Praying for administrative and support staff in our schools

A couple of years ago I worked as an exam invigilator. It was an unusual role in many ways as it required me to be on my feet for hours on end, looking vigilant, maintaining a professional air, yet still looking calm and caring!

Being part of the team of administrators and support staff in that school during the exam period was certainly an interesting and thought provoking time. Often when we think of schools, we think solely about the children and teachers, but I know from my work as part of the exams’ team that administrators and support staff, along with the teachers and many other staff, play a vital role in keeping the school functioning well, and supporting the children. (Sara Iles, FCG)

The Pray for Schools team, partners and friends have a real heart for prayer and for showing God’s love through prayer and caring for our schools…. so join with us as we Pray for Schools, at the start of the new year…

They have developed a wonderful prayer resource to help us all to be guided through the support of verses from the Holy Scriptures, to pray for the needs of our schools.

Over the next few days, I will be sharing one of these prayers, so we can pray them together.

‘Do you have the gift of helping others?

Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.’

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)

Let us pray… God our helper, please bless and unite all those whose expertise and enthusiasm contribute so much to the smooth running of our schools. Amen

FCG is part of the Pray for Schools steering group and values the work we do alongside them all.

Dates for your diary

Education Sunday 13th September

UK wide Day of Prayer for Schools 24th September

Pray Day for Schools 17th November

(photo courtesy of David Pennington at Unsplash)

Praying the potential of our school children...

It is the start of a new school year and we find ourselves in extraordinary times.

So much has changed in recent months and every man, woman, child and teenager has been deeply affected by global events since last winter. We can all find ourselves in a challenging position of being unsure of how we might reach our true potential. Children and young people’s confidence and self-esteem may have been particularly compromised lately.

We are invited by Pray for Schools, with whom FCG and others are diligent and prayerful partners, to pray for our schools for pupils fulfilling their potential.

Let us pray:

‘May He grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.’

Psalm 20:4 (NLT)

Father, please help children to benefit from all aspects of school life: the environment and ethos, academic learning, music, arts, sport and provision for spiritual and emotional well-being.

Amen

(photo below from PFS website and cover photo courtesy of Joshua Eckstein at Unsplash)

Making plans for Education Sunday? Let us help you out

For well over one hundred years there has been an annual recognition of Education Sunday in England and Wales. It is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education.

This year it will take place on 13th September - next Sunday!

Whether you have a service and activities in mind for marking this on the day itself or wish to use the materials and resources later in the year, they are all available to download and share HERE.

 "A learning people in a time of change".

This year Education Sunday takes place at a time when many children, young people and staff have been away from schools, colleges and universities and have been working in different ways. Churches, too, have had to learn and adapt, whilst still maintaining a pattern of worship. This is a time to think about what we have learnt about ourselves, about our communities and about God.

Find out more and join in the day of prayer and celebration in your church, home and groups…

(photo courtesy of Max Saeling at Unsplash)

Prayers for teaching staff...

I am honoured to be part of the amazing work which Pray for Schools do with schools and churches across the UK. I have served on their steering group, in my education role with the FCG, over the last 4 years.

The Pray for Schools team, partners and friends have a real heart for prayer and for showing God’s love through prayer and caring for our schools…. so join with us as we Pray for Schools, at the start of the new year…

They have developed a wonderful prayer resource to help us all to be guided through the support of verses from the Holy Scriptures, to pray for the needs of our schools.

Over the next few days, I will be sharing one of these prayers, so we can pray them together.

“The Teacher very carefully studied and set in order many wise teachings ...

that are dependable and true.”

Ecclesiastes 12:9 (Intl Children’s Bible)

Let us pray:

Lord, please strengthen teachers and help them to be firm, patient, expecting excellence but forgiving of mistakes. May they support students and motivate them to do their best.

Amen

(photo below from PFS website, cover photo courtesy of Taylor Wilcox at Unsplash)

Nine days to go... until Education Sunday

Education Sunday 2020 will take place on Sunday 13 September.

The theme for 2020 is "A learning people in a time of change".

There are all sorts of inspiring and interesting resources for you to share in your churches, home groups and networks… You can access all the materials HERE.

Among the content available, there’s an outline for a time of all age worship, prayers and sermon notes. There is also a wonderful film (which will be premiered on 13th Sept at 9.30am).

More about the film…. “This act of worship was created by the United Reformed Church Children's and Youth Work national team and friends on behalf of Churches Together in England. It will premiere on Education Sunday, 13 September 2020, and will remain active for viewing after that date. Join us as we celebrate as a Learning People in a Time of Change.” (image below is a ‘still’ from the film)

(cover photo courtesy of John Thomas at Unsplash)