Bishop of London offers prayers of dedication for new school buildings

The Bishop of London tries out the school's new radio station

25/06/09

Wednesday 17 June was a day of uplifting double celebration at Twyford as the school community dedicated a new chapel and officially opened its new performance centre.

The ceremony was led by Dr Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and special guests included the Government’s singing ambassador, composer Howard Goodall - as well as local dignitaries, MPs Andy Slaughter and Steve Pound, The Lady Mayor, Councillor Ian Gibb and Rachel Seitz Director of Schools.

The Bishop of London offered prayers of dedication for the new buildings and led a service in the new chapel. Speaking about the event he said, "It was a treat to hear prizewinning Twyford Gospel Choir again. Gifted young people from diverse backgrounds, making thrilling music together, is a model of what Church Schools in London aim to be".

Headteacher of Twyford Church of England School, Alice Hudson added, "Both the dedication service and the concert, were joyous occasions. For us music is a cohesive element in a diverse community. It gives a chance for young people to develop their gifts for the good of others – and this is very much what we are about as a school".

Below are the Prayers of Dedication for each part of the new building, written by John Seymour, the School Chaplain.

For the Learning and Inclusion Centre

Lord God,
we thank you that you have given to your people
a rich variety of gifts,
so that whilst some are seen as strong
and have weaknesses that are not seen,
some who are seen as weak
have gifts that are unrecognised and uncelebrated
but that are present for your glory:
we ask now your blessing on this
Learning and Inclusion centre,
praying for the work that will be done here
and the care, support and education that will be offered in your name.
Amen.

For the Radio station

Heavenly Father,
when you created the nations
you gave them one language and a common speech;
we thank you for the gift of radio
enabling people with different interests and passions
to communicate their experiences and share their music:
we ask your blessing on this radio station
that it may be a beacon of communication
enabling many to become one
and your voice to be heard in the learning
through programme production and broadcasts.
Amen.

For the Performance centre

Loving Creator,
we thank you that when the Ark of your Presence was returned to the Holy city
King David danced before it with all his might;
we pray for all who will dance and sing;
all who will perform and act;
all who will engineer lighting and sound
in this performance centre,
that this place may be a blessing to audiences here
and advance learning in creative arts;
we ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For the RE classrooms

Holy Lord,
We thank you for the gift of faith in you
and for all that we can learn of you
through the study of faith and religion;
we ask your blessing on these classrooms,
that all who study, learn and teach here
may grow in knowledge of you and of one other’s faith
and share that gifts of wisdom and insight
for the benefit of your world and its people;
we ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen