More than 8,500 pupils and staff gather online for inspiring harvest worship

Last week pupils and staff from 81 schools joined together for our latest Online Collective Worship, led by Bishop Fiona and the Diocesan Education Department.

Bringing together first schools, infant schools, junior schools, primary schools and middle schools, the service welcomed more than 8,500 children and adults from our diocesan family of schools.

With the season of Harvest as a backdrop, Bishop Fiona explored the theme of growth, sharing the story of her friend Charlie, a farmer who grows wheat and barley.

She explained how Charlie could tell her everything about his farm: the names of his fields, the amount of seed he planted, the fertiliser he used and the yields he expected to harvest. But when she asked him how the tiny seeds transformed into thriving crops, his answer was simple:

“I have absolutely no idea. I leave that part to God.”

Drawing on this image, Bishop Fiona encouraged children to think about the ways they might grow during the coming year. “Would you like to be kinder? A better friend? Someone who makes the world a little bit better for other people? Someone who bravely stands up for the right thing? Someone who brings joy to others?”

“You may not be able to see it, but God will be helping you grow this year, in all sorts of important and exciting ways. And when you look back at the end of this year, you’re going to be amazed at how you’ve grown.”

Reflecting on the event afterwards, Bishop Fiona said,

“I loved being part of our online Collective Worship for the beginning of a new school year. It was great to think together about how God might help us to grow in character and faith in the coming months, even if we can’t see it day by day. Thank you to every school that logged on and was part of our worship. The depth of the comments in the chat reflecting on our theme was amazing!”

Cheryl Govier, Assistant Diocesan Director of Education, who helped lead the service, said,

“Moments like these remind us that although our church schools vary in size and setting, we are part of something much bigger: a flourishing family of schools journeying together. We hope that every child, from the smallest village school to the largest primary school, experienced that sense of belonging and connection, whilst hearing how God might help them grow this academic year. We are already looking forward to coming together again in December.”