St Philip’s Church in Webheath, Redditch, was filled with excitement and wonder when two Reception classes from Webheath Academy stepped into the story of Palm Sunday in a truly memorable way.
The children arrived full of energy and curiosity, ready to discover the events leading up to Easter. Together, they took part in their very own Palm Sunday procession, waving Palm leaves they’d made at school and calling out “Hosanna!” as they journeyed through the churchyard, echoing the welcome given to Jesus all those years ago
The highlight of the visit came as a complete surprise. Waiting to greet them were three gentle donkeys from The Animal Pantry at Astwood Bank, bringing the story vividly to life. The children were delighted to meet them up close, carefully stroking their soft noses and experiencing a tangible connection to the Easter story.
Vicar Sarah Jayne Hewitt, said: “It was such a joy to welcome the children into church and to share the story of Palm Sunday and Easter with them. Their enthusiasm, their singing, and their sense of wonder made it a really special occasion for all of us.”
Staff from Webheath Academy also praised the visit, noting how beautifully the children engaged with the experience and how meaningful it was to bring learning to life in such a hands-on way.
The visit is part of St Philip’s ongoing commitment to working with local schools and helping children and families explore faith through creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences. As the children left, still chatting excitedly about the donkeys and the story they had taken part in, it was clear that this was not just a school visit, but a moment that will stay with them for a long time.
