More than 1,700 children from 55 schools attended Pilgrim services held at Wells Cathedral, Bath Abbey and Taunton Minster. The services were created by the Diocesan Education team for children who will be leaving their current Church of England Primary or First School at the end of the summer term.
Under the theme of “pilgrimage”, each service prompted the children to reflect on their school journey so far and to contemplate the one which lies ahead of them as they move on to another school. It was an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the past, appreciate the present and embrace the future.
In Wells the services were led by Revd Ruth Motion, in Bath by Revds Chantal Mason and Philip Hawthorne and by Revd Tobie Osmond in Taunton. For each service the pupils processed with their school banners, prayed and sang songs together and shared readings.
At each there was a theatrical performance by Oddments Christian theatre group who engaged the children in singing, drama and a dance and movement interpretation of the Stuart Townend song, “The Lord’s My Shepherd”. Emma Broome, the Children's and Families Pastor at Life Church Bath, lead the singing. At the end of which the children lit and shared candles.
