"Growing into all God wants us to be"

 

Matthew 13: verses 31-32 underpins our vision: The parable of the Mustard Seed.

 

Leading Lights

 

Helping to shape the spiritual life of our school

 

Our Leading Lights are an important part of our worshipping community. They are children who are keen to explore their faith, share their ideas and help others to engage with worship.

We believe that children should not simply be the audience for worship. They should have opportunities to shape it, contribute to it and reflect on its meaning. Our Leading Lights help make this possible by bringing children’s ideas, creativity and perspectives into the heart of our collective worship and the wider spiritual life of our school.

 

Children at the heart of worship

Leading Lights work alongside adults to prepare and deliver aspects of whole-school worship. Depending on the theme and occasion, they might choose a Bible passage, introduce a theme, lead a prayer, share a reflection, contribute music or drama, or create an opportunity for other children to pause and think.

They take an active role in whole-school worships, helping to create the right atmosphere, taking responsibility for practical details and welcoming others into our shared time together.

There is no single way to be a Leading Light. Some children may enjoy speaking in front of a large group, while others may contribute through writing, music, creativity, prayer or thoughtful ideas. We value all of these gifts.

 

Prayer and reflection

Our Leading Lights help to run our outdoor reflection space, ensuring it remains a welcoming place where children can pause, pray and reflect.

They also support the adults who run our Prayer Space on Monday lunchtimes. They help other children to engage with the activities and encourage them to explore prayer and reflection in ways that are meaningful to them.

 

Listening, reflecting and responding

The Leading Lights provide feedback and evaluations to the adults who lead whole-school worship. Their reflections help us to recognise what has been meaningful and consider how our worship can continue to develop.

Through this work, the voices of our children remain an important part of the ongoing conversation about worship and the spiritual life of our school.

 

 

Examples of "Big Questions"

 

What difference does the Resurrection make to Christians?

 

Was Jesus the Messiah?

 

How can following God bring freedom and justice?

 

Why do Christians call the day Jesus died "Good Friday"?

 

What kind of world did Jesus want?

 

Who made the world?

 

What is it like to follow God?