Members of Team On Mission, who are part of a gap year programme in the Methodist Church in Ireland, stopped by at Ingleton Primary School.
The trip was part of their visit to the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Methodist Circuit.
Bishop Auckland methodist minister Revd John Purdy accompanied the team of five during their visit to the school as they led a number of faith-related activities with the children.
Revd Purdy said: “They have taken a class today and done some ice-breaker games as well as worship singing to music and movement rather than traditional hymns. They have also been doing creative prayer. They are learning what the churches do here and will be taking it back to Ireland. It is a sharing experience.”
Team On Mission works on behalf of the Irish Methodist Youth and Children’s department. For the past 27 years, the programme has given young people the opportunity to get involved in the whole life of the church.
Team member Sarah Mayes said: “John used to be a minister in Ireland. He wanted us to come over and be part of the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Methodist Circuit and to experience it.
“This week’s theme is purpose and about how God had a purpose. We want to encourage the children with that.”
Fellow member Chloe Lynas added: “It is such a privilege to share our experiences with them. I think it is crucial for children to learn about it at this age. It is good to keep them engaged and interested. When it is coming from someone closer to their age like us they can relate to it more.”
Team On Mission also visited other primary schools in the area during their week-long stay.
Ingleton headteacher Judith Pressley said: “John is a regular visitor. He always does lively collective worships here. I think it is lovely that these young people are here in school to work with the children so that they can see how young people can be involved in broadening the Christian ethos.
“That is what we are about in this school.”
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