Open The Book

'Open the Book' - Bible Stories

OPEN THE BOOK – PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

    We are delighted that Open the Book teams are still in all our local primary schools, and some are completing their ninth year. That is quite a lot of storytelling! It also represents a lot of dedication turning up to school every week in all kinds of weather. So, our grateful thanks and appreciation for all those doing this valuable work with our children.
    If you hear anyone moaning “Of course our children don’t hear about the Bible in school anymore like they used to!” please respond “Oh yes they do! ALL our children in Cirencester hear a Bible story every week in school – from the Open the Book team” Also school leavers at Powell’s and Watermoor are presented by the team with a bible, and so will Chesterton children this year.
    The storytelling is still spreading rapidly throughout the country, and storytellers have increased from 1,600 last year to 3,040 this year. Groups started in 24 new towns  including Penrith, Looe and Milford Haven. The 1000th storyteller in Gloucestershire was taken by surprise at Elmbridge Infants, Gloucester and presented with an Open the Book sweatshirt. Be proud that the first town in our County to have all schools with Open the Book was Cirencester.
    All the stories are based on Bob Hartman’s Lion Storyteller Bible  and it was great to hear him being interviewed by Aled Jones on Radio 2  In the latest edition of his book  Bob has added another 25 stories; many of which are being introduced to our schools.
    Our two founder members in the county were Dianne Brookes and Jacqueline Rodwell who dedicated their lives to getting Open the Book up and running. Since then the demands of  Jacqueline’s ministry as Vicar means she has had to step down, but we shall always be indebted for her vision and cheerful dedication. Dianne carries on as the main organizer, now with Julie Jefferies setting up a National training network and travelling all over the country. As always, Open the Book is a charity depending on voluntary donations from both churches and individuals. If you think this work is worth supporting, please support it!                                                                                    David G P Williams

                                                                                                                                    Are you interested in being an 'Open the Book' Bible story-teller in one of our Cirencester schools? If so then please contact David Williams via the Parish Office.