Jesterforjesus

Crosthwaite School

2012-01-31T10:51:00.000-08:00

Today we visited Crosthwaite School for the first time. It is the smallest school we go into with only about 43 pupils on roll. We started the assembly with a song the children knew - Our god is a Great Big God. Then Sarah asked someone to help her out front. We had two different kinds of seat; one was a bean bay the other a solid chair. Sarah asked them to pick one to sit on, so they picked the chair and not the soft bean bag. Meanwhile I tried out the bean bag and fell off it and couldn't get back up. Sarah then told the wise and foolish builder story from the Lion Storyteller bible and I showed some pictures. Sarah concluded the talk by saying that in life we sometimes need to decide what we choose like the two builders and we need to set our lives on something solid. We then sang Shine before Sarah finished with a prayer.

Low Furness School

2012-01-31T10:47:00.001-08:00

Today we started the assembly with a song then as it was book week at school I talked a little about the Bible and showed the children a very old copy of the Bible and also the Bible model that I have. I pointed out that there are some great stories in the Bible and that I was going to tell one of those stories.I asked someone to help out front. We had two different kinds of seat; one was a bean bay the other a solid chair. They were asked them to pick one to sit on, but it had to be strong and reliable so they picked the chair and not the soft bean bag. Meanwhile I tried out the bean bag and fell off it and couldn't get back up there was much laughing at this point. I then told the wise and foolish builder story from the Lion Storyteller bible and I showed some pictures. I concluded the talk by saying that in life we sometimes need to decide what we choose like the two builders and we need to set our lives on something solid. I pointed out that a wise decision to make might be to read the stories from the Bible. We then sang Shine before finishing with a prayer.

Penny Bridge School

2012-01-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we visited Penny Bridge School for the first time this year. As with all the first visits we have done in 2012 we did the story of the wise and foolish builder. However we started with a little demo about making a good decision, we took a bean bag and used a chair and asked one pupil to decide which would be best for them to sit on, and which would be more long lasting etc. They picked the chair which is what we hoped they would. Then I tried to sit on the bean bag which brings about quite a bit of laughing from the children. Sarah read the story from the Loin Story Teller Bible about the wise and foolish man. She then made the point that in life we should always try to make wise decisions and not foolish ones. The wise ones may be harder to do but in the end they are the ones that are best. We sang Shine to conclude the assembly and Sarah said a prayer.

Church Walk School

2012-01-30T05:35:00.000-08:00

This morning we made our first visit of the New Year to Church Walk Ulverston Infants School. As always the children were delighted to see us and sang their hearts out singing Our God is a Great Big God. We did the assembly about the wise and foolish builders that we have done in several other schools already. Much to the amusement of the children as I tried to sit on the bean bag we had taken as a demonstration of something soft and unstable. Sarah read the story from the Lion Storyteller Bible and I flicked up a few pictures for the children to see. The point of the assembly was to show that we all need to make good choices in life and sometimes they are the harder ones to make. We concluded with Shine and then a prayer.

Ireleth St Peters

2012-01-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

This morning we went to the little school of Ireleth St Peters. Before we started the assembly we felt up lifted because during the Christmas holiday an artist had been in a painted the Lord's Prayer on the wall and it looks fantastic. We did the assembly we have done in a few places already this week. We sang 'So Many Ways to Praise the Lord' before Sarah invited someone to the front and asked them to choose a seat - it was either a bean bag or a chair. Today they did pick the bean bag but then Sarah added that the seat had to be secure and strong etc. They soon changed their mind. As before I went to sit on the bean bag and with much laughter from the children rolled off it. Sarah then read the wise and foolish builder story and then talked about making good and bad decisions. We concluded the assembly with 'Shine' before saying a prayer and then finished with the children saying the Lord's Prayer.

