It’s one of those things that feels like it is big. But is it?

It feels like we have so many new years…

September when school starts, Advent for the church calendar, January for parish finances and April for the tax year.

And maybe – if you don’t have an old fashioned paper calendar hung up at home like us - you don’t even notice the passing of the time if you rely on a google calendar or something similar. (For us - last year was endangered animals, this year is a Bristol based artist for a change)

At Church yesterday we spoke about Epiphany and the visit of the Wise Men to Jesus and the Holy family.

We took it as a moment to reflect on the year gone by and think about what we learned, what epiphanies we had - wow moments, learning experiences, moments of clarity.

We thought about the stars or signals we might be waiting for in our lives at the moment.

And we considered where we have followed God in our lives and where God might be leading us next.

We prayed this prayer:

God our Father, by whom we are called to ventures of which we cannot see the ending and by paths as yet untrodden; give us faith to go out always with good courage, knowing that in the power of your Holy Spirit we are made strong and that your love will never fail us. Amen.

My prayer is that your New Year brings you new blessings, that it brings joy and peace to you and your family.

Happy New Year everyone.

We have been thinking about how each of these might transform our world, our neighbourhoods and our school if we were to have more of them visible and attitudes that reflected them more.

I wonder whether you have had any time or space to reflect on these themes yourself.

What had you been hoping for this year? Are you still hoping for something? How might you help it happen?

What brings you joy in life – either yourself or as a family? Can you make space for more joy somehow?

Does your life, your interactions with others – in person and online – reflect what you love?

Is there something you would like more peace with?

As we get closer to Christmas, maybe you could take time to think and reflect.

Advent, like Lent, is a thinking and preparing time for Christians around the world.

It is a time when we focus our thoughts on what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will do in the world and in our lives.

May you and all those you love and care for be blessed by the God who loves the world so much that he continue to pour blessings into his marvellously created world.

Lord Jesus, light of the world, born to be a king, born to bring peace, born to be Good News for all,

Bless our world, bless our communities and bless us as we seek to celebrate your coming.

We are all God’s children. Amen.

Watching the Remembrance parade on the TV at the weekend, taking part in the Remembrance service at Church on Sunday; these all motivate us to reflect.

A number of years ago I remember reading about a lecturer who held up a jar in their class. In it they placed large rocks that represented the important things in life. The rocks reached the top. They asked the students – is it full? Yes, they replied. The lecturer then got some small stones and scattered them in and they went in the gaps between the rocks. This represented things that were quite important but not priority. Is it full now? Yes, they replied. They then poured sand in and the sand filled the spaces – this represents the normal everyday things we do all the time. Is it full now? Yes, they replied. Finally the lecturer emptied a jug of water into the jar and put a lid on. The lecturer helped them reflect that the important things would never fit if we fill our days with the ordinary and everyday, the extras, and everyone’s expectations first.

Take some time this week to consider what the important things are for you.

Reflect and give thanks for the people in your life that are the most important to you. Give them some of your time, your attention.

Consider the things in your life that take up your time – are they good for you, are they a distraction, could you look at it differently.

Pray for yourself. When we feel full and overwhelmed, ask for peace and perspective. When we need someone or something, pray for God’s provision and for the presence of the Holy Spirit. And when we feel able to, maybe consider and pray for those around you that you might help in times of stress.

May God bless you and all those who are dear to you.

May his love fill your life and show you your worth is more than you might think or believe.

May his peace, that passes all our understanding, keep your heart and mind in his love. Amen

Whether you’re the smallest, the tallest, the strongest or the one that feels afraid. 

You are welcome. 

Jesus welcomed the little children and welcomed the parents who were being told off by the disciples around them. 

Jesus welcomed the poorest and those excluded because of their health, education, cultural heritage or gender. 

And we welcome you too. 

As the children settle, we pray for them as they are served by our staff who have planned for their days and weeks with us. 

As the parents get into the school routine, we pray that those struggling, those over-thinking, those striving will feel God close to them as they seek to do their best. 

As the staff learn every new face and try to deliver lessons that are chosen especially for each child, may they feel the Holy Spirit lifting any burden of stress or worry from their shoulders. 

Gracious God send your spirit in through our gates. Fill the halls and corridors and classrooms with the joy and peace in knowing you as our God. 

Guard and guide each parent and family as they navigate this new school year and bless each child as they seek to learn all that they can. 

In the name of Jesus, bless us all. Amen.

Open wide, you aged doors

And the glorious King will come in.

Who is this glorious King?

The Lord, strong and mighty.’ (Psalm 24:7)

These past 2 weeks have seen us rejoicing with students collecting excellent results. Results that open doors, that release the gates that held them.

University places, College courses, apprenticeships and higher education await them as they see the pathways ahead stretch out in front of them.

Maybe you remember the elation, the joy of seeing doors opened to you and you considered the future looking hopeful and full of promise. We pray for those students – some I spoke to preparing to go to Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Greenwich Universities – for their aspirations, hopes and safety and we celebrate with them.

We also came alongside those students who didn’t get the results they’d hoped for. The doors were only partially opened, the gates to other directions were opened instead. In these moments, we probably all have stories of having to pivot from one direction into something different. We may reflect on the sadness or the anti-climax, the lack of confidence in what comes next and how we might step forward into something we hadn’t dreamed of.

This September we will welcome students and staff back again. We will welcome students and staff afresh.

Some will have planned this step, some will have planned differently. Even those whose plans have been fulfilled may be facing circumstances that has shaken their footing – a health diagnosis, an accident, a life-event, financial or housing problems. We pray for those.

We pray for their safety, their hopes and dreams and the daily tasks that still need to be done.

Let us – regardless of who we are and what we face – roll up our sleeves and face the year ahead with boldness and faith.

Let us – regardless of how life feels at the moment – set our jaws to the task of generously caring for ourselves and those around us with humility and the stamina that comes from God.

Heavenly God,

Open up our eyes to the vision you have for our year ahead.

Set our strength to do the best we can with what we have.

Guard our hearts and minds as we seek to serve and be served in the terms to come.

And reward us with your peace, the joy of your love, and the warmth of your presence in all we do.

Amen

The Chocolate Eggs have almost all been eaten – at least in my house. The Easter nests have gone and the homemade hot cross buns will be quite stale by the time I get round to finishing them off.

But Easter is for LIFE not just for April.

The Joy of remembering the tomb that was open and the risen Jesus meeting with His friends should carry us through and remind us of the NEW LIFE we have in Christ and the confidence we should feel from death being defeated and sin being overcome by God’s love and power.

As we go into the Summer terms, we are greeted with warm weather, the greenness of the grass, the colour of the flowers and the fruit that will grow from trees - once looking like they were dead.

May we, as the weeks extend, grow in faith and confidence – in God, in ourselves, and in the skills and subjects we are seeking to learn.

May we remind each other through encouragement and smiles the hope we have in Jesus.

Lord Jesus, who rose from the dead to show us the immense love of God;

Remind us of the NEW LIFE you have given freely.

Restore in us the strong HOPE that we are loved utterly and cared for gently.

As eggs pass away, inspire us to see your Spirit at work in our lives, our homes and our communities.

Amen.

Love is patient and Kind. Love is a many splendid thing. Can’t buy me love. Love is all around us.

Films, songs, books, paintings, photographs, and scripture are filled with stories and words of love.

This last week we have been thinking about REAL LOVE and what it would mean to show love for one another as Jesus commanded us to.

The story of St Valentine is one of courage and bravery – standing up for his faith and his devotion to the people he cared for in the 3^rd century when he lived. He wrote letters of encouragement and signed them ‘From your Valentine’. My question though is do we really know what real love is like and how can we show it in our thoughts, words and actions.

Paul says that Love is patient and kind, it is not rude, it isn’t jealous and rejoices in the truth. Love goes on. There is faith and hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13)

What would our schools and homes and cities be like if everyone showed these things in the life?

There would be more peace, and everyone would be more at peace too.

Lord God, you gave your only son to show your love for the world.

Help us to be courageous in showing love for each other.

Help us to be more patient and kind and to think of others as people loved by God.

Help us to make a fresh start everyday so that we might make the world a better place.

Amen

New things we've been given, new things we've bought, new gadgets, new toys, new phones. 

At the start of September I like new stationery - new pens, a new notepad and sometimes a new bag. It helps me to get ready for something new. 

And the New Year - well, I find the new year has a similar excitement. Watching the fireworks on the tv, celebrating something new on its way, considering what might happen in the coming year. 

Maybe you've made plans, maybe you've got something booked in. Or maybe you've got a big change coming this year. 

In the Bible, John gets a vision from God of what the kingdom of God will be like. God says 'Behold I am making all things new' and the scene is set for things to be better for everyone. Maybe we can start working on that now - making our world a little bit better for everyone. 

In this new year, what will you be prepared to do, to try, to work towards? How can our school fellowship pray for you? How can God help you through the Holy Spirit?

Lord God, creator of the heavens and Earth.

We give thanks for the year gone by and look ahead to 2025. 

May we work towards a better world:

A world full of peace, love, hope and joy. 

Send your Holy Spirit to be with us whatever we try and wherever we go. 

In God's holy name we pray. Amen. 

Well, I don’t know about you but November has been quite a year.

So much has happened that has people looking everywhere for answers.

So many questions and in these days of social media, my brain has been quite full up of information and opinions and politics and grief for the world and the way it is or the way it might be in the not too distant future.

I’ve had to stop listening to all my usual podcast because I can’t take on any more opinions about what the world will be like in the future or how many people are in distress just now.

Sometimes it feels like for all the good in the world, there seems to be an equal and opposite amount of bad, sad or mad in the world.

We would do well to focus on 3 things going forward: Scripture, prayer and care.

The disciples are warned by Jesus – that many things will fill up your head that won’t be true or they will be but they are not yours to worry about.  You just need to keep your eyes on God. Focus on Him and He will lead you.

Do you remember the still waters and green pastures, the feast to safely be at with our enemies because he is in charge – It’s in the Psalms – we need to focus on that.

In the Psalms it also says of God:

You show me the path of life.
    In your presence there is fullness of joy;
    in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

As we face the world together, let us remember the promises of God, the Hope offered through Jesus and the Joy that is being part of a community that cares.

Let us Pray.

In all these things Lord, may your will be done.

In what in in our past, may your Grace forgive us.

In our future, may you Walk with us in your Spirit.

And in all things, may we look for the Light, the Love and the Way that blesses us and other.

Amen.

They were encouraged to not only see the reason for Christmas but also challenged to see two things in a new way:

God's gifts of the world - creation, our environment and our role in looking after it. 

And why Jesus, the light of the world, was sent to show everyone how, with God, the world could be a place of light and hope and joy. 

As you and your family celebrate - however you choose - maybe spend some time considering the things in your life that feel like gifts and blessings. Spend a few moments giving thanks for the things that you value, and wonder for a while on how you might spread love, peace and joy in your own way. 

In the sadnesses we see and feel, God sends his Spirit to strengthen us and hold us safe. 

In the joys we celebrate, God encourages us to remember that they are gifts to be treasured. 

And in our lives that we live, God hopes that we will be a blessing to others as Jesus was and is a blessing to the world. 

Heavenly God, grant us sight to see you at work in our world. Grant us ears to hear your voice of love in our schools and communities and homes. And grant us voices to sing your praise and speak words of kindness. Amen. 

Welcome! Or Welcome back, if you’ve been here before.

Welcome is a funny word. A lot different from hello or hi.

It was first recorded as being used in the 1300’s and is very similar to the way European countries greet their guests. A word made up of ‘a pleasure or joy’ or ‘choose’ and ‘for my guest to arrive’.

