This document discusses the relationship between churches and schools and opportunities for ministry. It recommends that churches prioritize their work with schools since schools provide more contact with children than Sunday services. Churches should look for mutually beneficial ways to support schools through things like prayer, education events, and allowing their buildings to be used. By having a presence in schools through worship, Christian environment and service, churches can witness to their faith and potentially lead children, staff and parents to faith commitments over time through their actions and presence alone.

1. Church & School: Key values Or Bringing the Bible out of the Bike Shed

2. Mummy, why are all those people kneeling?

3. Schools present opportunities Every child goes to school Every school is part of a parish Churches make more contact through school than on Sunday Therefore, high priority ministry

4. Tell me … What is it like to have a congregation of 2,500 every week?

5. A mutual relationship Most schools welcome churches Links with congregation already Teachers can offer expertise Schools are built for children Church building: worship, RE, history etc

6. Visiting the Church An historic building A place of pilgrimage Signs and symbols A witness to living faith

7. Be patient! Don’t hurl yourself at the barricades!

8. Opportunities for Mission Prayer on Sundays for children & staff Education Sunday Integral part of mission Report on work with schools Encourage congregation to be involved Welcome to church building Use church for displays, concerts Publicise and support events

9. School being Church (1) Quotes: A distinctive Eucharistic community If it happens, it includes worship Where the name of God is honoured She learned to pray at school

10. School being Church (2) Experience of worship and a Christian environment is ‘Church’ May lead to faith commitment – at some time Effects go beyond children to staff and parents Feels ‘safer’ than a church building

11. Witness Evangelism is presence & living Being ‘Christ in the playground’ Service is witness in itself Leads to questions and proclamation

12. Action plan! Start where you are What are the present links between school and church? Identify one way that your church and school could serve each other