Stories of courage

This week in assemblies we have been thinking about the theme of COURAGE.

On Tuesday we considered the story of  Ruth, who showed great courage in giving up all she had to return home with her elderly mother in law Naomi. This is a story of commitment and self sacrifice and the words the Ruth spoke show the depth of her resolve and determination. For Ruth this was a journey of discovery herself as she gave up her home to return to a strange land. The story is one of courage on her part, but also God's faithfulness in the way he looks after both Ruth and Naomi.

Today in assembly we considered the story of Daniel and the courage that he showed in remaining faithful to God despite persecution and the threat of death. The story of the lion's den is probably one of the most famous in the Old Testament and again it speaks of courage and faithfulness.

Our verse this half term is from Joshua 1:9 and it speaks to us of the need to be strong and courageous in doing what is right.

Martin Luther King said that 'the time is always right to do what is right' and his belief in this changed a nation. But that all started with one small act of courage, that shown by a lady called Rosa Parks.

"I learned to put my trust in God and to see Him as my strength. Long ago I set my mind to be a free person and not to give in to fear. I always felt that it was my right to defend myself if I could. I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."  Rosa Parks

A time of prayer

In RE on Friday children in year 1 learnt  about when Christians pray and what they might pray for.











They looked  at some rosary prayer beads and then they made their own prayer beads. They chose beads or buttons to add to a pipe cleaner, but each bead or button needed to represent something that they wanted to pray for. Here is one of their completed prayer beads along with the accompanying prayer.

Be bold, be strong for the Lord your God is with you

This week we begin a new assembly theme on Courage. This will be our last one this academic term and we have specifically picked this due to the fact that the end of every academic year sees children move on to new schools but also to new classes and new teachers. Change is a part of life and it always involves leaving something behind and embracing something new.

Our key verse for this theme will be Joshua 1:9. This is set in the context of God leading Joshua and the Israelites to a new place. They are concerned and anxious, whilst at the same time expectant and hopeful. God speaks to them and reminds them of His presence with them, that he is with them in everything and that they can be confident in His love and guidance. 

God commands them to be strong, courageous and not to be afraid or discouraged because he will be with them where ever they go.

As we look towards the end of this academic year we are mindful of how God has been with us in all that we have done and achieved and as such we can be confident that he will also be with each individual where ever they are next year. 

Saffron Lane athletics

Another fantastic athletics completion organised by Leicester schools saw St John's competing at Saffron Lane on Friday. The sun was out and the talent of our children was certainly shining!

Great to witness such individual effort and dedication as well as team work and all round sportsmanship.

Our medal tally kept on growing and everyone should be proud of their achievement and their contribution. 

Many thanks to the staff who have spent so many lunch times training with the children and organising the event. Thanks also to the parents who were able to support us and encourage the children on.

Another memorable event! 

God loves you

This week in assemblies we are finishing off our theme of HOPE by focusing on the idea of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful concept that changes lives and rebuilds relationships. It is also central to God's love for us.

So we started our assembly on Monday morning with a very energetic version of Doug Horley's song - God loves you whoopah wahey!

Interesting lyrics, but a song that reinforces the fact that God loves us and nothing we do will ever change that!

 Its a brilliant song and it is worth looking on the internet for the lyric version, certainly works well as a get out of bed and get yourself moving song!

In considering the content of our other services this week, we collated together a few quotes on forgiveness that really bring home to us its importance and significance and the difference it can make in people's lives.

In each of our assemblies we will be having a 'Twenty second stop' to allow us to pause and reflect, the quotes below are certainly worth giving twenty seconds to any day of the week.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
― Mahatma Gandhi,

 

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
― C.S. Lewis

 

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

 

“I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.”
― C.S. Lewis

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
― Nelson Mandela