It's Monday, 18th May 2020. 

Hello everyone, it’s Mr Keep here. 

May the Lord be with you.

We are Bishop Ridley. We are One Community, Learning & Growing Together, Sharing the Love of God.

Our song for today God is with us forever (by Wendy House Music)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LovLvqwtxkY&feature=youtu.be

If you are interested, this song was written for children across Suffolk to sing as part of the centenary celebrations of  the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich. It celebrates links with Kagera in Tanzania  - hence the song being written in a mix of Swahili & English

Our Bible verse for today is Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) 

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and share and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” 

Our thought for the day

What does this Bible passage tell Christians to do? It is a very practical thing to do; to provide tasty food and drinks to someone who has less than you. Do you notice how it says about sharing ‘choice’ food and ‘sweet’ drinks. The Bible is not encouraging people to give away old food, or plain water, but to make an effort to give willingly and generously.

Is this a good example of being kind? Why do you think it is important to choose kindness?

I love finding time to read, although I don’t manage to do it as frequently as I would like. Recently, I was lucky enough to be given a book. In fact, I was given a copy of the same book by two different people who are very dear to me. So I now have one copy at home and one in my office at school.

It is called The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. It is full of beautiful drawings and a simple story which makes me stop and think every time I turn the page. Today, I would like you to take a moment to look at one of the pages from the book:

I wonder how our world would change if everyone chose kindness? Imagine how much we could benefit if people worked together, rather than against each other.

Reflection Time 

What could you do today to be kind to others? 

Whenever you feel like not being kind, remember to try to find your kindness deep inside. You could ask God to help you to be kind even when it is difficult. 

A prayer for today
Dear God, please show me if one of my family members (or friends) need me to be extra kind to them today. Thank you. Amen. 

The Lord’s Prayer Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijPuAtrwHYM 

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. 
Amen.