Media release: Lifepath from the 17th century

Pupils from eight schools took over Scrooby village for three days (June 27-29) to journey back in time to the era of the Pilgrim Fathers. Their purpose was to explore life and faith of the 17th century through Lifepath, a multimedia educational experience.

Using drama, games and activity workshops, the 300 children traced the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, and the part Scrooby postmaster William Brewster played in their secret meetings in the village. This year is the 400th anniversary of their first meeting.

Then, watched by intrigued villagers, pupils took a ‘Jesus Journey’ from St Wilfrid’s churchyard to the village green, visiting four Bible stories involving Jesus and his friends, using life-size props built by Carol Dewhurst. The journey, acted by Diocesan Children’s Officer Helen Proudfoot, and Doncaster Schools Work Trust officer Julie Thompson, ended with the story of Jesus on the cross, using life-size pictures representing the stages of the crucifixion.

Inside St Wilfrid’s Church, children took part in a prayer workshop, using the themes ‘thank-you’, ‘sorry’, and ‘please’. They wrote prayers, attached them to helium filled balloons and released them at the end of the day.

Around 30 volunteers worked with organisers – Scripture Union, Doncaster Schools Work Trust, and Sheffield Diocese – to put on Lifepath. Co-ordinator Sue Brown, Scripture Union’s South Yorkshire schools worker, was delighted so many children took part.

‘They thoroughly enjoyed themselves,’ said Sue. ‘They learned a lot about what the Pilgrim Fathers believed, and why they left England. And they were also able to reflect on what they themselves believe.’

Teachers, too, felt Lifepath had been a success. Vicky Holman, a teacher from Canon Popham VA CofE School, Doncaster, said Lifepath had made learning fun. The day had a special meaning that would stay with each child. And she was impressed with Lifepath’s attention to detail – right down to the provision of drinks for pupils as they arrived.

The popularity of the event has persuaded the organisers to consider running Lifepath next year to coincide with the continuing Pilgrim Fathers anniversary celebrations.

ends

Notes to Newsdesk:

Captions:
Prayer in the air: A pupil attach prayers to helium filled balloons ready for release at the end of the day Writing prayers: Pupils from Adwick Park school with a Pilgrim Guide

1) About Lifepath Lifepath is one of a number of community initiatives started by Scripture Union, which works with schools across the country through its network of staff, associates and volunteers.

2) Lifepath Scrooby The use of St Wilfrid’s Church, Scrooby, was courtesy of the Vicar, the Rev Richard Spray.

3) Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 130 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families, and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer.