The Faith – An Anthology (e-book version)

The Faith of Chevening, St. Botolph’s CEP School and Community

Copyright © Chevening St. Botolph’s CEP School 2011

First e- Edition

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise; without prior permission of the copyright owners.

Chevening, St. Botolph’s CEP School asserts the

moral right to be identified as

the copyright holder of this work.

(However we hope you will be able to

tell where the inspiration came from!)

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Chevening

office@chevening.kent.sch.uk

qureshi@chevening.kent.sch.uk

This book is sold at cost price

so that as many people as possible may enjoy it. We hope it inspires. If you have enjoyed reading and would like to contribute to charity, may we humbly suggest one of the following charities picked by our school council? Amber & Izzy Y6

Hospice in the Weald - http://www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/

Foal Farm - http://www.foalfarm.org.uk/

One World Trust - http://www.oneworldtrust.org/

Cancer research http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

Robes project - http://www.robes.org.uk/2009/

Alternatively – If you wish to support Chevening School, we would also be very grateful.

Dedicated to all of our amazing children,

who bring such colour and life to our community.

Written in celebration and with faith.

Niamh Y2

We hope this book acts as a seed to other things.

We are planning A Special Edition

with contributions from our readers.

If you would like to make something for this edition, please use the school email address.

In Memory of Andrew and Lucy

Foreword ~ Helen Jones

“Strengthen the pole and add more ribbons”

I consider it a huge privilege to be the headteacher of this school; a church school which was established in 1895 by the National Society and has been providing an education founded on Christian values for over 100 years here in Chipstead. As the headteacher I see myself as the person at the helm for a short time in the long history and future of the school which has served its community for over a century and will go on serving long after I move on.

I am somebody who thinks in pictures. When I first started thinking about Chevening School and wondering whether to apply for the position as headteacher, I saw the school as a maypole with a strong central pole and a good range of ribbons streaming out from the crown.  The children were happily dancing around the pole having been taught the dance by their teachers and surrounding them all were family and friends, clapping and cheering them on.

My understanding of this picture is that the pole which gives strength and a focal point represents the Christian faith and our high academic standards; both so central to our school.  The ribbons represent all the learning opportunities the smiling children enjoy as they dance to create a colourful tapestry of learning choreographed by their teachers; all the time surrounded by a keen and supportive community of family and friends. Through prayer, I asked God to give me a clear sense of the right vision for this school which already had so much going for it. I felt it was quite simply to “strengthen the pole and add more ribbons.”

So this wonderful book is part of that vision for the school.  It was not my idea to compile a book; it was Mr Qureshi’s.  Part of my role is to decide if the ideas of others further our vision. This book most certainly does.  It celebrates our Christian foundation and strengthens our sense of community.

Children, it gives you the opportunity to write with real purpose, to take pride in your published writing and celebrate your rich heritage as members of a church school. This book both strengthens the pole and adds a new ribbon, enriching the Chevening dance.

Helen Jones ~ Headteacher

Together we learn, believe and achieve

Contributions from pupils to parents; governors to granddads; friends, family and staff follow…

Rainbow World - Amber Y6

Coming to Faith

People often assume that Rectors are born very religious. If only this were the case, as my life was in a real muddle as a teenager.

At primary school I had a friend called John and when we were 19 we went to work for a farmer in Australia called Tom. When we met him his trousers were tied up with string and he had fingers missing.

Things didn’t look good and that night at supper he got his Bible out and started talking about God. His daughters were terribly embarrassed but I was intrigued. This had never happened to me before.

We had a great time picking hops and apples and it turned out Tom had a cracking sense of humour and was a very good employer.

Tom gave us Bibles to read as he was a Gideon. To be honest I’d never really read the Bible except at school. For the first time I read it with an open mind and I was really struck by Jesus’ passion and sense of mission.

Somehow I’d got a picture of him being nice but a bit wet. The Jesus I was reading about had real bite.

On the way home a man came up to me on a beach and challenged me to do something about all that I was reading.

That night there was a fantastic sunset with sunbeams rising up from the sea. It was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.

It might sound strange but that day I had a very strong sense that God was interested in me and that he wanted me to follow him.

Being British I tried to put this off but the sense of God calling kept coming back. A week before I went to University I prayed the prayer in the back of Tom’s Bible.

I said sorry to God for the mistakes, thanked Jesus for his death for me and committed my future into his hands.

I didn’t know whether it would work but I thought it was worth a try. The next week I went off to Newcastle University and there my faith began to take off.

In some ways I wish all this had happened much earlier as I had made some really poor choices.

On the other hand it left me very grateful for him stepping in.

Since then I’ve always loved talking to people about Jesus – I just think he’s great!

Rector of St. Botolph’s, Chevening

Chris Smith

Faithful Words

Freddy Y6

A Personal Letter from Martha to Anne

(Martha and Anne were friends.

A Thursday, near Jesus’ 21st birthday.)

Dear Anne,

I’ve had such a busy day and that’s not all. You’ll never guess what! Today Jesus came to our house for tea.  But it’s my busy day and I had to wash the cups up and sweep the floor. Mary was here but she just sat and listened to the stories Jesus told.

I cleaned and cleaned while she sat. Then I shouted at her, ‘Why do you just sit there?’ I was very angry. Jesus said, ‘Mary is doing the right thing to sit and listen to me. She’ll have time to clean later.’

I felt upset but I think he meant it is important to listen. I also set the table with cups for wine and baked some bread.

Love from Martha

Isabella Y2

GOD – He’s With Us All the Time

God is the greatest

God is strong

Even when you’re far away

He’s with you all day long.

God helps you

When something is bad

He can make you calm down

Even if you’re mad!

God loves everyone

Even when you’ve done wrong

He loves you every day

You can kneel before him and pray.

God created the Universe

God created the Planets

He did it all in six days

And that deserves some praise.

God never leaves you

He is mine

Give him all the praise you have

He’s with us all the time.

Patrick Y4

Hebrews 13:5

...because God has said,

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Chosen by Penny Grove

Herbie Y6

Year 5 Prayer

Jesus Forgives   [song]

To the tune of Frère Jacques

Jesus forgives,

Jesus forgives.

So can you. So can you.

Anger, hurt, arguments,

Anger, hurt, arguments,

Should not rule.

Should not rule.

Jesus loves, Jesus loves.

So can you. So can you.

Joy, friendship, caring,

Joy, friendship, caring,

Makes hearts true.

Makes hearts true.

By Class 6Herbie Y6

Proverbs 10 v: 1-2

1 A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother.

2 Riches that are gained by sinning aren’t worth anything. But doing what is right saves you from death.

Hannah Y5

Hold Fast

Natalie Duan

Do Not Weep

Do not weep, do not cry, for your Saviour is right by.

Do not be sorrowful, your sins are forgiven.

Show your love to other people, think before you say.

If you share your gift with people, others will learn.

If you do this the world will be perfect.

Abigail Y5

Learn, Believe, Achieve

Thankful

Oh Lord, thank you for the earth. Amen

God is forgiving, awesome and loving

Exodus

Truth

He is Holy God and Holy Spirit

Everywhere he’s there

Remember

Wonderful God

Excellent, amazing people are never as good as God is!

Light of the world

Everlasting love

Always God is here

Raise your hands for the Lord

Night and morning he is always there

Believe in God

Everyone’s special in their own way

Lord

I love the Lord

Everywhere around me

Violins praise Him

Everlasting light

Amazing God

Nothing is stronger than Him

Deep and wide is His love

Always loves us

Christmas is when Jesus was born

Harvest

Easter

In the Lord no sin is found

Vine

Everything You made is special and we thank you for this. Amen.

Class 3

Hebe Y5

Jesus Calms the Storm

One day Jesus and His disciples were sailing in a boat. Suddenly there was a dangerous storm. The disciples were very scared, they thought they could drown. Jesus was woken up by the disciples. “Have more faith and don’t be scared!”

Then Jesus commanded the wind to stop blowing and the waves to be still. Suddenly the sea calmed down and the wind stopped blowing. The disciples felt amazed, joyful and puzzled but also a lot calmer.

Lord, help us to be calmed by your presence.

Class 2

Harry Y4

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ - Psalm 119 v 105

When I heard the children of Chevening (St Botolph’s) CE Primary School, sing these words in Chevening Church at a service to celebrate the 400 year anniversary of the King James version of the Bible  it reminded me immediately of my childhood, when I used to sing this song in Sunday School.  From an early age I was encouraged to read the Bible regularly and as a Christian, I learned to value it on many levels.  The Bible has exciting stories; it teaches us about history; there is within its pages, beautiful poetry; it gives us rules for living and tells us about men and women who lived their lives for God.  Some of it is very hard to understand, but it is worth persevering because most importantly, it points us to Jesus, God’s only Son who was sent to earth to be our Saviour.  The Bible is often called ‘The Good Book’ and it is, in every sense of the word.  It is a guide for living and is truly God’s word to us.  Many people have favourite passages of the Bible and these verses have been important to me throughout my life.  ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.’ Proverbs  ch3 v 5&6.

Eileen Graham

Jesus

Zara Y5

Jesus Acrostic Poem

Jesus is our Saviour.

Easter he rose form the dead

Sunday is the day of rest

Unity for all churches

Saviour for all the Earth

Emma Y6

Herbie Y6

God Is So Strong

The protesters marched three times around.

“The walls of Jericho will never fall down.”

But the protesters marched around the town,

They marched around and on top of the mound.

The trumpeters blew their trumpets loud.

The protesters marched five times around.

“The walls of Jericho are sure to fall down.”

The protesters marched around the town,

They marched around and on top of the mound.

The drummers beat their deafening drums;

The trumpeters blew their trumpets loud;

The protesters marched seven times around.

“The walls of Jericho have come tumbling down!”

The protesters marched on what was the town,

They celebrated on the rubble next to the mound.

God was with them all along.

They defeated what was impossible and surely wrong.

Because God is everywhere, with every one

And he is so amazingly strong!

Matthew Y6

Jack Y6

Heavenly Father

Amelia Y5

Baby Jesus

I am the star that shone at Jesus’ birth

I am the birth the Shepherds came to see

I am the Shepherd who heard the angles singing

I am the angel praising Jesus

I am Jesus, the new born baby

I am the baby who people celebrate

I am the angel telling Mary the good news

I am the good news spreading far and away

I am the traveler from far and away

Here to come to see baby Jesus

The wonderful baby Jesus.

Amy and Emma Y6

The Vicar of Chevening   [limerick]

The vicar of Chevening, Kent

Said prayers wherever he went,

He liked to sing hymns, burn incense and things,

And said prayers with reverend intent.

Dr. William Marshall

A Working Mum’s Prayer

As the fields and trees rush by me,

Daisies all a blur;

As we speed through tunnels and stations,

The engine's noise a purr,

I feel as though it is my life

That's rushing headlong too,

Day by day and week by week

So many things to do.

So many hats to wear my Lord;

Mother, doctor, wife;

Cook a meal and clean the house,

Save somebody's life.

In all this hurry, all this bustle,

I turn to you 0 Lord

To feel again your arms around me

And the comfort of your Word

You, who holds all mothers close

And understands our tears

You, whose hands are placed in mine

As I stitch cuts and tears.

I pray my Father that you will show

Your plan in life for me.

Give me strength to be 0 Lord

What you want me to be.

In the quiet of your loving arms

Let all this rushing cease;

Let my brain be still and silent

And my heart at peace.    -    Anu Paul

Archie Y2

William Y2

Diary Extract by Jonah

Dear Diary,

I have just woken up from a terribly rough sleep.

I had not been woken very nicely at all. - Captain shouting in my ear and a raging storm outside my cabin.

It is all my fault. The storm. God is angry with me. I ran away. (Well I tried to.)

You see, He sent me to Nineveh. They have such horrid people there. I was too scared to do it. So I just ran away. First boat out of there.

It is wrong to let all the crew on this ship suffer whilst I lie in a light, warm cabin. I am going to have to give myself up. I’ll ask the crew to chuck me over-board. It’s all I can do.

Got to go before this ship sinks.

Bye Diary, Jonah

(P.S. I must learn to listen and trust in God more!)

Adam Y6

Words of Faith

Hannah Y6

Chevening School

Acrostic Poem

Christians

Helpful

Entertaining

Very kind

Experts at all subjects

New learning

Include others

Not Pushy

Gentle

Smart

Caring

Happy

Obey god

Offering love

Learning from Jesus

Archie Y3

Bible Quiz

1)     Who made the world?

2)     Who gave up His only son for the world

3)     Who did God give the 10 Commandments to?

4)     Who was Adam in the Garden of Eden with?

5)     Who fought Goliath?

6)     Where was Jesus born?

7)     What did Jesus die on?

8)     Who got swallowed by the whale?

9)    Who was married to Mary?

(Answers at the back of the book.)  Archie Y3

Herbie Y6

I am a Church

I am a church full of many candles’ warmth

I am the warmth that brings communities together

I am the community who spend Sunday joyfully singing

I am the singing that rises above the choir stands

I am the choir singing love and joy in church

I am the church with doors forever open

You’re welcome to join us.

Please do come in.

I am the

Church

Ilana Y6

G    is for the Good Samaritan

O   is for the Old Testament

D    is for King David

Sam Y3

Jacob Y6

Joel Y5

Year 6’s Holy Highway

Give Way

Give way to other people at times.

It’s not all about you!

Ahead Only

This reminds me to carry on and not to give up. To stand up for what you think is right and not back down on your beliefs. Oscar

One Way Street

A sign to say there is only one way to lead a good life, worshiping God and not getting caught up in other things. Freddy

No Entry

This sign reminds me to stop and think whether I should go in this direction. Whether it is right or not because this sign is Jesus telling us not to do things that are wrong. Harris

Steep Hill Downwards

I think this means your life is going to get harder for a while but you must stick to the right path. Amber

Junction & Uneven Road Ahead

God will show you which way to go. It may be hard but it is the right thing to do. You will go over bumps, hurdles and have to make hard decisions. God will help you all the way and will help others as he has helped you. Jacob

Uneven Road Ahead!

This road sign reminds me that life is a long journey and there are going to be bumps on the way but no matter how big they are, it’s our choice whether we get back up when they knock us down. Harris

Slippery Road

This makes me think that the way ahead is hard but you can still go that way if you are careful about how you go. Amber

Road Narrows

Choices may be narrowing but try to keep going. Things may feel as though they are caving in but I must carry on. The road ahead may be more challenging but I can still get to my target. Natalie

Who am I?

Stable dweller, Manger sleeper

Wise preacher, Fable speaker

Sheep herder, Life giver

Divine messenger, Pain sufferer

Death conqueror, Miracle worker

Life saver – Jesus

By Oscar Y6

Amy Y6

St. Botolph’s Eagle Eye Quiz

Can you work out where these items are,

in and around St. Botolph’s church? By Cerys

Birth of Jesus   [rap]

In the stable where Jesus lay,

In some golden horse’s hay,

People followed the bright light

And came to see the wonderful sight.

The three kings bringing precious things

From far away where Jesus lay.

Oh look at the sight

Baby Jesus has been born tonight.

Hannah, Sophie and Jess Y6

Penny Y4

Year 5 Prayer

Praise the Lord

(Inspired by Psalm 150, written in AoW)

Praise the LORD.

Praise God in our school

Praise Him in the temple

Praise Him for making the world

Praise Him for His music

Praise Him with love

Praise Him with your soul

Praise Him with laughter and joy

Praise Him with friends and family

Let everything that lives praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD.

Blake, Becky, Archie, Jessamyn, Libby, Max, Danny, Ruby & Jake

(Mixed Years)

Wise Words

God’s love for us is stronger than

everyone’s love put together. – Sam Y6

God’s heart is full of righteousness – Harris Y6

Love is all you need – Ilana Y6

Adam Y6

How Good Are You With a Saw Noah?

I was sleeping and having the strangest dream. No, not a dream, an instruction. It was going to rain for 40 days and 40 nights.

What was I to do? Climb a mountain? Save my family!

Yes, I would save my wife and sons by building a boat. They will help me but what about the animals? My further instruction was to save two of every animal, a male and a female to ensure their survival. So it would have to be a huge boat! An Ark!

So together my sons and I sawed the timber and gathered all the animals. There was no time to lose. And we would need lots of food. People mocked me for my actions but God never failed me before, he would never lie. So I continued and soon we had the Ark. And the animals, two by two, joined us in the Ark.

The rains began. We were saved. Praise be to God. After 40 days a dove delivered me a twig and we knew that land was close.

God never failed me. God never would.

Charlie Y6

Sophie Y6

Pirate Wisdom?

“It’s not about living forever Jacky.

It’s about living with yourself!”

Nicola

Never Say a Cross Word!

Archie

Emma

Clues

Across

2. The boat built for two of each animal.

3. He was in the Garden of Eden.

4. The book that holds stories of Jesus.

6. People who live in Egypt.

7. He fought Goliath.

9. She ate the apple.

10. Ten rules.

12. Mother of Jesus.

Down

1. God chose him as a King of Israel.

3. He had a son called Isaac and a nephew called Lot.

4. Where Jesus was born.

5. Jesus rose to_______.

8. A tropical tree or the inner surface of the hand.

11. God gave him the Ten Commandments.

A Prayer

Oh Lord,

Thank you for making the world, making us and helping us to bring lots of kindness into the world.

Thank you for everything you had to do to help the world be as good as possible.

Amen.

Archie Y3

Rosie Y3

Ellie Y4

Year 5’s Words of Faith

Psalm 121:1-8

I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.

Chosen by Andrew and Carrie Wearn

Jesus and Psalm 100

Modern Walls of Jericho

God told a group of men (using a dream) that they would use their electric guitars and massive speakers in a heavy metal rock concert to overcome the walls of a great but wicked city.

The men got together with their guitars and went to the wall and started to think where to set up their equipment.

They started to play the guitars with the sound at its highest volume; the music blared with a deathly silence.

Slowly and steadily the walls started to crack - the music carried on playing.

Suddenly the wall fell inwards crushing everything in it, all the people on the outside shouted with joy.

Jake Y6

Brave Dave

Harry Y4

I am … The Bible

I am the Bible which holds Your Word

I am Your Word which travels the seas

I am the seas that whales swim within

I am the whale where Jonah was eaten

I am Jonah - thrown overboard

I am the never-ending boat of God

I am God creator of the world

I am the world in secure hands

I am the hands of faith

I am the faith

The Bible

Jasmine Y6

Noah’s Ark

Noah was a very good man, he was kind to everyone and he praised God every day. Noah would do any thing God would tell him to. But one day he had a surprising message from God.

God boldly said “Today I am going to give you a mission to build an ark as big as it need’s to be as long as it can fit: you and your wife, plus all the animals in the world!”

Noah thought that it was a bit strange because they were nowhere near any water but he trusted God and said “Ok then.” He got building.

While Noah was building the ark, people were walking by and saying he was silly because of where they were; but Noah knew in his heart that he should follow God and ignore everyone that said something to put him off building the ark.

When Noah had built the ark, he had every animal come on two by two - lions and monkeys, elephants and birds. Eventually every animal in the world was on the biggest ark you can think of. Noah and his wife got on board as well. No-one could see any water.

Noah sighed wondering if he had misunderstood. Then Noah’s wife said “Noah! Look in the distance.”

Then suddenly a giant wave of water surrounded the ark and it started raining heavily.

It rained for forty days and forty nights. Noah sent a bird to try and find a sign of land. The bird didn’t come back for a very long time but when it finally came back it came with a leaf, a sign of land. Noah was relived.

A rainbow appeared –

It meant a new start for every one that was left. The water started to go down and everyone and every thing got off the ark. God was very pleased with Noah because he had accomplished God’s mission for him.

Long story short the message is to trust God.

Sam Y6

Adam Y6

Dear Diary

Today it was amazing. You will never guess what happened. I was walking around a town and they were talking about who would fight Goliath. Suddenly this boy stood forward and said “I will fight Goliath “and everyone gasped in amazement.

Katie Y2

So he went home got his armour on and set off. I followed him. He came to a cave. There was Goliath so I hid behind a rock just waiting for action. David had brought his sling with him. He picked up a stone. I can’t believe what just happened. In a blink of an eye David just made history. He returned home unharmed.

See you later, I am going to a celebration party now for David’s success.

George Y6

The Ten Plagues of Egypt – Wild Beasts

I am the terrifying tiger, orange like hot, sizzling molten lava, creeping up slowly on its prey.

I am the enormous elephant, thumping on many people like a giant, treading on trees and tearing everything apart.

I am the jumping jaguar, teeth like white sharp stones, ripping and tearing at my victims.

I am the black sloth bear lashing out with bravery at its prey, as strong as a massive wave crashing onto the beach.

I am the killer scorpion as black as the enormous night sky.

I am the ginger vulture that scared everyone like a ghost spooking.

I am the horrifying hyena, cackling loudly like an old, warty, ugly witch in the wood full of trees shaped like spooky ghosts.

I am the sleek snow leopard, white as soft, cold snow.

I am camouflaged, slithering boa constrictor, white like a mirrored crystal, slowly coiling around its now helpless prey, crushing its fragile bones.

I am a sneaky cobra, which slithers across a dark, damp, deep cave as fast as an asteroid speeding towards Earth.

I am the horrifying cheetah, with teeth as strong as a brick wall that sank into flesh.

I am the ferocious crocodile, like a green rainforest that terrified the people.

I am the perilous piranha, teeth like sharp piercing arrowheads from Egyptian warriors.

I am the great grizzly bear knocking down houses like an earthquake knocks over buildings.

I am the vicious lemon shark that tore the flesh of people like sharp razors.

I am the grizzly polar bear as white as a soft snowflake.

I am fierce rhino, enormous like a towering volcano standing tall in the breeze.

I am the ferocious black panther, teeth like sharp terrifying razors eating its weak prey.

I am the horrifying hippopotamus, cute as a teddy but inside as fierce as can be, stomping and stamping across the land.

I am the excited eagle that swoops like a stunt kite, tearing at people below.

I am the frightening coyote as black as a gloomy sky.

I am the fearsome walrus that viciously dug its teeth into people like razors plunging into flesh.

I am the green patterned python, strangling people like rope coiled around.

I am the sleek shark like a racing car whizzing around in the water.

I am the camouflaged alligator snapping turtle that sneaked up to its prey like a secret agent.

I am the crocodile that went from water to land, to stroll across the dusty, sandy Egypt like a soldier invading.

I am the sly wolf, as fierce as a warrior.

I am the slithering viper that is like a deadly vampire.

I am the ferocious lion with a mane like long grass.

We are a plague for Egypt – Let the people go.

Class 4

We Love God Because…

Renate Y1

Harrison Y1

A Very Happy Meal

A remarkable event took place today as an exile named Daniel survived while surrounded by a pride of ferocious, ravenous, snarling lions. Here is the story!

Reported by Dominic Y6

A few weeks ago, exiles from Jerusalem came to Babylon to work for King Darius. A young chap called Daniel was taken under Darius’ wing and became the King’s new right hand man. Daniel was a worshipper of God so had to pray before eating anything, even if it was only a nut. A friend of Daniel’s, Abednego said “Daniel is a very caring and kind fellow and Darius has been kind to him and all his friends.”

However, not everyone has been so keen on this man Daniel.  One of the King’s courtiers commented “We have been extremely loyal to the King for many years and this Daniel has arrived and become the King’s favourite! That is why we advised the King to make a new law that forbids praising anyone but him.

In Babylon the Sovereign puts prisoners who he doesn’t like in the pit of lions; and in the morning? Well just a pile of bones and sleeping lions. Daniel’s story however, is different.

It is rumoured that Daniel was overheard praying to his God and once informed of this the King ordered that Daniel be sent to the Lions’ Den immediately. One of the palace staff said “The King was distraught and could not sleep that fateful night.”

Previously, when people have been sent to the lions they have been devoured within a matter of hours and Darius was expecting to see a pile of bones and full-up lions. No- one could forsee what Darius had seen. The Lion cleaner claimed that a man of Gold had come and put the lions to sleep. Darius screamed with joy when he rolled away the stone and saw Daniel sitting there, stroking the Lions. Abednego told us “Darius threw a big party and sent his three courtiers to the Lions Den. Serves them right after what they did to our Daniel”.

Dominic Y6

Rose Y2

Saviour

Son from above

As the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords

Vital he is to us

I love him as my own

Only son from God

Universe, he has made it all

Ruler of the world

By Mia Y5

The Kitbag of Moses

Tatty and brown with age,

The soiled, threadbare, kitbag,

Slung over Moses’ hardworking shoulder

Used to hide…

A reed-packet of soft white bread,

A small clay jar of spiced red wine,

A gnarled, splintered staff of great power,

A pair of dirty, leather sandals,

A pressed, curled-up flower

And…

A detailed, ivory ring from a land far behind.

Patched and unmistakable, how far had it travelled?

The Red Sea, Egyptian streets,

Mountains, Verges, And…

Many, many small canyons.

Where else had it been?

After many years of swaying,

Where would it lead?

Natalie Y6

Class 5 Prayer

I am the Joy

I am God the creator of land

I am the land which people live on

I am the people that give their gifts

I am the gifts giving joy to people

I am joy that makes God happy

I am the joy that brings new life

Tom Y6

Adam Y2

Never Forget

He is born, the Holy one.

The Holy teacher,

The Holy son.

But He asks me to write His teachings,

Teaches me to teach His readings.

The Lord is within us. He wants to shine.

Come back to Him, lead great lives.

He showed Himself in human form.

Died for us in our darkest storm,

He was the light in the dark,

Guiding us through despairing times,

But the clouds are braking.

His time is short,

He will be leaving.

We will be left.

Teach His teachings.

Never forget.

One day the Lord will walk with us again.    Herbie Y6

Return to Egypt

Natalie Y6

The Daily Jericho

Edition of the year 27AD

Miracle Man!

Guess what ‘Jericho Daily’ readers?

A Bethlehem-born man aged 23 performed a miracle outside the gates of Jericho at about midday yesterday; and everyone there was either startled or amazed.

An onlooker, who wishes to remain anonymous, said “I was amazed at how Jesus of Nazareth just walked over to Bartimaeus and patted him on the shoulder and told him to look around. He made it look as easy as throwing up a feather and telling it to float!”

Nevertheless, another witness who looked on wasn’t quite so impressed: the Rabbi (aged 46) shouted at our reporters… “This man is a sorcerer, a liar AND a cheat! I bet this B….B… Bart… fellow wasn’t even blind! It was just a magic show for goodness sake!”

However, 12 people disagreed with the Rabbi and went on to say that there was so much more to come which would prove him wrong. Jesus truly was a maker of miracles.

Reported by Natalie Y6

(For more miracles turn to…

Mark 10:46-52)

We Love God Because…

Agnes Y1

Alice Y1

Super Grace

[Grace said to the tune of the Superman theme]

Thank you God for giving us food.

Thank you God for giving us food.

We are so grateful,

For every plateful.

Thank you God for giving us food.

Class 3 and 5 grace prayer

What Are You Searching For?

David, Jerusalem, Matthew, Disciples, Jesus, Moses, Exodus, John, Nazareth, Ezra, Joseph, Paul, Julius, Philistines, Goliath, Luke, Samuel, Mark, Simon, Mary, Israelites.

There are two extra hidden words for you to find. Archie Y3

The Church

Standing tall and proud in the summer wind, the giant metal bell high up in the spire is ringing out a gentle tune, which fills the village with joy.

The colourful stained windows shine, with pictures of The Birth of Jesus and The Good Samaritan.

An enormous wooden door is flung open wide!

A gentle voice whispers “Come.”

People rush in to sit on long, varnished benches eager to start.

A tall man stands layered in cream white robes reading and saying prayers. In the corner a golden eagle perches on a stand with the big, black and golden Bible.

The organ and choir sing with their heart.

The ancient church filled with the Holy Spirit.

A joyful and peaceful place of prayer.

Jess Y6

May the Sun

May the sun always shine on your window pane.

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

George Y6

St.Botolph’s Church

Jess Y6

Peace, love, God, friendship, happiness ~ Jasmine Y6

Rainbow

I am the wood which is brown and dry.

I am the dry of the animals back.

I am the animals safe and sound.

I am the sound of the doves’ cry.

I am the crying of the voice of God.

I am the voice telling us storms have ended.

I am the rainbow with no end.

I am the promise of floods no more.

Izzy Y6

The Flood is Over!

Freddy Y6

You Protect Me ~ Psalm 121

Maker of heaven and earth

How awesome Your care for me

Will not let my foot slip

Your attention is sure

Watching me constantly, watching me constantly

You will not slumber or sleep

Your promise to me is sure

A shade and defence

At my right hand

In You I can rest secure, in You I can rest secure

You have my times in Your hand

You’re my shade and my life You preserve

From the sun by the day

And the moon by the night

You carefully watch and observe, you carefully watch and observe

You protect me and hedge me about

Like a watchman You keep a guard

On my coming in

And my going out

Both now and forever more, both now and forever more.

Chosen by Mary Weller

Ruler of Earth

I am the person who started the church

I am the church born from faith

I am faith which will move mountains

I am the mountains that God created

I am God who sent Jesus to Earth

I am Jesus who forgave our sins

I am the sins that make no-one perfect

I am God, ruler of Earth

Oscar Y6

I love God Because

Eleanor Y1

Grace Y1

Son of God – I Love God

Saviour

Overpowering

Never-ending

Omnipotent

Faithful

Great

Overcame the devil

Defected death

Jacob Y6

Noah’s Poem

Sea foaming,

Animals roaming,

Noah’s smiling,

Doves flying,

Ark working,

Birds chirping,

Rainbow gleams,

Ark of beams,

Flood rising rapidly,

Noah grinning happily,

All animals parading into the ark

Tigers, lions, dove and lark.

Amber Y6

Vicky Bryans

Maisie Y2

Lukas Y2

The Daily Bible

GREAT HEALER HEALS AGAIN

This week a middle-aged man who was paralysed got healed. There was a long queue to see Jesus so he got his friends to lower him down on a mat, into the building. Jesus rested his hand on the man’s head and then he was healed of his condition!

Everyone was so astonished by the miracle that they all wanted to be healed by the power of the Lord and the shining Holy Spirit. But too much of a crowd isn’t a good thing because Jesus couldn’t heal them all at once. Will Jesus heal the others? We shall find out sooner or later.

After all the commotion, the man rolled up his mat and walked off. No-one could believe it. One of the man’s friends said that as they saw their friend walk off into the distance they realised Jesus had great powers beyond ordinary humans. However, another friend said it was all just a scam to get some attention and to make a fortune. No-one knows for sure because the man never returned to scene of the dramatic event.

We believe that the man appreciated being healed by the mighty Lord of the Heavens but we don’t think he gave enough thanks to the Lord and His Great Son Jesus!

Drawing of a man who helped lower his paralysed friend

Quote from a bystander: “It is my honest opinion that this was real because I saw it with my own eyes; and trust me my eyes have never deceived me yet. I trust that they never will.”

That was what one viewer said. Were you there? We think you should have your say. Just call: 015 654 743? 743.

Reported by Adam Y6

Coat of Many Gadgets

Max was ordinary boy with an older brother called John. But he had an amazing coat his dad got for him. It had an ipod, 2 computers, a telly, a torch and a phone all sewn into the amazing coat.

He loved it. He loved wearing it out.

One day Max’s dad told him to go and get John from the Rugby Club. When he got there his brother felt jealous and said that Max always got the best stuff, while he did all the work. John lost his temper and took the coat and ripped it. He put Max in a drain and then went home saying he didn’t know what had happened to his brother.

Max’s dad got worried when John came home and Max did not. So he went to the Rugby Club. There he found the coat in tatters but not Max. On his way home he heard a small cry. It was Max, tired and dirty, in the drain. His father was so relieved to see his son. He got Max out and they went home.

Have you heard a story like this before?

Connor Y6

Jonah’s Diary

Dear Diary,

I can’t believe I am still stuck in here. I have been praying all day and am desperate for a miracle. I have had no sleep and feel like a polar bear stranded on an ice flow. Please Lord, let me go. I promise to do what you want and to not run away from you again.

Lord, you are my only hope. I am sorry. I will go and do your deeds. -  Jonah Harris Y6

Jessica Y6

Noah’s Diary

Dear Diary,

Today is the 2nd day of our cruise. Well it’s not really a cruise but it is compared to what is happening to the others. I bet they feel silly now – swimming in that dark, deep, damp ocean.

Day 10

They should have listened to me! They have all gone.

Day 20

The sea is a waving curve of destruction, tearing the land apart, eating away to the earth’s dark, boiling core. Why is God destroying His world? Will it ever end? Were my family and I the only followers of God? All the other people and even the singing stars have gone.

Day 30

Why has this happened?

If the humans hadn’t given up on God, if I hadn’t followed God’s Word, if I didn’t build the ark – then it wouldn’t be like this and I wouldn’t be alive now.

Day 40

Sorry diary – no time to write today -

Just had the most amazing news!!!

Adam Y6

Praise Him      [song]

The Earth is so wonderful, the sky is so beautiful

From depths of the oceans to the heavens above.

People scattered everywhere, doing all their best to care,

Treating all they meet with kindness and love.

Praise Him, praise Him,

In everything you say, in everything you do.

Praise Him, praise Him.

God in His greatness will keep you true.

Everyone so special you know what you’ve got to do,

Use all that’s given to make things right.

Fruits and talents grew inside me and you.

Have the courage to bring the light.

Praise Him, praise Him,

In everything you say, in everything you do.

Praise Him, praise Him.

The Spirit in His wonder will speak through you.

Things may seem too hard, wanting to reach the stars.

Times of trouble show who you are.

Have courage, faith, trust in Him, then we can all begin

To find ourselves and travel far.

Praise Him, praise Him,

In everything you say, in everything you do.

Praise Him, praise Him.

Jesus the Saviour will walk with you.

Welcome to the Church

Ilana Y6

School boy

I am the bag bought by the school boy.

I am the school boy, walking nimbly to school.

I am the school, tall and proud for 200 years,

200 years going by like days.

I am the Church starting schools for the poor,

I am the poor eager for learning,

I am the learning.

Changes

Wooden desks and ink wells

To computers and automatic bells.

Black boards and white chalks

To digital boards and environmental walks.

Teachers and times tables

To calculators and putting up Christmas stables.

Wooden canes and red hands

To the banning of rubber bands.

Winged collars, shorts and cold blue knees

Today’s school boys would hate all these

Church schools over 200 years

How they have changed without fears.

Hugo Y6

The New King born in a stable

The new King was to be born after the angels’ message. After Mary and Joseph heard the good news they travelled to Bethlehem to find somewhere to have their baby boy. So Mary and Joseph set off to Bethlehem on a donkey. When they arrived they stopped at lots of doors but everyone said there was no room. So they stopped at the last door that was an inn. The innkeeper said “We have got a stable at the back, but that is all we have.”

“We’ll take it thank you sir.”

So they went into the stable. The angels, shepherds and kings came to see the new born baby – Jesus.

That was the first Christmas!

Amy Y6

I am Jesus

I am the brown cross on the hill

I am the hill holding brave Jesus

I am Jesus born from Bethlehem

I am Bethlehem full of wooden houses

I am the wooden houses full of people

I am the poor people that are sad

I am the sadness in all the lives

I am the special lives in the bodies

I am the body being saved

I am the saviour

THAT IS JESUS!

Danny Y4

Oscar Y6

Stained Glass Windows

Natalie Y6

Harris Y6

Reflective Phrases

The lord is here with us every day – Dominic

Hate is an illness; forgiveness is the medicine – Herbie

May the sun always shine on your window pane - may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain - may the hand of a friend always be near you - may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you – George

Jealousy shuts our eyes

Faith is the morning sun – Natalie

Peace be to you, fear not – Hannah

Give a man a fish and he eats for the night.

Teach a man to fish and he can feed him self for life – Matthew

Love, peace, fun, laughter and happiness – Connor

God wants to be your friend.

Do you want to be his? – Freddy

Jesus, the Son, the Saviour, the Shepherd, the Light - trust in Him. His word leads us – Jess

The lord is within you – Hugo

Love is a gift greater than any other – Amber

God is the light or the world – Amy

You’re not alone – Sophie

Keep on going and you will find light - Adam

He is the King of kings – Emma

A pen is mightier than a sword - Jack

I am the Light of the World

I am Jesus, the light of the world.

I am the world, God’s greatest creation –

Creation of all mankind.

I am mankind, living life on Earth

I am the Earth, the beginning of life.

I am the life of Jesus, Son of God.

He is God, who made man walk on Earth.

I am man, made to live life on land –

On land where life is grown.

I am life because of what we grow.

I am growing, God’s gift to us.

I am the follower of God, creator of Earth and all

Will it be there for all eternity?

Jack Y6

Lion’s Den

Lions jaws so large and powerful

In the freezing cold, barely satisfied

Oh thank the Lord that I came out alive

No-one except me, they do not devour

Such beautiful manes and very coarse tongues

Deadly when hunting, peaceful when drowsing

Eating me, for praying to God?

Never would my big cat friends do that to me!

Dominic Y6

December - The Waiting Game

25 Days that are long and slow.

Waiting for Christmas and its snow.

Some wake early in the cold winter’s morn,

Whilst others haven’t yet had that first waking yawn.

Getting ourselves ready for Christmas celebrations,

Families doing the same all over our nation.

Days filled with lots of food;

Roasted, chopped and sometimes stewed.

Games and fun are ways of celebration

But this is the most special of occasions.

Snowman building, snowball fights,

Games played late into the dark night.

Children gathering, ready for bed ,

Imagining Santa all dressed in red.

Dreaming about all those special things,

Innkeepers and shepherds, praying with kings.

Watching baby Jesus all through the night,

Outside sparking snow, glistening so white.

Gifts from kings, including gold,

In a humble stable, a shelter from cold.

Children waiting for that special day,

To open their presents and then to say

“Let’s all celebrate together by the Christmas tree,”

Her, him, you and me.

The day when a bright star filled the night,

And a baby was born to bring the world - new light.

Cerys Y5

Ellie and Harry Y4

The lost (He)art of Debate ~ Time for a fresh start

“The art of debate is lost.”

“No it isn’t.”

“Yes it is.”

“No it is’nt!”

“Yes it is!”

“NO IT ISN’T”

“YES IT… ahh, I see what you are doing there. That’s not debating, that’s just contradiction.”

“No it isn’t”

“Yes it…”

Hmmm… let’s start again.

I don’t know how many of you have seen the genius of the Monty Python sketch, which inspired this little introduction, but it helps us to start thinking about how we debate.

“No it doesn’t.”

“Quiet you!  Let me continue”…

It seems, on the surface, that there is a lot of debate in our country…

“And the world. It’s not just all about you, you know!”

…from arguments over Christmas shopping parking spaces, to points decisions in boxing matches; from heights of Leylandii bushes, to ‘Reality TV’ judges’ comments; from skirmishes in the playground, to the Houses of Commons…

“Or indeed, disagreements between countries themselves.”

Well, as far as I can see, there is an essential ingredient that is either missing or has been corrupted. We have lost our way. Ask yourself honestly what is your purpose when locked in debate. Is the answer ‘to prove I am right’?

Should our use of debate be about proving Who is right; or rather, about finding out What is right? Would it not be better to have the courage to seek the truth?

Just imagine two opposing MPs, locked in battle, arguing over an important issue. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the one in government (with the power to change people’s lives) spoke, listened, debated and at the end said… “You know, I agree with that. Let’s do it your way.” I am not sure who would die of shock first.

“You’d probably need to start this text again with a ‘Dead Parrot’ sketch instead.”

How refreshing would that be? What an example to us all.

(I only say an example of the person in power yielding because s/he has much more to lose. But strangely, I would argue that the same also has so much more to gain by looking for truth and putting pride on hold!)

If you want to get a feel for what the general public may think of the debates in The Houses of Parliament, you only need to look at Banksy’s painting of the Houses of Commons in the museum of Bristol.

So who is to blame for this? Everyone.

There is nothing to be gained by pointing fingers. We are all just as guilty. Even if there are some amongst us who don’t do it; we have allowed it to continue. In fact, by buying certain newspapers and watching some TV programmes we have encouraged it!

So, it’s time for a fresh start.

“Before it’s too late?”

“Exactly.”

Why don’t we make a conscious effort, whenever we are engaged in debate? Whether it be about the everyday such as, when bedtime should be / whose turn it is to put the rubbish out; or matters of great importance facing our leaders and governments – should we ask ourselves not to seek to prove ourselves right but to prove what is right? It is going to be a hard habit to break.

So why is this in a book of faith? Well, I am afraid I cheated.

“It is a hard habit to break!”

You see inspiration really came from the letters Paul wrote to Timothy and others in the Bible.  He was trying to advise Christian leaders and warn of the dangers they face. You see pride is one of those sins which can be hard to spot and can grow if unchecked. Saul expects you to be proud in God and of the talents He has given you to further His great plan. But warns you to guard against being lead astray by personal glory and arguments of no worth.

Fight for the Truth not for your pride.

Let’s get this right.

Nadeem Qureshi

Mrs. T. Cook

How can we Listen?

How can we listen amongst all this noise?

How can we see amongst all this clutter?

How can we act when there is so much to be done?

Yes – I know…

Anyone who knows me, also knows that I am the last person qualified to talk about clutter – unless it is how to collect more!

AND if you give me something URGENT to do, it will take ‘a little while’ for it to reach the top of my pile.

Talk to me whilst I am doing something else and you will be greeted by a blank expression; and confirmation of the theory about males and multi-tasking.

With our crazy, hectic, modern lives it is all too easy to let things go by in a blur without noticing the really important moments. We are constantly bombarded in our everyday lives and I would hate to calculate just how many adverts, telling us that we are unfulfilled, we are exposed to in our short time on this planet.

So why go on about this? Am I trying to negotiate a plea for a 30 hour day instead of 24?

Er… NO!

I had let far too much time pass, waiting to hear God and see His work in the world. I wonder how many moments have slipped by without me noticing?

How many times have I been more concerned with the trivial (that will yield fruit no greater than dust in the future); than with listening?

How many actions have gone undone?

Well, I pray that it is not too late for me and for anyone else who recognizes this story.

I pray that I will make time to see, listen and act.

Perhaps a humble little penny, that has been lost for so long, can help to be part of the most important plan this amazing world can know?

I hope so.

Eternity

You may have not heard of Arthur Malcolm Stace.

He wasn’t on X-Factor, or Britain’s Got Talent.

Even though geographically closer, he wasn’t even on ‘I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here’. Yet Arthur has probably had his work seen by more people than all of those others combined.

Arthur was a homeless alcoholic who had spent time in jail. He had virtually no schooling and used to search bins for food.  I guess life really wasn’t going to plan! But there was a moment when Arthur’s life changed. He stopped and listened. During a sermon about ‘Eternity’ and a following conversation, Arthur was inspired and compelled to act.

He heard the preacher say the words…

“Eternity, Eternity, I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets…”

And from that moment on, (despite being nearly illiterate, Arthur wrote the word “Eternity” in beautiful copperplate script, on the pavements and streets of Sydney using chalk.

There was huge speculation about this message and who was writing it. No one knew Arthur was responsible. The mystery permeated the hearts and minds of those in Sydney for over 35 years. Many people claimed to be responsible but the truth wasn’t discovered until he was ‘caught’ by a preacher from the church he worked in as a cleaner.

However, the influence of Arthur’s Graffiti in the name of God didn’t stop there.

As part of the celebration of the new Millennium, the word ‘Eternity’, in Arthur’s signature script, was lit up amongst fireworks on Sydney Harbour Bridge.

With Australia being one of the first countries to usher in the new Millennium for our world, I wonder how many people saw his message.

The Great Inventor

A quiet breeze of excitement rushed through Andrew’s mind. It was today. His next visit to that strange, exciting place. Andrew loved making things with his hands. He always brought his unusual contraptions to school to show; but somehow they never quite worked.

Something was always missing; and the other children would laugh and giggle when his creations fell apart. Emma was different. She would pick up the pieces carefully and ask him all about his ideas. Emma loved art and would often help decorate Andrew’s designs. They were a good team really and they tried hard to ignore the sniggers of others.

Andrew called for his dog Buster and fastened the lead. Soon they would be ready to go.

Once every fortnight Andrew, Buster and mum would catch the number G2 bus into town. They would collect Emma along the way and spend a couple of glorious hours racing around the park, hiding, seeking, jumping and falling. Buster, almost unable to contain himself with excitement would scamper between Emma and Andrew; chasing after sticks and all manner of other objects.

The park always had something new and exciting to discover: secret hiding places, cool beetles and other creatures that crawled in the earth; rare flowers and odd seed shells to collect. Andrew’s pockets always bulged after just a few minutes exploring. Mum squealed when he showed her the latest wriggly creature unearthed from the damp ground. But this was only the prelude.

Overlooking the park, an old house stood quietly amongst the modern luxury flats. Noone knew how long it had been there. Noone even noticed it - unless deliberately trying to seek it out. Andrew smiled to himself and speculated that perhaps it had been there forever? Perhaps it had been there since the beginning of time? Who knows? One thing was for sure – it was very special. Exchanging an excited glance with Emma, they walked towards the entrance.

The front door opened and climbing the bright, winding staircase Andrew ran his palm along sculpted handrail covering the intricate spokes. Unbelievably smooth to the touch and amazingly elegant, surely this was also made by The Inventor.

Neither of the children knew the Inventor’s name but they certainly knew his work. Simplicity and beauty in looks, covering miniature workings and breathtaking design. Andrew hoped that one day he too could create things of such beauty. His mum would always tell him to be patient but Andrew longed to know the secrets. He longed to know them now.

With the inner door only half open, the children rushed inside; mum and Buster trailing behind. The Inventor stood there, in the middle of the room; and greeted them warmly. Exotic fruits lay on the table and beyond were unusual plants and flowers that almost defied description.

Emma’s eyes lit up as she pulled a weathered sketchbook from within her pocket, immediately squatted on the floor; and with hand fleeting across page, tried to capture some of the beauty of what she saw.

Andrew’s gaze held a different focus. Subtle whirring, humming and clicking seemed to speak from different parts of the room and Andrew searched out the amazing machines that made their music.

All sorts of incredible, intricate objects ticked, turned and twisted. Andrew loved spending time asking the Inventor all about them; what they did; how they were made. He longed to create such magical things. The danced, sang, changed shape, form and colour. The Inventor would pick them up, toss them idly from hand to hand and show all their intricacies and secrets to the children.

Mum would then break the spell.

“Buster would like a little run around. Would you care to join me?”

“I would love too”, the Inventor replied but noting the look of disappointment that flashed across Andrew’s face added “The children can stay here if they would like.” (He loved their visits and they would all spend many happy hours together. He didn’t want to shorten their time.)

Turning to address them directly he continued, “Feel free to carry on; you may eat the fruit, have some drinks but please don’t touch the little object on the table over there. The children hadn’t even noticed it before. But nestling over in the corner was a small, glittering globe.

As soon as they had gone Emma and Andrew felt drawn to that globe. Somehow the atmosphere in the room had changed. Something was nagging them. A thought snaked through the air. In a room of amazing treasures, what was so special about that globe to make it stand apart? What did it hold? Perhaps it was the secret of how all these amazing creations were made? Andrew could hear the children sniggering in his head.

“If only I knew how it worked.” He heard himself say out loud.

Emma knew how much Andrew wanted to prove the others wrong. She had seen the disappointment when they laughed at the things he made.

“Why don’t you open it up?” She suggested.

“But he said we shouldn’t” protested Andrew.

“He won’t mind really. He lets you play with all the other stuff in here. It’s only a globe.”

The children gazed at each other as if frozen by the thought.

Suddenly the spell was broken as Emma grabbed the singing globe; twisted it open and handed it over. “Here – take a look.”

Andrew stared at the intricate mechanism exposed inside, humming and whirring quietly. Cogs danced to and fro effortlessly as he tilted it to catch a sight of the unseen mechanism powering the fascinating globe. It was then that it happened, cogs spilled onto the floor and a cascade of glittering levers, shafts and wheels fell.

The children stared at each other in horror. Gathering all the small pieces together they tried in vain to put them back into the globe. But it was no use. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t get them all back in. All movement and song was gone. Instead it sat there like a dead carcass of a once great beast.

Shame and fear filled the children like a sickness. They ran out the door, down the stairs and into the street. Wanting to hide, they sought refuge at the park and watched from the cover of a weeping willow. Minds racing, hearts empty.

They saw mum and the Inventor return with Buster and disappear into the house. A few moments later mum and Buster were back. They were heading towards the park.

“I thought I would find you here.” She said quietly.

As they walked solemnly back to the town, the children tried to explain what had happened. It wasn’t really their fault. But no matter how hard they tried, they knew the truth.

“I’ll get a job and earn some money; and then I can pay him back. Or I could try to fix it”, suggested Andrew.

“I think you are missing the point my love. It’s not the globe. Something else has been broken and I am not sure you can fix that by yourself.”

Nevertheless Andrew did get that job and Emma would sometimes come to help. In fact by a strange coincidence it was a job in the park; repairing benches and pathways; gardening and tending to the earth. It was hard work but Andrew knew it had to be done. People walking through the park watched him toiling for hours each day. But they were not the only one. From high up in that house a figure full with sadness watched over the children.

He had loved their time together and sorrow rather than anger filled his heart.

Perhaps one day they could enjoy each other’s company again.

Perhaps one day, there would be a way.

I’ll leave that part, to you.      Genesis 2, 3

Nadeem and Cerys Qureshi

Stained Glass Windows

Why not have a go at making your own ‘stained glass windows’ using the computer? Design a great picture and print onto a transparency. Then just place on a window!

Class 6

Doubt

It’s a simple enough word but with a huge number of permutations. I wish it didn’t exist. Is the bus going to come on time? Will he remember to come on Tuesday? Did I lock the back door before going out? Does she like me? Am I good enough for this interview?

All day to day doubts concerned with our own performances but how often do we doubt the existence of God?

When my niece was knocked off her bike and killed by a lorry delivering cheap food I hated God. I ranted and raved and called Him everything and sometimes doubted His existence. Rachael had just qualified as a teacher and was about to start her first job teaching English in an Inner London secondary school. She was nervous and excited but she didn’t even experience her first day as a qualified teacher. Why had God allowed this to happen? What justice is there in the world? To Kill a Mocking Bird fell from her bicycle basket as she fell. Was this God mocking us? Then I began to think about Auschwitz. What sort of God allows children to walk to the gas chambers?

The last walk I took with my father before he died was in the Elan Valley in Wales. It is a stunning place with unbreaking sides of hills and dense woods and waterfalls. The day was in early spring, there was a mist covering the trees that made it look as though heaven was descending to meet earth. A dragon fly was dying by a leaf. It needed water. My father found a puddle and flicked water over the dragon fly so it had strength to fly off into evening and find its own water. Somehow this act made me think how much of an adolescent I still am (a very old adolescent I hasten to add! ) but an adolescent who still needs God to be a father to me so I can blame Him when things go wrong, rather than take responsibility for myself. Adolescents tend to blame and doubt their parents in this way. We have been given free choice but do we use it wisely? All the wars and strife in the world stem from greed and until we curb this greed and need for power there will always be doubt. So there is a heaven but it’s a heaven on earth that we make or break for ourselves.

I’m going to try hard to knock doubt out of my vocabulary and when we sing, It came upon the midnight clear’ this Christmas may I be sure of the existence of heaven and concentrate on all the good that there is in the world.

Wendy French

Potted History of St. Botolph’s Church

St. Botolph’s church has been in Chevening for over 875 years. In 1857 the Lych gate was built. It is still there today.

It is dedicated to St. Botolph, the patron saint of travelers. It is sited on the Pilgrims’ Way.

The earliest part of the church is the South Wall of the South Aisle, built of local flint, rubble mixed with Kent ragstone.

At the West End of the South Aisle are remains of a simple low arched doorway. On the North side is a large tomb.

There is a Piscina set into the wall. (See pic. 2)

The first recoded rector held office in 1262.

There are monuments to the Stanhope family in the church as Chevening House is a near neighbour to the church. Chevening School is also close by and we often visit for family and school services.

Carved in stone near the alter is a sculpture of the Last Supper. (See picture 3)

Jess, Hannah, Herbie, Adam, Oscar and Freddy Y6

More Wise Words

God’s word will only be free if you let it free ~ Tom Y6

Faith will move mountains ~ Oscar Y6

Have a go at it and try your best ~ Izzy Y6

Unconditional love gets the final word ~ Adam Y6

You must be the change you want to see in the world Jake Y6

Saint Botolph

Ca. 620-680. St. Botolph was a Saxon monk of the Benedictine Order who lived in the Seventh Century. He was born in East Anglia of noble Saxon parents who were Christians, and sent with his brother Adulph to the Continent to study the Gospel.

On his return to East Anglia he built a monastery on the land given by the Saxon King Ethelmund of East Anglia, whose sisters he had known in Germany. His fame was proclaimed far and wide and in the Saxon world was famous for wisdom, holiness, pastoral care and was full of grace of the Holy Spirit. He was one of the greatest of the Seventh Century missionaries. St. Botolph is the Patron Saint of travelers and farmers. As Chevening is on the Pilgrims Way and in the midst of farming country, it is perhaps why our church is named after St. Botolph. His feast day is celebrated either on 17th June (England) or 25th June (Scotland).

Answers to the Y3 Bible Quiz

1)     God

2)     God

3)     Moses

4)     Eve

5)     David

6)    Bethlehem

7)     A cross

8)     Jonah

9)     Joseph

Answers to Crossword

Across

2 Ark

3 Adam

4 Bible

6 Egyptians

7 David

9 Eve

10 Commandments

12 Mary

Down

1 Saul

3 Abraham

4 Bethlehem

5 Heaven

8 Palm

11 Moses

Westminster Abbey

I love my position as head girl and one unforgettable trip was going to a great service at Westminster abbey. It was to mark 200 years of church schools. (Funny, it’s also 400 years of King James Bible!)

It was marked by breathtaking processions, unique speeches by the Archbishop of Canterbury, beautiful choir singing, hymns that bought a smile to many people’s faces, supreme stone work and some very interesting gargoyles!

Anybody who would like to, can read a version of the Archbishop’s sermon and visit his website by looking at the back of our book.

Natalie Y6

New Sight for the Alien

A short story based on a transcript of the sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury - celebrating 200 years of Church Schools.

(This is an interpretation of the sermon. To read the full, unedited version; please use the following link… http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2219/www.natsoc200.org.uk )

In every home, be it large or small, cosy or bleak, busy or serene there is a common factor - that mysterious, overflowing cupboard. In fact, it isn’t just restricted to homes. Chevening has one (or indeed several) too!

You never know exactly what you're going to find in them because they’re the cupboards where things go when you can't think of anywhere else to put them. Now in Class 6, you will find a particularly full one, bursting with all sorts of ‘really useful stuff’. Or so Mr. Q will try to tell you. That’s him there, the one with the racing cars on his jumper, piles of paper on his desk and fixed grin on his face.

Well, one day, when he was out on playground duty, a small and curious alien happened to drop by. Using his sonic screwdriver he prised open the lock and peered inside.  What strange, curious items lay before him. After a moment’s contemplation; glittering gold metal caught his eye. Extracting it carefully (as if playing some crazy life-sized game of Jenga) he looked at it, and thought "Now what could this possibly be for? Maybe you drink from it, maybe you put it on your head, maybe you hang your washing from it?" And there he sat very puzzled - for a rather long time.

Soon class monitors arrived and found the small, green alien sitting on the floor looking very, very puzzled. Now you might imagine them to be rather shocked but believe me, there are far more unusual things in Mr. Q’s class than little green aliens. Well, the children of Chevening have excellent manners and are keen to welcome all. (CRB checks notwithstanding!)

"Can we help you?"

"Well", said the alien, "I just cannot work out what this thing is for."

"Simple," answered the pupils. "Come to the hall."

So off they went to Act of Worship, with the curious object and the even more curious alien. They gave it to Mrs. Jones and said "Please could you show our visitor, what we do with this?" Mrs. Jones turned it in her hands, put it to her lips, and blew an huge raspberry! But she wasn’t being rude at all because actually - it was a…

…trumpet!

Now why didn’t the children just say to the alien “It’s a trumpet"?

Well, imagine you found a trumpet and you'd never seen one before. Imagine you had absolutely no idea what to do with it. In order to find out what it really was, you'd have to see it being used. You could describe the trumpet until you were blue (or green) in the face, and you still wouldn't have worked out what it was really for. What was in front of your eyes wouldn't tell you everything - you'd need something more.

Sometimes we look; we don't always grasp what something really is; what it's really for. And that's true of you and me, just as much as it's true of trumpets. You've got to see people in context. You've got to see them doing things, relating to one another.

When you see another human being, what you're really seeing is just a big lump of bone and fat and hair. Some lumps bigger than others, some hair less than others… But of course we don't see people like that - we see what they do. We see them as people we can talk to and have friendships with. And if we're Christians, we see them in relationship with God. We see them as people that God wants to spend time with. When we look at one another, we see sitting next to us somebody that God is really interested in, and that God really wants to spend time with. And that changes really radically, how we treat other people.

Now we believe that a church school - the kind of school that the National Society has been involved in for two centuries - is a place where you see people in context. You don't just see the mysterious object that the alien finds in the cupboard, and wonder, "What's that for?" You know what your neighbour is for. You and your neighbour, your friends, the people involved all around you, are there for God. They're there for God to love, for God to make grow and flourish. And they're there for you to enjoy, and love, and be grateful for.

A church school is a place where you look and you see. Being part of a community like this is being part of a community that is learning to see people properly, fully and richly; to see people in all their glory, and their surprisingness.

To play your part and have a voice in your society, you need to be more than just a good citizen. You need to have the biggest possible picture in your mind, the widest possible horizon. You need to see as much as you possibly can of other people, what they really are. You need to see how creative, how odd sometimes, how surprising, how wonderful they are. You need to see how God makes use of them, like musical instruments in a great worldwide universe-wide symphony.

Let’s give thanks for 200 years of people learning to look and to see. Not just to see what's immediately in front of their noses, but to see into and through and around the people, the things of the world, to see them in the light of God. And by seeing them in the light of God, to discover astonishing possibilities. That's the vision out of which the National Society came, and that's why we have church schools.

The friends of Jesus in the New Testament story say, "Didn't our hearts burn within us? Didn't we feel an astonishing sense of newness and possibility? Didn't we feel that the world was bigger than we ever suspected?" Their eyes had been opened, they'd seen something. And our prayer needs to be that in every church school up and down the country now, as over the last 200 years, people like you and me will be learning again and again to see. And to feel their hearts burning.

Isn't the world an astonishing place? Aren't people remarkable? Isn't there so much more than I ever suspected to the world I live in?

To read the full, unedited transcript, you can use this link… http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2219/www.natsoc200.org.uk Illustrations – Jess, Lucia, Jack, Charlie, Adam, Jake, Connor

Corrigendum (No-one’s perfect)

When following God it is all too easy to feel disappointment when we do something wrong or don’t live up to expectations. Let’s face it – God’s standards are pretty high! But we are all human (apart from the alien in the sermon above); and often make mistakes. It is all part of our journey. The important thing is that we learn from them; and if we have done wrong, we say sorry. In science, no progress is made until you prove something untrue.

Sitting here, proof-reading the book, I went in search of mistakes – and boy did I find some (mainly in my own contributions). So – the challenge is… can you find them too? And more importantly can you forgive me?!

Well, in the end, I decided to leave the ones I found there. If you can find the 20 I spotted, there is a prize! Just email. (Oh, and say something nice too please!) Thank you for reading. Peace be with you.

Ed.

Table of Contents

The Faith – An Anthology (e-book version)

Copyright © Chevening St. Botolph’s CEP School 2011

Dedicated to all of our amazing children,

Foreword ~ Helen Jones

Together we learn, believe and achieve

Contributions from pupils to parents; governors to granddads; friends, family and staff follow…

Rainbow World - Amber Y6

Coming to Faith

Faithful Words

A Personal Letter from Martha to Anne

GOD – He’s With Us All the Time

Hebrews 13:5

Year 5 Prayer

Proverbs 10 v: 1-2

Hold Fast

Do Not Weep

Learn, Believe, Achieve

Jesus Calms the Storm

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ - Psalm 119 v 105

Jesus

Jesus Acrostic Poem

God Is So Strong

Heavenly Father

Baby Jesus

A Working Mum’s Prayer

Diary Extract by Jonah

Words of Faith

Bible Quiz

I am a Church

Year 6’s Holy Highway

St. Botolph’s Eagle Eye Quiz

Year 5 Prayer

Praise the Lord

Wise Words

How Good Are You With a Saw Noah?

Pirate Wisdom?

Never Say a Cross Word!

A Prayer

Year 5’s Words of Faith

Psalm 121:1-8

Jesus and Psalm 100

Modern Walls of Jericho

Brave Dave

I am … The Bible

Noah’s Ark

Dear Diary

The Ten Plagues of Egypt – Wild Beasts

We Love God Because…

A Very Happy Meal

Saviour

The Kitbag of Moses

Class 5 Prayer

I am the Joy

Never Forget

Return to Egypt

The Daily Jericho

We Love God Because…

Super Grace

What Are You Searching For?

The Church

May the Sun

St.Botolph’s Church

Rainbow

The Flood is Over!

You Protect Me ~ Psalm 121

Ruler of Earth

I love God Because

Son of God – I Love God

Noah’s Poem

The Daily Bible

Coat of Many Gadgets

Jonah’s Diary

Noah’s Diary

Praise Him [song]

Welcome to the Church

School boy

Changes

The New King born in a stable

I am Jesus

Reflective Phrases

I am the Light of the World

Lion’s Den

December - The Waiting Game

The lost (He)art of Debate ~ Time for a fresh start

How can we Listen?

Eternity

The Great Inventor

Stained Glass Windows

Doubt

Potted History of St. Botolph’s Church

Saint Botolph

Answers to the Y3 Bible Quiz

Answers to Crossword

Westminster Abbey

New Sight for the Alien

Corrigendum (No-one’s perfect)