Churches urged to mark Education Sunday

At the beginning of the new academic year, churches are encouraged to mark Education Sunday on or around the 13 September. This year’s theme, ‘Living Well Together’, invites us to pray and celebrate those involved in education, reflecting on how schools, colleges and universities help people from all walks of life to learn, grow and flourish together.

Churches Together in England invites congregations to use this time as a springboard for prayer, worship and action, inspired by the call to reconciliation, mutual responsibility and acceptance. 

Education Sunday also provides an opportunity to support the young people from our churches and communities who are beginning university or further study this autumn. The Methodist Church encourages congregations to send students off into this new phase of their lives through prayer, practical help and encouragement, connection with chaplaincy services and ongoing support throughout the year (one example is to write the occasional card to ask how the person is doing and if their course is going well). A simple act of recognition, blessing or prayer within worship can remind students that they remain part of the church family wherever they are studying.

Prayer: 

God, our guide and teacher, as we prepare for Education Sunday, teach us to honour the wisdom of every age – the curiosity of children, the questions of young people, the experience of adults and the stories of our elders.

Shape our learning so that we grow together in faith, encouraging one another and especially supporting those who are beginning a new academic year.

Bless all who teach and all who learn; may your Spirit make us into a community that listens deeply, shares generously and helps one another to flourish. 

Amen