Worship
Worship and Reflection
The Assembly and Collective Worship have a crucial role in establishing the ethos of the school community. This will be so whether the gathering is of the whole school, or part of it. Our aim is to present learning, knowledge and experience in the light of the Christian Gospel, with the whole staff, school community, Parish and wider community contributing to the development of skills and knowledge, as well as the nature of concepts and attitudes within a caring environment.
Our school worship is of a collective nature – a gathering together – a time for expressing the values of the school, our school values are Love, Trust, Forgiveness and Endurance. Our worships are also of an inspirational nature – pupils can increase their understanding and appreciation of what others have found inspiring.
Times of Worship / Assemblies
As a Church School, it is our policy for all staff to be fully involved in Worship/Assemblies.
Below is a typical week’s worship plan – a detailed termly rota is on display in the staff room.
Monday – Classroom or Year Group worship. One Year Group to have worship time in St Andrew’s Church – led by Year Group Staff; One Year Group to have worship led by member of Sutton & Wawne Ministry team (rota)
Tuesday – Whole School Assembly – Head/SLT/Governors/Visitors
Wednesday – Whole School Assembly – often led by classes – all staff/classes on a rota over the year
Thursday – A shorter time of reflection in classes/year groups
Friday Whole School – sharing good work. Occasionally, House Assemblies/acts of worship led by House Staff.
Collective Worship Activities
In these unprecedented times it is important that we stay connected as a community. Our Christian values of Love, Trust, Forgiveness and Endurance are not only shared throughout our wider school community, but are going to be crucial on a national and global basis in the days ahead.
We would like to share with you some ideas for collective reflection with worship activities to offer a sense of normality in routines that may be missing in this extraordinary time.
These are inclusive and something that all members of households can join in with regardless of faith or no faith and give opportunities to support the spirit and ‘feed’ the inner self through calm reflection. We hope these are a source of positivity in these challenging times.
Please click the link to open the worship activity.
A prayer for the world from the Church of England:
God of love and hope,
you made the world and care for all creation,
but the world feels strange right now.
The news is full of stories about Coronavirus.
Some people are worried that they might get ill.
Others are anxious for their family and friends.
Be with them and help them to find peace.
We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists,
and all who are working to discover the right medicines
to help those who are ill.
Thank you that even in these anxious times,
you are with us.
Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe.
Amen.
More prayers for children from the Church of England:
Love is a key word in our school vision.
These prayers have been written for children and may help your child be able to share their worries at this time and share their love.
A prayer at bedtime
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
Tonight we pray especially for (names family or friends who are affected by Coronavirus) and the people of (country or place which is affected by Coronavirus).
Please give skill and wisdom to all who are caring for them.
Amen.
A prayer remembering God is with us
Lord God, you are always with me.
You are with me in the day and in the night.
You are with me when I’m happy and when I’m sad.
You are with me when I’m healthy and when I am ill.
You are with me when I am peaceful and when I am worried.
Today I am feeling (name how you are feeling) because (reasons you are feeling this way).
Help me to remember that you love me and are with me in everything today.
Amen.