(Taken from the Lectionary for the Sunday of that week)

(The current SIAMS framework has a greater focus on theology.)

(Remember to think how your collective worship is an expression of your School Vision and how you will measure impact. Think about whether a suggested resource is suitable for your context)

See key for Primary Resources (end of document)

Invitational; Inclusive; Inspiring Impact

(Think about the words, can they be sung with integrity?)

Also: See suggested resource –

https://www.prayerspacesinschools.com/prayer-spaces-at-home

2023

Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome. He challenged them to live out their faith in the way they loved and served others. He recognised that there would be a cost to do this, some of the Christians in Rome faced persecution.

Matthew 16:21-28

Jesus knew that he was going to die, it was not an easy road to take and so Jesus rebuked Peter for challenging the path he was taking. Jesus then went on to say that his followers should be willing to take up their crosses too, to experience humiliation and even death, but God would their reward their perseverance.

Facing challenges to love others and put them before yourself

https://www.assemblies.org.uk/pri/3859/corners-of-love

Secondary:

https://www.assemblies.org.uk/sec/2410/selfsacrifice

https://www.assemblies.org.uk/sec/3855/love-without-limits

Brother, sister let me serve you.

We are walking in the love of God

Is there anybody you find hard to love but love them anyway?

Do you believe that God loves everybody?

Challenge: This week show loving-kindness to someone in your class or family. Put them before yourself.

Pray: Thank you God for loving me, help me to show your love to others. Amen

2023

Paul reminds the Christians in Rome to love others as you love yourself. Love is at the heart of God’s law and should guide people in how they live and relate to each other.

Matthew 18:15-20

Here Jesus gives practical advice in how to settle a disagreement. Love should be the over-riding principle.

ST Everton & Liverpool (E5)

LS -Proper 18

Primary:

https://www.assemblies.org.uk/pri/3559/pause-for-thought-making-up

Secondary:

Google Desmond Tutu – Truth and Reconciliation and/or Corrymeela- Northern Ireland

Make me a channel of your peace.

I’ve got peace like a river.

Lord, I pray – forgiveness song (Out of the Ark)

How did you restore your friendship?

Challenge: Can you make some first steps in healing a broken friendship?

Pray: Thank you God that we can be your friend. Help us to be a good friend to others, Amen

Paul tells the Christians in Rome not to judge others.

Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus tells a parable in response to the question about how many times should we forgive someone.

AT -Don’t stop forgiving

LS – Proper 19

Corrie ten Boom forgives guard from concentration camp (see YouTube)

Challenge: Choose to forgive someone, even if you don’t feel like it

Pray: Thank you God that when we are sorry for the bad things we do, that you forgive us. Help us to forgive others too. Amen

Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi from prison, he was facing death, but still had hope in God, whatever the future brought and embraced all God had for him.

Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus’ parable gives insight into the values of the Kingdom. Everyone is welcome no matter how young, old, or close to death. It’s not to do with how long you’ve been in service.

SpT – Blaise Pascal (I5)

ST – The Black Madonna (K3)

LS – Proper 20

The example of William Kamkwamba – The boy who harnessed the wind (Google search William Kamkwamba faith)

The example of Dr Charles Drew, Christian medical researcher who overcame prejudice and made ground-breaking discoveries in the storage and processing of blood for transfusions and managed two of the largest blood banks during WWII.

The Lord’s my shepherd.

I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

He’ll be there (Out of the Ark music) Count your blessings (Out of the Ark).

What a friend we have in Jesus (Out of the Ark).

Challenge: Encourage someone you know that is facing a challenge. What can you  do to help then in some way or show that you care?

Pray: Father God, we pray that you will help us when things are difficult. Please help me with…Thank you that you hear my prayers. Amen.

The Christians in Philippi are divided, and Paul wants them to humbly serve each other to bring unity. He reminds them of Jesus’ example, in coming as a servant.

Matthew 21:23-32 Jesus’ authority is questioned by the religious leaders. He tells a parable about two sons, neither do what they say. However, one son eventually does the right thing.

Brother, sister let me serve you.

When was the last time you put someone before yourself? What did you do?

Challenge: Do a random act of kindness this week.

Pray: Father God, Thank you for the people in my life that are kind to me. I thank you for…. Help me to be kind to others too. Amen

The prophet Isaiah lived about 700 years before the birth of Jesus. The vineyard was symbolic of the nation of Israel, but they had not followed God’s commands. Isaiah warns them that although God loves them judgement is coming. (They were later taken into exile in Babylon.)

Matthew 21:33-46

Jesus tells a parable; he also uses the symbolism of the nation of Israel as a vineyard. The tenants are the religious leaders who have not acted as God (the vineyard owner) required, the servants are the prophets and the owner’s son is Jesus.

Living as God wants his people to live.

36 RTR – Jesus teaches responsibility for those in need

LS – Proper 22

Think about choices, God has given free will, explore what that means in how we live, spend time and money.

One more step along the world I go.

Challenge: Help someone this week. Could you help someone in your class? Home? Street?

Pray: Thank you God for all you have given me. Help me to use what I have to help others. Amen

Paul reminds the Christians in Philippi to be faithful; work for unity; rejoice in what God is doing; have the right attitudes towards each other and focus on wholesome things.

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus told this parable. God’s people automatically expected to God’s banquet but chose to ignore the invitation. The guests who were then invited wouldn’t have expected to get in. However, there is a warning in the one guest who is ejected, he has not responded in the right way.

Living a life that pleases God.

St Luke the Evangelist’s Feast Day (18 October)

LS – Proper 23

Examples of Christians working together for others: Churches Floating Shelters/ Street Pastors

The Lord’s my shepherd.

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.

Give thanks with grateful heart I will sing your praises (Father God I wonder

Challenge: Can you think of something to be thankful for every day for a week? Are some days easier than others? Why/why not?

Pray: Thank you God for all the good things in my life. Help me to remember that all good things come from you. Amen

The writer of this Psalm was commentating on how following God’s laws in the Bible would affect the way a person lived. Their life would bear ‘fruit’, good work that could be seen by others.

Matthew 22:34-40

The Jewish Scriptures contained 613 laws, but Jesus summed them up in two: Love God and Love other people. In following these two laws all the others would also be kept (those that love others do not murder, lie or steal etc).

The story of Mary Jones and the Bible Society

The story of William Tyndale

Secondary:

https://www.assemblies.org.uk/sec/3967/a-good-read

Brother, sister let me serve you;

Love the Lord your God (Out of the Ark)

Do you believe that God ‘speaks’ to people through what they read in the Bible? Why/why not?

Challenge: Borrow or read a story from a children’s Bible, you could start with a story from Jesus’ life, or Mark’s Gospel. If  you don’t own a Bible, you can find one at your local library or at your school.

Pray: Thank you for your word to us in the Bible. Help us live in a way that pleases you. Amen

Jesus’ followers are imperfect people, but a time is coming when they will become more like Jesus.

Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus teaching here is known as the Beatitudes. Jesus teaches about those who are blessed. God is with those who suffer and struggle, who have nothing, are oppressed and persecuted.

All Souls’ Day (2 Nov)

Although we may think of saints as holy people who are recognised by the church, the Bible also refers to anyone who is a follower of Jesus as a saint.

AT – All Soul’s Day (B4)

LS – All Saint’s Day

You may wish to look at the Saint your school is named after or how this festival is celebrated by Christians in other parts of the world.

Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Oh when the Saints go marching in.

Challenge: Encourage someone, tell them what good qualities about their character you admire.

Pray: Thank you for the people who inspire us. Thank you for… Amen.

Paul encouraged the Christians in Thessalonica who are concerned about what will happened to those who have died before Jesus’ return. They have nothing to worry about.

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus tells a parable. Nobody knows the time that Jesus will return, his followers are to remain alert and keep doing good.

