Reception – Happy Birthday to the Church

Reception children took part in a Pentecost party on Thursday.  Many thanks for all the vibrant outfits. Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season.   This feast, sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Church, will be celebrated this Sunday.

The children learnt that at Pentecost Christians come together to share their happiness and joy because Jesus had kept his promise and sent the Holy Spirit to be their friend.  We can all share in this happiness and tell everyone.

As mentioned before, the coming of the Holy Spirit can be difficult for young children to understand.  We explored such things as air, wind and fire to help explain the power of the Holy Spirit.  The children made ‘tell the good news’ streamers and fiery hats.  

They also decorated the classroom with red paper chains and enjoyed healthy red snack foods; strawberries, tomatoes and red peppers.  We were blessed with an extremely blustery day and the children were so excited chasing bubbles in the wind calling out ‘Share the good news, the Holy Spirit is here!’

The children listened to the following scripture story Acts 2: 1-4

We sang ‘Happy Birthday to the Church’ and the following song is one of their favourites:

Below is our Pentecost prayer:

Thank you, God! For the Good News of Easter.
Thank you, God! For the new life of Jesus.
Thank you, God! For the Good News of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, God! For the Good News of your love.

Lastly, they have also made ‘Happy Pentecost’ cards to share with their families.  Look in your child’s book bag if you haven’t already been presented with your card.

Nicola Palmer