Service…Throughout this year, we will focus on how we can be intentional to foster service in our school, which is closely tied with our theme for the year based on Matthew 5:14a and 16: “You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” At Northern, we aspire to be a transformational learning community where we shine for Jesus, and we do not want ‘Service’ to be an add on subject but instead, we want our students to be intentional in showing the love and kindness that Jesus has shown to us. I love this quote from Christian Education National in relation to responsive action learning: “Learning should
inspire responsible and thoughtful heart action responses. Responses that
deepen understanding, change minds, motivate heart-felt reflection, and where
appropriate, mobilise hands into action and service.” This year, we are excited to intentionally weave the biblical thread of ‘Service’ into teaching and learning to draw together meaning and purpose in all classes. We are extremely excited to see what students’ actions and responses will be as we explore ‘Service’ as a school. Watch this space! I would also like to take this opportunity to share an exceptional resource that our Year 3 Teacher, Mr William Davis, has written to explore ‘Service’: In Mark 10, Jesus says to his disciples that he came not to be served but to serve. During his time on earth, Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, washed the disciples’ feet, forgave peoples’ sins and even raised the dead. He had compassion for all, regularly displaying this through his actions, teaching and miracles, culminating with his death on the cross. As believers in Jesus, it’s our job to follow his example by putting others first, to love others as he has loved us. We don’t do this to earn favour with God, rather out of thanksgiving, in response to the love he has shown us and to display the love of God through us. While putting the needs of others first is hard, God has enabled his people to serve effectively by giving them his Spirit, as well as the ultimate example in Jesus. Bible verses that look at service: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
1 Samuel 12:24 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 Questions that we can explore with our students as we explore service: - How can we serve others? - How can we serve others together as a class? - Why does God want us to serve others? - How do I put others ahead of myself? - What gifts has God given me to serve others? Questions to ask ourselves: - What opportunities are there for students/classes to serve at school? - How could students serve their local community? - Are students aware of their gifts to help serve others? - How do we teach students to value others above themselves? - How do we create a culture of service in our school?
Let us pray and give thanks to God for the love He has shown us in Jesus, and pray that in response to the love that God has shown us, He will continue to use us to serve others every day at Northern. Bethany Armstrong - Principal
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