Thursday 6th September saw a new initiative in the Armagh Diocese.
A special "start of term schools' community Service" was held in St Mark's Armagh.
The service was organised by Armagh Youth and Children (AYaC) and aimed to demonstrate the church's support
for all of those who work in our education system whether in schools or colleges or in administration.
School personnel from all over the Armagh Diocese were invited to attend the Service which had been organise by our Youth and Children's Development Officer - David Brown and Revd Malcolm Kingston, vice-chair of AYaC.
The service was uplifting and celebratory. Giving thanks to God for those who work with our children
and youth people and recognizing the willingness of schools
to welcome Church of Ireland clergy into their classes and assembles.
The service was led by Malcolm Kingston. Hannah McCann read from the Bible and Jill Hunter led the prayers.
The speaker at the service was David Manning, retired Head of Strathearn School Belfast, who encouraged us to make Jesus real to those around us daily in school and in our lives. He made reference to a well used interview question for new teachers: "why did you become a teacher?"
To which the most usual answer is because of a teacher in my own life who had a profound influence on me.
Revd Graham Hare facilitated a very enlightening panel discussion with Colin Berry from Aughnacloy High School,
Eileen Trew from Drelincourt School Armagh and Simon Cardwell from Royal School Armagh, on some of the challenges and highlights of their roles in their respective schools.
Panel discussion - Revd Graham Hare, Colin Berry, Eileen Trew & Simon Cardwell
Our speaker - David Manning