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Purbeck Leavers’ Service - 14th July

Ann Y spoke briefly about the Leavers’ Service one Sunday
morning but I thought you might be interested to hear a little more
of this very well organised event led by Rev’d Jo Levasier, the
Swanage Team Vicar & “Purbeck Schools Missioner”. Eight
schools were involved: St Mark’s, St Mary’s, Swanage Primary,
St George’s Langton, Wool, Lulworth & Winfrith, Corfe Castle and
Stoborough - Approximately 162 pupils.

All schools met at St Mary’s (to which they would return for a
service later in the morning) for an introduction to the day. They
then split into 4 groups, who dispersed to 4 separate locations for 4
reflective Prayer Activities. The children rotated around in their
groups. 12 minutes was allocated to each location which included a
toilet break! There were many volunteers from our local churches at
each location. Elizabeth and I felt a bit superfluous but were there
to provide refreshments, sellotape and anything else asked for!

The activity in our hall was entitled ‘Please’. Each child was
encouraged to think about something they were worried about,
something they wished to put in God’s hands. They drew around
their hand and wrote that worry on it. These were gathered up to
take back with them to the service.

The other prayer activities were: ‘Regret’, a reflective moment -
something they wish they had done differently, not done at all, or
an opportunity they wish they had taken. The children took a dirty
stone from a bucket, carefully washed it in a bowl of clean water
and placed it on a cloth at the base of a wooden cross. The
washing representing the letting go of the regret. This activity was
done at St Mary’s.

‘WOW’ - each child was asked to think of a WOW moment from
their time at primary school, something they had enjoyed, were
proud of or made them go or feel WOW. The children wrote this
moment on a flag, decorated it then taped it onto a straw, also to be
used in the service. Continued over >

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