The last Sunday in January marks Education Sunday, when churches across the country will consider what it means to be ‘called to serve’, the theme of this year’s annual day of prayer and celebration for all those involved in the world of education.

Traditionally marked on the ninth Sunday before Easter, Education Sunday for 2010 will look at the theme of ‘vocation’, or ‘calling’, for people of all ages across the Church.

Material for the day has been produced in conjunction with Transforming Lives (www.transforminglives.org.uk), an ecumenical organisation endorsed by the churches and working on their behalf to support the work of Christians in education, particularly teachers.

More resources have been produced than ever before, including a PowerPoint presentation for use in primary school assemblies and an in-depth discussion paper on the theme of the day suitable for sixth form groups, and all can be freely downloaded at www.educationsunday.org.

Jenny Baker, of Transforming Lives, comments: “Education Sunday in 2010 is an opportunity to explore and celebrate Christian vocation in two ways. Firstly we can give thanks for, pray for and offer support to those who exercise their vocation in education including teachers, governors, pupils and students. This is an opportunity to affirm the distinctive Christian contribution they make to teaching and learning.

“Secondly we can support those who are at that stage in their education when they focus on their future working life, as well as those thinking about a career change. On Education Sunday it is particularly appropriate to encourage those who feel called to the world of education, as teachers, governors, support staff and in other roles.”

The Church of England’s National Society – the body which began mass education in this country, and today exists to inform and encourage Church schools and to promote Christian education – has always played a key part in the co-ordination of Education Sunday, which is observed in different ways by most parishes and church schools in the country, as well as many cathedrals.