Croftlands Infants

2012-01-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we paid our first visit of 2012 to the infants school on Croftlands. The children get so excited when they see us and whispers go along the line as the children file into the hall "Sarah and Mark are here...." As we started the assembly we sang 'Great Big God' as the children love it. Then Sarah asked for a helper with the story. We had set up two different types of seat at the front. Our helper picked the solid chair instead of the soft bean bag. She sat down and felt quite safe. Meanwhile I tried sitting down on the bean bag and ended up in a heap on the floor, which the children thought was so much as the laughed out loud. Sarah then told the story about the two builders. At the end she then pointed out that the wise man decided to think about what he was doing and build on a solid foundation, which is what we should do. So when we have a choice to make between two things we should think about it and try to decided the best way of doing it - which might not always be the easy option. We finished with 'Shine'

Our Lady's Dalton

2012-01-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

We visited Our Lady's this morning at Dalton. The infants arrived at the assembly hall first and sat down they were very good as well as a bit excited as we were there to do the assembly. We started off with 'So Many Ways to Praise the Lord' then Sarah asked someone to come and try one of two seats. There was a bean bag and a chair. The soft bean bag looked great and easy to sit on while the chair was hard. However they tried them both. Sarah encouraged them to sit on the strong chair while I sat on the bean bag and then in a comic sort of way fell off it and tried to get back on it and fell off it again etc this did bring a lot of laughs from the children. Then Sarah read from the Lion Storyteller bible the story of the wise and foolish builders. The point was made at the end that in life we have choices to make, the wise man decided to build on a firm rock solid foundation while the foolish one built on soft sand with no real strength to it. Sarah then said that at the start of this New Year we should try to think about some of the things we do and try to make the right decisions about things. We finished with 'Shine'

Croftlands Junior school

2012-01-09T03:54:00.000-08:00

Today we started the assembly with a song then Sarah asked someone to help her out front. We had two different kinds of seat; one was a bean bay the other a solid chair. Sarah asked them to pick one to sit on, so they picked the soft bean bag and not the chair. Sarah asked them to try the chair out to discover how strong it was. Meanwhile I tried out the bean bag and fell off it and couldn't get back up. Sarah then told the wise and foolish builder story from the Lion Storyteller bible and I showed some pictures. Sarah concluded the talk by saying that in life we sometimes need to decide what we choose like the two builders and we need to set our lives on something solid. I finished with a prayer.

Kepplewray - Burlington School

2011-12-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we met the children from Burlington School who were at Keeplewray. We entertained them with an interactive nativity play which meant that some of the children got dress in the costumes and 'acted out' the story while Sarah read it and I directed the children on the stage. We had a great time and I hope the children did too. There was lots of laughs as the sheep went off on their own and did - sheep things. Following the play we introduced them to Gary who was doing his Christmas list and like all the assemblies we have done in December we showed the video of the nativity scene being blotted out by everything else from Christmas. We didn't have time to sing with the children as they had other things that they needed to be doing.

Sarah and I have had a rather busy December and we are now taking a rest, looking forward to spending time with our family over Christmas.

St Peters

2011-12-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

This morning we travelled up to St Peters in Ireleth to take there assembly. We took Gary with us - it was his first visit to them so the children didn't quite know what to expect. We did our Christmas assembly for them that we have been doing for the past few weeks and showed the video about Christmas too. The children all joined in the singing of 'I wish it could be Christmas everyday' until the baby cried - some laughed others just fell silent as Sarah then explained the true meaning behind Christmas. I then just finished off the assembly by talking a bit more about what God did for us and how Jesus is the best present ever. We sang 'Inright Outright' to start and finished with 'Great Big God'

