As the new academic year begins, Open the Book teams across our diocese will be springing into action and bringing Bible stories to life for children in our Primary Schools. We caught up with Christabel Ager, a retired priest in Taunton Deanery, who shared her experience of being part of an Open the Book team.
How long have you been doing Open the Book and who’s in the team?
“Open the Book began in our local primary school, which is not a church school, in October 2022 and we go in every other week. We have a team of nine: the Vicar, a farmer, a wonderful lady who is brilliant at creating props, four other ladies (one ‘borrowed’ from another church) and two retired clergy. Children often take part too, usually from Year 6. All the adults are very excited about telling Bible stories to the children and we are told that a forest of hands shoots up from the class when the teacher asks for volunteers!”
What are the highlights for you?
“The way the team has come together, the sheer joy of being able to share something of the wonder of God and his ways with the school, the children’s laughter and obvious enjoyment of our visits, the opportunity to build on Open the Book by doing the ‘Easter Experience’ for the school in the church, the occasional shy smiles and ‘You’re the Open the Book person’ from children we meet in the village, suggesting that we are beginning to build trust with them. We truly love the privilege of being involved in Open the Book.”
For more information about connecting with your local primary school through Open the Book, visit the Bible Society website or contact your archdeaconry Go Team Adviser.