From the Manse  February 2002

Over recent years a tradition has built up in this church that the month of February is the time to concentrate on children and schools. This year sees the continuation of this tradition.  For well over a hundred years there has been an annual recognition of Education Sunday in England and Wales. It has become a time of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education.

In recent years it has been celebrated on the ninth Sunday before Easter. We are not observing the date, rather we shall concentrate with our local schools on Sunday 10^th February.

It will be a time of celebration as we share in a Songs of Praise, providing the opportunity to remember the children, the teachers, the support staff and governors in our local schools in particular, as well as all schools in general.

Participating in the worship will be representatives of the Prayer support group. This is a group of parents and friends who regularly pray for our local schools. You may wish to join them, details will be available on the evening of the 10^th.

Prayers will be offered for parents who bare such heavy responsibilities in the upbringing of children today. As a church it is right to support our schools and all who are associated with them, not only on this day but regularly throughout the year.

During this month I will be taking assemblies in the local schools. There is always a very warm welcome extended to me. Here I am fulfilling an extension of the church’s work.

Another aspect of our involvement in local education is when groups of children visit our chapel as part of their curriculum. On these occasions I am supported by Cathie Songer, Glenys Griffiths and John Gardner as we explain our faith and practice in relevant terms to the particular age group. There will be a visit from a school this month.

Scripture records how Jesus placed such importance on the value, care and upbringing of a child. He has set us the example. Read Matthew chapter18 verses 1-14; Mark 8:36-37; Mark 10: 13-16.

Here is a prayer for education Sunday:

Eternal God you call us by your voice, as once you made us by your word. We are clay in your hands, ready to be moulded. We are a canvas, ready to be painted.  We are raw material, ready to be fashioned. Be potter, artist and creator in our lives. Open our being to the influence of your Spirit, so that ears and eyes, heart and mind May be alert to your presence; ready to learn, open to change and responsive to truth,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Robin Davies