St Peters

This morning Sarah and I went to do our final assembly of 2018 at St Peters.  We started by singing Be Happy then Sarah talked a little about why the children were so happy - It's Christmas we did get remined by one little boy just how many sleeps away it is.  After the song I showed the children a Christmas cracker and asked for two children to come out and help.  I explained that I was going to use the cracker to tell the story of Christmas.  To start with there is always a surprise inside the cracker which can remind us of the surprise that Mary had when she discovered that God was going to use her to give birth to his son Jesus.  Next I asked who likes loud bangs or who was scared of them I asked what else we get scared of - we had the dark, spiders and other things too. So as the children pulled the cracker and it make a small crack noise (I did ask the children to put their hands over their ears if they didn't like loud noise) I said could they imagine what it must of been like for some of the people in the Christmas story that got very frighten - I asked them who they thought that might be - the shepherds came the answer.  I explained that every time an angel is mentioned in the Bible it always says 'do not be afraid' so the shepherds seeing a host of angels must have been really scary.  Next we looked inside the cracker and found the hat - which is a crown so I asked who wears a crown - the queen and kings too came the reply.  I told the children that Jesus was and is the King of kings which means he is the king of everyone.  We removed the joke next as I told the joke I said that some times in crackers we get wise sayings as well - now in the Bible some wise people in the old testament foretold of the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before it happened.  Last of all we had the gift which reminds us of the gifts the wise men brought.  Who would have thought that a Christmas cracker could be used to tell the Christmas story I said as I recalled the different parts of the cracker. Sarah then talked about Jesus being the greatest gift of all and when we open our presents on Christmas morning we should not only say thank you to the person that gave us the present but say thank you to God for giving us Jesus - because with out Jesus there would be no Christmas.  To finish off we sang our Christmas song Rejoice with us.  To close off the assembly Sarah said a short prayer.

Burlington School

This morning I went to do our Christmas assembly at Burlington School.  I started by asking if the children were excited - which got a big reaction.  I asked the children why? - because it is Christmas came the reply.  As the children were excited and happy we linked into our first song - Be Happy.  I then explained I was going to talk about the Christmas story and that is a story we all know well, I but I was going to use a Christmas cracker to help them remember the parts of the story.  Asking for a boy and a girl to help me we sat down and waited.  I said that inside the cracker there is always a surprise which can help us to think about the surprise Mary and Joseph got when they found out that Mary was going to have a baby and not just a baby but God's son.  Next and before we pulled the cracker I said that there would be a loud bang or crack - in fact the cracker even said bang on it.  Loud noise can frighten people so now I asked what makes them frightened, we had the dark, loud noise, spiders, snakes.  Linking to the Christmas story I asked what group of people got frighten in the story - the shepherds of course.  I told the children that if an angel suddenly appeared to me even during the day and spoke to me I would be frighten.  The children pulled the cracker and we took out the party hat.  I asked what it looked like - a crown that a king or queen might wear.  This can be used to remind us that Jesus came as a king but not just a king of a country or area but as the King of kings which is one of the titles Jesus is known by.  Next we took out the joke - which was bad.... But it can help to remind us that long before Jesus was born wise men in the Old Testament spoke about him.  Then there was the gift - who brought gifts I asked - the wise men.  I then said that Jesus was also God's gift to us and that without Jesus there wouldn't be a Christmas.  To finish off our assembly we sang Rejoice with Us.  Then a said a short prayer. 

Crosthwaite School

Yesterday Sarah and I went to do our Christmas assembly at Crosthwaite School.  Sarah started by asking if the children were excited - which got a big reaction.  Pushing the question a little more she asked why - a multitude of answers came back all related to Christmas.  As the children were excited and happy we linked into our first song - Be Happy.  I then explained I was going to talk about the Christmas story and that is a story we all know well, I but I was going to use a Christmas cracker to help them remember the parts of the story.  Asking for a boy and a girl to help me we sat down and waited.  I said that inside the cracker there is always a surprise which can help us to think about the surprise Mary and Joseph got when they found out that Mary was going to have a baby and not just a baby but God's son.  Next and before we pulled the cracker I said that there would be a loud bang or crack - in fact the cracker even said bang on it.  Loud noise can frighten people so now I asked what makes them frightened, we had the dark, loud noise, spiders, snakes.  Linking to the Christmas story I asked what group of people got frighten in the story - the shepherds of course.  I told the children that if an angel suddenly appeared to me even during the day and spoke to me I would be frighten.  The children pulled the cracker and we took out the party hat.  I asked what it looked like - a crown that a king or queen might wear.  This can be used to remind us that Jesus came as a king but not just a king of a country or area but as the King of kings which is one of the titles Jesus is known by.  Next we took out the joke - which was bad.... But it can help to remind us that long before Jesus was born wise men in the Old Testament spoke about him.  Then there was the gift - who brought gifts I asked - the wise men.  Sarah then said that Jesus was also God's gift to us and that without Jesus there wouldn't be a Christmas.  To finish off our assembly we sang Rejoice with Us.  Then a said a short prayer. 

Low Furness School

Yesterday Sarah and I went to do our Christmas assembly at Low Furness School.  Sarah started by asking if the children were excited - which got a big reaction.  Pushing the question a little more she asked why - a multitude of answers came back all related to Christmas.  This led into me talking about the Christmas story and that is a story we all know well, I explained that I was going to use a Christmas cracker to help them remember the parts of the story.  Asking for a boy and a girl to help me we sat down and waited.  I said that inside the cracker there is always a surprise which can help us to think about the surprise Mary and Joseph got when they found out that Mary was going to have a baby and not just a baby but God's son.  Next and before we pulled the cracker I said that there would be a loud bang or crack - in fact the cracker even said bang on it.  Loud noise can frighten people so now I asked what makes them frightened, we had the dark, loud noise, spiders, roller coasters.  Linking to the Christmas story I asked what group of people got frighten in the story - the shepherds of course.  I told the children that if an angel suddenly appeared to me even during the day and spoke to me I would be frighten.  The children pulled the cracker and we took out the party hat.  I asked what it looked like - a crown that a king or queen might wear.  This can be used to remind us that Jesus came as a king but not just a king of a country or area but as the King of kings which is one of the titles Jesus is known by.  Next we took out the joke - which was bad.... But it can help to remind us that long before Jesus was born wise men in the Old Testament spoke about him.  Then there was the gift - who brought gifts I asked - the wise men.  Sarah then said that Jesus was also God's gift to us and that without Jesus there wouldn't be a Christmas.  To finish off our assembly we sang Rejoice with Us.  Then a said a short prayer. 

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Church Walk Primary School it was the first of our Christmas assemblies.  After asking the children if they had had a good weekend and if they had put their Christmas tree and things up, I asked if they were feeling happy - this linked to Be Happy song.  After the song I showed the children a Christmas cracker and asked for two children to come out and help.  I explained that I was going to use the cracker to tell the story of Christmas.  To start with there is always a surprise inside the cracker which can remind us of the surprise that Mary had when she discovered that God was going to use her to give birth to his son Jesus.  Next I asked who likes loud bangs or who was scared of them I asked what else we get scared of - we had the dark, fireworks, loud drums. So as the children pulled the cracker and it make a small crack noise (I did ask the children to put their hands over their ears if they didn't like loud noise) I said could they imagine what it must of been like for some of the people in the Christmas story that got very frighten - I asked them who they thought that might be - the shepherds came the answer.  I explained that every time an angel is mentioned in the Bible it always says 'do not be afraid' so the shepherds seeing a host of angels must have been really scary.  Next we looked inside the cracker and found the hat - which is a crown so I asked who wears a crown - the queen and kings too came the reply.  I told the children that Jesus was and is the King of kings which means he is the king of everyone.  We removed the joke next as I told the joke I said that some times in crackers we get wise sayings as well - now in the Bible some wise people in the old testament foretold of the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before it happened.  Last of all we had the gift which reminds us of the gifts the wise men brought.  Who would have thought that a Christmas cracker could be used to tell the Christmas story I said.  To finish off I reminded the children of all the bits in the cracker before singing Rejoice with us.  As we closed the assembly I said a short prayer.

