Broughton School

This morning Sarah and I went  over to Broughton School where we did our Easter assembly.  We took with us Harold the Hot Cross Bun who told the children the reason he has a cross on his head, why he is so rounded, why there is yeast inside him, what the spices remind us of as well as why he has fruit inside him too!  We had started the assembly with God's Love is Bigger than a Burger then Harold took centre stage to entertain, remind us of the Easter message as well as tell bad jokes.  Following Harold Sarah recapped the assembly by saying the cross was to remind us of the cross Jesus died on, the spice reminded us of the spices used to put onto Jesus' dead body, the rounded shape for the round stone which sealed the tomb, the yeast makes the bun rise which reminds us that Jesus rose and the fruit because on Easter day we say He is risen and buns everywhere reply He is a raisin indeed (told you the jokes were bad).  After this we sang Inright Outright before Sarah closed with a prayer.

St Peters

This morning Sarah and I went  to St Peters School where we did our Easter assembly.  We took with us Harold the Hot Cross Bun who told the children the reason he has a cross on his head, why he is so rounded, why there is yeast inside him, what the spices remind us of as well as why he has fruit inside him too!  We had started the assembly with God's Love is Bigger than a Burger then Harold took centre stage to entertain, remind us of the Easter message as well as tell bad jokes.  Following Harold Sarah recapped the assembly by saying the cross was to remind us of the cross Jesus died on, the spice reminded us of the spices used to put onto Jesus' dead body, the rounded shape for the round stone which sealed the tomb, the yeast makes the bun rise which reminds us that Jesus rose and the fruit because on Easter day we say He is risen and buns everywhere reply He is a raisin indeed (told you the jokes were bad).  After this we sang Inright Outright before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went over to Crosthwaite School where we did our Easter assembly.  We took with us Harold the Hot Cross Bun who told the children the reason he has a cross on his head, why he is so rounded, why there is yeast inside him, what the spices remind us of as well as why he has fruit inside him too!  We had started the assembly with God's Love is Bigger than a Burger then Harold took centre stage to entertain, remind us of the Easter message as well as tell bad jokes.  Following Harold Sarah recapped the assembly by saying the cross was to remind us of the cross Jesus died on, the spice reminded us of the spices used to put onto Jesus' dead body, the rounded shape for the round stone which sealed the tomb, the yeast makes the bun rise which reminds us that Jesus rose and the fruit because on Easter day we say He is risen and buns everywhere reply He is a raisin indeed (told you the jokes were bad).  After this we sang Inright Outright before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to Low Furness School where we did our Easter assembly.  We took with us Harold the Hot Cross Bun who told the children the reason he has a cross on his head, why he is so rounded, why there is yeast inside him, what the spices remind us of as well as why he has fruit inside him too!  We had started the assembly with God's Love is Bigger than a Burger then Harold took centre stage to entertain, remind us of the Easter message as well as tell bad jokes.  Following Harold Sarah recapped the assembly by saying the cross was to remind us of the cross Jesus died on, the spice reminded us of the spices used to put onto Jesus' dead body, the rounded shape for the round stone which sealed the tomb, the yeast makes the bun rise which reminds us that Jesus rose and the fruit because on Easter day we say He is risen and buns everywhere reply He is a raisin indeed (told you the jokes were bad).  After this we sang Inright Outright before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon Sarah and I went to Pennington School to do our Easter assembly.  We took with us Harold the Hot Cross Bun who told the children the reason he has a cross on his head, why he is so rounded, why there is yeast inside him, what the spices remind us of as well as why he has fruit inside him too!  We had started the assembly with God's Love is Bigger than a Burger then Harold took centre stage to entertain, remind us of the Easter message as well as tell bad jokes.  Following Harold Sarah recapped the assembly by saying the cross was to remind us of the cross Jesus died on, the spice reminded us of the spices used to put onto Jesus' dead body, the rounded shape for the round stone which sealed the tomb, the yeast makes the bun rise which reminds us that Jesus rose and the fruit because on Easter day we say He is risen and buns everywhere reply He is a raisin indeed (told you the jokes were bad).  After this we sang Inright Outright before Sarah closed with a prayer.  Someone from the school videoed the assembly and published it on the Pennington twitter page.  pic.twitter.com/ebbWBwE2Xv

