18 December 2007
In a world of competing role models, Jesus’ powerful challenge to “come and see” is at the heart of 2008’s national day of prayer and celebration for all those involved in the world of education, taking place on Sunday 20th January.
Education Sunday has been marked each year for well over a century and, this year, Jesus’ invitation to his earliest disciples to learn more about Him is being used to remind congregations of that life-long Christian commitment to reflect on His teaching and example.
The Church of England’s National Society – the body which began mass education in this country, and today exists to inform and encourage Church schools and to promote Christian education – has always been a leading light in the co-ordination of Education Sunday, which is observed in some way by almost every parish and church school in the country, as well as many cathedrals.
The Education Sunday website - www.educationsunday.org - includes suggested prayers, hymns and songs alongside other material that organisers hope will be used to plan creative ways of celebrating the occasion.
Graham Russell, Chair of the Ecumenical Steering Group responsible for preparing this year’s material says: “Today we are still asked to recognise and respond to Jesus. To come and see, but also to go and tell. As we celebrate education, we look to be attentive to Jesus’ teaching and the impact of living out his example in our lives.
“We remember the gift of teaching and learning that sustains communities around the world as they grow from generation to generation”.