At home we may have a welcome mat beside the door, we may offer our guests a seat, a drink and our attention. But how do we do it at school?

Staff welcome children, young people and families at the gates and welcome them inside.

Children welcome visitors to their school or classroom with a cheery Good Morning.

And classes will welcome new people by supporting them with a buddy or friend.

I wonder how parents welcome new parents, or children welcome new children.

Welcome is a powerful thing in the Bible – life-changing sometimes.

Not only do we hear of Abraham and Sarah welcoming God into their tent, or Jesus being welcomed at the house of Zacchaeus, but the disciples are told to go out into the neighbourhoods and bring good news and be welcomed into people’s homes.

As we start a new school year – what will you Welcome? Take pleasure, make a choice to invite into your home, your life, timetable?

How will you welcome the positive things that bring you joy and turn away those things that steal it?

How might you support and pray for our schools that they may continue to be welcoming and that our new starters will feel welcomed by everyone?

Lord God,

We thank you for our schools, homes and communities.

We pray that they may be welcoming to those who need to know they are loved, accepted and valued.

Help us to welcome into our lives the things that bring us joy.

Help us to turn away those things that bring us sadness and doubt.

O God, as you welcomed all people, let us welcome you into lives that we make the world a better place.

Amen.

Let me ask you a question. 

A 5yr old comes up to you, pulls at your elbow to get your attention and asks:

What is God and where is he?

What kind of words might you use, what kinds of sentences do you try? Would you find it easy or difficult?

Might you get into a tricky cycle of explaining one word with more and more? It’s easy to do. 

It can feel like that with our school vision. 

How do we explain it. 

How do describe what an ethos is and how it works. 

Why do we have a vision. 

And how does it connect us with God, connect us with each other and with the world. 

For me - It reminds us of place, people and purpose. 

It reminds us that in this place We live as family. 

Caring for each other, as we are cared for by God. 

As people of God, made in Gods image - We are reminded that as we live and learn so we grow in faith. 

Faith in ourselves and in our value as Gods children. 

And in one United purpose - we are united in fellowship. 

A fellowship of those working together for the purpose of teaching and learning, or nurturing and guiding. 

A fellowship of people called to grow in skills  serving the children and young people, the families that we meet with. 

When we describe god - do we think of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Do we think about God as creator, saviour and helper. 

Do we describe God as being up there? As being in heaven, as being elsewhere. 

Or do we bring God here. And talk about God being at work through us and through others. 

Do we remember that God is at work in our classrooms and corridors. 

At work in the lives of the children and students, the staff and parents. 

And when we worship and when we offer prayers – do we feel like we connect with God as a family, in faith, with our fellowship. 

When we raise our eyes to heaven. 

And we entwine our voices to pray the school prayer, to share the Our Father, to sing of the things we have learnt of the Lord. 

So as we seek to explore our vision and live it out each day, 

Let us remember that through all these things, we are ever connected to God as children of the same Heavenly Father.

Amen.

Let us pray:

That this day may be holy, good and peaceful,

let us pray with one heart and mind.

As our prayers rise before you, O God,

May our hearts be encouraged by the day,

May our spirits be inspired by you

And may our actions reflect the change we want to see in our schools and communities. 

God go with us 

And bring us safely back together when next time we meet. 

Amen. 

So here we are. The start of the last term before the summer break.

The beginning of the end if you like.

For some it is exciting, a chance to look at the light at the end of the tunnel and see a bright future ahead.

For others, it is a slippery slope that is getting so close, an unstoppable end point with change, endings and uncertainty coming.

I wonder which it is for you.

But looking ahead – whether we are the first or the latter person above – sometimes means that we neglect to notice the here and now. Some call it ‘being present’ or ‘mindfulness’.

Why not take a moment when you can this week to recognise where you are now. The journey you have been on since September, the things you have achieved or the hurdles you’ve managed to get past.

Our younger students have got passed their SATS, our older students are now part way through their exams. For the adults, scroll or flick through your diary and remind yourself of the times you have needed support and the times you have been more at peace.

All these things are moments to give thanks to God. St Paul – whilst shackled in prison – said that in all things we should give thanks to God. At all times pray and give thanks.

Give thanks for the present, the moments that feel like a blessing, the snippets of support and celebration that get you through each week. Give thanks for the presence of God as you need the Strength of the Holy Spirit more than usual maybe.

Father God,

Creator of all things, beginning and end, Spirit and supporter,

We give thanks for all that is past and the things we have learned about ourselves and the world.

Help us in our strong days and our weak to recognise your presence.

Encourage us to rest in you for our needs and inspire us to support others through our faith.

Remind us Lord that with you All Shall Be Well.

Amen

I’ve looked an d at no point does it suggest that any of the disciples or the great leaders of God’s people ever had to sit a ninety minute test up a small table in a large hall full of people. Or sit their SATS, pass their GCSEs or complete their A Levels.

But there were times of being tested and waiting for the time to pass.

There’s a tension in the air, people are hurrying by speaking in hushed tones waiting for the thing to happen. Serious things are afoot, the next steps are going to be harder for some than for others. Everyone is affected, no one is immune to what is going on.

But the preparation has been done, the people are ready and they sit IN FAITH and know that God is on their side. And so the Spirit of God moves over Egypt and tests the nation. And those that are faithful, those who take peace in God’s presence are rewarded. Similarly the disciples, sat in the upper room - waiting for the next steps to be shown to them - wait in faith and take peace from Jesus’ presence. And they are rewarded with the gifts of words and inspiration and courage.

We pray God’s Blessing on those who are preparing for and sitting their tests at this time.

For the parents supporting them and trying to reduce their anxiety.

For the staff who are encouraging them and reminding them and reassuring them.

For the exam staff overseeing them.

May they feel God’s presence in those places, may they take courage from all that they have done that prepares them for this time, and may they be at peace with what they have been able to achieve.

In God’s name we pray. Amen

Whether you celebrated Easter, Eid or the merely the start of British Summer Time, I hope you have found them uplifting, joy-giving and inspiring.

This new term begins with bright blue sky, driving rain, biting cold, high winds and patches of lovely warm sunshine. A true British Summers day. But with it comes uncertainty – coat or not, umbrella or not, sunglasses, gloves, rainhat, snow shovel, sunscreen or bivouac?

This term also begins like that for many of our children and young people: 

Our year 6 pupils now know there Secondary School places and hopefully most will be satisfied. 

They are however facing the prospect of SATS in a number of weeks’ time.

Similarly too, our Year 11 students are planning for their Prom whilst working really diligently towards their exams that begin in the coming weeks.

God’s people are resilient. I preached on this yesterday and we used the example of Nehemiah.

God’s people have been scattered, their identity has been knocked. Yet they still follow God and still try to hold onto their values. Their present is uncertain, their future without hope, but still they go onwards.

Regardless of the uncertainty of the world, their ability to bounce back from setbacks is equalled by their faith in a loving God who values them and encourages them.

My prayer for each of us this term is to double down on our faith – pray a bit more, worship a little more, read more if you can, and look and listen for God more.

My hope is that even if those around us are struggling and stressing – they will take courage and find peace in those of us who can offer a word of compassion and a prayer of thanksgiving.

Lord God,

Ready us for whatever is to come.

Strengthen us to journey through what we need to get through.

Inspire us to seek those things that will make us resilient.

Encourage us to support others as we also remember to care for ourselves.

Bless us as we look to you for your spirit’s touch upon our lives.

In God’s Holy name we pray.

Amen.

From the joy of the people as Jesus entered the gates of Jerusalem, to the shouts of crucify as Jesus was put before the people. Judged unfairly, punished cruelly, and painfully killed. 

From the tears of sorrow at the cross to tears of celebration at the resurrection. 

Our journey through life often echoes the rollercoaster of Easter. New life comes through planting in darkness. The seed is planted even though it appears lifeless, the egg that is laid is similarly without movement or feature but life comes forth, flowers grow between the stones because life has a way of finding a way to grow and flourish.

As much as we wish to celebrate, sometimes we have hard work to do or go through tough times to get there. In this Easter Season, let us pray for light and life to encourage us to give thanks and celebrate.

Almighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification:

Grant that we may put aside all evil and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

May God bless you this Easter.

May the cross remind you the Jesus came to bless you.

May the empty tomb remind you that sin has been between for you.

And May the signs of new life around you remind you of the living Spirit of God that goes with you through life. Amen.

When the clocks change or the year changes it take me ages to come to terms with it. If something you’ve ordered on the menu suddenly needs to change, then I am happy to go with the flow. I wonder why that is?

2024 feels like it’s going to be one of those years where we see change. Changes in the way we think about our climate. Changes to our parliament with the upcoming election.

 Our Year 6s and year 11s and 13s have some obvious changes coming towards them. They will be surrounded by encouragement to work, surrounded by things coming to an end – the lasts of everything, and the firsts of things too.

In all these moments, it is really important that we find things that will still be consistent and feel safe. The presence of family or supportive friends maybe. The security of a comfortable home perhaps. The love of God for sure.

Going forward let us pray for each other and the faith they need to face each new day. Let us support each other in whatever we are finding tricky or difficult to come to terms with.

Some words from James 1:17.

All good gifts come from the Father who loves us. His love for us never changes. 

Lord God, Creator of the universe, maker of the planets, designer of our humanity.

As we are held safely in the palm of your hand, help us to recognise the security we have in you. Remind us of your love. 

Let us give thanks for all the blessings that come from God. Amen.

 It reminds us to rejoice and find joy where we can.

Mary sings of her joy in being chosen. Paul reminds us to Rejoice in the Lord always.

 At this time, we are in a countdown. The last nativity play before Christmas, the last few days before the end of term, the last few sleeps until Christmas.

How will you count down? Are there traditions that you have to close down and get ready for the season.

 Christmas holds many things for many people – firsts for some, lasts for others. But regardless of how it hits you – it takes great skill to find joy where you can.

The joy of a life well-lived. The joy of an innocent smile. 

The joy of a song sung nicely. The joy of a heart-warming welcome.

 However the week takes you. 

May you find glimpses of joy in amongst the stresses and strains.

May the joy of the angels bring good news to you.

Amen

Do you start quite early or only feel festive when everything is done?

Maybe you don’t feel festive. Maybe this year you are not quite feeling it.

Maybe you never do.

If we look at the reason for the season, Mary and Joseph didn’t feel festive either. Both had been surprised by the events that unfolded. Both had been forced to uproot themselves for the sake of a government decree.

What followed then was a time of uncertainty and a journey that would land them in a different country until it was safe to return.

Despite the visits of angels and shepherds and the wise – they didn’t have decorations, a tree or time to shop.

Many people may be thinking about how they might celebrate this little bit of time we have together over the next few weeks. Whether we get fully into the festivities or whether we visit family and friends, we pray that this will be a time of reflection and celebration.

As Advent gets closer to Christmas – the church recognises Love coming into the world, recognises the joy and hope in a new life born in the world and the peace that comes from one intent on sharing all they had for the sake of the world.

This year, we pray for hope in a world where hope is sometimes hard to come by. We pray for love to shared and joy to be seen in the lives of those we care for and those who need it most.

And above all – wherever there is conflict, upheaval, stress, anxiety or illness – we pray for God’s amazing Peace that is beyond all our understanding to be in our hearts and homes at this Festive time.

Have a Joy-filled Christmas and we will meet again in the New Year.

Amen

 Photo by Guille Álvarez on Unsplash

It’s a funny thing to say really and I wonder what comes to mind when people say that to you or about our community or our world.

My initial action often is to look at my hands. 

