We are starting the second half of the Autumn Term by learning about the Christian Value of Friendship.  Over the next half term we will be taking part in a number of ‘Friendship’ activities during Collective Worship and across the school.

Sharing a meal with someone is an explicit sign of friendship and the word ‘companion’ literally means ‘one with whom you share bread.’

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Jesus tells stories of the heavenly banquet to which all are invited.

The barriers between people are broken down in a loving community around God and Jesus had stern words to say to those who refused to recognise that all are included in this community of friendship.

The Bible has many sayings about friendship:

‘A friend loves at all times.’

Proverbs 17:17

Friends are not afraid to tell each other the truth and a friend’s loving criticism is worth more than the empty compliments of someone who does not really care for you.

‘Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.’

Proverbs 27:6

The writer of Ecclesiastes puts it very simply:

‘if one falls down, a friend can lift him up’

(Ecclesiastes 4:10)

The friendship of David and Jonathan is very strongly emphasised in the Bible, Abraham is described as the friend of God (James 2:23) and Jesus explicitly calls his disciples not servants but friends (John 15:14 – 15).

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The Christian Value we are particularly focusing on this half term is Respect.

As Moses approached the presence of God in the burning bush, God said to him: “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

This scene captures something of the essence of reverence and respect.

Respect for God extends to respect for all creation, including all people, animals and our environment. In our school children and adults show respect for each other, their belongings and their environment.

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech”

– Titus 2:7

It would be wonderful to see a large proportion of the children taking part in the home-school challenge. You can explore this value at home using the resource on the right.

The Christian Value we are particularly focusing on this half term is Trust.

Trust is the very essence of faith; trust in the God who is trustworthy. ‘Trust in the Lord’ is a central theme in the Psalms. Time and time again, God is acknowledged as the source of all true security and strength. This is contrasted with trust in chariots, horses, weapons, wealth or princes (Psalm 20:7; 118:8-9).

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We can easily think of the modern day equivalents. Trust is central to civilised society, to living together in harmony, so it is to be valued and honoured. With wisdom and discernment, we can relearn to trust. We can begin to rebuild trust in our mistrustful society by being reliable ourselves, by not letting people down. Similarly, when we work with others, if we are willing to let go of control ourselves and trust in the abilities and integrity of others, everyone can be enriched. Jesus, after all, entrusted his ongoing work to his disciples and ultimately to us.

At Elvington Church of England School we care about others showing gentleness, kindness, forgiveness and honesty in all our relationships.

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.’

Proverbs 3:5-6

It would be wonderful to see a large proportion of the children taking part in the home-school challenge. You can explore this value at home using the resource on the right.

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The Christian Value we are particularly focusing on during this Spring term is Perseverance.

Christians believe that Jesus is with them in every challenge that they face in their lives. Just like a good trainer standing at the end of a finishing line in a race who encourages the runner to keep going.

‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’

Philippians 4:13

Whenever we persevere with something there is always a reward at the end; it may be a medal or a certificate but our reward might also just be a sense of achievement we feel deep inside.

It would be wonderful to see a large proportion of the children taking part in the home-school challenge. You can explore this value at home using the resource on the right.

Click for a larger .pdf version!

We are starting the second half of the Autumn Term by learning about the Christian Value of Friendship.

Over the next half term we will be taking part in a number of ‘Friendship’ activities during Collective Worship and across the school.  The aforementioned will be linked to Remembrance and its power to unite people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, while also remaining deeply personal.

Jesus tells stories of the heavenly banquet to which all are invited. The barriers between people are broken down in a loving community around God and Jesus had stern words to say to those who refused to recognise that all are included in this community of friendship.

The writer of Ecclesiastes puts it very simply:

“If one falls down, a friend can lift him up”

Ecclesiastes 4:10

It would be wonderful to see a large proportion of the children taking part in the home-school challenge. You can explore this value at home using the resource.