Fruits Of The Spirit Award

Chidlren have received awards for demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-ontrol.

The New Testament Letter to the Christians in Galatia tells us that the Holy Spirit gives a person "fruit" in their life. Nine fruits are listed in Chapter 5 verses 22-25 as being "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." So real are these qualities which the Spirit gives that we can often see them in our own lives and in the lives of others. Verse 25 tells us "If our lives are centred in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit".

                   Members of the Parochial Church Council of All Saints Church, Rangemore have created an award to be presented annually at our local school. Working closely with the Head Teacher and Staff of their local school All Saints (C of E) Primary School, School Christian Club and School Council, it was agreed to present the award to the child who, nominated by other pupils and staff, best displays the "Fruits of the Spirit" in their life. In addition, at regular intervals during the year, a certificate and knitted fruit representing one of the qualities will be given to a deserving pupil, giving momentum to the project. 

                  The award itself will take the form of a handcrafted basket of fruit made out of natural materials, each piece bearing the name of one of the nine qualities. To involve the wider community in the award scheme, the Rangemore and Tatenhill Branch of the Womens' Institute (Craft Crew) have been 'commissioned' by the church to design and make the fruit basket. The names of award winners will be embroidered onto the lid of the basket.

We'll make the first full year "Fruits of the Spirit" award during the End of Term Service in All Saint's Church on Tuesday 19 July this year. This follows  on from half termly awards for children from each class demonstrating one of the ‘fruits’ and much teaching and encouragement on the subject, which has frequently been included in school worship and songs, classroom subjects and school displays. The children know about the Fruits of the Spirit. All Saints School have been delighted with the response and have even noticed a change of attitude within the school community.

              "The Fruits of the Spirit Award" will be testimony to how words from the Bible can encourage and direct our lives.