Penny Bridge Academy

This afternoon Sarah and I went down to Penny Bridge Academy for the first of our Easter assemblies.  We took with us Harold the Hot Cross Bun who told the children the reason he has a cross on his head, why he is so rounded, why there is yeast inside him, what the spices remind us of as well as why he has fruit inside him too!  We had started the assembly with God's Love is Bigger than a Burger then Harold took centre stage to entertain, remind us of the Easter message as well as tell bad jokes.  Following Harold Sarah recapped the assembly by saying the cross was to remind us of the cross Jesus died on, the spice reminded us of the spices used to put onto Jesus' dead body, the rounded shape for the round stone which sealed the tomb, the yeast makes the bun rise which reminds us that Jesus rose and the fruit because on Easter day we say He is risen and buns everywhere reply He is a raisin indeed (told you the jokes were bad).  After this we sang Inright Outright before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon I went over to Crosthwaite School for the assembly.  I started the assembly of by saying how happy I was, the sun was shinning the lambs were in the fields so I suggested we sang Be Happy.Then I introduced Scruff the Dog to the children.  He was all wet and very smelly so when I asked him repeatedly if he had been running through the long wet grass each time he said no and came up with a different reason as to why he was wet and smelly - like he had taken a shower, it had been raining or he had tipped his water bowl over.  All of this brought about a laugh from the children but I told him he needed to think about what he had said.  After I had sent him away I told the children that he had lied to me and that all of us has a responsibility to tell the truth.  I then told them the story of Peter when he denied Jesus I explained the story from the point when Jesus was giving the disciples their final teaching about what events were going to unfold.  Peter had stood up saying he wouldn't leave Jesus but Jesus told him that before the cock crowed the next morning Peter would say three times that he didn't know Jesus.  As I told the story and acted out Peter's part each time Peter denied Jesus I held up a finger - the children looked on in silence each time.  After the story I explained that Scruff lied and Peter denied - they both lacked courage and were not strong.  I did continue and tell the children about the actions of Peter at Pentecost when thousands decided to follow Jesus - now he was strong and courageous.  Peter had been given the very responsible job of starting the church, and he did although he had a bit of a rough start but Jesus forgave him.  I encouraged the children to stand up for what they believe in and be strong and courageous with it.  Sarah then re-emphasised this and linked to our final song Shine.  After the song I closed with a prayer. 

Flookburgh School

This morning Sarah and I went down to Flookburgh School for the assembly.  We started by singing Be Happy before I introduced Scruff the Dog to the children.  He was all wet and very smelly so when I asked him repeatedly if he had been running through the long wet grass each time he said no and came up with a different reason as to why he was wet and smelly - like he had taken a shower, it had been raining or he had tipped his water bowl over.  All of this brought about a laugh from the children but I told him he needed to think about what he had said.  After I had sent him away I told the children about Peter when he denied Jesus I explained the story from the point when Jesus was giving the disciples their final teaching about what events were going to unfold.  Peter had stood up saying he wouldn't leave Jesus but Jesus told him that before the cock crowed the next morning Peter would say three times that he didn't know Jesus.  As I told the story and acted out Peter's part each time Peter denied Jesus I held up a finger - the children looked on in silence each time.  After the story I explained that Scruff lied and Peter denied - they both lacked courage and were not strong.  I did continue and tell the children about the actions of Peter at Pentecost when thousands decided to follow Jesus - now he was strong and courageous.  I encouraged the children to stand up for what they believe in and be strong and courageous with it.  Sarah then re-emphasised this and linked to our final song Shine.  After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Coniston Primary School

This morning I was at Coniston Primary School for the assembly.  I was going to start with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord but a little boy at the front asked if we could sing Be Happy like last time - so we did.  After the song I introduced them to Scruff the Dog - who was rather wet and very smelly.  So I asked if he had been running through the long wet grass again - no he said he had been for a shower, which wasn't correct as he doesn't like the bath.  So I asked him again and this time he told me that it was because it was raining outside - which it had been but was also not true.  So I asked him about it a third time and he said that while drinking from his bowl it had fallen over - again not true.  I sent him away and told him to think about what he had said.  While he did that I told the children about Peter denying Jesus three times just after Jesus had been arrested and taken away.  Jesus had even told Peter that he would do it and Peter still did it - he wasn't strong.  Scruff lied and Peter denied.  However Peter did eventually stand up for Jesus on the day of Pentecost when he spoke to thousands of people about Jesus and that is when the church started.  I encouraged the children to be strong and to stand up for what they believe in and not to be like Scruff or be like Peter was.  Peter did in the end Shine from the inside out - cue song.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

