Summer in Eastbourne - the sunshine coast!

We continually pray that the seeds of the gospel will be sown and take root in the hearts, minds, and lives of the children and teachers we visit regularly. We pray for good soil and the right environment for these seeds to bury themselves in. It’s always incredibly encouraging when a teacher, TA or child approaches one of our team outside of the school building and expresses gratitude for what we have said or brought into their school. This year so far has felt like all the hard work of ploughing, drilling and planting is beginning to pay off as we see seedlings push through and hints of the harvest to come.

Year 2 Transition Workshops: 

The team led some Transition workshops with Year 2 children as they prepared for a big change, moving up into Year 3 and Junior School. We are excited to know we can follow these infants into their new schools and carry on the watering and tending so they continue to grow in their knowledge of and faith in Jesus.

Enrichment Days: 

Earlier this year, we were honoured to be invited into Roselands Infant School to lead all three-year groups in separate Enrichment Days. We brought the Easter Story to life with a Puppet Show, drama, craft and games. We are so grateful for the growing band of volunteers that help to make invites like the Enrichment Days happen, and all the creative gifts they bring to the melting pot, to produce something engaging and wonderful for the children.

Beyond Belief Collective Worship: 

The Beyond Belief Values Worships have gone down a storm this year! The children loved the objects, pictures and takeaway challenges. There is always so much to talk about, and the children feel the same way (I feel I’ve asked children to put their “hands down” more than I’ve had to ask for “hands up” this year!)

We’ve covered Values such as Responsibility, Stewardship, Compassion, Curiosity and Humility, amongst others, and have really enjoyed taking stories and thoughts from all through the Bible to highlight a particular value and think about it from a heavenly perspective. Some teachers have commented on how much they appreciate the Values being taught in their collective worship, as it backs up the values the schools are promoting and gives the children a fresh take on them. Pevensey and Westham Primary particularly like the Takeaways that come with the Worships (not food for the stomach but food for the soul!) They aid ongoing class discussion and include follow-up activities to cement the learning and encourage further exploration. 

The Goodness of God: 

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good”. (Psalm 34:8)

For our “Goodness” assembly, I used the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus asking what he could do to inherit eternal life. I asked the children why he went away sad, to which, of course, they replied: “Because he didn't want to give away his riches.” But when I spontaneously asked if they thought they could put everything down to follow Jesus if he asked them to, at least two-thirds of their hands shot up. I guess that is why Jesus said that his kingdom belongs to such as these and that many who are last will be first (Mark 10: 14, 31). God is good.

Feeding the 5000 (children):

At present, we are in 16 Primary schools and estimate about 4500 children are being fed spiritually every fortnight/ half term by a Spinnaker Worship. We would love to raise the hungry mouth count to 5000 by Christmas 2025. Please would you join us in prayer for more schools to open their doors to Eastbourne Spinnaker?

Spinnaker Ambassadors:

We are also keen to boost our presence in local churches and would love to see an increase in the Spinnaker Ambassadors club! If you or someone you know would like to join us in promoting and encouraging your church to pray for/ fund or be a seed planter for Spinnaker Eastbourne, please get in touch! Either email me ([email protected]) or get in touch through the website HERE.

Summer and Beyond:

At the end of term, we focused on taking the message of Courage into schools.  Courage for what’s now and what’s next. Courage to ask the big questions and seek the truth.  I will therefore leave you with words of the song we played as the children entered and exited worship:

“Be strong and brave, don’t be afraid.
God is with you every day.
Hold on tight, trust and pray,
He will guide you all the way!”

Something for us all to practice!

Thank you for your continued support,

Sam, Chrissie and the Eastbourne Team