Star Trail will again be a Christmas feature at St Mark’s Church.

St Mark’s invites school children from local primary schools to visit the church and are taken on a journey to Bethlehem exploring what it was like to travel over two thousand years ago in the middle east. They also learn about what gifts the wise men took, wonder why they took such unsuitable gifts to a baby and what significance the gifts held. They think about what they might have taken, what they give and receive today and what they might take to a new baby and especially what they might give to Jesus.

Organised by St Mark’s Liz Townsend, this event helps to bring into context for young children what Christmas is all about. The local primary schools will be invited to attend from the 6th to the 8th of December and it is expected that over one hundred children will take part in this experience.

Six “caves” are decorated with appropriate colours and objects and lit with Christmas lights and candles. To enhance the sensory experience Frankincense and Myrrh perfume the air. The children can look, touch, smell and ask questions. They go back to school with a star shaped biscuit, a map to plot and a poem.

This is also an opportunity for other children to experience the Star Trail and meet Father Christmas. On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th December from 4.30 to 6.30 pm children can take the Star Trail but also receive a present from Father Christmas and have a hot drink. Spaces are limited so advance booking is recommended. Email Liz Townsend at families@stmarkschurch.me.uk with your preferred day and she will get back to you.

A donation of £5 per child is requested to defray costs but families who can’t afford this will still be welcome.