Broughton School

This morning Sarah and I went to Broughton School for the assembly.  It was great to see all the children again as it seems like ages since we last saw them.  To start off the assembly we sang Be Happy.  The theme we had decided to do was kindness so Sarah introduced this before we watched a short video clip about King David showing kindness to Mephibosheth.  After the clip had finished I explained a little about why what David did was so important and that it was a real act of kindness.  Sarah expanded on this by talking about what we can do to show kindness.  She asked if anyone knew who Isaac Newton was before explaining something he said - for every action there is a reaction.  She said that if she says nice things to people then they reaction one way but if she says not so nice things then the reaction is completely different.  When we show kindness we shine out God's love which was a cue for a song - Shine.  After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Infants School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Croftlands Infant School.  It was lovely to see all the children who gave us such a warm welcome.  We started by singing Be Happy.  After the song Sarah introduced the theme for the assembly which was kindness.  She asked how old the school was and said she bet that there had been no one every at the school who had the name of the person in the story today. She also did have to explain that it was American people speaking in the video clip we had and the name of the person in the story was different in English.  So on with the video clip which was King David showing kindness to Saul's grandson Mephibosheth.  After the clip I did explain a little bit about why the act of kindness was so great because Mephibosheth was lame in both legs as a result of an accident when he was a baby.  Sarah then told the children something Isaac Newton said in that for every action there is a reaction.  She explained what that means and gave examples like if you smile at someone they smile back, if you pass a positive comment to someone a positive one comes back, if you should kindness to someone then kindness is shown to you in some way.  When we do show kindness we Shine from the inside out - cue for a song I think.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior school

Yesterday Sarah and I visited Croftlands Junior School for the assembly.  We started with Be Happy before showing a short video clip telling the story of King David and Mephibosheth.  After the clip I explained a little more about why what David did was so important. David showed such great kindness when he didn't need to.  Sarah continued to talk about kindness by using an Isaac Newton saying that for every action there is a reaction - she explained this further by talking about what I was wearing.  If she had said it wasn't nice that would make be sad however by saying you look good made me feel very happy and able to respond in a positive way back.  When we show kindness to someone we see that reciprocated back.  This linked to Shine after which Sarah said a prayer.

Coniston Primary School

This should have been posted last Thursday but didn't post...
This morning I was at Coniston Primary school doing the assembly.  I started off by saying how much I enjoyed going to the school not only seeing the children but also the drive up to the school.  This led me to say that I was feeling happy today which linked into the song we were going to start off with - Be Happy.  After the song I explained that I was going to talk about kindness - I then said that there are loads of examples of kindness in the Bible and today I was going to show them a short video story of one such story.  The person in the story had an unusual name so I asked how old the school was and said I bet no one has ever had this name ever in the school.  The name was Mephibosheth - it got a bit of a laugh.   The video showed King David's kindness towards Mephibosheth.  After the video I explained that as a small child Mephibosheth had been dropped and had damaged both legs so he didn't walk, he was part of the old king's family that is King Saul and what David did was to show great kindness to him and treat him with respect. I encouraged the children to go out of their way to do similar things and show kindness to each other.  I also said that every action they do can cause a reaction from others - so if we show/act kind then that will have a good reaction. Bu doing this we can shine from the inside out -cue for a song.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Lindale School

This morning Sarah and I went down to Lindale School for the assembly.  We started by singing Be Happy which warmed the children (and me) up as it was such a cold morning.  After the song Sarah introduced the theme for the assembly which was kindness and showing kindness.  We then showed the children a video clip about King David showing kindness to Mephibosheth.  I explained a little about who Mephibosheth was and why what David did was so great.  Sarah then talked about Isaac Newton and that he said for every action there is a reaction - she asked the children if they knew what that meant and one little boy gave a very good explanation.  Sarah tested the action/reaction idea on me by saying what I was wearing didn't look nice - so my reaction was sadness.  But then she said Mark you look great in that shirt so my reaction was very different with a complement back to Sarah about the lovely person that bought it for me (Sarah).  She continued by saying that when we show kindness then kindness and other good things come back at us and when we do show kindness we shine from the inside out - cue for a song. After the song Sarah finished with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning I went along to do the assembly at Newton Primary school.  After singing Be Happy I showed the children a short video clip of how King David showed kindness to Mephibosheth.  After the video I explained a little bit more about why what David did for Mephibosheth was so important.  I encouraged the children to do acts of kindness towards others like David had done.  By doing this I continued they can Shine from the inside out.  After the song I finished with a short prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to Low Furness School for the assembly.  It was great to see all the children again as it seems like ages since we last saw them.  To start off the assembly we sang Be Happy.  The theme we had been given was kindness in the Bible so Sarah introduced this before we watched a short video clip about King David showing kindness to Mephibosheth.  After the clip had finished I explained a little about why what David did was so important and that it was a real act of kindness.  Sarah expanded on this by talking about what we can do to show kindness.  She asked if anyone knew who Isaac Newton was before explaining something he said - for every action there is a reaction.  She said that if she says nice things to people then they reaction one way but if she says not so nice things then the reaction is completely different.  When we show kindness we shine out God's love which was a cue for a song - Shine.  After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Leven Valley School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Leven Valley School.  Sarah started the assembly by talking about how happy she was whenever she went to the school - she said it had happy memories for her (she went to the school as a child) this led into us singing Be Happy.  After the song Sarah introduced the theme for the assembly - kindness.  We then showed a video which told of the kindness David showed to Mephibosheth.  I then explained a little about Mephibosheth and why what David did was so special.  Sarah continued to talk to the children about kindness and used one of Isaac Newtons idea's that every action has a reaction.  She continued by saying if she looked at me this morning and said that what I was wearing didn't look good then that would have the reaction from me why?  when the shirt I was wearing was my favourite one that Sarah bought as a gift for me, I would feel a bit down and sad.  However if she comment about how well I looked in that shirt then I would be built up and perhaps comment back something nice too This led to us singing Shine before I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Our Lady's School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Our Lady's School.  We started the assembly by singing Be Happy.  After the song Sarah introduced the theme for the assembly - kindness.  We then showed a video which told of the kindness David showed to Mephibosheth.  I then explained a little about Mephibosheth and why what David did was so special.  Sarah continued to talk to the children about kindness and used one of Isaac Newtons idea's that every action has a reaction.  She continued by saying if she looked at me this morning and said that what I was wearing didn't look good then that would have the reaction from me why?  when the shirt I was wearing was my favourite one that Sarah bought as a gift for me, I would feel a bit down and sad.  However if she comment about how well I looked in that shirt then I would be built up and perhaps comment back something nice too This led to us singing Shine before I closed the assembly with a prayer.

St Mary's RC School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at St Mary's RC School in Ulverston.  It was really lovely to see all the children again who gave us such a warm welcome as they came in to the hall.  As the assembly started Sarah talked about how we had been welcomed and said that it made her feel really happy which linked in very well with our first song- Be Happy.  After the song Sarah introduced the theme for the assembly - kindness.  We then showed a video which told of the kindness David showed to Mephibosheth.  I then explained a little about Mephibosheth and why what David did was so special.  Sarah continued to talk to the children about kindness and used one of Isaac Newtons idea's that every action has a reaction.  This led to us singing Shine before I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Dalton St Mary's

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Dalton St Mary's School.  It was lovely to see all the children who gave us such a warm welcome.  Sarah started by talking about the warm sunshine and how it makes you feel happy, this linked to our first song Be Happy.  After the song I introduced the theme for the assembly which was kindness.  I explained that in the Bible there are loads of examples of kindness and we had picked a little know story for the assembly today.  I did have to explain that it was American people speaking and the name of the person in the story was different in English -  Sarah said that in the long history of the school she bet no-one has ever had this name.  So on with the video clip which was King David showing kindness to Saul's grandson Mephibosheth.  After the clip I did explain a little bit about why the act of kindness was so great because Mephibosheth was lame in both legs as a result of an accident when he was a baby.  Sarah then told the children something Isaac Newton said in that for every action there is a reaction.  She explained what that means and gave examples like if you smile at someone they smile back, if you pass a positive comment to someone a positive one comes back, if you should kindness to someone then kindness is shown to you in some way.  When we do show kindness we Shine from the inside out - cue for a song I think.  After the song I closed with a prayer.   

Lindal and Marton school

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Lindal and Marton School.  It was lovely to see all the children who gave us such a warm welcome.  Sarah started by asking if they had had a good booming weekend (bonfire night) she then asked what it made them feel like - happy was the word she was looking for and one little boy shouted out - happy!.... This linked to our first song Be Happy.  After the song I introduced the theme for the assembly which was kindness.  I explained that in the Bible there are loads of examples of kindness and we had picked a little know story for the assembly today.  I did have to explain that it was American people speaking and the name of the person in the story was different in English -  Sarah said that in the long history of the school she bet no-one has ever had this name.  So on with the video clip which was King David showing kindness to Saul's grandson Mephibosheth.  After the clip I did explain a little bit about why the act of kindness was so great because Mephibosheth was lame in both legs as a result of an accident when he was a baby.  Sarah then told the children something Isaac Newton said in that for every action there is a reaction.  She explained what that means and gave examples like if you smile at someone they smile back, if you pass a positive comment to someone a positive one comes back, if you should kindness to someone then kindness is shown to you in some way.  When we do show kindness we Shine from the inside out - cue for a song I think.  After the song I closed with a prayer.   

St Peters

This morning I was at St Peters school doing the assembly.  I started off by asking if the children had enjoyed half term and then asked if they had enjoyed fireworks over the weekend.  This led me to say that I was feeling happy today and asked if the children could think of a song we might sing - Be Happy was the one I was thinking about.  After the song I explained that I had a word in my head and an idea that kept coming back to me the word was kindness - I then said that there are loads of examples of kindness in the Bible and today I was going to show them a short video story of one such story.  The video was about King David's kindness to Mephibosheth.  After the video I explained that as a small child Mephibosheth had been dropped and had damaged both legs so he didn't walk, he was part of the old king's family that is King Saul and what David did was to show great kindness to him and treat him with respect. I encouraged the children to go out of their way to do similar things and show kindness to each other.  I also said that every action they do can cause a reaction from others - so if we show/act kind then that will have a good reaction. Bu doing this we can shine from the inside out -cue for a song.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Flookburgh School

This morning Sarah and I had a very pleasant drive down to Flookburgh School to do our Harvest assembly.  It was really great to see all the children and staff again.  So after singing Inright Outright Sarah talked to the children about time and asked questions like what time they get up, have breakfast, come to school have lunch etc she also asked who it was that told them it was time to do those things.  We then played the 1 minute game which was great fun.  I then talked about apples and asked what was inside an apple - seeds was the answer I got.  I showed them a seed as well as displaying a picture of an apple cut in two.  Next we displayed a picture showing the apple cycle and explained what happens.  I asked the children who makes it happen - like who tells the seed to grow or the flower to blossom - God came the answer.  I then read out some verses from the Bible which tells us that God made the apple with the seed in it and He provides the cold and the heat, the rain and the sun the day and the night which makes the seeds grow.  I asked next what time of year we were in - Harvest came the reply. I explained what harvest is and what people did many years ago but I added that today we have food all the time so we could have strawberries at Christmas for example and not just in the summer months.  So if harvest is a time to thank God for the food we have should we not say thank you every time we eat food no matter what it is.  To finish off our assembly we sang Creator God and then Sarah closed with a prayer.

Broughton School

Today I went over to do our Harvest assembly at Broughton school.  It was really great to see all the children again.  I started with Inright Outright.  Then talked about time and about what time we do things like get up, eat breakfast, come to school, have lunch.  I asked the children how they know when it is time to do things.  We then played the 1 minute game to see who could count to a minute and then stand up.  Next I talked about apples and asked what was inside them - seeds was the answer I was looking for.  I explained what happens in the apple cycle before asking who put the seed in the apple in the first place, to help out I displayed some Bible verses from Genesis - God was the answer I was looking for.  I moved on to talk about the time of year and one little girl said it is Harvest time.  I explained to the children that harvest is a time when we say thank you to God for all the food we get to eat - but we get food every day so we should thank Him each time we eat.  To finish off we sang Creator God before I closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Infant School

On Tuesday Sarah and I went to Croftlands Infant School to do our Harvest assembly.  We started with Inright Outright.  Then Sarah talked to the children about time asking them what time they get up, have breakfast, have lunch and who tells them it is time.  We then played the 1 minute game to see who could count to a minute.  She then introduced an apple and asked what was inside it - seeds was the answer.  She asked how the seed knows what time it is to start and grow we displayed the apple cycle on the screen before linking to a few Bible verses which tell us that God put the seed into the fruit and He provides the right conditions water, sun, cold, warm, day night etc to make it grow.  Lastly she asked what time of year it was - harvest time.  She explained that at harvest time we say thank you for all the food we have grown but as we eat food everyday should we not thank God every time we eat something.  To finish off we sang Creator God and then I closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

This morning I went to do are Harvest assembly at Croftlands Junior School.  We sang Inright Outright to start with then I talked about time and about how we know what time to get up or go for lunch etc.  After playing the 1 minute game.  I asked what was inside an apple - seeds was what I was looking for.  I explained the apple cycle to the children then asked who tells the seed it is time to start growing.  As the children gave me their answers I displayed some verses from Genesis which talk about God putting the seed in the fruit and then providing the right conditions for it to grow.  I linked this with Harvest time and how traditionally we had Harvest celebrations to thank God for what He had provided us with.  However with a transport network like we have today we can eat food stuffs all year round like strawberries on Christmas Day.  So therefore we should thank God everyday for the food we eat.  To close I said a short prayer and played Creator God as the children left.

OT Mini Lesson 5 Low Furness School

This afternoon I was once again at Low Furness School with the children of year 5 and then year 6 doing OT Mini.  It was the last lesson in the series so we covered the scattering of Israel, the exile of Judah and then their return.  Along the way we covered the story of Daniel and Esther before rounding off with the rebuilding work first on the temple, then with the people and finally the walls.  The whole thing ended with the people waiting....waiting for Christ.