St Mary's Dalton

This morning I went to do the assembly at St Mary's Dalton.  it was great to see all the children again. I started off the assembly with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord then I introduced the children to Scruff the Dog, saying that today instead of Mark and Sarah it was Mark and Scruff.  Scruff was rather smelly and wet so when I asked him why and if he had been in the long wet grass he gave me a different answer each time.  First he said that he had been for a shower - then he said it was raining outside - then it was because he had knocked over his water bowl.  I sent him away to think about his answers.  I then linked this with Peter who denied Jesus 3 times despite being told by Jesus that he would do it.  Scruff lied and Peter denied.  However Jesus did ask Peter if he loved him 3 times once he had come back to life if he loved him this in a way cancelled out Peter's denials.  Then on the day of Pentecost Peter stands up and tells thousands about Jesus and then the church started.  Peter wasn't strong at first nor was he courageous but later he was.  I encouraged the children to stand up for what they believe in and to be strong and courageous like Peter was in the end also not to be like Scruff who made up stories to cover up things.  After this we sang Shine because that is what Peter did when he told the crowd about Jesus.  To close I said a short prayer.

Lindel and Marton School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Lindel and Marton School.  I started off the assembly with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord then I introduced the children to Scruff the Dog, saying that today instead of Mark and Sarah it was Mark and Scruff.  Scruff was rather smelly and wet so when I asked him why and if he had been in the long wet grass he gave me a different answer each time.  First he said that he had been for a shower - then he said it was raining outside - then it was because he had knocked over his water bowl.  I sent him away to think about his answers.  I then linked this with Peter who denied Jesus 3 times despite being told by Jesus that he would do it.  Scruff lied and Peter denied.  However Jesus did ask Peter if he loved him 3 times once he had come back to life if he loved him this in a way cancelled out Peter's denials.  Then on the day of Pentecost Peter stands up and tells thousands about Jesus and then the church started.  Peter wasn't strong at first nor was he courageous but later he was.  I encouraged the children to stand up for what they believe in and to be strong and courageous like Peter was in the end also not to be like Scruff who made up stories to cover up things.  After this we sang Shine because that is what Peter did when he told the crowd about Jesus.  To close I said a short prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Low Furness School.  We started by singing So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  I then sat down and reminded the children how they sometimes refer to Sarah and I - it's Mark and Sarah as if we are one and the same person - today however I said that might change as it is no longer Mark and Sarah but Mark and Scruff.  Scruff came along with us to help set the theme for the assembly.  He was wet and very smelly so when asked why he gave me some many different answers when the really reason was more likely he had been playing in the long wet grass; he said he had taken a shower, then he changed that to it is raining before then saying that it was water from his drinking bowl which he had knocked over.  He was set away and told to think about what he had said.  This linked with the story and theme for the day which was Peter denying Jesus three times.  I used pictures to tell the story and acted out some of the actions too.  I made the point that Scruff lied and Peter denied.  I did continue the story and explain that although Peter wasn't strong at first to stand up for Jesus he was later because on the day of Pentecost thousands of people listen to him and decided to follow Jesus which is what started the church.  I encouraged the children not to be like Scruff and like Peter was at first but to be strong and courageous and stand firm to what they believe.  To conclude we sand My Lighthouse before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I was at Church Walk Primary School for the assembly.  I started off with Be Happy then said that Sarah wasn't with me so it wasn't going to be a Mark and Sarah assembly but a Mark and Scruff one instead.  I lifted Scruff out and started to talk to him but not for very long as he was very smelly and also wet - which the children found very funny.  I repeatedly asked him why he was wet and smelly and I got a number of different answers from - having a shower, to it is raining outside to spilling his water bowl.  I however think that he had been running through the long wet grass.  He wasn't being very truthful with me so I sent him away to think about it.  This linked with the story of Peter when he denied that he knew Jesus which happened just after Jesus had been arrested.  Despite the fact that Jesus had told Peter he would do it he still did it - he wasn't very strong and courageous.  I encouraged the children not to be like Scruff who lied or Peter who denied but to stand up for what they do and believe including the things that they like and people  they like.  I did bring the story back round to when Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him therefore cancelling out the previous events and then Peter standing up strong and courageous on the day of Pentecost and thousands of people decided to follow Jesus.  Peter then was shinning from the inside out - cue for a song - Shine.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Leven Valley School

