ALL HALLOWS PARISH CHURCH
We are very proud of our links with All Hallows Church in Gedling. We regularly welcome the Messy Church Leaders into School, take part in joint concerts and take the whole school over to the church for special celebrations.
Our Vision
We aim to inspire happy, well-rounded individuals who respect each other and strive to become the best versions of themselves. We care for each other, celebrate our individuality and uniqueness, and nurture a sense of belonging and connection, so that all members of our community flourish, feeling safe, valued and accepted. We do this by living out our values which are rooted in the Christian narrative.
Our values are rooted in the Christian narrative:
Humility
We self-reflect and are thoughtful towards others.
The Easter story – Jesus personified humility beyond all measure and comparison in giving His life on the cross as a sacrifice for us. He is the most humble person ever.
Luke 22 24-30
The Disciples Argue About Greatness
Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
Also see ‘Who is the greatest?’ - 2 slightly different versions in Matthew 18.1-5 and Mark 9.33-37.
Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves then, under God’s mighty hand so that he will lift you up in his own good time then leave all your worries and he will care for you.
Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Also explore Ephesians 4. The context is Paul is in prison because of his beliefs. However, he still asks them to share God’s news. He talks about staying together as a community, yet not all needing to be the same (inclusion)
Mark 9.33-37 - ‘To be great in God’s Kingdom is to become like a servant’
Matthew 20.1-16 - Parable of the workers in the vineyard- (comparison is the thief of joy)
Mother Theresa: “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”
Empathy
We are kind.
Lazarus - One of the most poignant examples of compassion in the Bible is when Jesus showed compassion at the grave of Lazarus. When Jesus saw Lazarus' friends weeping, he wept alongside them (John 11:33-35). )
Or The Good Samaritan
Look at the miracles and think about what is going on under the surface. Whatt does Jesus notice the person needs on top of the obvious – eg mental health issues, Jarus’ daughter (first thing is to get her something to eat).
Jesus notices things – eg in synagogue spots someone at the back and welcomes them in.
Even when suffering on the cross, Jesus asked one of the disciples to look after his Mother. We presume Jospeh has dies as not mentioned, and Mary would be vulnerable – although Jesus did have brothers.)
Consider public figures who have shown empathy eg footballers Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Sadio Mane.
Colossians 3:12 ‘Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’
Romans 12:15 ‘Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those who weep’
Ambition
We recognise each other’s strengths and talents. We nurture self-esteem and well-being so that all have the courage to achieve their potential.
The Parable of the talents - In 'The Parable of the Talents' in Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that ambition is a good thing when we use God's gifts for His glory.
From a church point of view, ambition needs to be about aspiring to be the best person you can be in order to help others. Having a purpose and knowing where you are heading – being happy with your best.
Abraham was told ‘you will be a blessing to all nations’ – chosen to show how God wants us to live.
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – the workers were happy with their pay, until they compared it to what others got - ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ - Theodore Roosevelt.
Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
John 10:10 ‘I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.’
In Ephesians 4 talks about gifts
Respect
We show positive regard for ourselves, for others and our environment. We act with kindness and consideration towards each other.
The story of the Samaritan woman, also known as the woman at the well, draws our attention to the central themes of the Gospel. By approaching her, Jesus demonstrates His care for all, regardless of their social standing.
Jesus didn’t just jump in with miracles, he listened and saw the deeper need. He showed respect by listening to others.
Jesus’ choice of disciples shows respect for all people – women, fishermen, tax collectors etc – those shunned by society – inclusion. Also see Luke 6 17-28 (blessed are…)
John 13:34 ‘As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’
Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Trust
We will be brave, authentic, honest and vulnerable and be each other’s friend.
Joseph – he trusted in God even while times were hard
The Nativity – lots of issues of trust to explore – eg Mary trusting Gabriel, Joseph trusting Mary and his message from God.
Peter trusting Jesus- Wanting to prove his courage to Jesus, he made an amazing statement: “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). These were rough seas, and Peter was willing to literally step onto them because He was looking at Jesus. That gave him confidence and courage.
It went well for a while until Peter started to sink. And why did he sink? Because he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on other things. The Bible tells us, “When he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid” (verse 30).
When talking about trust, try to think of our whole school community – children trusting the staff and Governors. Parents trusting us. Staff trusting parents. (See the display in the hall)
Luke 1 5-7. Zechariah didn’t trust God enough - Zechariah served as a priest, and both he and Elizabeth were righteous and upright before God. Zechariah replied in disbelief; he did not understand how he and his wife could have a child in their old age. As result, the angel made him mute.
Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid I can put my trust in you
Proverbs 3:5 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your Heart’
OUR SCHOOL PRAYER
Give me the strength to be kind
And to respect everyone and everything.
Remind me always to use my manners
And give me the courage to make the right choices.
Bless our whole school family,
And our wider family across the world.
Thank you for being with us,
And helping us in all that we do.
Amen
PRAYER POINTS
Each class has its own prayer board, which are utilised by the class teacher.
Our prayer board in the hall is regularly updated with new prayers written by the children. These are used in our acts of worship.