‘On four consecutive days in June, the Cathedral was jam-packed with nearly a thousand Year 6 pupils as they celebrated their time in primary school and were prayed for as they prepare to move on to their high school in September. In addition to the pupils, many parents also joined this time of celebration and reflection … the cathedral was so full that there was standing room only for some of the services and it’s not the smallest of buildings for this to happen!
This year the children considered the account of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land with God guiding them each step of the way. The service culminated with the Walls of Jericho tumbling down - literally. Pupils were reminded that no matter how big the obstacles in life are, whether it be walls or the move to another school God will always help them.
The service was action-packed with hardly a moment to draw breath, Y Kids led the musical aspects of the service … My Lighthouse again proved to be very popular with both children and adults, In Another Place created a three-part drama that used the whole of the cathedral with spies coming out of every part of the building and Rev. Tim Coates from The Mount Church in St Helens pieced it all together involving a massive game of I Spy and Where’s Wally?
School choirs from St Nicholas, Blundellsands, St Ann’s, Rainhill, Aspull Church School, and Cronton CE helped set the scene as prayers from every child were offered. This was a very moving part of the service.
The cheers and applause from the children as the school banners were processed at the end of the service are probably still echoing in the building. The Year 6 pupils left the service knowing that God is with them wherever they go Our prayer is that they enjoy their last few weeks of primary school life and are happy and successful in their high schools.’
David Thorpe, Deputy Director of Education
‘There are not many Cathedrals that host 4000 school children, teachers and parents in one week. We have had a spectacular week with spies circulating the Cathedral to the organ playing Mission Impossible, Mexican Waves, Where’s Wally, an abseiling Israelite and the walls of Jericho falling down. What a joy to see children and adults alike joining fun so enthusiastically as they were reminded that God can help us when we are afraid and obstacles seem too huge. Schools look forward to this annual event, a combination of the Diocesan education team, Ykids, In Another Place and a few other key individuals to bring it together.
Thank God we can use this incredible building to create memories to last a lifetime.’
Annie Spiers, In Another Place