers who were amazing in helping to bring the Easter story to life. It was a truly wonderful day! A huge thank you to everyone involved.”
