As we approach the most sacred season of the year it is important for us to recall the story of our Lord - particularly rehearsing his words, actions and journey to the cross.

This year, please make an effort to read the story slowly and carefully so that some feature which, perhaps, you may have over looked previously will strike you most forcibly. For example, look at the account of Jesus driving the money changers from the temple.

Have you noticed in Matthew's gospel (chapter 21 verses 12-17) that, afterwards, the chief priests and officials were not only angry at what Jesus had done, but were furious when they heard the children shouting, ‘Praise to David's Son!’?

When they confronted Jesus about this, he commented that he not only heard the children, but reminded them that they were fulfilling scripture by offering praise to God.

Matthew says, ’You have trained children and babies to offer perfect praise’, and here he is quoting Psalm 8:1-2, ‘your praise reaches up to the heavens; it is sung by children and babies.’

Recently, we held a very successful Schools’ Songs of Praise, when it was a joy and privilege to welcome so many pupils, staff and parents to the evening event.

Soon afterwards we received a visit by one of the classes from one of our local schools. During the year quite a number of similar visits are made as part of the school curriculum.

On these visits I am ably supported by Cathie Songer, Glenys Griffiths, John Gardner and Roy Brackenbury who shows a video of life in the church.

Each school is provided with work sheets designed to meet the needs of the specific Key Stage of the pupils visiting us.

We hope that the children learn something about the building, but even more about our faith in Jesus. Learning is a two way process - and we learn from the children.

This last week, the visiting class gathered around the tapestry, and were asked what it meant to them.

Have you looked at the tapestry lately?  Do you gain any inspiration or message from it?

One little six year old pointed to the oval shaped glowing centre immediately behind the cross and said, "It is the stone rolled from the grave!"

I don't think any of us there had seen it in this light !

What an Easter message!  The glory of resurrection shining from the empty tomb, proclaiming the efficacy of the cross and power of God.

Out of the mouths of babes and children...