Our Journey Together with the Good Shepherd

'Then he led his people out like sheep,

took his flock safely through the wilderness. 

He took good care of them; they had nothing to fear.

Psalm 78: 52-53

Willow Class travelled to a very special service for all Church of England Primary Schools, organised by Gloucestershire Diocese, to say thank you to God for everything that is good and special about our schools and each other.  The service took place in the Gloucester’s glorious Cathedral, a beautiful and spiritual place, steeped in history.  It was led by the Rt Revd Robert Springett, the Bishop of Tewkesbury, a very charismatic man who encouraged the whole congregation to enjoy being together to celebrate. 

Within the Diocese, children have shared their concerns about the sustainability of the earth and all the schools presented their pledges and promises on the promises tree standing at the front of the nave.  We took an empty plastic bottle and filled it with our promises and pledges and during the service everyone was invited to join in with a prayer for Creation.  During the service, the school banners were processed and there was time for reflection with the lighting of candles and prayers. 

The Diocese of Gloucester has a Global Partner of Dornakal, in India, a place which has been touched by and continues to face enormous challenges due to climate change.  In Dornakal is a school that supports children and families in this very rural place and we took a charitable donation in support of the work of the Diocese in this area. 

Thank you to all our children for being so present, thoughtful and reflective during this special time.  They really were a joy to take and both Mrs Loomes and I hope that this will be a very precious memory to take with them as they move to their next schools.  You all made us enormously proud!