Croftlands Junior School

2011-12-13T03:19:00.000-08:00

This morning we went to Croftlands Junior School to do our Christmas assembly. We had the whole school in for the assembly as normally there are a few year groups out swimming on Tuesdays. We sang a short song to start 'Great Big God' then we brought Gary on who was far too busy to talk to the children as he was doing his Christmas list and one for his mum. Sarah read the list which had toys, toys, toys, toys and more toys on it while his mums list had mince pies, turkey, chocolate x 100, more mince pies and sprouts. Sarah pointed out that Christmas was not all about what we get as presents or about how much we can eat - she then showed Gary and the children a video. It started with the nativity scene of Mary, Joseph and Jesus but other things blotted out the image as more and more things filled the screen. Finally a baby cried and the nativity scene slowly came back into view. Gary now realised what Christmas was all about and got so excited about it that he ran off to tell Mark. The assembly finished with a short word about the true meaning of Christmas and we sang 'Great Big God'

Keeplewray - Sir John Barrow School

2011-12-12T12:39:00.001-08:00

Today we were up at Keeplewray Christian Centre in Broughton. We had been asked to entertain a group of school children and this afternoon it was the year 3 class from Sir John Barrow School. We took the stage set for the nativity and all the costumes we had and began to tell a story to the children - but as Sarah started I stopped her and said that the rest of the cast for the play hadn't turned up and that all the children would have to go back to school and do lessons - but Sarah said that maybe the children might like to help us. I didn't think they would want to but they did (we kind of hoped they would). So Sarah started the story of Christmas as I picked children out to be actors in the story. We moved around the room, with the sheep and shepherds, I played the part of the Roman Emperor as well as King Herod. Lots of laughing later we completed the story. Then we sang Away in a Manger before we brought out Gary. Now Gary was far to busy getting his list together to be bothered with the children however Sarah did make him watch a short video about Christmas. It is the same one we have shown to all our schools this year, the children sang along to the 'We wish it could be Christmas everyday' song until the baby cried and the nativity scene came back on. Gary threw his list away and ran off to tell Mark all about what he had learnt. I then finished off the session with a reminder of what Christmas is about. We sang 'Great big God' and said a prayer and the children left. We do it all again on Thursday with a different school.

Windermere Juniors

2011-12-08T04:38:00.000-08:00

This morning we made our way up the lake to Windermere Juniors. At times we could have been in the lake as there was so much water about, with the road flooded in several places. Today was a special Christmas assembly for the children. We took Gary with us, although Gary has been before the new year 3 children had never seen him. We also sang 'So many ways to Praise the Lord' which was new to them. Gary came out and said hello to everyone and I mean everyone (as Gary does from time to time) however he was far too busy to talk as he was doing his Christmas list, but he was also doing one to help out his mum as well. His list mainly had toys on it, his mums list did have food on it which included chocolate x 100. Being too busy as he was Gary didn't want to talk to Sarah or the children - he had too much to do. Sarah pointed out that it was not really what Christmas was about and showed him and the children a short video. The video started off with a nativity and then that picture was blotted out by other things can are to do with Christmas but are not really that important. Finally the video ended with the nativity scene again. Sarah explained to Gary about Christmas, he got so excited about it that he threw his list away and went off to tell Mark all about it. Mark came back and talked to the children about Christmas then we sang 'Great Big God' said a prayer with them and finished with 'Shine'

Our Lady's School Dalton

2011-12-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

This morning we took Gary to Our Lady's (for the first time) However he was rather too busy to talk to the children. He had his Christmas list to write which had toys, toys, toys and more toys on it. He was also doing a list for his mum to help her with getting ready for Christmas and that had mince pies, chocolate x 100 (Gary added that bit), mince pies, sprouts, turkey and sellotape. Sarah pointed out to Gary that Christmas was not all about what we get as presents or what we eat it was about a baby born in a stable called Jesus. To make her point clear to Gary she showed him and the rest of the school a video. The video showed a nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the stable - but other things got in the way of the scene and slowly the nativity scene got blotted out until that is a baby cried and the nativity scene faded back into view. Now Gary understood what Christmas was all about and ran off to tell Mark all about it.

