St Mary The Virgin Horsell

What does 'Open the Book' Do?

Open the book logoOur enthusiastic Open the Book Team at St. Mary's act out Bible stories in the following schools: Horsell CofE Junior School (weekly), the Horsell Infants School (fortnightly) and St Andrews School (half-termly).

Their aim is to make the Bible 'come alive' for the children by dramatising well known stories from both the Old and the New Testaments.

Moses in the bulrushes OTB team

The Open the Book team uses drama, mime, a wonderful and very creative set of props, evocative costumes - and audience participation from the children - to present Bible stories in ways that are lively, interactive, engaging and fun!

Several children also get the opportunity each week to take part in acting out the story, which is followed by a short reflection and opportunity for prayer.

Open the book townThis ministry is part of a national initiative run by the Bible Society, aiming to give children the opportunity to hear Bible stories during their Primary years. The initiative is currently reaching many hundreds of children in Infant, Junior and Primary Schools nationally.

At St. Mary's we can't work out who enjoys Open the Book more - whether it's the team or whether it's the children!

If you would like to get involved, you would be very welcome. You don't need to have great acting skills - just a lot of enthusiasm!

We meet on Wednesdays – lunchtimes weekly and mornings fortnightly – as well as half-termly on Friday mornings. You don’t need to commit to every session. You would be very welcome to join the team even if you are only able to be there once a month or so. We also welcome creative prop and costume makers. If you have a skill we can use it!

For us at St. Mary's, this is a real opportunity for one generation to tell another about the Bible in a very memorable and easily understood way. It is also an opportunity for us to work ecumenically, as a number of members of our team come from different local churches. Do come and join us if you can, just get in touch.

If you are a parent, don't forget to ask your child about what story was acted out by the team in their Open the Book assembly.

'Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation' Joel 1:3

Making Jesus known; Getting to know Jesus better; Sharing Jesus' love in our community and world


  • St Mary the Virgin
  • Church hill
  • Horsell
  • Surrey
  • GU21 4QQ

01483 772134
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