Who’s got egg on their face now?
Cracking a raw egg on my head in collective worship has been perhaps the oddest moment (so far!) in my relationship with Peterhouse Church of England Primary Academy, but I have so appreciated the special relationship between the school and our church since I arrived at St Mary Magdalene in Gorleston.
Whether it is in governor meetings, talking to children, helping with collective worship or RE lessons, or supporting the headteacher and other staff, it has been a privilege to be involved in the life of the school. And it is far from a oneway street! The relationship with the school has also helped me in my ministry in the local community. Insights gained through the school community – and the challenges that the young people and their families face in our community – have been invaluable in shaping our ministry at St Mary Magdalene. Of course, during the last 18 months we have had to think creatively about how we continue to foster and build the relationship. Collective worship has gone online – pre-recorded and live – and we have sought to work closely with the school in order to support the wider community through the pandemic. The school has donated excess food to our foodbank and we have supported families who needed it with food parcels. Together we partnered on pancake packs which were sent to families in the run up to Shrove Tuesday and we have worked together in providing support – both food and wider support – to families in school holidays and lockdowns.
These are just a few examples, but school and church are working together to be (as the school vision puts it) “the rock for our community”.
The author...
The Revd Matthew Price
Licensed clergy - Incumbent: Vicar, Gorleston St Mary Magdalene (Benefice)
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