Worship and Our Partnership with Read St John’s Church

At Read St. John’s Church of England Primary School, our Christian faith is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our close and vibrant partnership with St John’s Church and Reverend Sue, which enriches the spiritual life of our school community and supports the flourishing of every pupil.

A Special Relationship with Read St John’s Church

Reverend Sue plays a vital role in our school life. She leads worship every Wednesday morning, bringing the wider church community into our school and inspiring pupils with her thoughtful reflections and prayers. Reverend Sue also presents our weekly ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ award, which is chosen by the children to celebrate a pupil who has exemplified our Christian values throughout the week.

Worship Beyond the School Walls

Our worship extends beyond the classroom as we regularly lead acts of worship in Read St John’s Church, including:

  • Harvest Service
  • Christmas Carol Concert
  • Easter Service
  • End of Year Service

These occasions provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to experience worship in a sacred space, deepen their understanding of Christian festivals, and celebrate together as a community.

Worship at the Heart of School Life

Worship is a daily and treasured part of our school routine. It is closely linked to the Church’s worship calendar, ensuring that all major Christian festivals are studied, reflected upon, and joyfully celebrated. Through worship, pupils explore not only Christian faith but also themes of human endeavour, personal growth, and notable achievements.

Curriculum Connections and Community Engagement

Regular visits to Read St John’s Church are an integral part of our curriculum, helping pupils connect their learning with real-world faith experiences. Additionally, we contribute to the monthly church magazine, sharing school news and celebrating the life of our community with parishioners.

Why Worship Matters at Read St. John’s

  • Spiritual Growth: Worship nurtures pupils’ spiritual development and helps them grow in faith and understanding.
  • Community and Belonging: Worship strengthens the bonds between school, church, pupils, families, and the wider community.
  • Living Our Values: Worship reinforces our Christian values of Trust, Compassion, Perseverance, Respect, and Service in everyday life.
  • Reflection and Celebration: Worship offers moments of quiet reflection, celebration of achievements, and inspiration for living well together.

At Read St. John’s, worship is a living, breathing part of our school identity—connecting us with God, each other, and the wider world in faith, hope, and love.

 

At Read St. John’s, worship is a shared and treasured experience that connects our school community with St John’s Church. Here are some reflections from our pupils and parents about what worship in church means to them:

Pupil Voices

  • “I love going to church for our Harvest and Easter services. It feels very special to pray and sing with everyone together.” – Year 4 pupil
  • “Worship in church helps me feel closer to God. I like when Reverend Sue tells stories from the Bible and we light candles.” – Year 6 pupil
  • “I enjoy leading prayers in church. It makes me feel proud and part of the school family.” – Worship Leader, Year 5
  • “The Christmas Carol concert is my favourite. Singing with my friends in the beautiful church is amazing.” – Year 3 pupil

Parent Reflections

  • “Seeing the children participate so confidently in church services is wonderful. It really shows how much the school nurtures their faith.” – Parent of Year 2 pupil
  • “The partnership between the school and St John’s Church gives our family a strong sense of community and spiritual support.” – Parent of Year 5 pupil
  • “I appreciate how the school links worship with the church calendar, helping children understand the meaning behind Christian festivals.” – Parent of Year 1 pupil
  • “Worship in church is a highlight for our child. It deepens their faith and helps them feel part of something bigger.” – Parent of Year 6 pupil

Our Commitment

We value these voices and regularly gather pupil and parent feedback to ensure that worship remains engaging, inclusive, and spiritually nourishing. This ongoing dialogue helps us shape worship experiences that inspire and uplift our whole school community.

Here is a link to Read St. John’s Church website.

Worship in Church