Over the past year, our little group from our local church has developed quite a reputation at the local state school.  I think this is related to the amazing spread we provided for the staff for morning tea! The school has been so amazing hosting our church service that we really wanted to give back to them.

The morning tea we provided for the school staff could not have gone better! It was a beautiful testament to the relationships we’ve built.

Acknowledging that there are moments in the life of a teacher that can be challenging, we wanted to offer the staff a place to pause and reflect at the next morning tea, a place to let go and if appropriate for that staff member, to pray. In a prior meeting with the school principal, he had given permission for me to run a reflective/prayer activity during the morning tea. I was especially grateful to be given a few moments to explain the “Leave Behind” activity we had prepared—a simple, reflective exercise giving an opportunity for staff to leave behind any thoughts and feelings contributing to a weight they were carrying. 

To be honest, I was nervous about how the activity would be received. Would the teachers engage with it? Would they feel comfortable participating? But the response was nothing short of amazing! Not only did many staff members actively engage with the activity, but several also came up to us afterward to express their appreciation. One teacher even shared how much lighter she felt after completing it.

The prayer spaces resources have been an incredible tool to equip us to provide an opportunity for the staff to reflect or pray. It has  strengthened our relationship with the school and built connection and trust. We will continue to offer the morning teas and reflective prayer spaces at the end of each term as long as they support and encourage the staff.