Theme: Supporting our Students to Become Global Citizens

Continuing our multi-faith presentations in assembly, Mrs Khan spoke to us about the religion of Islam and what it means to be Muslim. Mrs Khan said that the meaning of Islam is twofold: submission to God and the peace which flows from this submission.

Exploring the Five Pillars of Islam, Mrs Khan explained Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawn and Hajj through which Muslims declare their faith in God, pray, undertake charitable acts, fast and go on pilgrimage. Mrs Khan explained the Islamic rule for modesty, by which Muslim women wear the hijab and so ensure that others are attracted to them for the right reasons: for the sincerity of the heart that lies within and not for looks or possessions which are transitory. In closing, Mrs Khan encouraged students and staff to work for unity.

In our services, Chapel Steward Delight O, 9S and Mr Sheldon read from the New Testament - Mark 13:24-26, 32-37. The Chaplain explained that on Sunday 3 December the church begins a new year with the season of Advent - when Christians prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus as saviour and the second coming of Jesus as judge.

The Chaplain said that Advent is a time for ‘reflection in darkness, for renewal of hope and for a movement towards a [new] beginning’ (Church of England). Referring to the things we typically become consumed with during Advent – decorations, gifts, TV, food and……shopping – and responding to the apocalyptic nature of the writing in our Gospel reading, the Chaplain reminded us that Christmas is really about God’s intervention to put right humanity’s suffering and sin. What matters most during Advent is to keep alert and awake to the coming of Christ. 

Please join us in prayer this week for:

• Unity amongst those of different faiths and no faith.
• Christians to keep faithful in Advent that when Christ comes he might find us alert, awake and actively seeking him as the light and hope in our lives.