Stars will shine at St Mary’s Twyford’s Christmas services and events thanks to pupils at the local school.
Inspired by the Church of England’s national Follow the Star campaign, the church’s family and children’s worker Phillippa Middleton invited two of their local schools Polehampton C of E Infants and Juniors to get involved. The children individually decorated and designed a star which is now hanging in the church’s chancel, and will be there throughout the Christmas period.
Each star is uniquely decorated and has a personal message, either a wish for the local community, or the world, or a Christmas message.
Phillippa said: “We hope that the installation will be for everybody, a reminder of the Christmas message an a reminder of our young people who are the future. The project has been a reminder of our calling to nurture our children and to support them in their endeavour to protect our world and those living in it.”
The stars have been joined by angels that were created during the more informal family service where children listened to the amazing story of Mary's visitation by the angel. The whole congregation took part, young and old, and made angels with messages for the local community.
The stars and angels were on display in time for the village fayre when the church also held a children's treasure hunt, reflection stations and Christmas floral display.
Read more about how churches can engage with families in their communities.