Sharing Joy in Lewisham this Christmas

Hello All,

As we head towards Christmas, I have taken a few moments to reflect on this term in Lewisham. Of course, Lewisham is a HUGE borough, and currently our work here is primarily focused in 2 areas: roughly Sydenham & Forest Hill and New Cross/St Johns. Key to our impact in these areas are our friendships with 3 very supportive churches: St Peter's Brockley, Holy Trinity Sydenham and Amott Road Baptist Church. We were even joined by Joseph at one event from a church in the neighbouring borough of Bromley.  

It is so encouraging to experience the way in which followers of Jesus from different backgrounds and experiences unite and share resources to bless and serve our school communities. And so, I have made SHARING the theme of our end-of-term/Christmas email.

Jesus shared His all with us, so how can we not freely share what we have been so wonderfully given? 

Assemblies this term have been shared with 6 schools, representing around 1500 children. They have understood that school values, such as Readiness, Curiosity and Resilience, are grounded in the teachings of Jesus. In so doing, they have heard bible stories, recited bible verses, sung (with great enthusiasm) songs both new and old, understood that Jesus can be powerfully with us in everyday situations and that we can influence the world around us to be a brighter, better place through building these values into our lives. In true Spinnaker style, we hope the children have laughed, learnt, and, on a very personal level, leaned into Jesus in these times. 

In addition to our assemblies, the team in Lewisham are beyond excited and praising God for the opportunities to host a prayer day for one school and, more recently, the Christmas Journey to which 3 local schools brought their year 2 classes. The Christmas Journey was a joy, and we have had such encouraging feedback. One school coordinator told us:

‘I saw a couple of the year two children yesterday after the workshop, they were very happy! One of the children said the workshop was "amazing!" the other described the experience as "soooo good!" I then saw one of the members of staff who accompanied the trip, she said “my heart was full of joy when I left" she described the whole workshop as "so well-thought out", "so engaging" and “I volunteer to go again!" Thank you so much for including us and giving the children - and adults- such an amazing experience!’

I am very happy to have shared just a snapshot of what we have been doing this term and would also welcome all your prayer and any support you can offer as we consider how to make the most of opportunities as we move into 2026. We would like to visit some new schools and share with them some of the opportunities and experiences we have developed as a team this year. We would especially like to serve some more community schools. Please do pray for us and do get in touch if you are interested in volunteering, donating or getting involved in any other way. 

This Christmas, GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS A YEAR to 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.

All that remains now is for me, on behalf of the Spinnaker Lewisham Team, is to say thank you for being alongside us and sharing your encouragement and enthusiasm for what we do and, I very much hope, sharing in the joy and fruit of blessing schools in this way. 

Caroline and the Spinnaker Lewisham Team