An invitation to our Faithful Generations events in February

This is a warm invitation to everyone of grandparent generation, and to the children they love and care for in their families, churches and communities.

You are invited to Gloucester Cathedral for a special creative afternoon where you can explore Christian faith and spirituality together with your grandchildren, or surrogate grandchildren! There will be prayer spaces, stories, activities, dance, interactive worship and more. The event will be followed ten days later by a workshop for grandparents at St Andrew’s, Churchdown.

“Being a surrogate grandmother’s a huge joy, a privilege too, and I’ve loved it. It’s a great blessing to me.” ~ We talk to Margaret Edwards about her experiences working with childrens groups – both as a grandparent, and as a surrogate grandparent:

Events:

There are two events in this series, booking is via the events page:
Faithful Generations Event, 1 February, Gloucester Cathedral →
Faithful Generations Workshop, 11 February, St Andrew’s Churchdown →

Jo Wetherall, Senior Children and Families Connector, gives more detail on the events:

Activities at the event in Gloucester Cathedral:

Gingerbread people – Icing and sprinkles galore. Recreate yourselves in gingerbread form.
Decorated Doves – How do we say thank you to God for each other? Mary and Joseph took doves to the temple what would you give?
Candle display – At Candlemas we turn from Christmas and look towards Easter from the dark of winter to the light of Spring. Decorate your candle to show how you light up the world.
Photo booth – Dress up as each other take a funny photo.
Fridge Magnets – Create a fridge magnet and swap them as a promise to pray for each other.
Peg it! – Write or draw a prayer – who can you peg it to without them noticing? Keep on passing the prayer.
The beauty of glass – Create a beautiful window which talks about your relationship with God or a favourite Bible story.
Table talk – Take a seat pick a card and just have a chat for a few moments
Table Talk for Toddlers – Go on a shape and colour hunt through the cloisters or a nature hunt in the garden.
The empty chair – When someone has died the love we have for them lives on, and they continue to influence our lives. Use the materials to remember someone you love but see no longer.
Sensory spaces – Throughout the cathedral are small quiet spaces and baskets/activities to explore together.
Prayer Stations – Opportunity to reflect and pray for families of all generations risking their lives to escape danger, often leaving homes, traditions, family history and, very probably, elderly family members not up to the journey, finding God’s story through photographs and pictures, and much more.

Uneven Song

Evensong, our prayers as the sun is setting, is a very beautiful and ageless service where choirs sing the thoughtful words of psalms and of Mary, Jesus mother and Simeon who blessed baby Jesus in the temple.

As we remember Mary and Joseph taking baby Jesus to the temple Our ‘Uneven Song’ will use some of this timeless tradition, but will also include dance and songs to sing together, our display of candles and doves will celebrate the peace of God and light of Christ. Bishop Rachel will invite us to join in with her as she shares her thoughts about this time of year and what it means for our lives.