'Wow' factor teaches kids about Jesus
Thousands of schoolchildren in the UK will benefit from a £62,000 makeover of a classroom hi-tech mobile pod which teaches about Jesus. Secondary school children visiting GSUS Live will enjoy an up to date experience with a renewed 'wow' factor. It’s run by Christian charity Counties and visits secondary schools across the UK providing lessons for Key Stage 3 pupils. Volunteers from local churches present teachings on fear, forgiveness and rejection to help them discover how Jesus is relevant today, and includes multi-media computer motorised all in one touch computer screens which rise out of tables, new desks and benches for pupils plus improved wheelchair access. One church volunteer helping on it said, ‘The opportunity to be involved in local mission with such a fantastic programme was awesome. The children were amazed at the technology and it was great to show them Christianity is not boring but very much relevant today.’
Praise: God for every hi tec advance that opens doors into His Kingdom.
More: http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/Stories/National?storyaction=view&storyid=55
Court hears ‘locked-in’ syndrome case
A High Court hearing has begun on the case of a paralysed man who wants legal protection for any doctor who helps to end his life. Tony Nicklinson, 58, from Wiltshire, suffers from locked-in syndrome brought on by a stroke in 2005. He is almost completely paralysed and has to communicate through a special computer. The High Court has heard similar cases on assisted suicide, but the extent of Mr Nicklinson’s paralysis means that a doctor would have to end his life for him, a practice known as euthanasia. Mr Nicklinson told the BBC that his life was a 'living nightmare' and that it was 'unacceptable' in 21st century Britain to be denied the right to take his own life because he was physically handicapped. Mr Nicklinson is asking the court to rule that the existing law breaches his human right to die at his own choosing.
Pray: for wisdom and guidance from God when debating this sensitive and difficult matter. (Jas.1:5)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/court.hears.lockedin.syndrome.case/30099.htm
Childcare review launched as nursery reforms urged
Downing Street is launching a review of childcare and child-minding to see how it can be made more affordable by cutting red tape. Government research suggests six out of 10 parents feel there is insufficient childcare in their area. The move comes as an official review of early years education in England calls for all nursery staff to have A-level standard professional qualifications. The Nutbrown Review also wants their maths and literacy skills strengthened. Prof Cathy Nutbrown was asked by the government to look at how the childcare workforce could be strengthened. In her report, she says the current system of early years qualifications is not ‘equipping practitioners with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need’ to give babies and young children a good start. She warns that there are too many qualifications and calls for them to be strengthened.
Pray: that following the review the government will raise the standards of childcare and that parents will take their roll and responsibilities seriously. (Pr.9:9)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18496847
Glasgow Kirk quits Church of Scotland over gay clergy row
A Glasgow Kirk has become the first to split from the Church of Scotland over the issue of gay clergy. St George's Tron Church said it had taken the decision after more than 12 months of thought and prayer.The decision to formally secede from the Church of Scotland was taken by the congregation on Monday. Last year, the Kirk's General Assembly voted to accept gay clergy provided they had declared their sexuality and were ordained before 2009. The 500-strong St George's Tron congregation believes this decision ‘as marginalised the bible’. The decision to formally secede from the Church of Scotland was taken by the congregation on Monday. Rev Dr William Philip, minister of the church which is based in Buchanan Street, said: ‘Our decision to separate from the Church of Scotland is the culmination of careful thought, sincere discussion and prayer for over 12 months’.
Pray: that the decision by St Georges Tron would not lead to conflict or division amongst the churches. (1Cor.12:25)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18441172
