A brand new start!

To equip children to face new experiences with confidence and trust (SEAL theme 1: New beginnings).

by The Revd Sophie Jelley

Suitable for Key Stage 2

Aims

To equip children to face new experiences with confidence and trust (SEAL theme 1: New beginnings).

Preparation and materials

• Put into PowerPoint images that symbolize new beginnings (or show the real thing), for instance:
  a ‘Sold’ or ‘For Sale’ sign (estate agents can be helpful!)
  an item of school uniform
  a toy for a newborn baby or an item of baby clothing.
• Bible passage: Psalm 139.7–10.

Assembly

1. Show some of the items you’ve brought with you and talk about new beginnings you have experienced. (Choose experiences that the children will be able to relate to.)
    
   Explain that when we face new experiences – new school, new home, new baby, etc. – we may have lots of different feelings about them. Ask the children how they might feel (don’t forget the teachers!): excited, worried, nervous, happy, sad.
2.  Life is full of new beginnings. At these times we do things we have never done before. It’s good to try new things because that’s how we learn. Give examples: tasting new food and finding we love it; making ourselves attempt something daring to show we can do it (you might have a story to tell – abseiling, canoeing!).
3. As we grow older, all of us face new beginnings. Christians believe that no matter where we go or what we do, God is always with us and will never leave us.
   
   Read Psalm 139.7–10
   
   Where can I go from your spirit?
   Or where can I flee from your presence?
   If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
   if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
   If I take the wings of the morning
   and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
   even there your hand shall lead me,
   and your right hand shall hold me fast.

Time for reflection

Take a moment to think about something new that you have had to face.

Think about how it made you feel.

Think about what you learned from that experience.

Prayer
Thank you, Lord,
that you promise to be with us always.
Thank you for the new beginnings
you give to us in our lives.
Help us to make the most of them,
to learn from them
and grow through them.
Help us to trust you as we step out into the future.
Amen.

Song/music

‘Thank you, Lord, for this new day’ (Come and Praise, 32)
‘A new commandment’ (Hymns Old and New (Kevin Mayhew), 4)