Summer 1 2024- Perseverance 

This half term our new Christian value is Peseverance.

'We will Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12: 1-2

We will be wondering why St Paul described life like a race and what it means for Christians when it says ‘The road marked out for us?’ If we want to get better at something we have to keep working at it and persevere. Is it always about winning? Or being the best you can be? Athletes have to eat the right food, get enough rest, train and practice, improve their technique – over time. How can we apply these skills to our lives in school? How might Christians use this example to be more like Jesus? 

“As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Many people have the wrong idea about God, the Bible and humility, or being humble. They think being humble means grovelling in front of others or thinking they are no good and others are better. That’s not what the Bible says. God says when you are humble, you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. 

• Lent, a humble time for Christians, begins during half term on Wednesday 14^th What are children planning on giving up?

PSHE Links – Dreams and Goals

It is important that we have dreams and goals but these we should not forget our place in God’s world when forming them.  Celebrating achievements should be free from arrogance. 

Friends are incredibly important as children grow up. As part of this value we consider how to be a good friend and how to encourage each other. Friendship is a key concept in the Christian framework with Jesus being criticised for being a ‘friend of sinners’.

Jesus tells stories about a heavenly banquet to which all are invited. The barriers between people are broken down in a loving community based around God.

True friendship allows each person to grow, to become themselves. This ensures that the unique individuality of each person is recognised, echoing the value placed by God on the preciousness of each person.

Songs like ‘What a Friend we Have in Jesus’ remind us of the relationship which is at the heart of Christian believing.

Autumn 2- Peace

Definition: Peace is God’s intention for the whole of creation. The Hebrew term for peace, ‘shalom’, has a deep and complex meaning, encompassing much more than simply the absence of hostility or war. 

In Jesus’ message, peace is an almost tangible element. It is his gift to his disciples. Paul describes God as the God of peace, the Christian message is called the ’gospel of peace’ and peace is one of the ‘fruits of the Spirit’. Jesus told us not to worry or be concerned about material things for God knows our needs.

Jesus blesses those who are ‘peacemakers’ and calls them ‘sons of God’. 

In school we will be thinking about peace- how we can come to God/ Jesus for peace when we need it, what being at peace means and how we can work together to have peace in our school, families and friendships.

 Autumn 1 - Justice

Summer 2- Compassion

 Christians believe the Bible teaches that God is a God of compassion. God feels the suffering of people. God’s compassion is expressed in his mercy, his kindness, patience, grace, forgiveness and love’. Many Christians believe they are called to be a compassionate people. 

“Compassion is an action word with no boundaries” Prince

The Hebrew word for compassion is taken from the root word rechem, which means ‘womb’ and a similar word in Greek splagchnizomai (the inward parts, i.e. guts!). When Jesus was ‘moved with compassion’, it speaks of this kind of gut-wrenching feeling, a feeling that demands an active response.

Compassion is about suffering (the meaning of ‘passion’) with others – when others feel pain, we come alongside them. We feel their pain and do what we can together to alleviate it. Compassion means you want to help – and you do help.

‘When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick’ Matthew 14 v 14

This half term we will be thinking about 'compassion' and how we can put our faith into action by helping those around us. 

 Summer 1 - Thankfulness 

This half term we will be exploring the Christian value of Thankfulness during worship.  What can we be thankful for? What does the Bible say about thankfulness? 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

JAMES 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1 CHRONICLES 16:34 (ESV)

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Spring 2  Christian Value- Forgiveness

This half term in worship we will be focussing on ' Forgiveness' in whole school and class worship times. Please can the children bring in something to their class worship on Weds 1st March which links to this value- this could be a photo, newspaper article, piece of art or an object. They will be sharing these with their class. 

 Spring 1 2023- Christian Value- Love 

This half we will be finding out more about 'Love' in our Collective Worship and class Worship times. 

 Autumn 2 2022- Joy in serving others 

This half term are Christian value is Joy- how we can find joy in serving others. This will link  to Inter faith week which begins on 14th Nov. Our theme for this year is :   

Theme: "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us." Jo Cox

How do all religions put their faith into action by serving and helping others?

Across the week all year groups will be taking part in a variety of activities.

What does the Bible say about serving others? 

HEBREWS 13:16

"Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices."

Acts 20 

35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Matthew 5

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 Serving God is one of the most important principles of the Christian faith, as believers are expected to help the church with a joyful spirit. “Love one another.” “Care for one another.” “Pray for one another.” “Encourage one another.” “Help one another.” “Counsel one another.” “Support one another.” 

Autumn 1 2022-  Hope

How is your hope? Does it bounce back after being hit? Does it cause you to doubt when you lose hope in a situation? God knows that we all struggle with finding and holding onto hope. When you are facing tests of faith, even the strongest Christians can find it a challenge to find hope.

 Everyone needs to be reminded from time to time of the hope that God, Jesus, and the Bible offer to us in our daily lives.

A Prayer for Hope: Lord, I maintain my hope in You and I hold onto the assurance that what I am praying for is already accomplished in the name of Jesus. Your Word promises “no good thing does He withhold from those that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). I wait upon You for Your definition of the “good thing” You will not withhold from me. As David prayed in Psalm 18:1: “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

This half term we are focusing on the value of 'Hope' in our worship times.