Lewisham Hub Spring Term Update

Welcome to the Spring Term Newsletter for Spinnaker Lewisham. This term in schools we have delivered assemblies on the values and themes of:

• Community: God value’s each one of us so highly and so we can value each other. Our ‘Three In One’ God shows us a perfect example of loving one another in community.
• Love: Valentines Day - Children discovered how Agape is an amazing kind of love, perfectly demonstrated by Jesus.
• Humility: children understand that Jesus, although he is known as a King, came to serve. A challenge to live in humility ourselves, like Jesus.

We had wonderfully loud and exuberant singing in some assemblies this term, thanks to Phil and his guitar. Phil was particularly encouraged one morning by a group of children excitedly waving, smiling and pointing us out to their friends as we approached the school hall!

Becca shared a beautiful experience where, after one assembly, she was approached by a teacher with a Year 5 child. The pupil had apparently told the teacher he would like to be prayed for, so together they went forward to ask Becca to pray, which of course she did, very happily. 

Jemima loves the enthusiasm the children show in the assemblies; she could easily spend the whole time just hearing what they would like to share! This is such an important part of the times of worship, so that children know they are included, actively engaging and taking part.

As well as her involvement with assemblies, team worker and former Head Elizabeth, has become a Governor at 2 schools, strongly supporting their Christian ethos in each case. She is delighted to have been able to offer sound advice and much encouragement at some challenging times.

As a team, we are feeling strengthened in our visits to church schools, contributing to a Christian presence, making space for God to be lifted up, and where there are opportunities for deeply Christian times of discovery and reflection. We are delighted that the schools love our visits so much. The ‘Values’ resources help us deliver worship assemblies that are ‘Inclusive, Invitational, Inspiring’ – in accordance with the CoE guidance for Collective Worship in schools. We wholeheartedly embrace this guidance which also states:“We want pupils to leave school with a rich experience and understanding of Christianity, and we are committed to offering them an encounter with Jesus Christ and with Christian faith and practice in a way that enhances their lives.”

Caroline was able to support a church with a visit from a local community school during the term. The Year 2 children arrived with excitement, learning lots about the church and how the people there follow Jesus.  They heard what worship music might sound like, and loved dancing with flags and ringing the bell on the way out. Children, staff and the many accompanying parents appeared to thoroughly enjoy the visit. 

We are, of course, continuing to reach out to community schools and would greatly appreciate your prayers in this. 

Looking now to next term, we are planning our worship assemblies and considering how to maximise the wonderful opportunities to serve and bless our schools, and the beautiful gifts within our team. Please join us in praying, especially for those Year 6 pupils who will have such a busy term after the Spring break. Please pray for the seeds we sow to take root and bear fruit that will remain.

Thank you for reading, and may each of you also be fruitful in all you do in the Lord.
Have a blessed and beautiful Easter, with blessings from all of us on the Spinnaker Lewisham team.

Becca, Elizabeth, Jemima, Phil and Caroline