Children from two primary schools in Swatragh have taken part in a cross-community service of dedication in the local Church of Ireland.
Pupils from Carhill Integrated Primary School joined others from St John’s RC Primary to dedicate a wild flower garden at Killelagh Parish Church. For the children it represented the culmination of a project they had been working on. They had met previously to plant the garden in the church grounds.
Wednesday’s Service was led by the Priest-in-Charge of Maghera and Killelagh, Rev Terence Kerr. Pupils from both schools read scripture and performed music, and the children prayed together.
Rev Kerr said the Service was part of the Parishes’ contribution to the Diocese’s Year of Opportunity 2016. “It was a joyous occasion for the Parish of Killelagh and a significant event for the community in Swatragh. The church grounds are obviously better-looking, thanks to the children’s joint efforts; but, what’s more important, is the effect it has on the people around them. We, as a community, are being transformed – for the better.
“The pupils who took part in this Service had a brilliant time getting to know each other a little better. And they have set a wonderful example to us, the adults. Psalm 8:2 says: ‘Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies.’ Wednesday’s Service gave us the opportunity to fortify that stronghold, and to radiate Christ’s light in Swatragh.“