Schools and uniformed brigades across the parish of Quedgeley and Kingsway in Gloucester have been learning all about the story of Easter by creating a unique interpretation of the Stations of the Cross. The pictures are on display in St James’ Church, Quedgeley, throughout Holy Week and Easter until Pentecost (19 May).
The Stations of the Cross are images depicting the various stages of Jesus’ betrayal, trial and crucifixion. They are often used to teach, explore and gain spiritual insight into the journey of the cross on Good Friday.
The Revd Mark Siddall invited schools and uniformed brigades from across his Parish to contribute two of the stations of the Cross project in A1 portrait format as part of the project.
Mark says, “Working with primary schools, I am often asked about how to communicate the Easter story. It is very challenging for all of us with its mix of love and faithfulness, hatred and betrayal. My sense is that the tradition of the Stations of the Cross survives because of the wisdom it offers in communicating in pictures which draw us in to reflect, to feel and to see the Easter story.
“By creating stations for themselves pupils, Scouts and Guides across Quedgeley have engaged with the story in their own way. I think three key things come across as we have explored the stations together. First, there is an acknowledgement that yes, this is a difficult story but in the end it is a story of love overcoming hate; faithfulness overcoming betrayal. It is a story in this sense of genuine resilience, which is true to the worst and the best of our humanity. Second, this is a story about taking responsibility. While Judas betrays, Peter denies and Pilate refuses, Jesus takes responsibility. Finally, this is a story with purpose. Jesus’ death on the cross is awfully sad and hard to discuss and accept with children, but this is not a death without purpose. Unlike the soldiers who take Jesus’ clothes without asking, Jesus gives his life freely so that we might know both our failings and our redemption.”
As well as putting the images on display in the church, Mark photographed them to make a collection of slides that can be used in teaching and collective worship or for Scouts/Guides badges and activities.
The schools that took part were Field Court C of E Infant Academy, Clearwater C of E Primary, Meadowside School, Kingsway Primary School, Beech Green Primary School, Waterwells Primary Academy & Pre-school, as well as children in packs from local Scouts and Girlguiding groups.
One Year 6 pupil from Clearwater School said, “The impact it had on me was listening to how Jesus respected people, no matter what they’ve done. I think that teaches us to respect everybody no matter what we’ve done.”
Pupils were able to visit the church with their schools to see their work on display.
Julie Poulson, Headteacher, at Beech Green Primary School, says, “Our intention was to ensure children appreciated the significance of the journey; what it means for Christians, how Christ’s suffering and acceptance is a basis of the faith. Initially the children found it hard to imagine, they explored words around pain and love.”
Headteacher of Field Court C of E Infant Academy, Adam Osborne, says, “Our school loves to get involved with Art projects, and when Mark began to discuss this with us, I knew it would bring together our family of local schools. Our children enjoyed hearing the Easter story and engaging with the designing and decorating of our Stations. Having already visited the church with our Year 1 children and heard Reverend Mark present all of them in our school Easter Service, has given the children a visual representation of the story and an idea of just how the other schools engage with the church and wider community, too.
“We’ve loved seeing them all together. A great Church–community project.”
St James’ Church is open every day during daylight hours, visit quedgeleychurch.org.uk for more information.
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