As we explore the idea of Healthy Churches this month, Churchwarden and Teacher Tim Sewards writes about the relationship between St. Peter's Church and their local school.
In the heart of our rural community, the relationship between St. Peter’s Church and our local school is a vital part of our church’s health. As both a churchwarden and a teacher, I see firsthand how this connection strengthens not only the school and church but also the wider community.
Church-School Links: A Two-Way Blessing
A healthy church is one that reaches beyond its walls, engaging with people of all ages. Our partnership with the school allows us to share the Christian message in a way that is relevant and meaningful to children, staff, and families.
A key aspect of this connection is the regular school services we host in the church during term time—around ten each year—drawing attendances of over 300 children and family members. These services are entirely planned and delivered by the school and its pupils, with church leaders providing support to help bring the school’s vision to life. They offer a meaningful opportunity for worship, teaching, reflection, and celebration. Because they are led by the children, they feel especially relevant to them, reinforcing the school’s strong Christian ethos and deepening their sense of belonging within the church.
In addition to school-time services, we also hold a monthly family service on Sundays, to which the children regularly contribute through readings, prayers, music, and drama, much like they would in a school service. While church attendance remains a challenge in a rural setting, these family services noticeably increase our congregation on these weeks, bringing the message of the gospel to a broader audience who might not otherwise engage with church life.
The Role of a Churchwarden in a Rural Setting
As a younger churchwarden, I see my role as one of building bridges—between generations, between the church and the wider community, and particularly between the church and the school. Being both a teacher and a churchwarden offers a unique perspective: it allows me to ensure that the connection between the church and school is not just a formal link but a lived experience, woven into the daily life of both.
In a rural setting, where maintaining engagement with church can be more challenging, these links are essential in keeping the church at the heart of village life. Our work with the school and the families involved is not just about outreach—it is about building a living, growing faith community that includes children, staff, and families.
Looking to the Future
As we continue to develop our relationship with the school, we are always looking for new ways to engage and support both pupils and staff. Whether through creative worship, shared projects, or simply being a place of welcome and encouragement, the partnership between St. Peter’s Church and the school is a cornerstone of our church’s health.
A healthy church is one that serves, nurtures, and grows alongside its community. Through our commitment to the school and the families it serves, we are not only strengthening our church today but investing in its future and the future of our wider community.