Penny Bridge School

2011-12-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we took Gary along to Penny Bridge School. However he was really too busy to talk to the children and Sarah as he was putting his Christmas list together, he was also putting things down to remind his mum. Sarah tried to get him to talk but he would not. So Sarah decided to show him and the rest of the children a video about Christmas. The video showed the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and Jesus then it was blotted out by other pictures that are to do with Christmas but really not that important. Final a baby cries and the nativity pictures fades into view. Sarah pointed out that this is the reason for Christmas, Gary was so excited he went off to find Mark to tell him. We also sang Inright Outright and Great Big God.

Croftlands Infant School

2011-11-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we took Gary along to Croftlands Infant School but he
was too busy to talk to the children as he was writing a list for Christmas. He
was busy with a list for himself and one for his mum. On his list there were
lots of toys, however on his mums list there were things like sprouts,
sellotape, mince pies, chocolate, wrapping paper etc. Gary couldn't talk to the
children as he had to complete the lists in order to make Christmas really
special. Sarah pointed out to Gary and everyone else that you didn't need all
those things to make Christmas special Sarah told everyone what Christmas is really
all about. So Gary throw his list away and went off to tell Mark all about
Christmas

Low Furness School

2011-11-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

This morning we took Gary along to Low Furness School but he was too busy to talk to the children as he was writing a list for Christmas. He was busy with a list for himself and one for his mum. On his list there were lots of toys, however on his mums list there were things like sprouts, sellotape, mince pies, chocolate, wrapping paper etc. Gary couldn't talk to the children as he had to complete the lists in order to make Christmas really special. Sarah pointed out to Gary and everyone else that you didn't need all those things to make Christmas special and showed him and everyone else a video about Christmas. The video started with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus then lots of other things covered over the picture and the music changed too and the baby Jesus picture got completely covered over then a baby cried - it was Jesus and he slowly faded back into shot. Sarah told everyone what Christmas is really all about. So Gary throw his list away and went off to tell Mark all about Christmas.

Croftlands Junior School

2011-11-22T05:20:00.000-08:00

This morning we did an assembly for some of the children at Croftlands Juniors. Part of the school go off on Tuesday for swimming lessons so we only have about half the school. I had taken in some pieces of safety equipment, hard hat, cycle helmet, riding hat etc. The children explained to me that they are needed to protect us and keep us safe. I then read the account of Jesus calming the storm. And went on to explain that Jesus had the power and authority to tell the wind to stop, the rain to go away and the waves to be calm - and there by protecting his friends. And Jesus can still do that today, the disciples were afraid but Jesus spoke softly to calm them down. I asked if any of them get frightened and mentioned some things that have frightened me in the past but I said Jesus does protect us and looks after us. We concluded with 'Wonderful Lord'

Low Furness School

2011-11-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

Today we took along Harry to help us do the assembly. The children have never seen him before so it was a bit of a surprise. He was very sad though as he had changed school and some of the children didn't really like him that much because he talked funny, and wore glasses and they laughed at his clothes which his mummy had bought for him from George. Sarah told him that it was not very nice what the children had said about him, and that they didn't really understand him, someone said it was because they were jealous of him because he was a bit different. Sarah concluded her talk with Harry by telling the children about the fruit of the Spirit and that how we should try to be as Jesus would want us to be. We sang 'So many ways' to start and finished with 'Shine'

St Marys RC School

2011-11-14T07:10:00.001-08:00

Today we went to St Mary's RC School again. As this week is anti-bullying week we decided to do a sketch with Gary. Gary had a new boy in his class and some of the other children in the class had been calling him a name. Gary joined in too, but didn't realise that the name was making the new boy upset as it was a bit of 'verbal bullying' When Gary found out he was sad - as he had just followed the crowd. The children suggested to Gary that he might say sorry to him and explain that he didn't understand. He left to say sorry and invite the new boy round for tea and a play on his Wii. Sarah then concluded the assembly by talking to the children about what Jesus would expect us to do and be like with people. We sang 'Inright Outright' to start and 'Shine' to finish.

Leven Valley School

2011-11-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Today we went again to Leven Valley School. It is one of the smallest schools we go to but they surely sing out the songs. We started with 'Our God is a Great Big God', then went on to tell the story from Luke of the Good Samaritan - but in a modern way. The man was on a journey just the same as in Luke but on a train instead of a donkey. The children help to set the scene by chanting 'London' to 'Birmingham' done at the right speed it sounds like a train. Some of the children also get dressed up to help us in the story. We have a police man who walks right past the man on the train who is ill (I don't tell them that in Jesus' story he was mugged by robbers), next we have a nurse who has just completed night shift and is very hungry, now I add an extra passer by in the form of a Celeb who has just got engaged and is seeking fans. The Samaritan in my story is a 'hoodie' - and like the Samaritans of Jesus' day was a good person just mis-understood. He is the one who helps the man and even hands over his birthday money so the man can buy himself a new train ticket when he is feeling better. It has the same meaning as the story Jesus told except the people are ones the children can relate to. We finished with 'Shine' then Sarah closed the assembly with a prayer.

Our Ladys School, Dalton

2011-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Today we made our second visit to Our Lady's School, Dalton. We had a great time there with the children. We sang 'Inright Outright' before telling them the modern day version of the Good Samaritan - so instead of the man travelling by donkey he went by train, he took ill wasn't mugged by robbers. We also add an extra passer by to the story. Some of the children got the chance to dress up and so act out the various parts of the story. I concluded with a few examples of how we could help out people. To finish with we sang 'Shine' before I said a short prayer.

Church Walk School

2011-11-08T03:29:00.000-08:00

We have just visited Ulverston Infants (Church Walk) School, for the first time this year. We did plan to go in September but due to illness we had to cancel. It was great to see them all again this morning - and to see the new starters as well. The theme we had decided upon was 'Being Special' I told the story from the Big Ministries book about Jesus calling Peter and Andrew. As the story is very interactive the children have to shout a response at key words during the story as well as perform an action. As always with this assembly we finish with 'Touch a Finger' The children and staff all joined in and enjoyed themselves. A great time.

Windermere Juniors

2011-11-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Today we made our first visit of the year to Windermere Juniors. First of all it was a beautiful drive up to Windermere. So to the assembly - we started by singing 'Inright Outright' then I went on to tell the story of Jesus calling his first disciples Peter and Andrew. The children at key points in the story had to shout out a response to it. The aim of the story was about being special to God no matter what we look like. We concluded the assembly with 'Touch a Finger'

St. Peters

2011-11-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

Had a great time again today over at St. Peters in Ireleth. We introduced the children to 'Be Happy'. The theme for the assembly was about how Jesus looks after us. I had taken some safety equipment with me and the children explained what the various items could be used for. They all protect us in some way. I then went on to talk about the event when Jesus fell asleep in the boat and a storm blew up. His disciples became afraid but Jesus spoke to the waves and stilled the wind. The point I was making is that Jesus has the power to do just that - He can also calm our fears too. The assembly ended with singing 'Wonderful Lord'

Low Furness School

2011-11-01T05:20:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to Low Furness School. We had been given a theme which was 'Keeping Safe' so after we had sung Great Big God I dressed up in a hard hat, goggles, gloves and a high viz jacket and asked what I might be. The children responded with various things. I then changed into something else and then changed again. However each person was wearing something that could keep them safe. I then went on to tell the story of Jesus and the storm. With the help of two boys who held up a blue sheet to represent the sea. The point I was making was that Jesus protects us from all kinds of things and although we have protection equipment for working on a building site, horse riding, bike riding etc Jesus can protect us in other ways like removing our stress before a test, taking away fear etc. We finished with Wonderful Lord.

Crazy Colours Party

2011-10-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

This evening we held a Crazy Colours Party at Croftlands Infant School, we had a great time and I think the children enjoyed themselves as well. We played some party games, had face's painted, eat food and made a craft. We then sang some songs and had a short drama sketch about colour being lost from the world. The story was told of the Garden of Eden, and how sin entered the world. I then told the children about Jesus being the light of the world before ending the evening with Wonderful Lord.

