Leavers' assembly 2005
Props: two books. One for a toddler. One for a teenager e.g. Harry Potter.
Aim: To encourage the children to think about changes in life, and to know that God is with them wherever they are.
Who likes reading books and/or being read to?
These two books are for someone who is just starting to read and for someone who can read well. Compare the size of the books.
What are the bits the bigger book is split into called?
Chapters.
Today you are near the end of one chapter of your school life, and near the start of another one. Like any chapter there will be some things that are in both. The same classmates, the same school building and so on. Some things will change. Your class room, your teacher, your books, what you have to learn etc.
If we are to grow in our reading we have to stop reading the smaller books and move onto the bigger books. For the oldest ones here you are soon to leave this school and start at another one. The new school will bring challenges, opportunities and a new start. Some times it is good to have a new start. We can make a good impression on the new teachers and be like other, new pupils.
Between the end of this term and the start of a new school year there are the holidays. A chance to enjoy ourselves and recharge our batteries.
Today I'd like you to take two things with you.
Firstly the message that God is with us, wherever we are. At this school, in the holidays, in our new class, even in a new school. The Bible says James 4:8 "Come near to God and he will come near to you." We only have to ask.
Secondly, you can always make a new start with God. He is willing to forgive the past and start again with you if you say you are sorry and try to follow Jesus. 2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Pray