This morning I went down to Leven Valley School for the assembly.  We all sang So Many Ways to Praise the Lord to start off then I brought out Scruff the Dog.  He was a bit smelly and damp so I asked him if he had been out in the long wet grass - no he shook his head and whispered that he had had a shower.  So I asked him again and once again claimed it was raining outside - which it wasn't so I asked about the smell once again this time he claimed that he had knocked over his drinking bowl full of water.  Once again I didn't believe him and he hung his head, so I told him to go away and think about it.  I then told the children about the time in the Easter story that Jesus told Peter he would deny knowing him 3 times - and then went out and did it.  With each denial I paused to hold up a finger counting the number of times.  The children looked each time I did- there was not a sound.  When I had finished telling the children about what happened before Jesus died I went forward to when Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him, cancelling out the 3 denials, then forward again to Pentecost when Peter stood up a thousands heard the message and followed Jesus.  I encouraged the children not to be like Peter was before when he denied Jesus or be like Scruff who lied but to be strong and courageous and to stand up for the truth because in this way they will Shine out - cue song Shine. After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Our Lady's School

This morning I went to Our Lady's School in Dalton for the assembly.  We all sang So Many Ways to Praise the Lord to start off then I brought out Scruff the Dog.  He was a bit smelly and damp so I asked him if he had been out in the long wet grass - no he shook his head and whispered that he had had a shower.  So I asked him again and once again claimed it was raining outside - which it wasn't so I asked about the smell once again this time he claimed that he had knocked over his drinking bowl full of water.  Once again I didn't believe him and he hung his head, so I told him to go away and think about it.  I then told the children about the time in the Easter story that Jesus told Peter he would deny knowing him 3 times - and then went out and did it.  With each denial I paused to hold up a finger counting the number of times.  The children looked each time I did- there was not a sound.  When I had finished telling the children about what happened before Jesus died I went forward to when Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him, cancelling out the 3 denials, then forward again to Pentecost when Peter stood up a thousands heard the message and followed Jesus.  I encouraged the children not to be like Peter was before when he denied Jesus or be like Scruff who lied but to be strong and courageous and to stand up for the truth because in this way they will Shine out - cue song Shine. After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Lindale School

This morning I went down to Lindale School to do the assembly.  The theme was being generous with our money and possessions based around the story of Zacchaeus.  To start though I told the children I was feeling happy as I had seen my first new born lambs of the year - this was a link to the first song Be Happy, I asked the children if they were happy too before we all sang the song.  After the song I asked the children to stay standing up as I asked one of the taller people from year 6 to help me as well as someone from lower down the school.  I then asked the younger children to go and stand at the back of the other children while I ask the older one to perform some actions.  I kept on asking the younger child at the back of the crowd if he could see what the girl at the front was doing.  I then with staff help asked him to stand on a chair while the actions were repeated at the front - now he could see.  As I asked all the children to sit down I said that is a little bit like the man in our story.  I then told the story of Zacchaeus using pictures at various stages as well as my Bible as I told the part of the story when Zacchaeus was in the tree.  After the story I explained that Zacchaeus had loads of money and no doubt nice clothes and things, but after meeting with Jesus he gave loads of it away.  I encouraged the children with the idea of using what we have to share with other people and that wasn't just about money and things but about being generous with our time too.  Red Nose day is coming up I reminded the children and perhaps they could think of something they could do towards that.  I reminded the children about the Lord's Prayer which we looked at before Christmas about give us this day our daily bread, God gives us what we need each day not what we want.  I explained that when we do share what we have been given we shine out God's love from the inside out - cue for a song.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.  When the assembly was over one of the teachers reminded the children that they were doing the 40 acts of kindness over the next 40 days, and linked it to what I had said about doing things for other people.

Croftlands Infants School

This morning I was at Croftlands Infant School for the assembly.  To start off I told the children I was feeling very happy and I was so glad to see all the children so we sang Be Happy together.  After the song I brought Scruff the Dog out to say hello to the children.  As he went to whisper in my ear I announced to the children that he was all wet and very smelly- which made them laugh.  So I asked him if he had been running through the long grass again - he shock his head and whispered that he had been for a shower.  So I asked him again why he was wet - he whispered this time that it was raining outside; which it wasn't so I asked him a third time why are you wet and smelly have you been through the long wet grass - no he whispered he had tipped his water bowl over.  I then said that I thought he was telling me a bit of a tale to which he hung his head.  I told him to go and think about it as I put him away.  I then explained that in the Bible as part of the Easter story someone did something very similar to Scruff.  I then told the story of Peter when he denied that he knew Jesus.  Linking it back to what Scruff had done.  I said that we should always be truthful and stand up for what we know is right and that way we can Shine out - we then sang Shine before I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