Penny Bridge School

2011-10-31T14:30:00.001-07:00

This afternoon we went to Penny Bridge School for the first time. We did the Good Samaritan story but we did it in a modern day way. We took costumes and dressed the children up to act out the various parts. As it was our first time we had needed to show the children the actions to the song 'Shine' however the children really got the hang of it and so did the staff. We really enjoyed our time there.

Pennington School

2011-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

We paid another visit today to Pennington School. We told the story of the Good Samaritan but with a modern take. The man was on a train and took ill and a policeman, nurse and celeb went past before a Hoodie came to help. Now I know that there was only three in the story Jesus told (but we balance the boys and girls for the story) We sang Inright Outright which the new Reception Children really enjoyed then we sang Shine.

St. Peters Ireleth

2011-10-19T04:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to St. Peters for the second time. Sarah was unable to come along with me due to another commitment. So I introduced the children to 'Inright Outright' and did the modern version of the Good Samaritan. The children loved the dressing up parts and had a great time listening to the story. The rest of the school all joined in with the train noise chant of 'London to Birmingham'. To finish we sang 'Shine'. It is a great pleasure to be able to share these great bible stories with children and to show how they can be applied to their lives, despite the stories being near 2000 years old.

Croftlands Schools

2011-10-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today we went to both Croftlands Schools, the Juniors this morning and the Infants this afternoon. We told the story of the Good Samaritan - but with a bit of a modern twist to it. Instead of using the Priest, Levite and Samaritan of the parable we had a Policeman, Nurse, a Celeb Pop star and a hoodie. I know there was one extra in my story, it also took place on a train and the man was taken ill and not beaten up by thugs (too much beating up in the world today). The children chanted a response which kind of made the train sound as we told the story. At the end we encouraged the children to do something similar - perhaps helping someone who falls over in the playground. The story to the infants was the same but I told it in a much more simple way. We had a great time and I hope the children did too.

1st Duddon Cubs

2011-10-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

We once again paid a visit to the cubs. We had a great time and I hope the boys did too. We had been asked to sing some of our songs and the cubs had made a list of the ones they liked the best. We didn't quite manage to sing them all but we sang most of them. Following the songs we told the story of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew. We have done this story several times in the past few weeks within school assemblies, but tonight we had taken some dress-up costumes for the cubs to act out some of the parts. Sarah read the story while I selected the actors for the various parts. We added a bit of humour to it in that Sarah said that in the boat there was Peter, Andrew and they were working with 'A net' so I chose 3 boys one for Peter, one for Andrew and one which I put a pink wig on and called them Annett! Much to Sarah's surprise when she looked up to see three in the boat so I explained - which then brought the laugh from the boys - you did need to be there but it was funny and it is one way that perhaps the boys might remember the story. It all finished normally and I concluded that we are all different and that Jesus' calls us no matter what we look like, sound like, smell like etc.

Following this we sang Touch a finger then went on to make some finger puppets so the boys could then retell the story. We encouraged them to make them as different as they could.

We then played some games with them before we finished with Shine and Wonderful Lord, during which the boys read out some prayers they had produced last week.

Well that is just a small flavour of what we did. It is great to be able to share God's good news with children and we Praise God every day that we are able to do so. May God Bless the boys and leaders of the cubs today.

Our Lady's Dalton

2011-10-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

We have just done our very first assembly with the children of Our Lady's in Dalton. It must have been a little strange for the children to see two adults in their school that they had never seen before but the children soon warmed to us as we introduced ourselves to them as Sarah and Mark. I then asked them did they know which was which? this brought a laugh - We started the assembly with 'Our God is a Great Big God' and as it was the first time we had to teach them the actions. The children soon picked them up and joined in. The story Sarah did with the tomato puree - emptying it out onto a plate then watching the two children as they try to put it back in again. I then explained that our mouth and tongue can be a bit like that because we say things and once they are said we can not take them back again. I picked on a member of staff that we knew and shouted at her to demonstrate this to the children. I then read from James 3:5 which talks about the tongue. The assembly finished with 'Shine' and a prayer at the end.

