This looks a really amazing piece of work - where do we get the details of how Jason used it? (not buying Youthwork enough, me) I think the idea of identity (in all the RE syllabuses of course) is a great one - working with this concept, faith becomes relevant to everyone, and 11-16s are spending their daily time thinking and acting out their answers to ‘who am I?’ questions. Jesus asked: ‘who do other people say that I am?’
In the run up to half term we ran a prayer room in one of the high schools I regularly work in in Leeds. We ran lessons for RE looking at prayer and spirituality and I was constantly overwelmed by the depth pupils were willing to share in front of a class of peers. Both staff and students commented on how much pupils had to deal with, having read their shared prayers. Their desire, a desperation even, for someone to be listening. I used the resources I found on schoolswork.co.uk with those in the 24-7 pack, which made the bringing together of activites much easier. God was in it all otherwise it just wouldn’t have happened, and I look forward to hearing the stories of answered prayer as I return to school this term. If you’re thinking of running a room, push some doors, talk to some people, visit a running prayer room in school, these guys at schoolswork and 24-7 are great support and there might even be someone doing the same local to you too!
What a great poem - James has summed up the feeling i know so well as somebody who has spent years doing Christian assemblies in both primary and secondary school…
“Well Done James”
Please don’t let your ink become dry as i am sure there are many more great odes in you that need to be put onto paper.
Rev Richard Pidgley
Discovery Church - Swindon
i work in a primary school as a TA, often there is conflict.
so my comment would be one aimed at children taking responsibility for their own actions-because it’s always someone elses fault.
“what could you do different towards someone that might prevent a falling out?”
“what good, kind or nice thing have you done today that has helped someone else?”
I never got a valentines card when I went to school. It didn’t bother me. I say its just harmless fun.
great encouragement in christian schools work. just shows how effective we can be without realising it !!!!
Sounds great. Nice one!
Amy your short course on assemblies was brilliant! My fav was the Russian doll assembly, its such a good idea
Thanks for letting us know Becky, sounds like a significant week for the school and makes all the prep you put in worthwhile! Look forward to hearing what happens from here!
I used this brilliant resource last year in the end of term services for several different year groups. I was able to use all of the resources (slightly adapted) and they provided a powerful and engaging framework for sharing the message of Easter. Thank you so much for producing this resource and the excellent value it represents. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone else.
Primary
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Happy blogging!
STREAM schools workers conference
‘STREAM’ Friday 28 May London City Mission HQ 175 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2AH. 10.30am-3.30pm. Near London Bridge Underground station. Networking Christians in Education in London & South East. With Bible Ministry from Steve Clifford (General Director of Evangelical Alliance), Music in Schools with John Hardwick, Simon Thomas, Mark & Helen Johnson and Langham Arts. Come and be inspired to use music in your schools work wether or not you consider yourself a musician. Cost £10.00 More details .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 020 8778 3181
Wayne Dixon
Pray for schools
Pray For Schools 10-31 May “Raising the profile of prayer for schools in churches and communities.” Being organised by Youth For Christ, Care, Scripture Union, New Generation and Churches Together in England Details info@prayforschools.org http://www.prayforschools.org
Wayne Dixon
Primary age group discussion starters
Do you work with, or know any children aged 7-11?
Do you have a question or discussion starter that you know would get them thinking/talking/engaged in conversation? If so, send your suggestions our way, and your contribution may make it into the new schoolswork playing cards for primary age group (coming out in April this year).
Every entry will also automatically enter you into a competition to win two tickets to hear Rob Bell speak in London on Weds 17th March. The evening, part of his ‘Drops Like Stars’ tour, is being organised by ChapelSt and has already sold out. This could be your chance to get tickets to the event if you haven’t already done so!*
Education and schools work update
Recent headlines from the world of education and schools work
Education Sunday
Did you know Education Sunday is this coming weekend? For information on what it is, who it is promoted by and what you can do to recognise it, click this link. There are a whole host of resources, including prayer station ideas, assembly plans, sermon notes and presentations to download. The theme this year is ‘called to serve’.
Education Sunday is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone involved in the world of education.
Easter Cracked
Easter possibly the most significant event in History? Over the last 15 years I’ve been involved in a local church initiative where primary school pupils come into the church for a presentation that has been incredibly well received by both pupils and staff. Schools are into LOTC (Learning Outside The Classroom) and here is one example. Todate around 30 other locations around the country have started something similar from Altrincham to Woodley and Gravesend to Glasgow and this remains the most significant thing I’ve been involved with in Scripture Union. If you think this might be of use for your church and local school(s) then do check out these websites and feel free to contact us for more information.
Over the years we have had many visitors come along to observe this and many have then go on to do something similar in their area. Also, I’m sure other areas would also welcome visitors. We`set aside a week here and it is is 8-12 March and we run two sessions each day.
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/letscelebrate
http://www.sloughbaptistchurch.org.uk/schoolsweek
Best wishes
Wayne Dixon
National Storytelling Week Appeal - Parables needed
The 10th Annual National Storytelling Week is nearly upon us, and is worth bearing in mind…
30th January – 6th February 2010
A decade in celebration of storytelling! Once a upon a time an idea was proposed for a week to highlight the art of storytelling - not just for the young but for all ages who share the creations of thought and the creativity of imagination.
Leaders of tomorrow? Leaders of Today!
When reaching, teaching, training and building relations with young people, we often see them as a generation of leaders for tomorrow. This is obviously right, yet I think we may sometimes lean with all of our perspective slanting towards tomorrow at the cost of today; we shouldn’t under-estimate young people in terms of their leadership now, in the present. I think there is much to be learnt from a young dreamer, unbound and unrestricted by the cynicism that tends to creep in over time….
Love your local school
Love your local school is an event happening in Reading on Thursday 4 March. See below for more information. It’s hoped to be repeated in other locations in the future.
http://www.baptist.org.uk/training_events/downloads/love-your-localschool.pdf
Best wishes
Wayne Dixon
Scripture Union holidays - Developing young leaders plus
Scripture Union Holidays 2010 - we have many opportunities this year for developing young leaders and 3 specific events that some of your young people in church / school might be interested in? Have a look at the links below for more information on Charnwood, Training in Action & Geared for Growth.
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/Holidays/Regional/GearedforGrowth/78897.id
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/Holidays/HolidaysFolder/TrainingInAction/4463.id
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/Holidays/HolidaysFolder/Charnwood/104558.id
There are numerous other events for 8-19 year olds all over the place at Easter, and summer and the new year including two specific events for those just afer their GCSE’s or A levels at the beginning of July. Canal Turn@16+ and Canal Turn@ 18+ in association with UCCF.
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/Holidays/HolidaysFolder/CanalTurn16/4453.id
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/Holidays/HolidaysFolder/CanalTurn18/63547.id
see http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/holidays for more of what is available
for more information. Happy new year (and DECADE!)
Wayne Dixon
