CHILDREN in eight primary schools in Warrington are hearing and seeing stories from the Bible every week, read and acted by groups of volunteers from a dozen different churches.
They are part of the Bible Society’s national Open The Book project which has been running for some 10 years and now involves 14,000 volunteers in 2,500 schools throughout the country.
A spokesperson for the Society said: “Today many children could miss out on the great classic stories from the Bible – Noah, Daniel and the life of Jesus could be closed chapters if youngsters don’t get an opportunity to engage with the Bible. That’s why Open The Book is so important.
“Volunteers use drama, mime, props and costumes to present the stories in lively and informative ways.”
Open The Book began in West Warrington in 2014 when Rev Paul Hockley of St Paul’s Penketh led a team of five from three churches to bring the stories to Penketh Primary. It has now been welcomed in five schools in West Warrington, involving 29 volunteers from nine churches. There are also groups in Appleton and Thelwall.
The latest school to join is Meadowside Primary in Orford, where co-ordinator Linda Murdoch said: “This new team has made a good start but they definitely need more volunteers. Of course, we’d love to see teams in every primary school in the town. It is so simple and takes up only an hour a week, yet it is so rewarding. You don’t need any special skills or experience. The material speaks for itself.”
Teachers, churches, parents or anyone can find out more from the Bible Society’s website: www.openthebook.net or from Linda Murdoch, co-ordinator of the West Warrington Team, on 01925 637466 or 07594356260 or e-mail [email protected] One thing Linda wants is more volunteers from more churches.
