ASSEMBLY – THE BENEFITS AND GREATNESS OF SPORT BY ELLA M (7N) AND RUTH F (7H)

On Monday of this week, for the ‘Be Vocal’ criteria of the Stamp House Project, Ella M (7N) and Ruth F (7H) gave a presentation entitled ‘Benefits and Greatness of Sport’. Here is Ella and Ruth’s speech in full:

“Ella : As part of our project stamp, we have decided to talk to you about our passion - Sport - and for people who prefer others things we have decided to talk to about some health benefits of sport.

Ruth : Sport is a part of your wellbeing and health. There are many things sport can do for example helping you have better sleep which helps your body get stronger.

Ella : Here are some examples of mental and life benefits:
Teamwork.
Leadership.
Time management.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
A natural energy boost.
Ruth : Here are some examples of physical benefits:
Swimming: strengthens lungs, builds muscles.
Tennis: builds strength. burns energy.
Cycling: strengthens heart/brain.
Running: Fewer muscle/bone issues, improves health.
Gymnastics: Improves health, improves flexibility.

Ella : Jodie Williams: ”Sport is more than just physical fitness. It helps you challenge yourself, build resilience, and empowers people, especially women. A way to break barriers and create opportunities, particularly for female athletes. For me, sport is not just about personal success; it’s about making a positive impact and driving change in communities.”

Ruth : Rowan McKellar says that Sport is a great way to stay healthy, strong, and active. “I see it as something that helps improve your mind, teaches discipline, and connects you with others. Sport can also help with stress, build confidence, and be fun for everyone.”

Ella : Thank You for listening and I hope we have persuaded you to at least try one sport club.”

Following this excellent presentation, Reverend Kate prayed:

Loving God,
We give thanks that you equip us to run, jump, throw, spin and turn and that you make our bodies so that we can do all you call us to do.

Help us to stay fit and well and to take care of ourselves and each other.

May the gift of sport find us friends, fellowship and fun.
Amen.

ACT OF WORSHIP 

On Wednesday, after singing ‘In Christ Alone’ accompanied with great skill and accuracy by Aanya S (9S) on the organ, Cornelia V-H (12H) read from the Book of Acts, chapter 1, verses 1-11.

Reverend Kate said that having been lifted up onto the cross and then lifted out of the tomb, our Bible reading describes the moment when Jesus is ‘lifted’ up to heaven (v9). Referring to us coming into Chapel to ‘Lifted’ by Lighthouse Family, Reverend Kate said that the song ‘Lifted’ imagines that heaven is a ‘space up above the clouds where everything is understandable and we don’t have to speak too loudly’; ……… heaven is a place of ‘stars’ and ‘new horizons’, a place away from difficulties, heartbreak and anxiety.

Reverend Kate said that as the first disciples watched Jesus lifted up to heaven, she imagined that they felt a great loss and, perhaps, a desire to go wherever Jesus was going. However, Jesus’ message is that the place for his disciples is on earth, not as passive bystanders staring into heaven after him, but as active participants in the work of God on earth; work which we do in the power of the Holy Spirit which Jesus promises in our Bible reading this morning.

Reverend Kate said that the church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost which, this year, falls at the beginning of June when, after our half term break, we will have either completed our exams or be waiting to sit them.

Words used to describe the gift of the Holy Spirit are teacher, guide, helper, comforter, and mediator; things we can do and experience in the power of the Holy Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience and kindness (Galatians 5:22). With this in mind, Reverend Kate said that perhaps a way to articulate this gift is to say that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence within, which empowers us to do things which we may sometimes find difficult.

Reverend Kate said that this morning, like the disciples in our Bible reading, we have a view of the past, present and future:
As the disciples looked back to the 40 days of Jesus’ resurrection, we too can look back on this half term and reflect on what went well and what we might do differently next half term.
As the disciples looked up as Jesus ascended to heaven, we too can look up from the daily routine of school and plan next week when we will enjoy a different pace, place and purpose.
As the disciples looked forward to the future, we too can look forward and prepare for our exams that will come after the half term break.

Albert Einstein said: ‘learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow’ which, Reverend Kate believes, is all made possible by the gift of the Holy Spirit; God’s presence within, which empowers us to do things which we may sometimes find difficult …..including changing our behaviour, embracing a different routine and taking exams!

Reverend Kate closed by wishing us a joyful half term break and, borrowing the words of Lighthouse Family, prayed that in any difficulties or shadows we may face, that the Holy Spirit will lift us into the light of who we truly are so that we may be active participants in the work of God on earth.

Reverend Kate asked us to stand to receive God’s blessing:

May Christ’s holy, healing, enabling Spirit be with you
And guide you on your way at every change and turn.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
Be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Please do join Reverend Kate in praying for all our students taking external examinations at this time.