2073 children from 81 Church of England schools in our diocese gathered over six services that took place at Taunton Minster, Bath Abbey and Wells Cathedral, as they prepared to move to either secondary or middle school this year. Taking the theme ‘Moving Up’ and the story of Jesus walking on the water found in Matthew 24, the Moving Up Celebrations aimed to encourage pupils to move to their next school with confidence, knowing that they can flourish and that God is with them.
The Go Team coordinated this year’s events with a team of clergy and staff in the three locations bringing the creative and interactive elements of the services to life. At Taunton Minster this included an Open The Book team acting out the Bible story; at Bath Abbey large flags were used during the sung worship to great effect; and in Wells Cathedral, Rev Ruth Motion encouraged pupils to find the story in the pocket testaments they were given by Christian charity Good News for Everyone.
In all three locations, secondary school students welcomed the schools as they arrived and led the prayers in the service. Singing was led by a live band and songs included My Lighthouse and The Blessing, raising the roof as well as providing some more reflective moments.
Steve Gillan, Headteacher at Thurlbear CE Primary School who attended with his Year 6 pupils commented afterwards, “Huge congratulations on a fantastic Moving Up Celebration. The warm welcome from the team, the organisation of presentation, the brilliant singing and the overall ethos of inclusion made for a wonderful experience. It had a great impact on our pupils, who all reflected positively on the time spent together.”
Andy Levett from the Go Team, added, “It’s such a privilege to welcome so many young people to the 3 locations at this key time of transition, and we pray that they may know God with them as they move up to their new school.”
