The following is taken from BRF Ministries Story of James:

James grew up by the ‘seaside’ – Lake Galilee. James was a popular name – it was also the name of Jesus’ brother and Jesus’ cousin.

James had a brother called John – It seems that they may have been known for having rows with each other. Jesus had a nickname for them: ‘the Sons of Thunder’. Maybe it was because of the difference in their ages? John was probably still a teenager whereas James may have been around 30.

James had a dad called Zebedee and a mother called Salome. Their fishing business was so successful that they could employ people to work for them. Salome was keen that James and John got on. The Bible records the story of how she was once very pushy, wanting James and John to be Jesus’ right-hand men in the new kingdom. But she (and they!) had really missed the point of what sort of kingdom Jesus was bringing.

It also seems that James and John’s family were fishermen by appointment to the temple! They were known to the high priest’s family. John used his contacts there to get close to the trial of Jesus.

James was a fisherman with his brother. Coming from Capernaum, they were probably part of a Fisherman’s Guild and so were good friends with Andrew and Peter, who were also fisherman. James will have been about the same age as Peter. Maybe Andrew, like John, was younger – it was these two who went off to hear John the Baptist and brought news back about Jesus, later introducing their brothers to Jesus, leading to James’s personal ‘seaside surprise’.

James became one of the three disciples who were very close to Jesus, along with Peter and John. He was a privileged witness to some special moments in Jesus’ ministry, including the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the transfiguration. Clearly, Jesus was preparing James to become a leader in the early church. It’s no surprise then that Herod singles out James to be executed as a way of earning favour among the Jewish authorities (see Acts 12) and, he hoped, of putting an end to the growing movement known as ‘the followers of the Way’. So it was that James became the first of the disciples to die for his faith.

There is also a tradition that says that before this happened James became the first travelling apostle. It is said that he went across the Mediterranean to Spain. Whether that is true or not, tradition does suggest that his relics were taken back to Spain, and today the shrine of Santiago de Compostela in the north of that country is a hugely popular pilgrim destination for many Christians. A number even walk the 500 miles to the shrine, which is signposted by the Apostle’s symbol – a scallop shell, which is the badge of pilgrims everywhere. This is another ‘surprise’ from the seaside that has ended up, like the story of James, being known right across the world.

St James special day is the 25 July.

‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ Ephesians 4:32

The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is hurting, in pain, or has misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to help the suffering. Christians believe that Jesus is the greatest example of someone with true compassion. Not only did Jesus have compassion and heal people from physical suffering, he also showed the greatest compassion when he died on the cross for our sins.

It’s not always easy to show compassion, especially when we feel like the person deserves their misfortune, but we try to show compassion to all who need it whether they are the same as us or different.

A Junior Leadership Team member thinks this value is important because ‘it helps you understand what they’re feeling and how to help them and then makes the school a happier place’.

‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9

One of the Hebrew words translated as ‘courage’ means ‘to show oneself strong’.

The Bible abounds with stories of courage. Moses was courageous when he confronted the Pharaoh of Egypt and commanded him to let God’s people go (Exodus 5). Joshua was courageous when he conquered Canaan (Joshua 1). Young David was courageous when he faced and fell the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

The Bible says we can be courageous by having faith and confidence in the fact that God is with us and for us. This value promotes the act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.

A Junior Leader in school thinks this value is important because ‘It’s all about being brave and you have to be brave to get through something hard in life’.

‘Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you.’ (Colossians 3:13)

Throughout the Bible, God is described as slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin (Numbers 14:18) and Jesus is shown to be uncompromising in his command to forgive. Forgive, he said, ‘seventy times seven’ (Matthew 18:21), meaning forgive and keep on forgiving without limit.

At St James’ CE Primary, our children are encouraged to forgive each other. Forgiveness is associated with our Positive Relationships Policy. Children have many chances to reflect on their behaviour and make the right choices. Poor behaviour choices are always forgiven without a grudge and we enjoy a ‘new beginning’.

Children have an understanding that forgiveness is at the centre of Christian preaching. They make good behaviour choices, but when disagreements do occur, they are quickly resolved with a sincere apology and forgiveness.

Why did the Church Council choose this Christian value?

‘Because Jesus forgives his disciples. Jesus died on the cross.’ (Year 4 Church Council member)

‘Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’ (1 John 3:18)

Honesty is being trustworthy and truthful in our friendships, our relationships, our school and our community. We understand that we need to be honest and truthful with others when working together as a team.

Why did the Church Council choose this Christian value?

‘Everyone needs to be honest because Jesus’ disciple [Peter] wasn’t honest [when he denied Jesus].’ (Year 3 Church Council member)

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.’ (John 14:27)

This is about positive harmony and healthy relationships between people. It involves spiritual as well as material security. Peace is a state of true wholeness, a state of well-being.

This value promotes harmony, stability and security within the school and local community.

Why did the Church Council choose this Christian value?

‘Because when Jesus was sent down there was peace.’ (Year 2 Church Council member)

‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ (Galatians 6:9)

Endurance is needed when standing firm in the face of any difficulty. It is the special gift that we have when life is difficult or painful that helps us not to give up.

Difficulties might include hardship, persecution or scorn, for example, although we hope these difficulties do not arise in our school. We use it more in the context of ‘keeping going’ and ‘not giving up’.

At its root, perseverance is a recognition that life is sometimes difficult and painful, and that it is important not to give up in the face of adversity.

Why did the Church Council choose this Christian value?

‘Because Jesus always said to try our best.’ (Year 4 Church Council member)