An exciting launch for the new Flourish ‘church in school’ pilot

On Wednesday afternoon pupils, teachers, school chaplains and church leaders gathered at Jubilee House for the diocesan launch of the Flourish pilot.

Flourish is a national initiative aiming to launch 40 new worshipping communities in schools and colleges, in partnership with the local church, to help foster a younger and more diverse church. 

At the launch event, there were representatives from The Minster School in Southwell, Magnus C of E Academy in Newark, and Queen Elizabeth’s Academy and Samworth Academy, both in Mansfield. Alongside this, there were also representatives from St Michael’s Farnsfield, St Mary Magdelene Newark and St John’s with St Mary’s Mansfield. 

Bishop Andy introduced the event, sharing the story of church in school across the diocese so far, and his thanks to both the national church for the funding to help support this pilot, and for the schools and churches involved for being willing to give it a go. The afternoon continued with a joyful time of sung worship, led by the team from Farnsfield and pupils from The Minster School. 

Lucy Moore, Head of the Growing Faith Foundation, was also part of the launch, sharing what Flourish looks like at a national level, and reminding attendees that, “our God is a pioneer God – he has gone before you, and will be walking beside you every step of the way”.

Finally Nigel Frith, Diocesan Director for Eduction, shared the vision for the Flourish pilot here in the diocese and encouraged the schools and churches involved to spend time dreaming together of what could be achieved throughout the pilot and beyond. 

We’re really excited to see the worshipping communities across these four schools launch and grow over the coming years, as they seek to share the love of Jesus to the children and young people. Find out more about Flourish here.