I wonder when was the last time you looked at your hands and really took notice of them. What story do they tell about you? Sherlock Holmes believed that hands could tell someone’s occupation, their lifestyle choices and their history. Some people look at hands and try to tell stories of the future based on the lines and marks upon the hands.

I wonder if you look at your hands and consider whether the future is within them?

Many of our students are about to take assessments, mock exams and tests. What words or figures they write, what art they create may determine the next part of their future. As adults - what we write, how we create our online selves and what we work at - may also form parts of our future.

The Bible also talks of hands – we are held in the palms of God’s hands, the safest place to be. Jesus uses caring hands to heal and to hold, to break down barriers. At the time of the crucifixion, his hands hold him to the cross in order to show his love for the world and all those within it.

Take a moment just now. 

Hold your hands out in front of you and consider:

What will I achieve with my hands today? 

What kindness can I do, what help can I offer?

And then offer a prayer to God:

Into your hands O Lord, I put my trust.

In your hands O God, may I feel the strength that I need.

Amen.

In centuries past, names described us – either the family we belonged to or the role, the skill or the part we played in our community.

Names like Smith, Fletcher, Cooper and many more described our skills in the community.

Titles were then added to our names according to the status that were given – Lord, Esquire, Lady, Countess. Some of these can still be found in online ordering systems – especially shops like Harrods and Liberty!!

But what about our names – the names were given, the names we choose for ourselves.

Whether it is a professional name, a personal name or nickname.

In the deaf community people also have sign names that are special and unique to them.

Maybe there is a story behind your name?

Our names speak of our identity – to ourselves and to others.

Maybe you have considered what your name means to you.

Maybe you’ve considered what you want others might call you and what that means.

I am Dominic to my parents, Dom to friends and Rev Dom to hundreds of children locally.

A friend at school used to call me Donamic, whilst an adult friend called me Damien for ages.

Maybe you’ve been at a meeting or a conference when they’ve got your name wrong, or written it wrong on a badge, or introduced you in a way that you wouldn’t have chosen.

What is it about names?

Jesus called people by name. He used their names to speak to them about deep things.

It feels like he knew everyone’s names.

He spoke confidently to Zaccheus in the tree who needed to be forgiven.

He spoke calmly to Mary in the garden when she discovered his resurrection.

He spoke clearly to Peter to set him on a path to begin something amazing.

Names speak of belonging. Of knowing people and addressing them with respect and value and concern. Names help us feel known and heard and understood. They convey safety and trust.

In a moment of stillness let us recognise our own name and the names of those we love – those who come to mind instantly – those who need to be seen and loved.

In a moment of prayer let us be reminded of those who God created this world for, that Christ died for, and that the spirit seeks to bless.

O lord you search me and know me. You know when I sit or stand, my work and my rest, my words and thoughts and deeds.

Where I go, you are there, your strength and protection and love and care are with me.

I am wonderfully made, I am made in your image.

Remind us of our identity that is blessed by you.

Support us to see the amazingness of others and know them by name.

Bless us with your spirit that we might offer your blessing to others in our care.

Amen.

I even dragged around some ladders for staff to look at and reflect upon.

I encouraged them to think about us all being on a stepladder in life. Some are starting on the bottom step, whilst others have got to the top and are changing the ladders that they are on.

Our Nursery and Reception children will be taking their early steps on their Primary Ladder. Our Year 7s will be stepping onto their Secondary Ladder. Our older students will be stepping into GCSEs or stepping onto Post 16 and Post 18 courses and apprenticeship ladders.

Even us as adults are on career ladders, life ladders, health ladders or property ladders.

As we reflect on this, maybe consider where you are at the moment and if you are able to offer others a hand up or encouragement to keep climbing. Maybe you could be supporting and praying for your family members who are starting new things, ending certain stages or finding the climb tough.

Our God reaches out to us. Whenever God sent messages they were reassuring messages of ‘Do not be afraid’. God strengthens us and guides us when we have faith.

My prayer for you is that wherever you are on Life’s ladders, you understand that there are a great cloud of witnesses, in heaven and on Earth, cheering you on and willing you to succeed and find joy in all that you do.

Remember too that if you or your child or young people, are having a hard time – there are people around you (me included) that can support you and pray with you if you would like that. Seek them out or contact me in school and I will be happy to help where I can.

Take it one step at a time. We can do this.

A small part of me was sad that a beautiful day had ended but I was hopeful as I knew the sun would rise in the morning.

There are times when we are enjoying life, when the sun is shining and things seem to be going well. We enjoy these times but often spoil our own joy by worrying what the next season will hold. We forget that come what may, the sun will come up again in the morning.

It is important too to remember that when the days are gloomy and that life, like the clouds, are grey and heavy – the sun will come out again soon.

In the Bible – Jesus asks us to consider the birds of the air and the flowers in our gardens and reminds us that if these are well kept for by God, then so will we. If they don’t need to worry about tomorrow because of God’s love, then God’s love will be there for us way more than the flowers and the birds.

The night may feel long, cold and endless. But the sun is coming.

The stars may be covered and the light be clouded. But the sun is coming.

Lord God, 

As we enjoy the sunny days of life and the warmth of your love in good times, we thank you. As we work through grey days and long nights, remind us that the sun is coming and we can have hope. As we look for the light to dawn, may we look for you in our lives. May we have faith that you hear and answer our prayers. 

Amen.

It is a testing time.

For our students, there are moments when they have to dive into the depths of the knowledge they’ve received in order to make some sense of it on paper. For our staff there are moments of questioning of themselves – did we do enough, did we remember everything, will they remember everything, will they be ok? Our parents too will be worried about their young people’s performance, they will worry whether they have had breakfast, are they well rested, are they calm and relaxed, have they remembered to take a pen.

During our lives there are testing times but maybe not like the exams that are being set for our young people. There are decisions to be made, judgements to call, choices to pick. It reminds me of the lines in Ecclesiastes 3 about there being a time for everything and everything has its opposite – maybe there should be a line which says ‘there is a time for testing and time for resting’.