Being prepared – living to tackle injustice/ Preparing for the return of Jesus

LS – Third Sunday before Advent

Remembering those who have died in or as a result of conflict.

Give me oil in my lamp.

We will remember (Out of the Ark)

The writer of this Psalm encourages the reader to have a right view of their life and live as God wants, being wise each day.

Matthew 25:14-30

The key to this parable is to be faithful with what God has given, the parable warns that those who do nothing will find themselves with nothing.

Using what God has given to us faithfully, not just for ourselves but for God and others.

Take my life and let it be.

Count your blessings (Out of the Ark)

This day (Out of the Ark)

Challenge: Encourage someone, help them to see the talents God has given them.

Pray: Thank you God for the talents you have given me. Help me to use them for good and to bless others. Amen.

Christ the King

Paul writes to the Christians in Ephesus. He commends them on their love for each other.

Matthew 25:31-46

Faith in God leads to loving action, serving others and seeing Jesus in others.

Example of Dame Cecily Saunders, founder of the hospice movement or Rev Chad Varah, founder of the Samaritans.

Brother, sister let me serve you.

Cross over the road my friend.

Let there be loved shared among us. Peace is flowing like a river.

Love the Lord your God (Out of the Ark) Thank you for loving me (out of the Ark)

Challenge: show someone you care about them this week in a practical way.

Pray: Thank you God that you love and care for me and thank you for the people in my life who love and care for me too especially…Help me to love and care for others. Amen

(Jesus tells his followers that they don’t know when he will return but they should be ready and alert).

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

(Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth and his followers today to remind them of the range of benefits they enjoy from knowing Jesus).

Lo, he comes with clouds descending.

Give me oil in my lamp.

Soon and very soon.

Why do Christians look forwards to celebrating the birth of Jesus?

Challenge: Look for the joy in your life every day this week.

Pray: Thank you God for the good gifts of love and friendship. Help us to love and bring joy to others. Amen

Isaiah prophesied 500+ years before the birth of Jesus. It was a dark period of history for the Jewish people, many were in exile in Babylon, but Isaiah brings them a message of hope.

Mark 1:1-8

John the Baptist was seen as a fulfilment of the prophecy in Isaiah. He was the forerunner, proclaiming the coming Messiah and deliverer, Jesus.

God promises hope.

Christian hope is not wishful thinking, there is certainty because of faith in who God is and what he has done.

LS (B) – Second Sunday of Advent

Example of Sister Helen Prejean, whose faith inspired her to bring hope to prisoners on death row and families bereaved through murder.

In Christ alone.

Go tell it on the mountain.

God has promised.

Challenge: Pray for someone this week who is going through a tough time

Pray: Father God, thank you for the hope you offer us. We remember….who is having a hard time at the moment and we ask that they would know your peace and hope. Amen

The prophet Isaiah looks forward to a day of joy when sadness is replaced with rejoicing because of all that God has done.

John 1:6-8, 19-28

The Jewish people had eagerly awaited a messiah. John the Baptist’s ministry was to point towards Jesus, who was the light and source of joy to all who accepted him.

Bringing justice to our world.

LS (B) – Third Sunday of Advent

Example of Martin Luther King how his faith inspired him to hope for a time when racial injustice would cease.

Example of Wangari Maathai, how her faith inspired her to encourage others to care for creation, work for environmental justice and those things that make for peace. She was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Like a candle flame.

Here I am to worship – Light of the world.

Challenge: Light a candle and spend a few minutes each day to think about those people or countries that need peace.

Pray: Father God, may your love, joy and peace be known in the world. Amen

Remember to think about how Christians celebrate Christmas in other parts of the world.

CA – Christmas in Kenya (48)

CA – Christmas in India (49)

The Diocese of London is partnered with churches in Angola and Mozambique (see resources on ALMA: http://www.almalink.org/resources.htm

Purple:
Penance and Preparation

Red:
Sacrifice, the Holy Spirit

Green:
Hope, Life and Growth

Gold:
Joy and Celebration

White:
Purity

No colour:
Desolation

Martyr’s saints’ days