Coniston Primary School

This morning I went over to Coniston Primary School to do our Harvest assembly.  We started by singing Inright Outright.  After the song I talked to the children about time asking who gets them up in a morning and at what time, when do they get to school, who tells them it is time for assembly, how do they know it is time for lunch.  We then played the 1 minute game. I then showed the children an apple and asked what is in side it - seeds.  I took a seed and also displayed a picture of a cut open apple on the screen.  I asked who or what tells the seed to grow - I got a number of very good answers, I displayed the apple cycle and explained what happens in apples from seed to apple.  I also displayed a few Bible verses from Genesis which talk about God putting the seeds into fruit and things as well as providing the right conditions for the fruit to grow.  I then asked the children what time of year it was - harvest.  I explained what harvest was traditionally in the past before talking about today and how we can get food stuffs all year round - so I continued if at harvest time we say thank you to God for our food should we not say thank you every time we eat?  I left that thought with them as we went into our final song - Creator God.  I then closed with a prayer.

St Mary's RC School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our Harvest assembly at St Mary's RC School.  We started by talking about time putting time into everything we said then Sarah said it is time for a song - Inright Outright is a short song so doesn't take much time to sing.  After the song Sarah talked to the children about time asking who gets them up in a morning and at what time, when do they get to school, who tells them it is time for assembly, how do they know it is time for lunch.  We then played the 1 minute game afterwards Sarah commented that a minute takes such a long time to pass.  I then showed the children an apple and asked what is in side it - seeds.  I took a seed and also displayed a picture of a cut open apple on the screen.  I asked who or what tells the seed to grow - I got a number of very good answers, I displayed the apple cycle and explained what happens in apples from seed to apple.  I also displayed a few Bible verses from Genesis which talk about God putting the seeds into fruit and things as well as providing the right conditions for the fruit to grow.  I then asked the children what time of year it was - harvest.  I explained what harvest was traditionally in the past before talking about today and how we can get food stuffs all year round - so I continued if at harvest time we say thank you to God for our food should we not say thank you every time we eat?  I left that thought with them as we went into our final song - Creator God.  Sarah then closed with a prayer.

Lindale School

This morning I went down to Lindale School for the assembly, the year 5 and 6 children had gone off on a trip so the gathering of children was rather smaller than normal.  To start off we sang Inright Outright.  I then started to talk about time I asked what time they get up, who tells them it is time for breakfast, when does assembly start and who tells them, how do they know it is lunch time etc….  We then played the 1 minute game.  I then showed them an apple and asked what is in side it - a seed came the answer.  I then took a seed and asked who tells the seed it is time to grow - as the children thought about this I showed them the apple cycle then displayed some verses from Genesis about creation.  I reminded the children that God put the seed in the apple and gives it all the right things to make it grow cold and heat, day and night.  I then asked what time of year it is - harvest came the answer.  I explained that harvest is the time when we say thank you to God for all the food stuffs that are harvested - but we should thank God for our food stuffs every day.  To finish we sang Creator God and then I closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our Harvest assembly at Low Furness School.  We started with a short song Inright Outright before Sarah started to talk about time asking the children what time they get up and who tells them to, when do they have breakfast, what time schools starts and who tells them it is time, when do they know it is lunch time... We then played the 1 minute game with them before I showed them an apple and asked what was inside it - seeds - so if it has seeds in it who or what tells the seeds to grow into a plant/tree and start to produce more fruit.  We had loads of very good and correct answers I then displayed a few Bible verses from Genesis which talks about God putting the seeds into fruit in order for it to produce more fruit.  I then asked what time of year it is - harvest time and explained that at this time of year we thank God for the food stuffs he provides for us - but as we eat food all year round should we not thank him every day whenever we eat?  To finish off we sand Creator God before Sarah said a short prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon I went to do the assembly at Pennington School.  I started with Inright Outright.  I then started to talk about time and asked the children a few questions such as who or what tells them to wake up, what time do they have breakfast and who tells them, who tells them school is starting and how do they know it is lunch time.  We then played the 1 minute game.  I then showed the children an apple and asked them what is in side in - seeds was the answer I was looking for.  I then held up an apple seed and asked who or what tells the seed it is time to start growing - I explained the apple cycle to the children.  I had a number of very good answers - I displayed a few Bible verses from Genesis which tells us that God put the seed into the fruit and He provides the right conditions for it to grow.  I next asked what this time of year is called and what we celebrate - harvest time.  I explained what harvest is and how people thank God for the food stuffs they have to eat - but we should do that every day as God is always providing us with good food to eat.  To finish off we sang Creator God before I closed with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Newton Primary School.  It was really great to see all the children and staff again after such a long time.  To start off we sang Inright Outright before I started to talk about time.  I asked the children questions about time like who tells them to get up, what time is school and who tells them, when is it lunch time etc  We then played the 1 minute game - the children had to count in their heads 1 minute then stand up.  This talk of time linked in with the assembly because I had an apple and I asked what is inside it - seeds so who tells the seed to grow I asked.  I got a number of very good and correct answers I was looking for God tells it.  I then displayed a few Bible verses about creation and how God put the seeds into plants and fruit and how he provides the right conditions for them to grow.  I asked the children what the time of year was and what do we celebrate at this time- harvest of course.  I encouraged the children to say thank you each day for the foods they eat and not just at this time of year.  To finish off we sang Creator God and then I said a short prayer. 

OT Mini Lesson 4 Low Furness

This afternoon I have been at Low Furness once again teaching OT Mini to the year 5 and 6 children.  Todays stories were about the first kings of Israel so we covered Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon before talking about the break up of the kingdom into Judah and Israel.  Next week we move into the exile period.

Leven Valley School

This morning I was at Leven Valley School for the assembly.  I started the assembly off with Inright Outright before talking about time and asking a few questions about when the children do things like get up, have breakfast, come to school have lunch - I also asked who tells them it is time to do those things.  We then played the 1 minute game and after everyone had stood up I showed the children and apple and asked them what is inside it - seeds - as well as nice fruit I added.  Seeds was the answer I was looking for though.  I had a seed from an apple and tried to show the children just how small it is and then asked who tells the seed to grow - I was looking foe someone to say God which they did.  I displayed the apple cycle and talked about the stages it goes through.  I then displayed a few verses from Genesis as part of the creation story when God place the seeds into fruit so it could grow more fruit.  I encouraged the children to be thankful for all the different foods stuff we have but to do it everyday and not just at this harvest time of year.  To finish we sang Creator God before a final prayer.

Our Lady's School

This morning I was at Our lady's School for the assembly.  I started with a quick song - Inright Outright before talking about time.  I asked the children who or what gets them up and how do they know what time breakfast is, when does school start, how do they know it is lunch time.  I was getting to the point that something needs to tell us the time to do things.  We then played the 1 minute game.  The minute seemed to take ages to pass but once all the children had stood up I carried on and showed the children an apple.  I asked them what is inside it - seeds came the answer.  So I took a seed and asked who or what tells it to grow - I was looking for God to be the answer which I eventually got from someone, other answers were the water, the soil, the sun.... I displayed a picture showing the apple cycle and then displayed some Bible verses which talk about seeds in fruit and God making it so as well as providing hot and cold, summer and winter in order for them to grow.  This links in with the time of year - harvest.  I encouraged the children to think about what they eat from fruit and vegetables to Big Mac's and KFC and thank God for all the food stuffs we have not just at harvest time.  To finish off we sang Creator God before saying a short prayer.

