On Sunday, hundreds gathered at Bolton Parish Church for a joyous service of singing, dancing, and prayer to celebrate five years of the Children Changing Places Project.
The Children Changing Places Project works to engage children, families and young people in worship, through ‘Wiggle Worship’ and toddler groups, school discipleship groups and the Shades Project, chaplaincy assistants, youth groups and much, much more.
Despite the wind and rain blustering outside, the service was warm and vibrant, with children from schools and youth groups from across Bolton putting on performances, giving praise and offering prayers for the work of CCPP.
Thank you to pupils from St Peter’s C of E Primary School, St Saviour C of E Primary School, St James C of E Primary School, Bolton St Catherine's Academy, Canon Slade School, and KTJC (Keep Trusting Jesus Community) youth group for their amazing energy and enthusiasm. It was brilliant to see the entire congregation get involved with their interactive songs.
Following the service, supporters and families could look around the stalls of cupcakes, refreshments, children’s prayer packs, school pupils’ artwork and more. It was the perfect way to end a very special service.
The Rt Revd Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, reflects:
“It was a wonderful service full of vibrancy and joy, celebrating this work of God. I am grateful for the team, their work and their partnerships. I am also grateful for the title of the ‘Children Changing Places Project’, which reminds us that children are ambassadors of Christ-filled hope and Gospel grace as they change places with the transforming love of Jesus Christ.”
Rachel Eden, Children Changing Places Project Manager, said:
“We were so delighted to have over 300 friends and supporters join us at Bolton Parish Church to celebrate 5 years of the Children Changing Places Project. The children and young people led the service brilliantly! It was a joy to come together, with people of all ages, to give thanks for all that God is doing in Bolton and to look forward to the future.”
You can find all the photos from the service over on our Flickr.