Virtual Welcome Chapel 2020

St. Thomas’s Day School Opening Words and Invitation (All stand)

Good morning, everyone!

Good morning, Mrs. Panza!

Please join Mrs. Lee in singing our welcome song!

Funga Alafia - Liberian Welcome Dance Funga Alafia Ah-shay Ah-shay Funga Alafia Ah-shay Ah-shay We're here to greet you Ah-shay Ah-shay We're here to greet you Ah-shay Ah-shay Funga Alafia Ah-shay Ah-shay Funga Alafia Ah-shay Ah-sha

Thanksgiving

Please join me in reciting an adaptation of “Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Grateful for each person here, Gathered in this Chapel.

From far and near we travel here, Blessed that we are able.

Grateful for this sheltered place With light in every window, Saying welcome, welcome, share together Come in, don’t be a stranger.

Father, mother, daughter, son, Neighbor, friend and friendless; All together everyone in gift of loving-kindness.

Grateful for what’s understood, And all that is forgiven; We try so hard to be our best, To lead a life worth living.

Father, mother, daughter, son, Neighbor, friend, and friendless; All together everyone, let grateful days be endless.

Grateful for each person here Gathered in this Chapel.

Birthday Celebrations (All are seated) Chaplain:

Today is _______________________ . Is anyone celebrating a birthday today?

After the Counting of Pennies and the Gift of Books:

Chaplain:

Let us pray for our friends who are celebrating birthdays: Almighty God, you watch over your children all the days of their life.

Please hear our prayer for ____________ as we celebrate their birthday today. Bless them today and every day, and grant that as they grow in age, that they may also grow in wisdom and grace, to the glory of your Name. AMEN. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday, God bless you, Happy birthday to you!

Welcome to St. Thomas’s Day School

Gina Panza, Head of School, will recognize each accepted student and their family!

Peace (All stand) Chaplain: All:

Intercessions

Student: Help us to seek...

Assalamu Alaikum!

Walaikum assalam!

Muslim Tradition, Greeting of Peace

All: Freedom and peace.

Help us to offer...

Help us to find...

Help us to feel...

Help us to know...

Help us look to the future that we create

Love and acceptance.

Strength and courage.

Pride and humility.

Forgiveness and grace.

May we always live in hope.

Interfaith prayer

Collect Student:

O God of light and truth, we pray for all schools, especially St. Thomas’s, that all who teach here may be taught by you, and all who learn here may be guided by your Spirit. Grant that as we leave this place, we may go forth in your presence and love all the day long.

AMEN. Christian Tradition, adapted for St. Thomas’s Day School

A Prayer for the World

Student: Where there is hatred, Where there is pain, Where there is darkness, Where there is despair, Where there is discord, Where there is strife, Make this a better world,

All: May I bring love; May I bring healing; May I bring light; May I bring hope; May I bring harmony; May I bring peace; And let it begin with me.

St. Thomas’s Day School Prayer, adapted from a prayer attributed to St. Francis

Dismissal All, singing:

Shalom, my friends! Shalom, my friends!

Shalom, Shalom!

Till we meet again, Till we meet again!

Shalom, Shalom!

Jewish Tradition, “Shalom Chaverim”

Go in peace to love and have a wonderful day!

All: Thanks be to God! All accepted families and fifth graders are invited to join us on the playground for some play time and snacks!