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I wrote some time ago about the School Chaplaincy which we began at Cantell Secondary School towards the end of last year.
Each Wednesday, one of four local ministers - myself, Sheena, Lawrence Fellick of Swaythling Baptist Church, and Stephen Holmes of Bassett Parish - goes into the school during the lunch break.
Our badges say, 'Cantell School Chaplaincy - Here to Listen', and that is just what we are there for.
We are still in the early stages yet - each of us has only been in two or three times, so far - and for those less familiar with the school, settling in and feeling at home takes a little while.
I have found the forty minutes there (they have a fairly short lunch-break - schools often find that the second half of a longer lunch-break is the most troublesome time of the day!) are some of the most refreshing of the week!
I have been very impressed by the students; by the lively but ordered atmosphere in the very busy dining areas; by the welcome of the students - many of whom I have known since they were quite small children in our primary schools; and by the conversations I have had with them.
I have listened as students have told me about the death of a parent, about moving to new parts of the country or coming here from different parts of the world; I have learnt about Russian World War II history, from the perspective of a Russian Lithuanian pupil; I have discussed God, the Church, the Bible, the Big Bang Theory, the creation of the world, what I believe - and just passed the time of day.
When I was there on one Wednesday in January, at a very busy time just after Christmas, I bought a sandwich (it's quite a good way of having an excuse to sit down in the dining hall with the students), but only had the chance to get one bite of it before the lunch break ended - there were so many conversations to be had.
I think it's a wonderful way for us to be out in the community, commending the Gospel when we are asked about it - and it's great fun!
Do spare a thought for us on Wednesdays at 12.20 - it is very good to know that we and the school are being prayed for.