But through out all these things – whether we are a child, a young person or an adult – there are things we can do to deal with these testing times in the best ways possible.

The first is to PRAY – spend some time in quiet, not speaking, just breathing and listening for God. Offer up to God your stress and your anxieties, offer up the confusion and the impact of what you are facing. Imagine leaving your test with God, imagine being given the answer.

The next is PREPARE – think through what you have to do. I find it helps me to draw or write what is on my mind and make some lists. Have the conversations in your head about what you need to say. Often a sense of being well prepared helps us to reduce our stress levels and be clear about what we want to happen next.

Finally – and this is not an exhaustive list of everything – PARTNERS. Feeling alone is the biggest thing to make us feel powerless and unprepared. Partner with God and ask God to walk with you through whatever you face. Partner with someone who understands you and can support you, who you can talk with and who can ask you questions that make you think. Partner with someone who doesn’t know the details but is there for you regardless. Someone who just wants to see you supported and safe.

Lord God,

As our young people prepare for their testing times, we pray that they feel supported, that they feel well prepared and that they are surrounded by a crowd of supporters encouraging them.

As we go through testing times – whether in work, family, financial, relationship or otherwise, may we remember to pray for your peace, your guidance and your support. May we feel strong enough through your spirit to tackle what lies ahead.

And as we journey through life, send us faithful partners that support us, help us and pray for us as we do the same for them.

May the community support those who need it most. Amen 

Set aside the weather – from pouring rain on Saturday to bright warm sunshine on Sunday and then warm drizzle on Monday.

I wonder how the weekend was for you?

Did you watch the Coronation? Did you find yourself caught up with the celebrations, were you following the news, looking at the pictures or did you venture into town?

Did you celebrate at home? Did a street near you close for a party, did you see the bunting and the flags?

The Coronation was an interesting moment for the nation. Although people were divided over the need for it, the cost of it, the reason behind it – it did do something that not many other events achieve: It inspired communities to celebrate together.

In neighbourhoods near us, dining tables and chairs were brought into the street and food was prepared for neighbours as if they were friends. In Churches, tea parties were organised and doors opened to the wider community. 

When do we do that normally? When do we go to that extent to celebrate? Christmas and Easter are celebrated as families, Summer barbecues encourage friends to get together, but not a lot of other events encourage us to share with neighbours and encourage those we live near to come and meet the street.

Maybe we should do this more often? Maybe barriers would be broken down? Maybe communication and community cohesion would grow between us? Maybe our streets and neighbourhoods would benefit it ways that we couldn’t dream of?

When we meet together and eat together, something special happens. Jesus knew this, Jesus encouraged this and Jesus encourages us to keep doing this. Set out a space and invite people in. Treat them as special guests regardless of who they are to other people. Show care for others and watch as community, fellowship and faith grows.

May you be inspired to plan for the future something that brings people together in a positive way. May God bless you as you seek to know and show love for your community and your social networks. May the Holy Spirit encourage you in all that you do. Amen

How many sounds can you hear, how many colours can you see, what smells can you detect?

As Spring races towards summer, we see the trees bud and blossom, we smell the grass being cut, we hear the twittering of birds and the chatter of people walking in the sunshine (at least while the sky is blue and the sun is out).

It is a perfect time to give thanks for the beauty of the world around us. Regardless of how low we have felt through the dark months, seeing the blossoming trees turn white and pink and seeing the speedy birds flitter from tree to tree connects us to the amazing creation that is around us.

It is also worth remembering that feeling connected to nature can also reduce our anxieties and slow our heart-rates enough to breathe and regain our problem-solving skills. Can you detect 2 smells, can you see 3 colours, can you hear 4 things? Can you feel the seat underneath you and the floor that your feet are on? Can you breathe slowly for 5 breaths and slow down your thoughts.

Lord God, as we consider the beauty of nature and the wonder of your creation, 

Grant us the ability to be calmed in our most stressful moments.

Help us to feel your loving Spirit hold us, care for us, guide us.

In His most fearful moments, Jesus turned to thought and prayers – 

May we follow in His example today and everyday.

Amen.

This week is Empathy Week in schools.   

Empathy is a skill we can all try to learn to help us get close to understanding someone else's point of view. A way of considering the things that are going on in their lives before making judgements about how we would act, what we would say, what our attitude would be in the same situation. 

This week we will be encouraging our students to consider what Empathy is and what it might look like in their school days. For the younger ones, it might involve how we can act kindly and think of others before ourselves. For our older students it might be how we react to other people's words or behaviours in a more mindful way. 

Here's what the Empathy Week organisation say about it:

Empathy is a vital skill that allows us to:

• navigate, communicate and work alongside others.

• understand another's perspective.

• connect emotionally with others and the world around us.

• better understand ourselves, our own backgrounds and bias.

• navigate an ever-changing world.

• increase our own personal and professional wellbeing.

• avoid and resolve conflict - something we will all encounter whether we like it or not.

As a final thought from me, I have read a lot of the work of an American Researcher - Brene Brown. In some of her work, she challenges people to think of others like this:

Imagine the person you are cross with, frustrated about, disappointed in. Imagine for a moment that they are trying their best today. That they are doing what they can to get through today. 

It might not be your best, or what you would choose, but it could be their best today. 

Given that it's their best today, how can you respond to them in a more patient way, a more generous way, a way that gives them the benefit of the doubt. They are not maliciously trying to ruin your day, they might be doing the best they can today. 

This week, let's encourage our young people and their parents this week. Let's show skills in empathy when we can. Then let's give ourselves the benefit of the doubt too, that we're trying our best today and that we can do what we can do - we don't have to be perfect. We just need to try our best. 

Some want to know exactly what’s going to happen, others enjoy spontaneity. 

As January settles down and we get used to seeing 2023 written down, I wonder whether you are hoping for some nice surprises in your year or if you have things planned that you hope will happen. 

