Scotch College

Bright and Shining FreedomChaplain’s Reflection

‘There is so much to choose from at Scotch’, said Alex. Nick, who had already taken up the rowing option, agreed. Their appreciation of the offerings was infectious, I felt privileged as we made our way to Cowes, to hear them reveal their bright and shining hopes. Both boys agreed that opportunities abound on every side, and they are right; the Scotch Collegian has so much going for him.

The same hopes have been mirrored in the parents to whom I have spoken.

A new term at School has so much potential. My hope is that all boys have returned refreshed and full of zeal to take up opportunities and pursue their goals. Of course, there are a few old enemies of fulfilled potential; enemies that cause parents to fear for their children. Yesterday one parent mentioned the prevalence of drugs at a party attended by one of his sons over the summer.

A couple of parents have mentioned the desire for their sons to develop a good work ethic – after all, sloth, an ancient vice can be revived with just one word, ‘chill’. With these thoughts tumbling in my head I decided that we should read the Epistle to the Galatians in assembly this Term. It is the New Testament’s great statement of Christian freedom.

Dated between 50-55CE, it deals with a time when the followers of Jesus were still regarded as a Jewish sect. The distinctive features of following the Nazarene Christ were being hotly discussed. His apostles were sorting out diverse viewpoints. Some were saying that the Mosaic laws had to apply to non-Jewish followers of Jesus. The apostle Paul, in opposing this, establishes the nature of Christian freedom.

In talking about all this, like the radio stations, I want to encourage listener loyalty. I decided to have a competition. In each assembly talk I will mention a line of a song. The first boy to provide me with the correct play list for the whole term will win an iPod ‘Shuffle’. This is quite challenging. To reduce the level of difficulty, each assembly talk will be recorded and placed in the ‘Our Community’ section of Learning Point as a dated MP3 file. Interested boys can re-listen to check what they heard, and boys who miss assembly can also check for the songline.

Finally, a word about lunches.

This term, boys who have an unwanted lunch have an alternative to binning it.

I have made available a lunch exchange table in my office. Unwanted lunches can be left on the table. Boys who forget lunch can call and see if there is a spare one. Hopefully this will result in less waste and meet a small need.

I hope to see you at the Prayer

Graham Bradbeer