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Thoughts for the Week

...from the Chaplain

Week Beginning:  24 March 2025. Theme: The Easter Story

Judas, the one who betrayed him, realised that Jesus was doomed. Overcome with remorse, he gave back the thirty silver coins to the high priests, saying, “I've sinned.  I've betrayed an innocent man.” Matthew 27:3-4

Have you ever done something really bad and then regretted it afterwards?  Why is it better to own up than to keep quiet about it? How easy is it to forgive yourself? What can you do to make forgiveness easier on yourself?

A servant girl came up to Peter and said, “You were with Jesus the Galilean.”  In front of everybody there, Peter denied it: “I don't know what you’re talking about.” Matthew 26:69-70

When Jesus was on trial, it was his closest friends who let him down.  Have you ever let your friends down?  What made you do it?  Have you said sorry?  Is it too late? Is there anything you can do to repair the relationship?

Prayer for this week

Dear God

Dear God, We tremble to think that it was Jesus’ own friends who denied Him and betrayed Him. Those who sat by him, who broke bread with him. Give us strength, we pray, to walk faithfully with Jesus, even when the road we walk is rocky; even when the message of the cross seems like foolishness; even when we feel betrayed. You, Lord, are always faithful. We stumble, we become lost, but you are steady and sure. Give us the grace to endure our troubles, to stand firm in the face of denial and betrayal; and reveal to us the glory of your kingdom.

Amen

Assemblies and Readings

During the current situation, and social distancing restrictions, virtual assemblies will be held during afternoon registration on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and where appropriate associated digital materials shared with students will be published below.

 

 

Special message from Julie Bowen, School Chaplain - Covid 19

Dear readers,


Together with other clergy I have put together this booklet for my congregation that offers some prayers, liturgy and Bible readings as well as where to turn for spiritual programming during this difficult time. 

Please take care of yourselves and your families, keep an eye out for neighbours and as we are unable to visit the phone is a valuable tool for contact especially with the elderly.

The following is an old Irish blessing which I am praying for you all at this time:

Love and blessings to you all,
Julie

May the road rise up to meet you. 
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
May the rains fall soft upon your fields 
and until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbours.

Amen.

 

Our School Prayer

Logo Colour rgb 300dpiEternal God,
Help us through our duty to you
To love our neighbour,
To care for others,
To do our best for and in school,
To work for the common good of our community,
And to care for ourselves as we serve you.

Amen 

Additional prayers for difficult times

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress.

Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

Celtic Circle Prayer

Circle me Father God, Keep love within and hatred without, Keep hope within and despair without, Keep peace within and anxiety without. Circle me Father God, Keep strength within and weakness without, Keep faith within and doubt without, Keep light within and darkness without. Circle me Father God, Surround me with your love, Surround me with your protection, Surround me with your peace.
Amen.