This morning Sarah and I have been to Croftlands Junior School.  To start the assembly we sang So Many Ways to Praise the Lord, I then turned to Sarah and the children and announced that Sarah was telling this mornings story - which Sarah denied, so we had words like yes you are, no I haven't got it, well I gave it to you before - this back and forth talk brought a laugh.  I then turned to the children and said you know what this is? It is an ...and I displayed in big letters on the screen 'Awkward Moment' to which the children laughed again Sarah followed that with I'm embarrassed as I displayed a red faced emoji.  I then turned to the children saying Sarah denied having the story because it was part of what I wanted to talk about today.  Then then introduced the story of Peter when he three times denied who Jesus was on the night before he was crucified, Peter was told by Jesus that he was going to do it as well.  The point was Peter when faced with a difficult situation wasn't strong or courageous to stand up for the truth.  Sarah expanded on this idea with the children encouraging them to be strong and with God's help we can all be strong.  I then finished off the story by recalling the events at Pentecost.  Sarah then said Peter was Shining out Jesus when he stood up and talked to the crowd - cue for a song - Shine.  After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

St Mary's RC School

This morning I went to St Mary's RC School in Ulverston.  I started the assembly by saying how happy I felt today because yesterday I had seen my first lambs of the year so Spring is on it's way.  This linked nicely into the song I had planned to sing first - Be Happy.  After the song I displayed a picture of an acorn and the little ones at the front if they knew what it was - an acorn came the reply from one little boy.  Next I asked the children in year 1 what acorns grow into - oak trees.  This linked into the phrase mighty oaks from little acorns grow - I displayed this on the screen as I read it and then explained what it meant.  I then said that they were like little acorns ready to grow up into mighty oaks.  I even said that one day one of them mighty be prime minister or a top scientist or something.  I then told them the story of how God selected David as king even though he was only a small boy at the time and that he went onto be the greatest king Israel ever had.  I told the children that God had great plans for them and although they may not think it now God can do anything anything at all - cue for a song.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Burlington School

This morning I went to Burlington School after the assembly at St Peters School.  I started by saying that this morning I was feeling happy, as I had driven through the lanes to get to the school and seen my first lambs of the year.  So I thought it would be good to sing Be Happy as Spring was well and truly on it's way (despite the heavy rain and very cold wind outside).  After the song I asked the children what day it was yesterday - Pancake day which is also called - Shrove Tuesday.  I explained about what the word means before asking what today is - Ash Wednesday.  I also asked them what are we now it - Lent - which means Spring in old English (link to lambs).  For the Christian Church Lent is the 40 days that run towards Easter and it is a time when we think about Jesus in the wilderness as he started out on his public ministry.  I then did a quick recap of the events in Jesus' life like Christmas, Easter. Before talking about his baptism by John and temptation in the wilderness.  I explained that to be tempted is not wrong it is to give in to it that is wrong and I gave a few examples of that.  Each time Jesus was tempted to do something by Satan he said NO! and we should follow his example too.  I pointed out to the children the words that Jesus taught in the Lords Prayer which talks about temptation.  When we resist temptation we shine from the inside out - cue for a song.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

St Peters

This morning I went to St Peters School for the assembly.  I started by saying that this morning I was feeling happy, as I had driven through the lanes to get to the school and seen my first lambs of the year.  So I thought it would be good to sing Be Happy as Spring was well and truly on it's way (despite the heavy rain and very cold wind outside).  After the song I asked the children what day it was yesterday - Pancake day which is also called - Shrove Tuesday.  I explained about what the word means before asking what today is - Ash Wednesday.  I also asked them what are we now it - Lent - which means Spring in old English (link to lambs).  For the Christian Church Lent is the 40 days that run towards Easter and it is a time when we think about Jesus in the wilderness as he started out on his public ministry.  I then did a quick recap of the events in Jesus' life like Christmas, Easter. Before talking about his baptism by John and temptation in the wilderness.  I explained that to be tempted is not wrong it is to give in to it that is wrong and I gave a few examples of that.  Each time Jesus was tempted to do something by Satan he said NO! and we should follow his example too.  I pointed out to the children the words that Jesus taught in the Lords Prayer which talks about temptation.  When we resist temptation we shine from the inside out - cue for a song.  After the song I closed with a prayer followed by saying the Lord's Prayer.