CAPTION: Schultueten are cones filled with a Bible story, prayer and little gifts for children
Starting Somewhere New This Autumn
The new Archdeacon of Barnstaple, the Venerable Verena Breed, has just started in her new role working with churches across North Devon. Verena is originally from Germany and shares this reflection about the traditional German way children are welcomed to a new school – a tradition that has been adopted by the churches where she has served in England:
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (43.19)
All over the country and beyond September marks the beginning of a new academic year.
Children have returned to school, many will being going to school for the first time.
In my native country Germany the beginning of school is marked with “Schultueten” (school cones) being given out – generations of children have photos of this important day clutching the iconic colourful cardboard cone, decorated with crepe paper and ribbons.
This is a tradition that I have introduced in the communities wherever I have served in England.
We gave “Schultueten” for each child in reception as a gift from the local church and the filling was somewhat different from their German cousin: a little Bible story book, fish-shaped erasers and pencils with a Bible verse, a balloon with a smiley face, a glowstick, Fairtrade chocolate, a simple prayer and a welcome card from their church family, symbolising that God is with us in work and play and that Christ is the light of the world, leads us, surrounds and sustains us.
The making of the cones brought together people from different parish groups, Year 6 children, teachers and parents – an art and craft session with a difference.
New beginnings this autumn are probably more poignant than ever before as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.
Our schools and universities have returned after a year that saw parents and students struggling with home-schooling, online learning, exams being suspended and replaced by local assessments.
This autumn brings new beginnings not just for those in education – in various ways we will all begin a new chapter in our lives.
Why not create a “Schultuete” for someone who faces a new beginning – As a reminder that God is with us in work and play and that Christ is the light of the world, leads us, surrounds and sustains us.
