Open the Book: making school assemblies meaningful and memorable

Open the Book: making school assemblies meaningful and memorable

More than 4000 UK churches are reaching hundreds of thousands of school children every year – bringing Bible stories to life in creative ways.

Open the Book is a network of storytelling teams, made up local volunteers, who present short, scripted stories in simple costumes at school assemblies. One of the Bible Society’s key resources for churches, the project brings more than 90 Bible stories to life.

‘We aim to make the Bible accessible, enjoyable, meaningful and memorable,’ said Rachel Cully, team lead for OtB. ‘We engage a congregation in mission, no matter their age or stage of faith and support, serve and forge relationship with local schools, increasing both the children and storytellers’ biblical knowledge. The project also connects generations, Christian traditions and even wider communities. Everything is provided – training, support and resources. Our storytellers love being part of OtB.’

As Jenny a school chaplain from Doncaster said: ‘We have great fun – there’s so much laughter getting dressed up and rehearsing.’ One storyteller got the men in her congregation involved by asking them to donate a bright tie. She sewed them together to make Joseph’s coat!

‘I work with many churches struggling to engage with schools, and to many of their problems this is the answer,’ said Rev Huw Thomas, Sheffield Diocesan Director of Education. ‘Open the Book is a gem of a resource.’

• Open the Book are on stand S15 at CRE 25

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk