Read All About It!

31 children across The Forest Federation had a fantastic event running for 'Race for Life' and have raised over £1300 for such a worthy cause. We had a wonderful time, it was fabulous to see the children and families running around the field and it was special to see younger siblings too, the toddlers loved it!  We also thank the parents who helped with refreshments. We are so proud of the children for entering into the spirit of the event, raising such great funds and it Is important to mention several families at Needood who rasied nearly £50 each and one family from Rangemore who raised over £1000. When they arrived on the field the girl said, "At first I felt nervous but when I got there I felt excited and happy. I am so proud to have raised so much and was determined to give it my all for all of the people who have supported me. So many people supported me because I wrote a letter saying that I was running in honour of my Nanna and my dads mum and 2 uncles as well as my mum's friend who is currently fighting back cancer. I was thrilled to raise £1,089 towards the school total." Well done to everyone. 

The children in KS2 went to church to find out what happens in a  Communion service. Mrs Rees and Mr Harrison explained to the children in the detail the significance of the service and what the bread and wine represents. The children were able to watch a demonstration of how to take communion and sampled the wafers (but not the wine!).

Families had an excellent Fathers’ Day celebration this week with wonderful lunches across 2 days and then a beautiful service where children shared memories, thoughts, common ‘dadisms’, singing and prayer to consider the role of dad, and to think about dads in school, absent and ill dads and people undertaking the role of dad. It was special. Happy Fathers’ Day.

Class 3 at Needwood and class 4 at Rangemore had a truly fantastic day visiting Birmingham. They thoroughly enjoyed the concert at the Symphony Hall which used the full CBSO and music by Mendelssohn, Britten, Walton and Prokofiev to explore how composers down the centuries have let Shakespeare’s poetry ignite their imagination, this included songs from the Lion King, West Side Story and the theme tune to 'The Apprentice' originally written by Prokofiev for Romeo and Juliet! The also sketched in the square and visited to the Museum and art gallery where they explored many exhibits ranging from ancient cultures to the history of Birmingham's people.  It was a fabulous day. 

Chidlren have received awards for demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-ontrol.

The New Testament Letter to the Christians in Galatia tells us that the Holy Spirit gives a person "fruit" in their life. Nine fruits are listed in Chapter 5 verses 22-25 as being "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." So real are these qualities which the Spirit gives that we can often see them in our own lives and in the lives of others. Verse 25 tells us "If our lives are centred in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit".

                   Members of the Parochial Church Council of All Saints Church, Rangemore have created an award to be presented annually at our local school. Working closely with the Head Teacher and Staff of their local school All Saints (C of E) Primary School, School Christian Club and School Council, it was agreed to present the award to the child who, nominated by other pupils and staff, best displays the "Fruits of the Spirit" in their life. In addition, at regular intervals during the year, a certificate and knitted fruit representing one of the qualities will be given to a deserving pupil, giving momentum to the project. 

                  The award itself will take the form of a handcrafted basket of fruit made out of natural materials, each piece bearing the name of one of the nine qualities. To involve the wider community in the award scheme, the Rangemore and Tatenhill Branch of the Womens' Institute (Craft Crew) have been 'commissioned' by the church to design and make the fruit basket. The names of award winners will be embroidered onto the lid of the basket.

We'll make the first full year "Fruits of the Spirit" award during the End of Term Service in All Saint's Church on Tuesday 19 July this year. This follows  on from half termly awards for children from each class demonstrating one of the ‘fruits’ and much teaching and encouragement on the subject, which has frequently been included in school worship and songs, classroom subjects and school displays. The children know about the Fruits of the Spirit. All Saints School have been delighted with the response and have even noticed a change of attitude within the school community.

              "The Fruits of the Spirit Award" will be testimony to how words from the Bible can encourage and direct our lives.