St Mark’s Newtownards hosts 600 local schoolchildren
“Get into gear for Jesus” was the message hundreds of children heard in St Mark’s Parish Church, Newtownards as they came from all primary schools within the parish boundaries on 23 April for their annual Schools’ Celebration.
Around 600 pupils, principals, teachers and staff packed into the church for a morning of praise, prayers and readings from 1 John.
A rowdy welcome was given to all the participants from Londonderry, Model, Regent Prep, St Finian’s, Victoria and West Winds primary schools who cheered when their schools were called out. The children were taught the new song for the morning, “Shine, from the inside out” led by Tim Vaughan (Youth Intern, St Mark’s), Laura Ewing (Youth Pastor, Regent St Methodist Church) and Jonny Frazer (Assistant Minister, Regent St Presbyterian Church).
Favourite songs such as “Wide and long and high and deep” and “I’m gonna jump up and down” were interspersed with readings from 1 John read by representatives from the schools. These helped everyone focus on what it means to put Jesus first.
“There was an amazing buzz and enthusiastic atmosphere in the church throughout and it was a blessing to see so many young people enjoy worshipping and praising God together,” said Stephen Doherty, Youth & Family Director, St Mark’s (pictured above).
Tim was loaded up with a backpack, heavy coat, sports equipment and balls and sent on hilarious journeys (or sprints) as an illustration of how busy our lives are with all the activities and groups we attend week by week. Then a heavy Bible was added, reminding us that we need to re–organise our lives so that Jesus fits in much better than He already does…a message for young and old alike.
After the Talk, the praise took on a more reflective tone as prayers were led by some children from Victoria Primary. Prayers were also said for St Mark’s Rector and his family on the passing of his father, for Fr Martin (Parish Priest) on the death of his father, and for all at St Finian’s on the recent sudden death of their Principal, Mr O’Prey.
The service concluded with an amazing rendition of “Shine from the inside out” before the attendees were invited into the Parish Centre where a small team of parishioners had juice, biscuits and crisps (scones, tea and coffee for the staff)…a massive task managed extremely well with loads of compliments coming from the visiting children and adults alike.
“As we continue to reach out and become more of Christ’s presence in our communities, it is a true blessing from God that School Principals continue to not only agree to their schools attending the service year by year, but attend themselves,” said Stephen. This simply strengthens the church’s role within schools and the presence of Jesus within our ministries, for which we are extremely thankful.
Article courtesy of Stephen Doherty