Anglican parishes to hold ‘Back to School’ services

As September dawns, and with it the start of a new school year, the parish of St Paul with St John prepares to welcome students and teachers to its traditional Back to School service.{{more}} The service, scheduled to be celebrated on Sunday, will have as its theme: “Coping with Peer Pressure in the Modern School Environment.” Lecturer at the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies of the SVG Community College Jo-Ann Marshall will be the guest speaker at St Paul’s Church at Calliaqua, while Deanna Ralph of the Planning Division of the Ministry of Finance will explore this topic with the congregation of St John’s at Belair.

Students at all levels of the education system living in the Calliaqua and Belair districts, as well as the schools located in these parish areas have been invited to attend in full uniform. Principals and teachers are also expected to share this special worship moment with the parish.

Rector of the parish, Canon O. Samuel Nichols, himself an educator at the lone Anglican Secondary School, where he serves as Deputy Principal, keenly anticipates this back to school celebration, as it serves to link education with the work of the Master Teacher himself and encourage students to exploit their God-given talents and build a close relationship with their Creator, not only in good times, but also in moments of trial and tribulation.

It is anticipated that some 150 students will converge on both churches, St John’s and St Paul’s. The students of the parish will be responsible for the reading of the day’s lessons; they will conduct this segment of the order of service and render inspirational songs and poetry.

The service at St Paul’s will begin at 7 a.m., while that at Belair will commence at 9 a.m.