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Education Sunday has been celebrated since 1878. It is the day when churches join to offer to God the work of education, in schools of all kinds, in colleges and universities and in the church. It is the time to celebrate the achievements of education, to recognize the challenges, and support and pray for all who are involved in education.
2006 is a big year for sport: Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics and the World Cup. One of the lectionary readings is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training", and good use will be made of that bible passage.
RESOURCES: Education Sunday Leaflet 2006 'Prizes that Last!' (pdf)
Order form for bulk copies of Education Sunday leaflet 2006 (word)
The National Society is delighted to recommend extra resources produced for Education Sunday 2006 by Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education: more information for thinking about Naaman as well as Prizes that Last, an idea for Collective Worship and a very helpful sheet of 20 ideas for Education Sunday.
Education Sunday 2006 material also available in Welsh : SUL ADDYSG, GWOBRWYON SY'N PARA
Last year's Education Sunday (23 January 2005) resources still available. See below for an introduction to the theme and to download the resources.
Schools, colleges and universities are under constant pressure to improve their performance and fulfil new requirements. League tables, inspections, tests and exams are used to measure academic success. This approach to education can encourage unhealthy competition between institutions and undermines our responsibility to help individuals achieve their full potential. Is it any wonder that the joys of learning and teaching are so often overshadowed by high levels of stress?
But there is another way. Right from the start of his ministry, Jesus challenged our attitudes to ambition, success and power. He recruited a team of ordinary people to be his disciples with whom he lived and worked. Jesus taught them and empowered them to share the Gospel with others. This relationship was characterized by cooperation and mutual support.
What can we learn from Jesus' way of working that we can take with us into the world of education? Are there things we can do to improve relationships between teachers and students, between colleagues and between institutions? How can we create a more caring and supportive environment where everyone is valued?
Christ guides and teaches us still, promising to be with us at all times - in times of anxiety and disillusionment and in times of success. He asks us to take his love to those we work with, through support and prayer. Let us work together creatively as we seek to follow him.
The material explored God's challenge to us to be bold and decisive learners, not afraid to 'jump in at the deep end' in our explorations of faith and knowledge. The following resouces are available:
Education Sunday leaflet 2003 'Teaching is for life' (PDF, 80 KB)
Education Sunday leaflet 2002 'Moving On' (PDF, 41 KB)
Education Sunday leaflet 2001 'Preparing for Citizenship' (PDF, 90 KB)
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