Theme: God rested; so as people created in the image of God, we too are to rest.

In assembly, two prefects introduced themselves and set out their plans for the year: Gemma E (Stamp House) and Sophia E (Ambassador and Scholars). Gemma’s plans include continuing to offer a listening ear to pupils in the lower school and spending evenings with the boarders. Sophia’s plans include supporting the Admissions Team with events such as the Open Days and providing feedback to Mrs Goddard about what students want. Sophia and Mia S (Centre House) also want to bring back the scholars’ hoodies!

In our services, Annabella C and Aanya S read from the Old Testament – Genesis 1:31, 2:1-3 – from which we learn more about the nature of God who, having created all things in God’s image, then rested.

The Chaplain explained that in the original language of the Old Testament the word for rest is Shabbat which means both ‘to stop’ and ‘to delight’ and she told us that rest is not reserved only for God as in the Book of Exodus we are instructed to follow God’s example: to work for six days and rest on the seventh (Exodus 20:9-10). The rest which God took is the rest that God wants us to take, which was an encouraging message as we prepare for rest in the half term break.

We sang the hymn ‘You shall go out with joy’ and the Chaplain encouraged everyone to ‘go out with joy’ to rest and so stop and delight; to delight in the world, in our lives and in God and she prayed that we may return recharged and refreshed to continue to educate and be educated that we might transform the world for good.

Looking forward – dates for your diary:

• Remembrance Service – Sunday 12 November 2023 at 6:00 pm, followed by refreshments. Please see email to parents and guardians with a sign-up form.
• Christmas Carol Service at St Albans Abbey – Friday 8 December 2023 at 2.00 pm.

Please join us in prayer this week for:

• Our students and their families who have friends and relatives in Israel and Palestine who are concerned, afraid and mourning.