Children and staff from Arnesby Church of England Primary School marked Pentecost with their much-loved annual pilgrimage to the neighbouring village of Shearsby, continuing a tradition that reflects the school’s values of faith, community, and togetherness.
The whole school took part in the pilgrimage, walking through the picturesque rural landscape that links the two villages.
The route, which follows fields, pathways and overgrown historic footbridges, gave them all the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of God’s wonderful world, while strengthening their understanding of koinonia - a key Christian value of fellowship and shared life.
As part of this year’s celebrations, each class created crafts inspired by elements of the Pentecost story, which they gifted to St Mary’s Church in Shearsby.
Peace Class brought windmills to show the rushing wind that filled the Disciples’ Upstairs Room, Courage Class made windsocks decorated with flames and quotes from the book of Acts to highlight both the wind and the tongues of flame, and Endurance Class chose crowns capped with flames in different colours and shapes inspired by different examples of Biblical imagery.
The pilgrimage was symbolic in many ways including the representation of the celebration of Communion, walking through fields filled with growth and life, the fruits of the earth, and the creativity in the gifts of young human hands.
Revd Canon Chris Oxley and Matt Long, diocesan Youth Engagement & Intergenerational Communities Enabler, joined the school on the walk and shared in the joy, which ended with a service in church led by the children.
This annual pilgrimage continues to be a defining feature of life at Arnesby School, embodying the spirit of Pentecost while strengthening the relationships between the school, the church, and the wider community.
Headteacher, Ruth James said: “The annual walk to Shearsby at Pentecost is one of the most important and unique aspects of life at Arnesby school. It is everything that makes this school so special!”
Matt very much enjoyed joining the pilgrimage and chatting to the children, calling it an amazing annual tradition and a beautiful way to celebrate Pentecost.
He said: “I walked alongside pupils, through fields of corn and over babbling brooks. The pupils talked to me about football and farming, faith and food!
“They recalled last year’s muddy pilgrimage… and the time they had to sneak past a bee’s nest… and what they’d learnt recently about the festival of Pentecost.
“After an hour of walking and talking, we arrived at church. The children led an assembly with colourful crafts, bible readings, and songs.
“We explored the story of Pentecost and prayed for God’s Spirit to fill our lives. Wind-socks, flame-crowns and windmills were left on the alter for use in church on Sunday. I was filled!”