Christmas in London with the Lambeth & Southwark Team

Hello All, 

Can you believe Christmas is so soon?  I can’t!

As per usual, it has been a whirlwind term with lots going on. Clare and I have visited 14 different Primary Schools, mostly in Lambeth and a couple in Southwark. Exactly half of our schools are Church of England Primary Schools, the other half are Community schools, and a pupil referral unit. In school, we have provided regular assemblies or collective worship, with 2 half terms of RE and a Faith Leaders Group.

We have had a great time sharing Christian values with the children, such as Goodness, Self-Worth, Respect and Hope. The kids, with Clare and me, have participated in many activities from our 'Beyond Belief' resources and answered questions about our friends. We have considered what is worth holding on to, how to show respect, how to be a good friend, and more. Teachers have thanked me for the assemblies and said how much they and their pupils have enjoyed them.

We also offer RE Lessons to a couple of schools.  This term I have been teaching about creation in two different schools, and I went into Year 6 in one school to investigate ‘what Christians do to demonstrate their faith.’ I had a good time, and I think the children enjoyed the lessons. Year 6 enjoyed making 'beatitude' fridge magnets as shown in the picture below!

This term it has been a great privilege to share with children that Christians believe that there is a God who loves us, a God who thinks we are precious, a God who wants us to be friends with each other and with Him.

This term has been particularly fun - the children are so amusing. For example, a child sincerely told the whole school that if they were being pressured by their peers to do something wrong, they would do it!! I asked the other children, 'Is that right?'  No, they all shouted! Whilst another child asked me whether animals were exempt from the 5th commandment, You shall not kill. Just today, I was setting up to start assembly, and a child came in and shouted ‘Thank God!’ I took it as feedback.

I have had the joy of speaking in at least one church this term, and Clare spoke in another. Our partnership with churches is incredibly valuable to us - we would love to come to church and speak about what we do. Your support, prayer and finances are the engine that keeps us going. Lambeth and Southwark hub is also in need of volunteers to go into school; this would help us expand what we do.  

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer with Spinnaker, click here.

This Christmas, celebrate Spinnaker’s 40th Anniversary with a lasting gift that helps continue our work bringing grace, inspiration, wonder and learning to primary schools.

Click the link below to fill out our Monthly Donation Form 👇 or give a one-off gift here.

It just remains to wish you all a wonderful Christmas Season and a blessed New Year. 

Heather and Clare