This week, more than 1700 year six pupils from sixty different schools were welcomed to Durham Cathedral for leavers’ services as they prepare to transition to secondary school.
The five interactive services, organised by the diocesan Growing Younger team took place over three days. A theme of ‘building’ inspired by the ‘Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders’ encouraged the children to think about building their life on firm foundations and putting their trust in God.
The week was a real team effort, with Cathedral clergy involved in welcoming and blessing, various volunteers leading activity stations and even staff and students from local secondary schools (St. Hild’s C of E School, Whitburn CofE Academy, Venerable Bede CE Academy and Ian Ramsey CE Academy) gave up their time to support.
Each day featured a different guest speaker with David Akers (Diocesan Director of Education), Deb Hird (Children’s Worker at St Mary’s Church, Long Newton) and The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming (Dean of Durham) each taking a turn.
Megan Rawling from Soul Children Darlington led the children in inspiring worship before the children were invited to take part in two prayer space activities - one discussion-based activity used Lego bricks while the other involved making a key-ring to take home. A sensory space was also available.
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More photographs are available on our Facebook page.