Dalton St Mary's

This morning Sarah and I visited Dalton St Marys school and took the assembly.  We decided to talk about harvest as it is that time of year.  So after singing Inright Outright (nothing to do with harvest) Sarah talked about time asking what time the children get up, come to school, have lunch and who tells them.  We then played the 1 minute game before I went on to talk about apples and asked who or what tells the apple seed to grow. I explained with a picture what happens in the apple cycle, saying that God designed the apple to have seeds in it that would produce more apple trees.  I referred to a couple of verses in Genesis when God created the world He put the seeds in the fruit and later on it says He provides cold and hot, night and day etc.  At this time of year we think about harvest and it is a time to say thank you for all the good things God gives to us - but we have food all year round so we should thank God every day.  To finish off we sang Creator God and Sarah ended with a prayer.

Lindal and Marton School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Lindal and Marton School.  It was really lovely to see all the children and staff again.  We did our harvest assembly we started by thinking about time and what or who tells us when it is time to get up, go to school have lunch etc.  We then played the 1 minute game before I started to talk about the apple.  I asked the children who or what tells the apple seed to grow.  This led into some Bible verses from Genesis about creation and how God put the seeds into the apple (and other fruits too) and He also provides the right conditions for them to grow.  At this time of year I continued we think about harvest and we thank God for all that He provides for us, but we should say thank you everyday for the food stuffs we have.  To finish off we sang Creator God and Sarah ended with a prayer.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I went over to St Peters school for the assembly.  It was really great to see all the children and staff again after such a long time.  After singing Inright Outright Sarah talked to the children about time - asking things like what time they get up, who tells them it is time for school, when do they know it is lunch time.  Then she got them to count for a minute and when they thought it was time they should stand up.  Once we have finished this game I started to talk about apples and asked what is inside them - seeds (as well as nice tasting fruit).  I then asked who or what tells the seed to start to grow - God came back the answer.  I then explained what happens seed - seedling - tree - blossom - flower - fruit - seed …… I then displayed some verses from Genesis about creation and how God made the seeds in the fruit and how He provides the right environment from them to grow, summer and winter, hot and cold etc.  This links to the time of year which is harvest so I encouraged the children to thank God for all the great food stuffs we have to eat and not just at this time of year but everyday.  We finished with Creator God before Sarah said a prayer.

Priory Day - Cartmel

Today Sarah and I have had a great day down at Cartmel Priory when 6 local schools sent their year 5 and 6 pupils.  We started the morning off before leading a worship and singing workshop.  The children working in 6 groups moved round during the day from a craft area to drama, prayer space, games, treasure hunt and to worship/singing.  The theme this year was Moses and the burning bush so at the start of the day I told them the story to get them started.  Then during our workshop we explained with a video clip what worship is and sang some songs.  We had a mix of loud big action songs and reflective ones too.  At the end of the day we finished with a few more songs and then  Wonderful Lord.

OT Mini Lesson 3 Low Furness School

This afternoon I have once again been at Low Furness School doing OT Mini with the year 5 and 6 classes.  Today we covered another large chunk of history - over 400 years as we looked at Joshua, three of the judges and the story of Ruth.  Next week we start to look at the first kings of Israel.

Burlington School

This morning I went over to Burlington School for the assembly.  It was great to see all the children again.  To start we sang Inright Outright, I then talked about time and asked things like - what time do you get up, who or what tells you to wake up, what time does school start, when do you have lunch and who tells you.  Then I asked the children to sit for a minute and count out the seconds and when 60 seconds were up they should stand up.  As they counted I timed the children to see who got the closest to the minute.  I then showed the children an apple and asked what it had inside it - seeds came the answer so I took a seed and asked who or what tells the seed to grow in the first place.  I had a picture of the apple cycle to show them as I talked - one person said it is God that does it - great answer.  I then reminded the children of God's words to us in Genesis when he gave us fruit with seeds in it that would produce more fruit and so on.  Also about his promise to have cold and heat, day and night along with the seasons of the year.  Finally I asked what time of year it is, I got autumn, winter I was looking for harvest which someone said in the end.  I reminded the children that we have loads of different food stuffs to eat these days and God is the one that provides us with them so we should thank him for all of them each day and not just at harvest time.  To finish we sang Creator God and then I said a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went over to Crosthwaite School to do the assembly.  We started with Inright Outright, Sarah then asked the children about time - like what time do they get up, who tells them, what time is school, what about lunch time etc.  We had a number of really good answers.  She then got them to sit for a minute and stand up when they thought the minute was up.  I continued by showing them an apple and asking what is inside it - I was looking for the word seed which everyone shouted out.  I had a seed and showed it to the children before asking who or what tells the seed to start to grow?  I displayed the apple cycle on the screen before referring to Genesis and talking about how God made the fruit with seed in it and how at the right time it will grow and produce loads of fruit with seed in it etc etc.  I then asked what the time of year it was - harvest.  I encouraged the children to thank God for the many great things he gives to us like the fruit and each time the eat think about just how much God cares for us.  To finish off we sang Creator God then Sarah closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Low Furness School.  The theme was hop in the Bible so after singing Inright Outright Sarah introduced the theme by asking for 4 children to hold up the letters of hope and see if they could make a word - they did get there in the end.  Next I displayed a Bible verse from Isaiah 49:32 and talked about it as I then displayed a sentence about what hope is using the letters HOPE.  This led into me talking about people like David and how he waited as a solider waits for the draw and the sun in a morning.  David along with many other great people from the Bible were waiting in hope for Jesus to come along.  We today can hope for many things in life such as Christmas which is what the children were waiting for today with the hope of loads of presents.  As Christians we hope for a future with Christ.  To finish off we sang May the God of Hope.  Sarah close then with a prayer.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to Church Walk Primary School for the assembly.  We decided as it was getting near to harvest time that we would focus on that as a theme.  To start of we sang Inright Outright then Sarah asked the children about time, like what time they get up, come to school, start school, have lunch etc.  Then she asked them who or what tells them - a parent, a teacher, the alarm clock, school bell.... Then we asked the children to count in their heads for a minute/60seconds then when they though the time was up they should stand up.  As the children did this we set a stop watch off and looked for the child who was a s close to the minute as possible.  Next I show them an apple and asked what is inside it - the answer was a seed.  I had an apple seed to show them and as I did I asked them who or what tells the seed to start growing - I explained that the seed grows into a seedling then to a tree then the tree gets bigger and bigger and starts to flower and once it has finished flowering the apples are produced and the process can start all over again.  I had a diagram on the screen to explain it.  Back to the seed who tells it to grow?  I then displayed three bible verses  Then God said, "Let the earth grow grass, plants that make grain, and fruit trees. The fruit trees will make fruit with seeds in it. And each plant will make its own kind of seed. Let these plants grow on the earth." And it happened. (Genesis 1:11)   and As long as the earth continues, there will always be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night on earth."

(Genesis 8:22) then There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time. There is a time to be born and a time to die. There is a time to plant and a time to pull up plants. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) So it is God who put the seed in the apple and loads of other fruits as well and God provides the means for it to grow and develop.  I linked this to harvesttime saying we should thank God for all the good things he gives us to eat.  To finish we sang Creator God and Sarah closed with a prayer. 

