Gillian Clarke, Lay Chair says:
I know many of us have enjoyed seeing this beautiful banner, made by Year 3 pupils at St Mary’s School, West Moors hanging in front of the pulpit in church.
I was keen to find out more and had a wonderful visit to the school recently, when Year 3 told me all about the banner’s meaning, how it was planned, designed and put together.
I was so impressed by how knowledgeable they were about Pentecost. They recounted the story with such confidence and enthusiasm, all of them contributing to the details and message of the Pentecost narrative. Some of their contributions were so powerful and vivid!
The disciples were sad and distraught. Jesus had gone – what do we do?
There was a massive storm, fire above their heads, all talking in different languages.
They got hit by the Holy Spirit!
Then something else amazing happened –
they understood what each other was saying!
And another 3,000 followers were added to their number that day.
Year 3 went on to tell me they had been learning about Roman mosaics – so decided to put these two bits of learning together. So they made this lovely mosaic representing the story of Pentecost.
They searched their scrap box for material - choosing red, gold, purple, orange and yellow because of the fire. They planned the design using squares of paper and decided to put the dark colours on the outside, working inwards with the lighter colours. They had four squares each, writing their name on each square; they have put themselves right into the heart of this work of learning and dedication!
It was hard working cutting the material with ordinary scissors, they told me - so a key school value really helped them. SISU – never give up, keep on going, make the impossible possible, try your best! And Mrs Young’s advice helped too; “Just HAG it!” she told them as she urged them on – Have A Go!!
And then the final bit of magic in their design; the gold cross in the middle with the white dove on top. Jesus died on the cross, Year 3 told me, but he sent his Holy Spirit – represented by the white dove, to be with us.
Thank you so much Year 3 – and Mrs Young! It was great coming to see you and hearing the story of this banner. I learned so much from you and I’m really pleased to be able to share this with our church family.
We’re going to find a place to put the banner in church so when you come to see us next year - as Year 4! – you will be able to see it.
And when we look at it in church we will remember what you have taught us.