My Calendar
Events in January 2020
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World Braille Day
World Braille Day
04/01/2020
Here's a video (3:30) about how braille came to be devised, created, invented!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God, we give thanks for the ingenuity and determination of Louis Braille
and we ask you help us to notice and respond creatively and generously to our own needs and those of others.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
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Special Day of Prayer for Peace - 2020
Special Day of Prayer for Peace - 2020
19/01/2020 -
International Day of Education
International Day of Education
24/01/2020
Do you ever really reflect on education and what it means? Today is a day set aside by the United Nations to focus on that. So have a great day!
Here's a short video(1:30) that you might enjoy watching!
What do you think we can learn from it?
This one is really special too (2:07). As you watch it, try to walk in the shoes of those who are shown.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
all children are born with a curiosity to learn about their world.
Help us to nurture that curiosity so that it never wains.
Where education is denied, inspire and empower leaders and decision makers to make it available.
Where opportunities for education are ignored, touch the hearts of those who ignore it
that they might be inspired afresh to see its relevance.
Help educators to see education as a mission, a vocation, an opportunity to transform lives
And help us never to lose our sense of purpose
to make this world a place of peace and justice where love reigns supreme.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
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Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
25/01/2020 – 01/01/1970
2020 is the Year of the Rat!
Here's a video (3:25) retelling the tale of the race which underpins the Chinese New Year!
The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.
In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children.
Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life.
The most recent Rat Years are: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948! Check out with your family who fits into this category!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY (Here it is in a 1 minute video)
Loving God,
We thank you that, in all cultures,
the New Year means a chance for a fresh start and a new beginning.
We pray especially for our Chinese brothers and sisters as they celebrate Chinese New Year.
We pray for peace and love across the world and all cultures.
Help bring prosperity, hope and joy throughout this New Year for all who celebrate it.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.
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Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day
27/01/2020
27th January 1945 was the day Allied Forces liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. Each year we mark this date in memory of those who died in The Holocaust and in the genocides which have happened since.
Below are a set of resources which support this:
Irena Sendler - a remarkable story (3:30) - including a prayer
What is Holocaust Memorial Day (1:27) - a video charting HMD and genocides since The Holocaust.
An animated video of Anne Frank (3:03) - the author of a famous diary.
A multi-faith prayer (1:30) - written collaboratively by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi and the Chief Iman,
Jacob's story (2:43) - a survivor's recollections
Nazi Boots (5:41) - a survivor's story
A one-minute prayer for HMD (1:00)