I am always struck by God’s big plan for his wonderful world. A big plan that expresses his love and concern for those he has created, but enough love to let us work it out in our own way and in our own time. 

Some people ask the universe for good things, others challenge themselves to work real hard to see changes in their fortunes. I like to pray. 

I pray for the plans I have, the hopes I have, the people I might meet who could help me on my journey. 

I pray about the surprises that might come my way, the things that feel like obstacles and the things that bring joy and celebration. 

My prayers extend to those who face the world and can’t imagine what the year will hold, either because they are fighting through each day or because the present time stops them from making plans. 

Please join with me in praying at this time. 

For those in need and those in joy. 

For those who plan and those who are stuck. 

For those who sense God beside them and those who have no one to turn to. 

God, like a caring father for us all,

Hear our prayers and surprise us with your love. Provide for us so that we may make plans that bring you glory. 

Amen. 

We count down the days, we ready our homes and we change things.

We change our decorations, we change our mood, we change our focus – often to family and friends and fun. 

As you prepare for Christmas – 

What will your focus be on? 

What do you want your Christmas break be like? 

What changes do you want to make?

In church our Advent candles help us prepare – for us they represent Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Jesus.

Why not consider what you are hoping for in the year to come, why not practice for a few minutes every day creating a moment of peace, why not do something that brings someone else a moment of joy, why not consider who you can tell how much you love and appreciate them. The love of Jesus is in all of these things.

Lord God, 

Send your spirit of HOPE into our lives.

Bring us PEACE – in our world and in our hearts.

Spread JOY in our communities.

Help us to share LOVE for each other.

And may JESUS be seen in everything we do this Christmas. Amen

Have a good Christmas, and see you in the New Year.

The evenings are getting darker quicker, the mornings are getting less bright, and the days are getting shorter.

Add into that the bad news we see in our country, the violence and loneliness and poverty we see in our communities, and the sadnesses we sense in our families.

What brings us light? Not the temporary, passing light that the world offers. A quick fix, a brief hit of happiness, a candle in the wind that easily goes out.

Faith, hope and charity are things that last longer, have a bigger impact on us and our mental health, and often cost less than a retail spending spree to make us feel better for a while.

Faith in a God who cares for us – regardless of our situation.

Hope in our community – through the ones who love us and encourage us.

Charity or generosity in our hearts – a smile shared, a meal offered, a drink given.

And if we have these and share them, then the light grows brighter, if we have faith then we will weather any storm – even the weeks and weeks of rain that we’ve had recently. If we have hope then these seasons of darkness will be seen as fleeting. If we gather with others, share the happiness we have and inspire each other to find joy, then the light of Christ – that darkness can never put out – will be seen even on the dimmest days.

Give thanks for faith and community.

Seek moments of hope and joy.

Pray for light and the courage to shine. Amen.

We are surprised by the reaction of so many, we are saddened by the death of the Queen. 

As a school we are thinking about belonging this term. As we explore what it is to belong to our school and community, we will think about belonging to our Federation of schools and to the nation. 

As a country we will gather to give thanks for the life of Queen Elizabeth II, we will pray for her family and the new King and we will consider the future. 

We pray for her, we give thanks for life and her service. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

We pray for her family and for the nation as we prepare for her funeral in 10 days time.

We also pray for Charles and Camilla. God save the King and the Queen Consort.

From Monday and until the funeral, there will be space in each campus to pray and offer messages of condolence.

We belong to so many things. Groups, families, clubs, and this school community. 

This week I have been asking our students what barriers they feel they have to being happy or happier. We could ask the same about what stops us feeling like we belong. 

Let’s take a moment to consider that we all belong to God. We are God’s loved children, valued for who we are - regardless of how the world looks at us. 

As we pray this week, let’s pray for those who feel lost, isolated or left out. Let’s pray for those who worry about the obstacles they see ahead of them. Let’s give thanks for belonging. Amen. 

Praise God that this year is finished and we have made it.

God give us all rest and relaxation this summer.

And God guide us on the way ahead. 

Prayers that I share with you at the end of this year -

God our Father,
we praise and thank you for the gift of this school year,
a time filled with grace and blessings,
opportunities and challenges.
With the fulfilment of our summer hopes and dreams,
watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead.
Guide us each day
and help us to return to school
with a new refreshed spirit and energy
to continue in our journey of enjoyment, achievement and learning.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Loving God,

As we reflect on the year just past and all that happened within it,

We give thanks for the times this year where you have felt near.

As we remember the tough times, the sad times, the times that we would rather forget,

Help us to learn from them and move forward.

As we consider where we are now and what we will do next,

Give us the imagination and motivation to set new goals and continue to seek your support.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord God,

From where we have come from, in faith - grant us peace and joy.

As we are here as a fellowship in this space, give us insight and help us to be humble

As we go from this place, bring us safely back to this school family.

May God bless you and all whom you care for this day and forever more.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

As we look forward to the end of this school year and consider the route through next year, many might seek strength and reassurance from their faith. It offers them the resilience they need to sit with things that are not comfortable but hopefully soon passed and it assures them that someone above it all has a direction set out for us. 

After a time of celebration with the Jubilee and Pentecost, we look forward to the summer and all that holds for us. Sunny weather, brighter days, lighter nights and opportunities to think on the year gone by. As our children and young people finish up their school year, it is always interesting to think about what we and they have learned in that time. What have we experienced, what life lessons have we understood, what have been our achievements – both in school and out.

Maybe now is a good time to reflect on the things we have seen and done, for our achievements and the hard times we have been through. To give thanks for the growing we have done, and for God’s presence in our lives.

God of Heaven, we give thanks for the days that have gone and the things we have learnt. Bless us in our efforts to be kind, joyful and lead lives that bring glory to you. Amen.

Our Year 6 students are sitting SATS, our Year 11s are preparing for their GCSEs, and many of us are feeling tested by the changes in food prices and fuel costs. All of this after feeling tested by the last 2 years. Challenging times indeed.