OT Mini Lesson 2 Low Furness School

This afternoon I was once again at Low Furness School doing OT Mini first to year 5 then year 6. It was the second lesson which covers the story of Moses, the exodus, then the giving of the law and the wandering round the desert.  The children responded very well to all the hand signs, following a recap of last week.  Next week it is onto Joshua and the judges and another 400 years of history.

OT Mini Lesson 1 Low Furness

I had a great time this afternoon with the year 5 and 6 children of Low Furness School as I did an OT Mini Lesson with them - (I used to do Bible Explorer).  The children listen in as I retold stories from the book of Genesis, story like Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.  To help the children remember we use hand signs and key words.  Each lesson there are 8 hand signs and phrases/key words to learn so over the 5 weeks the children will have the basic outline of all the main events in the Old Testament.  As soon as one class finish they exited through one door as the second class came in and I did it all again.  Had a great response from all the children who can't wait for next week.

Leven Valley School

This morning Sarah and I went to Leven Valley School for the assembly.  We started by singing Be Happy.  I then told the story of Moses, Joshua, Caleb and the 10 spies.  I recalled the story to the children of when Moses sent out the 12 spies to look over the new land - the Promised Land - however the report Moses got back was not what he was expecting.  Ten spies said that where was major problems.  At this point I read out some reasons not to go (not in the Bible).  As I said each one Sarah (Moses) turned the negative into a positive.  When I had finished I explained that the excuses might be the types of ones the year 6 children are making with regard to moving to secondary school.  I then read a couple out and asked Sarah to explain what might happen at their new school.  We also talked to the younger children as well as they will be moving on through the school.  In the end we gave them the verse from Joshua 1:9 to think about - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  We then snag God Can Do Anything before finishing with prayer.

Our Ladies

This morning Sarah and I went to Our Lady's for the assembly.  We started by telling the story of Moses, Joshua, Caleb and the 10 spies.  I recalled the story to the children of when Moses sent out the 12 spies to look over the new land - the Promised Land - however the report Moses got back was not what he was expecting.  Ten spies said that where was major problems.  At this point I read out some reasons not to go (not in the Bible).  As I said each one Sarah (Moses) turned the negative into a positive.  When I had finished I explained that the excuses might be the types of ones the year 6 children are making with regard to moving to secondary school.  I then read a couple out and asked Sarah to explain what might happen at their new school.  We also talked to the younger children as well as they will be moving on through the school.  In the end we gave them the verse from Joshua 1:9 to think about - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  We then snag God Can Do Anything before finishing with the Chicken Dance.  Then once we had calmed them all down again we said a final prayer.

St Marys RC Ulverston

This morning Sarah and I went to St Marys RC for the assembly.  We started by telling the story of Moses, Joshua, Caleb and the 10 spies.  I recalled the story to the children of when Moses sent out the 12 spies to look over the new land - the Promised Land - however the report Moses got back was not what he was expecting.  Ten spies said that where was major problems.  At this point I read out some reasons not to go (not in the Bible).  As I said each one Sarah (Moses) turned the negative into a positive.  When I had finished I explained that the excuses might be the types of ones the year 6 children are making with regard to moving to secondary school.  I then read a couple out and asked Sarah to explain what might happen at their new school.  We also talked to the younger children as well as they will be moving on through the school.  In the end we gave them the verse from Joshua 1:9 to think about - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  We then snag God Can Do Anything before finishing with the Chicken Dance.  Then once we had calmed them all down again we said a final prayer.

Dalton St Marys

This morning I went to do the assembly at Dalton St Marys.  I told the story of Jonah and how he was asked to go to Nineveh and talk to the people.  Jonah went in the other direction and boarded a ship.  When a huge storm hit the ship Jonah was asleep in the boat.  I talked about our holiday last year on a boat and how one night there was a bit of a storm and how we all felt a bit scared, particularly when we saw them doing something to one of the life boats!  Back to the story. Eventually he as woken up and thrown over board and the storm stopped.  God provided a big fish to protect him and for 3 Jonah was in the belly of the smelly fish, I asked who liked fish, then said that when you cook fish there is always a smell the next day in the house - I asked them to imagine what it must have smelt like inside the fish.  God told the fish to spit Jonah out.  So off he went and told the people of Nineveh what God had said and they stopped doing the wrong things.  Jonah sat outside the city feeling sad and he wanted God to punish them for what they had done.  He sat under a tree and waited, the next day the tree had died and Jonah was sat in the full sun.  He complained to God about the tree and God reminded him that trees are here today and gone tomorrow and Jonah cared more for that then the people of Nineveh.  It is a reminder that God cares and loves each and every one of us.  His love is so big it is bigger than anything we can imagine - cue for a song - God's Love is Bigger than a Burger.  After the song we did the Chicken Dance before I said a prayer.

Lindal and Marton School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Lindal and Marton School.  I told the story of Jonah and how he was asked to go to Nineveh and talk to the people.  Jonah went in the other direction and boarded a ship.  When a huge storm hit the ship Jonah was asleep in the boat.  I talked about our holiday last year on a boat and how one night there was a bit of a storm and how we all felt a bit scared, particularly when we saw them doing something to one of the life boats!  Back to the story. Eventually he as woken up and thrown over board and the storm stopped.  God provided a big fish to protect him and for 3 Jonah was in the belly of the smelly fish, I asked who liked fish, then said that when you cook fish there is always a smell the next day in the house - I asked them to imagine what it must have smelt like inside the fish.  God told the fish to spit Jonah out.  So off he went and told the people of Nineveh what God had said and they stopped doing the wrong things.  Jonah sat outside the city feeling sad and he wanted God to punish them for what they had done.  He sat under a tree and waited, the next day the tree had died and Jonah was sat in the full sun.  He complained to God about the tree and God reminded him that trees are here today and gone tomorrow and Jonah cared more for that then the people of Nineveh.  It is a reminder that God cares and loves each and every one of us.  His love is so big it is bigger than anything we can imagine - cue for a song - God's Love is Bigger than a Burger.  After the song we did the Chicken Dance before I said a prayer.

George Romney Junior School

This morning Sarah, myself and the transition team (Vic, Charlie and Matt) were at George Romney Junior School working with the year 6 children, helping them as they make the move to secondary school.  We had an hour long lesson were the children looked at issues such as bullying, friendship as well as big question they may face too.  Following the assembly we did a whole school assembly about the 12 spies going into the promised land.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I were once again at St Peters School, this time we were joined by Vic, Lisa and Becca for the transition assembly and then lesson with year 6.  Both went well with the whole school enjoying the assembly and the drama about the 12 spies looking over the promised land.  Then our time with the year 6 children was an opportunity to talk to them about their move to secondary school and we hope to dismiss any of their fears about it.

