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Guidance for Planning a Church Service for a Church School for:

• The Rededication of the School Community
  (55KB Word document)

• The Commissioning of a new headteacher
  (53KB Word document)

The purpose of the church service is for the church leader to seek the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Holy Spirit on the work of the church school and/or the ministry of individuals appointed to work there.

The rededication service could happen at the beginning of the school year or on its saint’s day or a special anniversary for the school.

The church service affirms the mission of the church school in the wider community. It provides an opportunity for collaboration and support between church and school to mutual benefit. It publicly affirms the partnership.

Pupil and parent and governor involvement in the service is important. The service structure, choice of liturgy, music and address must be accessible to all those attending. E.g. pupils could prepare music, dance or drama on the theme of one of the gospel values below.

Those being commissioned or renewing their commitment to work in a church school will be making certain professions, these may include:

• To promote the gospel values taught by Jesus Christ within the school community. E.g. trust in God, obedience to God, prayerfulness, forgiveness, humility, generosity, loyalty, kindness, self control, mercy.
• To seek to follow and exemplify the keeping of God’s commandments.
• To nurture pupils in the Christian faith.
• To pray for each other as learners and teachers.
• To exercise Christian leadership.

The service should involve the participation of as many members of the church and school communities as possible. Getting representative groups (governors, church members, pupils, teachers and parents) to make symbolic gestures, present objects, say a prayer or read a verse during the service assists this. Such presentations can be made at various symbolic parts of the church to add interest and understanding. Objects presented could be displayed or used in school later as a reminder. For example:

• A bible - Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16
• A candle - John 8:12, Matthew 5:16
• A cross - John 14:6
• A prayer book - Matthew 7:7
• In one school "gifts" included chocolate biscuits from the governors, bread and wine from the church, a calendar from the Friends of the School.

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