It is therefore more important that we remember our faith and the strength that comes from God. The Prophets were tested and remained faithful, Jesus was tested, Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Mary Magdalene were all tested. All drew strength from God and faced each new day as it came.

Lord God, our strength and our salvation,

Sustain us when we are low or feeling fragile.

Lift us when we are sinking,

Save us when we feel lost.

Give us hope to face each trial and test,

Remind us of your presence.

Amen

It’s not exactly tiredness and not quite depressed.

It’s more that the bounce is going to take some work to get going – and it may not bounce at all today.

I name it because when we name things we gain some power back in dealing with it.

To name the way you are feeling and give words to it allows us to measure it, observe it and process it.

I’ve been speaking today with some students about the power of words.

They have the power to hurt and the power to heal. 

They have the strength to cut down and the strength to lift up.

They have the glue that sticks us down or the glue that holds us together.

There are words of blessing being spoken over us by the angels in heaven and the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

There are words of love and encouragement in the pages of our Bibles that speak worth and value into your very bones.

Not because you’ve got your planning and reports done, but because you are made in His image.

Not because you’re class is the best behaved and neatest, but because He loved you enough to sacrifice everything for you.

And not because you have everything together but because he knows how fragile we are sometimes - and after all you are a child of God.

I was struck by the number of elders in the Bible who are tasked with sharing wisdom and encouraging questions of the younger people around them. It made me wonder how many opportunities we offer for us to share our journey of faith with the young people we know.

One of the speakers said something very profound and so I share it with you: It is more important that we share our journeys than to just tell young people what the destination looks like. In a way – it’s more beneficial that we describe how we got to an answer than just giving the total.

Imagine if we created a community that nurtures faith, encourages growth and makes questioning safe.

I can imagine the Kingdom of God on earth looking like that. I hope that our school can become a place like that.

And then we would echo our school prayer – where our school would be a bit like heaven. 

Have a good term.

Please use this day to talk about prejudice and the promise of hope.

Please encourage people to share their lived experiences and their desire for genuine connection and belonging.

Please remember that as a community we support each other, pray for each other and value each other.

May the works of God be seen clearly in our community. Amen.

Like the triumphant first notes of the theme and the scrolling words moving up the screen at the start of a Star Wars film, 

I wonder what our stories will be as we share our summers, and for some the time between March and now.

As the words scroll we see the stories that form and frame the next part of our journey together.

It tells of adventures or struggles, of excitement and tears and the last few lines set us up for what happens now.

What are the stories we will tell others?

What are the stories we keep to ourselves?

Are we looking with energy and excitement at what will come in the next seven weeks?

Or is it with trepidation and concern that we step into each week as it comes?

Either way, our stories continue and these stories have the power to define us and set our daily paths.

As we daily step into school, will we face them with strength and a smile?

And how will our stories affect those that we will meet? 

Will we be sending out waves of peace and love – forces stronger than fear and anxiety.

Will we equip others to be positive about their days ahead, positive about the faith that has strengthened them.

This week, let us write our own opening sentences to frame a positive year regardless of what the world brings to us.

This term, let us help others to write their lines with thoughts for faith and love and community and family and fellowship.

And This Year, let us invite God to be at the centre of all we do, guiding us safely into each day. Amen.

Spirit of the Living God,

Fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me.

Spirit of the Living God,

Fall afresh on me.

https://starwarsintrocreator.kassellabs.io/#!/CMG8JXWW2Fk69BX7up8i

I sing songs from them, listen to them on my phone, have been to see some in the West End over the years, 

and watch them on the telly when I have chance. And one of my favourites is The Sound of Music.

I still love the songs and especially ‘So Long, Farewell’

Or Superman running into a phone box and exits changed and ready for the next thing.

Or Batman or Batgirl who slides down their poles and their complete wardrobe and mindset has altered.

Recording tracks of music off the radio or albums that we had.

Creating our own album of music to listen to in the car, in our room or in even more romantic circumstances – to a friend.

We would share tapes that summed up how were feeling or what most said ‘This is Me!’

It feels like hard work to get up and get going.

The day seems to take extra energy to get momentum, to find traction and to gain ground.

It’s days like these we are thoughtful for the things we have lost and the moments missed.

But that’s not a bad thing.

Will it be other people into the place where you are or will it be new things into your life.

I remember the moment I welcomed Jesus into my life. But you can ask me about that later.

I remember the refuse collectors at 7am this morning and in my heart, 

I welcomed them into the street as our bins definitely need emptying in this warm weather. 

As I go into school this week, other people will welcome me too.

And we welcome in so many different ways – if we imagine the word meaning ‘well come’ or good visit then so many people have cleaned, sanitised readied rooms and prepared so much for people to arrive. 

As we now get to the stage of being able to welcome others into our gardens and our homes, we also welcome many back into our lives that we have not seen for a very long time.

And I wonder what welcome we will have ready for these people.

But what about those that have very few people to welcome them? And what about those who have struggled with the time we have been through and will struggle again to get slowly back into our communities again. And those that have lost more than we did?

Not moths as my wife might comment: Cards!

Membership cards, loyalty cards, points cards, stamp cards, lots of them.

And they tell a story of two things – 

If there’s something free that you can get then I’ll work for it.

I’m part of many different things and have evidence to show my support for them in some way.

It is everywhere. On shelves, in cupboards, even under foot.

There is not a room in our house without Lego in it.

These small plastic building blocks are part of the building blocks of our family life.

I wonder what building blocks are part of your family life.

This is part of the Gospel reading set out for today.

It is a timely reminder of the care we give our children and young people and the nurturing we do of them and their faith.

Joy is not about excited, exuberant, ecstatic moments with fireworks being let off and million-pound mansions being won in prize draws.

Joy is not about belly laughing all the time, crying tears of laughter and doubled up with the pain of it.