Burlington School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Burlington School.  We started with Be Happy.  I then told the story of Jonah and displayed pictures as I went along.  I explained after the story that Jonah became sad when the plant that grew to protect up from the sun died, and God said to him that he cared more from the plant than the people of Nineveh.  I linked this to just how much God loves us even when we do things wrong, he never stops loving us.  Sarah added a bit more to this idea before introducing our song God's Love is Bigger than a Burger.  We then finished with a prayer.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly over at St Peters.  We started with Be Happy.  I then told the story of Jonah and displayed pictures as I went along.  I explained after the story that Jonah became sad when the plant that grew to protect up from the sun died, and God said to him that he cared more from the plant than the people of Nineveh.  I linked this to just how much God loves us even when we do things wrong, he never stops loving us.  Sarah added a bit more to this idea before introducing our song God's Love is Bigger than a Burger.  We then finished with a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I made our final visit of this school year to Crosthwaite School.  We started with singing Be Happy before I told the story of the 12 spies going into the promised land, then as they came back 10 spies made up reasons why they shouldn't go the excuses they made are a bit like the kind of things year 6 children might say as they go into secondary school (not in the Bible) each excuse Sarah (Moses) gave a positive thing about it.  We then talked about moving on as each one of us moves on at some point.  We gave them the verse Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for I am with you wherever you go.  We then sang God can do anything and then as a special treat as it was the last assembly we did the Chicken Dance. Sarah closed the assembly with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the transition assembly and lesson with Low Furness School, we were joined by Hannah and Charlie.  The lesson went very well with the year 6 children as we talked and listened to them as they prepare to make the move to secondary school.  After the lesson we did the assembly which was based on the 12 spies going into the promised land and 10 coming back saying all kinds of problems with it.  The story was in the form of a drama and the excuses were some of the things that year 6 children might say about going to secondary school each excuse was answered by Sarah (Moses) in the drama with a positive thing.  After the drama we sang God can do Anything before we closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

This morning I did the assembly at Croftlands Junior School.  As we are running up to the holidays and Holiday Club I decided to show the first instalment of the video for  this year.  Then I explained what we do at Holiday Club.  The story this year is about Joseph.  At the end we sang Great Big God as God held Joseph in his hands and likewise he holds us all in his hands.  To finish I said a short prayer. 

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I did the assembly at Church Walk School.  As we are running up to the holidays and Holiday Club I decided to show the first instalment of the video for  this year.  Then I explained what we do at Holiday Club.  The story this year is about Joseph.  At the end we sang Great Big God as God held Joseph in his hands and likewise he holds us all in his hands.  To finish I said a short prayer. 

Penny Bridge Academy

This afternoon Sarah, myself and some of the 2018 transition team have been at Penny Bridge doing the transition lesson and assembly with year 6.  We started with the lesson for an hour before doing the assembly to the whole school.  The whole thing went well.

Broughton School

This morning I went over to do the assembly at Broughton School.  It really was great to see all the children again after such a long time (first visit of 2018).  I started with Be Happy, then I did the Cecil the Sheep story from the Lost Sheep company.  Afterwards I asked if they knew what type of story it was that Jesus had told - parable.  I explained what a parable was in that it is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  I then asked them who the sheep represent if the shepherd is God - someone said people that do things wrong which is true in the case of the lost sheep, someone else said all of us.  I went on to explain just how much God loves us and like the shepherd wants the best for us - his love is so big that he sent Jesus to earth to die for us.  I then asked if they knew just how big God's love is and someone said bigger than a burger - cue for a song.  After the song I said a short prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Pennington School.  As a number of the children have in the past come along to our Holiday Club at Croftlands we decided to advertise it during the assembly by showing part 1 of the video.  We then explained when the club is and how to book on line before singing Great Big God - this linked in with the theme for holiday club as it is about Joseph and despite all the highs and lows he went through God was holding him in his hands.  To finish Sarah said a short prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to Newton School for the assembly.  After singing Be Happy I told the story of Moses sending the spies into the promised land.  I displayed some pictures as I recalled the story.  Before I started I explained that at this time of year we do assemblies on our own and sometimes with others to year the children move up through the school and year 6 children as the move to secondary school.  So during the story as the spies came back 10 said that there was problems with the land so as I said what the problem was like too many buildings, different food, funny languages (things that year 6 children might come across in secondary school - not biblical excuses) Sarah (being Moses) replied with a good positive response.  She then explained that it might be a bit scary to change school or just change class and year group - she then recalled Joshua 1:9 to the children which talks about being strong and courageous and not to be afraid for God is with us where ever we go.  We then finished off with God can do Anything.  Sarah finished the assembly with a prayer and then just because it is the last one of the year the Chicken Dance.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went over to Crosthwaite School for the assembly.  After singing Inright Outright which links back to Easter I did a recap of our last assembly plus the events of Easter.  I told the story showing some pictures as I did so about what happened at Pentecost.  Afterwards I got a sheet of laminate which I had painted brown and a sponge and tried to clean off the paint - it didn't work.  So I soaked it in water and when I lifted it out I asked the children did it look any different - no was the answer.  Now I could clean the paint off.  I explained that the water inside the sponge enabled the sponge to do the job it was intended to do.  Just like the Holy Spirit filling up and soaking into Christians enables them to do what Jesus intended for us to do - tell people about him - just as Peter did on the day of Pentecost.  Sarah then continued to explain that Peter was shinning from the inside out.  Cue for a song.  After the song Sarah finished with a prayer. 

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went along to Low Furness School for the assembly.  The theme for today was Pentecost.  After singing Inright Outright which links back to Easter I did a recap of our last assembly plus the events of Easter.  I told the story showing some pictures as I did so about what happened at Pentecost.  Afterwards I got a sheet of laminate which I had painted brown and a sponge and tried to clean off the paint - it didn't work.  So I soaked it in water and when I lifted it out I asked the children did it look any different - no was the answer.  Now I could clean the paint off.  I explained that the water inside the sponge enabled the sponge to do the job it was intended to do.  Just like the Holy Spirit filling up and soaking into Christians enables them to do what Jesus intended for us to do - tell people about him - just as Peter did on the day of Pentecost.  Sarah then continued to explain that Peter was shinning from the inside out.  Cue for a song.  After the song Sarah finished with a prayer. 

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Church Walk Primary School.  As it was Pentecost yesterday I decided to talk about what that is and what it means.  I started with Inright Outright as a way to refer back to Easter, I did a recap of our last assembly with Jesus asking Peter to look after the disciples.  I then told the Pentecost story using some visuals on the screen.  Then I took a sponge and a dirty laminate sheet and explained that the dry sponge can't do it's job and clean the laminate it needs something else to help it.  I then put the sponge into a bucket of water and lifted it out explaining that it looks no different but now it can clean the laminate sheet.  I went on to say we can't see the Holy Spirit but he is there enabling us to do the things Jesus wants us to do such as telling people about him and God and how much we are loved.  To finish we sang Shine I then pointed out that God knows me, he loves us, he fills us and sends us (words of the chorus) I then finished with a prayer.

Leven Valley School

This morning I went down to do the assembly at Leven Valley School.  It was great to see all the children again we haven't seen them since before Easter.  I started by asking if they had had a good Easter holiday and if anyone had been away.  I said this because whenever we go away as a family our girls always ask if we are stopping off on the way - why? well if we go Premier Inn - eat as much as you like breakfast.  This led on to me asking if any of the children had eaten breakfast in an unusual or strange place - I gave some examples first.  All of this was an intro to the story of the breakfast on the beach which is found in John's Gospel.  I did a quick recap of the events of Easter before I started.  In the story Peter is asked three times by Jesus if he loves him and each time Peter says yes - we need to remember that only a short while before Peter had said three times he didn't know Jesus.  Here was Jesus forgiving him and also asking him to lead the disciples which he did.  Peter I said also went on to tell thousands of people about Jesus which started the church.  He was now shining out for Jesus from the inside out - cue song.  After the song I said a short prayer.

