All Saints' Church Workshop - Looking for signs that God is Holy and Loving.

On Monday Y5/6 went to the church and it was very exciting. We went on a round of different activities to look for signs to show God as holy and loving: looking in detail at stained glass windows, singing together, the church as a building and the importance of the shape and the Sanctuary and why this is very holy. Overall I think it was a very great trip to learn about God and how he is always there to look after you and show compassion to people through love.

Singing Worship Activity:

Children discussed how church singing is used to express different emotions and how Christians feel about God. They were also taught about the oldest worship song called Hope, which is 3500 years old and they then joined in singing it together.

The Sanctuary:

Children sat in the sanctuary and learnt about the liturgical colours. They also discussed why the sanctuary was in this part of the church and found out it was facing East, which is where the sunrises and is the holiest place.

Holy places:

Children were asked: Why might churches be built with lots of arches and high ceilings?  They answered with ideas like arrows pointing to god. It takes our eyes upwards and we are focusing our attention on God and looking to heaven.  They were taught the Shape of the building is in a cross to symbolise holy and loving and to represent Jesus. It showed he was loving and caring. They were then asked - If you were to build a holy building, how would you build it? Children were then given the opportunity to build their holy place. 

Stained Glass:

Children were taught about stained glass windows and how they show God as holy and loving. They then had the chance to make their own stained glass window using colours that represent holy and loving.