As we start a new year together again, as a school community we will be gathering together in whole school assemblies this week to
consider
three important aspects; thankfulness, perseverance and encouragement and
prayer.
Wednesday:
Starting again together
and being thankful
As we start a new year, it is important, as it is at any time,
for us to stop and reflect and be thankful. Our Christmas experiences and
opportunities that a two week holiday brings are things to be valued and
reflected on. But also, as we look forward to a new year, taking the time to
acknowledge all the things that we are thankful for that the old year brought
is important to. But thankfulness is not
just about looking backwards, it is a daily thing and as we start our Spring
Term we will be encouraging ourselves to remember to be thankful each
day.
Verse: Psalm 107 v1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures
forever!
Challenge: to say
thank you for what we have been given by God in the past and to remind
ourselves to express our thankfulness each day.
Starting again
together – the importance of perseverance and encouragement
New Year always seems to focus on resolutions to change or
do things. Apparently most gyms bring in extra equipment at the beginning of
January and then move it out again at the end!
Achieving anything requires perseverance, but also we need to be encouraged.
Verse: 1
Thessalonians 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact
you are doing.
Challenge: to commit
ourselves to persevere and to take on new challenges, but also to be mindful of
the need to encourage others. Encouragement is an amazing way to maintain
perseverance!
Friday
Starting again
together – the importance of prayer
Thankfulness and perseverance are both key aspects of
prayer. Its not always easy and we don’t always feel like committing to it. But
it is an essential aspect of our walk with God. Prayer is both talking and
listening and no relationship exists or continues without both of these. Our
assembly today will focus on the importance of prayer and will seek to remind
us of who and what we should pray for.
Verse: Philippians 4 v 6 Don’t
worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need,
and thank him for all he has done.
Challenge: to take
the time each day to be still and to think of others, to say thank you and to
listen to what God has to say to us.
We look forward to sharing the new year together.
