Church and worship

Our Christian ethos

We work closely with our local and associated church, St Thomas a Becket  as well as with our local community.  We value the contribution that everyone makes to school life, placing importance on the welfare of individuals. It is our aim that at the end of our pupils’ time at Northaw Church of England School they will have developed a sense of achievement and self-esteem as a result of their experiences here and will leave us for their secondary school, happy, effective learners, with a positive attitude to life long learning.

5th July 2019

This week in worship we have been focusing on Jesus being ‘the light of the world’. In His life on earth Jesus brought light and joy to many people who felt that their lives were dark and without hope. Jesus told his friends to follow his example of service to others, and down the ages people have been doing just that.

Oak class have been researching some modern day social action personalities such as Nelson Mandela, Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Fry. The children have produced some very thoughtful written work about these people, including some questions they would ask them if they could.

28th June 2019

To celebrate Happiness Day as part of our Get Active Week, we started the day with a collective Mindfulness session. We thought about what made us happy and how we could help to bring happiness in to the lives of others.

We ended our assembly by dancing as this was something many children said brings them joy.

21st June 2019

This week the children have been creating masterpieces that represent the Trinity.

Today we held a special Trinity assembly; each class showed and shared their artistic representations. Please look out for photos on the website.

We also talked about change. Year 6 were asked what has changed in our school since they have been here. All the children were asked what has changed in their family. This links to our school vision “Living for today, learning for tomorrow, forever in faith” which was derived from a bible verse found in Hebrews, Chapter 13 verse 8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.

In worship on Tuesday Mrs Burton told the story of Saul who became Paul. She blindfolded one of the children and asked another child to give him directions.

14th June 2019

This week we have continued to talk about Pentecost and in particular the ‘fruits of the Spirit’. Mr Napoleon asked the children to think about different types of fruit; what they look and taste like, where and how they grow, when they grow, and what makes them good. Is it the richness in their colour? The softness of the peal? Their shape?

In the Bible, Paul talks about fruit but he doesn’t mean the fruit we eat. He means the qualities a person may have to be a good and faithful follower of Christ. Paul writes “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”. Galations chapter 5 verses 22 -23

7th June 2019

This week in worship we have been looking at “Ascension”. This is the time when Jesus, having appeared to His disciples after His crucifixtion, ascended into heaven to return to His Father.

“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven”. Luke Chapter 24 verses 50-51

We talked about how the disciples must have felt when Jesus left them. Were they afraid?

On Wednesday Mrs Whales delivered an assembly about ‘Fear’. She read the story of Daniel in the lion’s den which tells us that, although Daniel might have been afraid, he trusted in God’s promise that no harm would come to him and it didn’t!

24th May 2019

This week our Reflection Rangers delivered an assembly using the story “Giraffes can’t dance” to help us focus on the values of resilience and respect. Afterwards the children spoke about how the story reminded them of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.

On Tuesday, Oak class went on a Faith Tour at Queens Park in Bedford. This collaboration of multi faiths gave the children an opportunity to visit a Sikh Gurdwara, a Mosque and an Anglican Church and learn more about these different faiths. The tour also demonstrates how different faiths can live in friendship, peace and tolerance of each other. A truly educational experience!

17th May 2019

In this week’s worship we have continued to look at Bible stories that tell of Jesus appearing after his death on the cross.

We heard about Thomas who didn’t believe the other disciples when they told him they had seen Jesus.

“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John. Chapter 20. Verses 25 – 29.

This reminds ask that it is often good to ask questions; to test things out not just take things at face value. Sometimes we don’t ask because we are embarrassed or ashamed. Jesus encouraged Thomas to find out for himself.

10th May 2019

In worship this week we have been thinking about how other people recognise us, not just by our looks but in our personalities and mannerisms.

We heard a part of the Bible story about the Road to Emmaus which is found in Luke Chapter 24 verses 13 – 35. It tells of Jesus appearing to some of the disciples after His death and how they didn’t recognise Him at first.

On Wednesday we thought about our responsibility to care for the planet. Plastic Free Day highlighted just how much plastic we have in our lives. It also made us think of ways we could eliminate some plastics such as carrier bags and single use bottles.

3rd May 2019

On Tuesday, we were privileged to have a special visitor from the Jewish community come and talk to the children during assembly. His name was Reynold Rosenberg and he was from the Whisper Project. During the assembly, he told the children the ‘Passover’ Bible story and explained why it is important in the Jewish faith. Following on from this, Oak class had a workshop where they discussed the Hebrew people’s exodus from Egypt and how God dictated the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. As part of this session, the children were able to try Matzah (unrisen bread eaten during the Passover festival), and had lots of their questions about Jewish beliefs and customs answered.

26th April 2019

This term we will be focusing on the 6Rs as part of our worship theme and how they link with our school vision: Living for today, learning for tomorrow, forever in faith. This week we started with a discussion about ‘Respect’ and what it means to the children. We talked about how it is ok to be different, yet we should treat everyone the way that we would wish to be treated. Children have been asked how we can show this respect in school.

We also discussed the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus’ life and how in the Gospel according to Luke she followed Jesus and his Disciples in spreading the good news of the kingdom of God. She was first to notice that the stone had been rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. A reading from the Gospel according to John was our reference in the first station of the resurrection.

5th April 2019

In worship this week, the Reflection Rangers focused on justice in the context of ‘playing fairly’. They reflected on how Jesus spent his life on earth helping and healing those in need. Sports captains followed this up by introducing a new initiative- noticing children who play well together! These children will be rewarded with a special mention at the end of each week.

On Good Friday, Christians remember that what happened to Jesus was not fair or just. Jesus was not a criminal; he was God’s precious son. But out of what happened to be the darkest day, God brought hope to the world.

29th March 2019

This week we welcomed Wendy and Alex from The Whisper Project came in to talk to children about The Easter Story. They delivered worship to the whole school and then worked in A&Ps and Willow classes to talk about the deeper questions of Eucharist, Easter and a range of Christian practices.

Sometimes life throws up obstacles that come between our generous intentions and our actions – anything from an overflowing to-do list to a life-changing diagnosis. Even in the toughest times, we always have opportunities to give. How can you be generous today, from right where you sit? In the most extraordinary act of generosity the world will ever know, God offered His son, Jesus, as a gift to all. We need only say thank you.

22nd March 2019

In Church on Monday we listened to the ‘Parable of the Lost Son’ which is found in the book of Luke. Ch15 verses 25-31. In the story, we hear how one of the other sons didn’t think it was fair that the lost son should be welcomed back home by his Father. After all, the boy had squandered and wasted all that his dad had given him. His brother didn’t think justice had been served.

15th March 2019

This week we have been continuing to explore the Christian value of Justice. On Wednesday, Thalea from the charity Save the Children talked to the children about global justice and the charity’s efforts in promoting children’s rights in the UK and across the world-especially the rights of children living in the worst forms of poverty and deprivation or affected by conflict. She presented us with a certificate in recognition of our fundraising efforts so far; this amounts to £755.58. A further £82 from last week’s mufti day is not included. Thank you.

Yesterday we emailed a form to you about ‘Giving Back for Lent’. Please take a moment to let us know of the good deeds accomplished by your children.

8th March 2019

This week Mrs Cullingford asked the children to think about which of our senses is the most important. Figures show that 80% of our sensory perception comes through vision. She told a story about a blind beggar who was helped when a lady altered the wording on his sign. The lady was unable to give him his sight back but her actions had a positive impact on his wellbeing.

In assembly on Wednesday, Mr Napoleon talked about social injustice and standing up for what’s right. He referred to a book called "The Yellow Star" which tells the story of the King of Denmark and how he stood up to the Nazi invaders during World War II. Danish Jews were instructed to wear a yellow star by the Nazis, however the King, who wasn’t Jewish said he would wear one as well, which led to all the Danish people wearing them so the Jews were not singled out.

1st March 2019

Our value this half term is Justice. We will be discussing what Justice is, what it looks like, where it is needed and how it can be achieved.

In assembly this week Mrs Whales asked Nicholas to dress up in a super hero costume. The children have been invited to design a logo and choose a name for our school super hero.

In Worship, tying in with the season of Lent, we have started to talk about the "Stations of the Cross" – there are 14 in total and they take us through the journey that leads to Christ’s crucifiction.

15th February 2019

In Worship on Monday we heard about love persevering. In Corinthians Chapter 13 verses 7-8 the Bible says

"It (Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away".

8th February 2019

This week in worship we have heard lots of stories about lost things. On Monday we heard The Parable of the Lost Coin. Luke15:8-10. Later in the week we heard about the Lost Sheep. These stories tell of people who persevere in looking for lost things. But the parables reflect God’s perseverance in loving us. He never gives up! 

1st February 2019

In worship, Rev’d Kilgour told us about Candlemas. This is a traditional Christian festival that commemorates the ritual purification of Mary forty days after the birth of her son Jesus. On this day, Christians remember the presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple. In the Gospel of Luke we hear about how Mary was met at the Temple by Simeon, a very old man who had been waiting for the Messiah. When he saw Jesus he declared "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

Later in the week Mrs Burton told the story, of Gerald the giraffe in Giraffes Can’t Dance. She also played the children a song by Bruno Mars and the Sesame Street gang about never giving up. The children really enjoyed the music.

25th January 2019

Perseverance can be demonstrated in many ways. Whether it’s physical training in sport or tackling the weeds in the garden; both require determination and a will to succeed! Another demonstration of perseverance can simply be waiting patiently and trusting God’s plans – just as farmers do after their hard work in planting their crops.

In Church on Monday, we heard the familiar story of The Prodigal Son. You may recall how a father was delighted when his son returned home. But if we look deeper into the story we see how the father never gave up hope for his son’s return. Because this is a parable, it reflects God’s relationship with mankind; His perseverance in us; His patience with us as and His overwhelming love for us.

18th January 2019

In worship this week we have continued to look at Perseverance.

On Monday Rev’d Chris talked about God’s perseverance with man. In the book of Genesis we read about how Adam and Eve disobeyed God, but although He punished them He kept offering mankind forgiveness, ultimately through His son Jesus.

In Hebrews Chapter 12 verses 1-2 the Bible says "Let us run with perseverance the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end".

On Tuesday Mrs Whales talked about perseverance being slow and steady - not a "quick fix". She retold the story of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ to illustrate the resilience needed to achieve success.

11th January 2019

Our value this term is Perseverance.

During worship we will be looking at how perseverance features in the Bible. This week we have started with Epiphany. Epiphany means "to show, make known, reveal".

Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the wise men who came to see Jesus Christ soon after he was born. These wise men used perseverance to visit the baby Jesus. They travelled great distances at a time when there were no cars or planes.

20th December 2018

As the school term and 2018 draws to a close, it is a good time for Reflection.

Not only a time to look back at all we have done this year, but also to reflect on how well we did things.

Sometimes we can look back and see where God was working in our lives and situations. Trusting that He is with us in all we do is a great platform on which to start the new year!

3rd December 2018

We have continued to think about trusting God’s promises this week. Revd Chris told us about Isaiah, who was a Prophet in the Old Testament. Isaiah foretold about the birth of Jesus 800 years before it happened! He was the first person to call Jesus "Emmanuel" (which means ‘God with us’)

The first Advent Candle, which is purple, represents the Prophets.

26th November 2018

Our worship on Monday focused on a story about trust from the Bible found in the book of Daniel.

It tells of three men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who would not worship the false gods as instructed by King Nebuchadnezzar. They were very brave and did the right thing even though they knew they might be killed. They trusted that God would look afer them.

They were thrown into a furnace, but they did not perish.

19th November 2018

Our worship this week has been looking at Truth and Trust. Why we should tell the truth and how we should trust people to tell the truth.

Mrs Whales used the story of Blondin, the tightrope walker as an example of trust. Crowds watched Blondin walk over Niagara Falls, he even walked along the tightrope with a wheel barrow. He then asked if anyone would volunteer to sit in the wheel barrow while he walked across – only one little old lady stepped forward. She got into the wheelbarrow and trusted him to take her across safely. The lady was his mot

12th November 2018

How much do we trust God?

In worship on Monday Rev’d Chris told the story of the parting of the Red Sea. The Israelites trusted that God would lead them out of Egypt, it must have been scary for them, but their trust was well placed

"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left". Exodus 14. Ch 21-22

5th November 2018

This half term our value is "Trust".

Through our assemblies and worship we will be thinking about who we should trust and who we do trust.

Trust is an integral part of our relationships; with family, friends, work colleagues, schools, doctors, ministers to name but a few.

Our human frailty means that sometimes trust can be lost. Our focus in worship will be trusting God’s plan for all of us.