St Mary's RC

This morning I went and did the assembly at St Mary's RC Ulverston.  It was good to see all the children again after such a long time we last saw them before Easter.  I started by asking who went away at Easter, I explained that whenever we go away our children ask if we will be staying over somewhere on the way.  They like Premier Inn as you get eat as much as you like breakfast!  I then talked about unusual places people eat breakfast and gave some examples before I asked one or two children for their unusual place.  I finished off by asking if anyone had eaten breakfast on the beach, cooked on an open fire and what is fish!  This linked to the story of the breakfast on the beach story found in John's Gospel.  I did a quick recap of the events of Easter before I told the story.  Afterwards I explained that although Peter had said three times he didn't know Jesus, Jesus was here forgiving him.  I pointed out that is what Jesus came to do and he will forgive all of us the things we do wrong if we ask him.  Jesus also went on to ask Peter to take care of his disciples which Peter did.  I also linked in to today as it is Accession Day a day when we think of Jesus going back up into heaven.  I also mention the even that happened 10 days later Pentecost and how Peter stood up and told thousands of people about Jesus and than the church started.  Peter I said was shining from the inside out - cue for a song.  After singing Shine I said a short prayer to finish.

Dalton St Marys

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Dalton St Marys.  It was great to see all the children and staff again - it seems like ages since we last visited the school.  Sarah started the assembly by asking the children if they had gone away for Easter.  She explained that when we go away we sometimes stay over on the way in a Premier Inn - why eat as much as you like breakfast.  This led into asking the children if they had ever had breakfast in an unusual place - we gave them some ideas to start them off. Sarah then explained that today's story was about a breakfast on a beach.  I then told the story of Peter and Jesus having breakfast on the beach with the disciples and afterwards Jesus asking Peter if he loved him, not once but three times.  This I explained was Jesus forgiving Peter for the three times he had said he didn't know Jesus.  Jesus went on to ask Peter to look after the disciples which he did - he also started the church.  Sarah explained that Peter had been forgiven and was sorry for what he had done and now he could shine from the inside out.  After the song Sarah finished the assembly with a prayer and then encouraged the children with the Lord's Prayer.

Lindal and Marton School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Lindal and Marton School.  It seems such a long time since we had seen the children (before Easter)  We started with Be Happy before Sarah talked about Easter holidays and asked who had been away - hands went up.  She explained that when we go away our girls always ask if we are staying over on the way at Premier Inn - why?  Eat as much as you like breakfast.  Sarah then asked if any of the children had had breakfast in a strange or unusual place we gave some examples.  This led into the breakfast on the beach story from John's Gospel.  After the story I explained that Jesus forgave Peter for what he had done and was now asking him to look after the disciples - I also explained that Peter went onto start the church.  Sarah picked up the forgiveness theme and explained that what Peter did afterwards was to shine from the inside out - cue for a song.  After the song Sarah finished with a prayer.

Millom Funday

Martha and I had a great time today over at Millom for the annual churches funday.  I did three different shows with both magic and story telling, Martha helped out during the first show as Susie made an appearance asking what the Bible is all about and what's in it.  This led onto a number of stories from the Bible some of which had a magical touch to them.  Lots of children, their parents and grandparents were there making it a very enjoyable event.

Coniston Primary School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Coniston Primary School.  It was good to see all the children again after the Easter break.  I asked the children if they had been away on holiday and I explained that we as a family had been away and that whenever we do go away our children ask if we are stopping on the way overnight.  The reason is they like Premier Inn breakfasts - eat as much as you like.  I then asked the children were the most unusual place as that they had had breakfast - I got some great answers.  I asked if anyone had had breakfast on the beach - hands went up, with an open fire - few hands stayed up and had fish - a few hands stayed up.  This linked in to the story for today Breakfast on the Beach.  I reminded the children that Peter had said three times he didn't know Jesus before Jesus was crucified on the cross and Peter was now feeling a little sad. I started the story as Peter sat on the beach before going off to fish.  At the end I pointed out that even though Peter had let Jesus down more than once Jesus was able to forgive him - and Peter went on to start the church.  Jesus gave Peter a second chance and he does the same for us but not just a second but a third and a fourth and a fifth and so on.  Peter was able to Shine from the inside out because of what Jesus had done - cue for a song.  After the song I finished off with a prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon I went to do the assembly at Pennington School.  It was before Easter when I last saw the children and it was great to see them all again today.  I started by asking the children if they had had a good Easter Holiday - I know it was weeks ago now but it fitted in (slightly) with what I was going to say.  I explained how whenever we go away our girls ask how long the journey is (we explain in DVD terms) and if we are staying over or not on the way.  Why?  Because if we stay at Travel Lodge - no breakfast But if we stay Premier Inn - eat as much as you like!  The link is breakfast so I asked the children if they had ever had breakfast in an unusual place I did give some examples.  After taking a few answers from the children I asked if anyone had ever had breakfast on the beach, cooked with an open fire and the food was fish!  I then told them the Breakfast on the Beach story.  As I started I recapped the Easter story and Peter letting Jesus down three times.  Now the story is about Jesus forgiving Peter for the mistakes he had made and asking him to now lead the disciples - I explained this to the children after I had finished the story.  I then mentioned that Peter a little while later stood up and told thousands of people about Jesus and he started the church.  He was shinning from the inside out - cue for a song - Shine.  After the song I finished with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning I went over to Newton Primary School to do the assembly.  It was great to see all the children again.  I started by asking the children if they had had a good Easter Holiday - I know it was weeks ago now but it fitted in (slightly) with what I was going to say.  I explained how whenever we go away our girls ask how long the journey is (we explain in DVD terms) and if we are staying over or not on the way.  Why?  Because if we stay at Travel Lodge - no breakfast But if we stay Premier Inn - eat as much as you like!  The link is breakfast so I asked the children if they had ever had breakfast in an unusual place I did give some examples.  After taking a few answers from the children I asked if anyone had ever had breakfast on the beach, cooked with an open fire and the food was fish!  I then told them the Breakfast on the Beach story.  As I started I recapped the Easter story and Peter letting Jesus down three times.  Now the story is about Jesus forgiving Peter for the mistakes he had made and asking him to now lead the disciples - I explained this to the children after I had finished the story.  I then mentioned that Peter a little while later stood up and told thousands of people about Jesus and he started the church.  He was shinning from the inside out - cue for a song - Shine.  After the song I finished with a prayer.

Flookburgh School

This morning I went down to do the assembly at Flookburgh School.  I started by asking if they had had a good Easter holiday - I know is seems like ages ago now but it fitted in with what I was going to say.  I mentioned that when we go away we very often stay over to break the journey up in either a Travel Lodge or a Premier Inn.  The children I said prefer the Premier Inn as you get eat as much as you like breakfast.  This led into me asking them where they have eaten breakfast that might be unusual.  I got a number of answer including a sheep pen.  I then asked for hands up if they had eaten breakfast on the beach, with an open fire and had fish - slowly the hands went down.  This linked into the story of Breakfast on the Beach with Jesus, Peter and the rest of the disciples.  I explained first how Peter had let Jesus down by saying three times he didn't know him.  After the breakfast Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him and each time Peter said yes he did - I pointed out to the children that this was Jesus forgiving Peter for what he had done.  Jesus also asked Peter to led the disciples and to look after them.  I went on to explain that if we do things wrong Jesus will forgive us when we say sorry for what we did.  I also pointed out that Peter went on to lead the church after the events of Pentecost when Peter told thousands about Jesus - he was shinning from the inside out - cue for a song.  After the song I finished with a prayer.