Wednesday 1 April 2026
As we head into our final week of Term 1, I am very mindful that we have so much to be grateful for.
As I write, there is much celebration about what has been achieved by our Maadi Cup winning Under 18 Boys’ Coxed Rowing 8, along with the many crews that rowed for King’s at the Nationals. It has been 66 years since our last Maadi Cup win, which makes this one all the sweeter and sincere. Congratulations must go to the entire King’s Rowing Programme - staffed by Mark Clemo, Charlotte Dixon, Harrison Elliott and Mark Johnson.
There have also been stellar showings across the College from Water-Polo, Tennis, Golf, Cricket, Athletics, Touch Rugby, our Glee Club’s production of Mamma Mia! and those competing this week at the Jazz Nationals. It makes us collectively shake our heads in disbelief that such a relatively small school can perform so well at national levels. But behind the scenes – behind all this achievement, is what often lies unseen – the quiet sacrifice of parents and support staff who enable this to happen.
I was prompted to think about this, when I bumped into a scene on the College driveway – the College boats that had just arrived from the victory at the Maadi Regatta. It made me think of the driver who got the boats all the way there and back again, driving countless hours and all the behind-the-scenes logistics that went into the win. It made me think of those who play the role of the ‘second violin’ – who faithfully prepare meals, run their children to countless practices, clean and fold washing, clean up while everyone has gone home and who ensure the College is able to meet its commitment to provide the best all-round education it’s possible to provide. If that is you, this Easter message goes especially out to you: to the unsung heroes who quietly get on with the business of serving.
In the lead-up to Easter, this week we have been reminded in our Great Hall Easter Service of the One, ‘who came not to be served, but to serve, and who comes to give His life as a ransom for many…’ (Matthew 20:28) Jesus rides through the fabled East Gate of Jerusalem, not as some triumphant general astride a war-horse directing troops, but as a modest Messiah – riding on a young colt, who shows us what it means to truly give ourselves away.
Many students ask me who God is and what God is like… My answer is found in this lowly, humble image and of these words from Jesus Himself – ‘The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve’… As we think of Jesus riding on a humble donkey, as we think of Jesus performing the menial task of washing his disciples’ feet, as we think of Jesus giving Himself up on the Cross alongside two common thieves… Jesus reminds us that He did all of this out of humble service for you and I… When quizzed by a Jewish scholar of the Law, called Nicodemus, as to why Jesus has been sent by God, He replies humbly, ‘For God so loved the world, that He Gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting Life.’ (John 3:16)
My prayer for each of us as we head into our holidays this Easter, is to find the solace and comfort that is offered in the sacrifice and service of the One who is present to us – no matter what we are facing – the triumphs as well as the tricky stuff of life.
Next term, we commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the country with our annual KCOCA Anzac Day Service. This is a very special service in the life of the College and will be held at 9.30am on Saturday 25 April. While primarily serving the King’s Old Collegians, families of the College are also very welcome to attend this special service.
We also look forward to hearing during our Sunday House Chapels next term from Assistant Lay-Chaplain, Mr Max Masters, who will be helping explore how Jesus changed the world… specifically looking at the way in which the values we hold to be important, have their roots in the unique priorities of this curious carpenter and Rabbi.
Reverend Gareth Walters