ASSEMBLY

For Assembly this week, having been introduced by Mr Fox (Monday) and Mrs Spruce (Tuesday), Religious Studies students from our Sixth Form (Year 12) gave a presentation on World Religions Day which takes place on 19 January 2025.  

After inviting students to consider how many religions they are aware of, Lily F (12N) and Beth T (12S) (Monday) and Sophia L (12H) and Eloise S (12S) (Tuesday) told students that there are over 4,000 recognised religions in the world and that there are likely to be more that we do not know about!  Our Sixth Form RS students then explained that the aim of World Religions Day is to bring different religions together to increase understanding of the similarities so that everyone can get on and live and work peacefully.

Having shown us a clip about the Baha’i faith, Beth T, Lily F, Sophia L and Eloise S explained that the Baha’i believe there are similar features amongst all religions and that all religions should be treated equally.  Therefore, World Religions Day encourages us to look for these similar features so that we might move away from the things which separate us and cause conflict.

Our Sixth Form RS students told us about something that the six major world religions (of which 75% of the world’s population belong to) have in common; this is called ‘The Golden Rule’ which says that people should treat others as they would wish to be treated.

Islam: “None of you believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” 

Judaism: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary.”

Christianity: “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”

Buddhism: “Do not hurt others in ways you yourself would find hurtful”

Sikhi “I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.” 

Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: do nothing to others that would cause you pain if done to you.”

 In closing, Beth T, Lily F, Sophia L and Eloise S told us what we can do on World Religions Day:

1. Remember the Golden Rule.
2. Take time to learn more about different religions from people we know and ask respectful questions.
3. Try to learn about a religion that is completely new to us.

As a final thought, and in the words of the founder of the Baha’i faith, our Sixth Form RS students told us:

‘Let your vision be world embracing’.

To conclude, Reverend Kate prayed:

Creator God,
You love all people, of faith and no faith.
As we celebrate World Religions Day,
We pray for equity, unity and understanding.
And we pray for an appreciation of the ties which bind us
That we may follow the Golden Rule and live, study and work peacefully with each other. Amen.

ACT OF WORSHIP

For our Act of Worship this week Rebekah W (9N) and Ophelia PB (8S) read from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3:15-17, 21-22 which tells us of the baptism of Jesus.  In response, Reverend Kate asked us a question:

‘When did New Year shift from a time of simple resolutions to a review of every aspect of our lives?’

In response, Reverend Kate said that New Year no longer seems to be just about eating better or giving up a bad habit; instead, we now have “Veganuary,” “Minimalist January,” “Gym Fest January” and more, with each campaign demanding we overhaul our lives and each campaign, perhaps, leaving us feeling more exhausted than inspired! Instead of energizing us, Reverend Kate said, these campaigns can pile on pressure to change things about ourselves which, if truly important, perhaps shouldn’t wait until January - and, perhaps, shouldn’t be temporary fixes.

Reverend Kate said that despite this situation, she absolutely loves New Year and the opportunity it provides to write on a fresh page in the book of our lives; the opportunity it provides to make a fresh start and strive to make this year better than the last.

The idea of new beginnings connects beautifully with baptism, explored in our Bible reading, which for Christians represents forgiveness of sins, assurance of salvation and a new beginning, identity and purpose in Christ.  Through baptism, Christians experience a profound transformation, marking the beginning of a life of grace. But why, Reverend Kate wondered, would Jesus, the sinless Son of God, need to be baptized? Experts tell us it was a fulfilment of prophecy and righteousness and a prefiguring of Jesus’ death and resurrection; that it was an act of solidarity with humanity which demonstrates obedience to God and faith in action.

Reverend Kate said that another key moment in today’s reading is the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to all at baptism - including Jesus. This same Holy Spirit is with Christians today, empowering us to live with purpose, guiding us, and helping us grow in faith. However, unlike the demands of modern New Year campaigns, the Holy Spirit doesn’t ask for our willpower, money, or time; the Holy Spirit simply asks for our openness and willingness to receive.

With this in mind, Reverend Kate wondered whether, instead of chasing after every New Year challenge, Christians should simply resolve to pause and make space to receive the Holy Spirit.  The hymn “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” encourages this kind of rest and renewal:

“I came to Jesus as I was, weary, worn, and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.”

Encouraging Christians to pause, this hymn offers a beautiful reflection on how we can actively seek and respond to the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Reverend Kate said that, like Jesus at the beginning of his ministry, Christians of today can embrace a new beginning at this time of year.  However, rather than striving to “fix” ourselves, Reverend Kate said that perhaps we can simply allow God to transform, guide, and strengthen us for those things God wants us to do so that - as Mrs Cameron invited us to do last week - we might make a positive difference in the world.

We prayed:

God of renewal,
In you we find our rest.
Help us to pause in your presence,
That we may receive the Holy Spirit
And in this New Year may be transformed in accordance with your will and purpose for us. Amen.

In other news…..

Stamp Family Service – Friday 14 February 2025

Further to Reverend Kate’s email, please note that the Stamp Family Service will take place on Friday 14 February 2025 to which students from years 7 and 8, and their parents / guardians, are warmly invited. If you are a parent / guardian with daughters in years 7 and 8, and you would like to attend, then please complete the form here by Friday 31 January 2025.

Service of Baptism and Confirmation – Saturday 17 May 2025

Further to Reverend Kate’s email to parents / guardians, please note the deadline of Friday 31 January 2025 to complete the Confirmation Booking Form here.