Following the assembly they made bookings with us for November and December.

A Great start in another school Praise the Lord.

Low Furness School

2011-10-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today we paid a visit to Low Furness School and told the story of how Jesus called his disciples. We explained to the children that it does not matter at all what we look like, sound like, smell like or what clothes we wear - we are all special in Jesus' eyes. We sang 'So many ways' and after the talk we sang 'Touch a finger'. It is great to see the children all joining in and singing the songs.

St. Marys School, Ulverston

2011-10-10T02:29:00.000-07:00

This morning we paid our second visit to St. Marys in Ulverston. We introduced them to two new songs 'So many ways to praise the Lord' and 'Shine'. The theme of the assembly was the tongue and how we can sometimes say things that make a mess. To illustrate this a tube of tomato puree was used (recycle contents for tea later) a child was asked to empty it out onto a plate, which to the children was very funny. Even funnier was when I asked them to put it back into the tube! Because what we say out of our mouths can't be taken back - The verse from James 3:5 was read and explained to the children - '...the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great is set on fire by a small spark.'

Leven Valley

2011-10-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

We did our first visit of the year to Leven Valley School today. We sang Our God is a Great Big God and I once again told the story of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew. As the story progressed the children had to respond to key words which they did with great enthusiasm. Once again we finished this assembly with Touch a Finger. It was great to share with the children of the school and we look forward to our next visit in a months time.

St. Peters

2011-10-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today we paid a first time visit to St.Peters Ireleth. A small school in the village of Ireleth. We sang Great Big God, which the children seemed to pick up very quickly then I told the story of Peter and Andrew when Jesus called them - the children had to respond to certain trigger words and chant back a response which they found exciting. The story was finished by telling the children that we are all special no matter what we look like, smell like, dress like or do as a Jesus still loves us and wants us to follow him. We sang Touch a Finger to finish our part but were asked to sing Wonderful Lord as some of the children had been learning it at their newly form Christianity Club.

A great day Praise the Lord.

What a Busy Day

2011-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well today has been a rather full day. We started with an assembly at St. Marys RC Ulverston at 9:05 then we went onto Pennington School for 10:15 followed by a meeting at St. Peters Ireleth and finaly found ourselves at Kepplewray for a meeting to talk about Christmas.

The two assemblies were based on the bible story of Jesus calling his first followers and we told the children that no matter what we look like, sound like and even smell like we are all special to God. We sang Great big God and Touch a finger.

Our meeting at Ireleth was to discuss with the head about taking assemblies and we start next week and will be doing them once every two weeks which is great news. I also managed to talk a bit about the fundays we do as well as Bible Explorer - watch this space!!

Onto Kepplewray - we have been asked by the staff to do something at Christmas time as a way of telling school children the real meaning behind Christmas so we have been booked for 4 days in December.

So we have had a great day today felling really Blessed and up lifted. Praise God.

Croftlands Schools

2011-09-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Had a great time today at both of the Croftlands Schools. We sang Our God is a Great Big God and I told them the story about Jesus calling Peter and Andrew. And that despite they were dirty, smelly, and not very nice to look at Jesus still wanted them to be His followers. I told the children it doesn't matter what we look like, smell like, etc we are special to God. We then finished with Touch a Finger which reminds us that we are special.

Low Furness School

2011-09-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Today was the first of this terms and in fact this years assemblies and we went to Low Furness School. The story we told was a modern day version of the Good Samaritan. Our story took place on a train from London to Birmingham which the children chanted as the story was told. The man in the story fell ill on the train and was pass by a policeman, a nurse, a pop star celeb and then a young hoodie came to his aid. It was still the same basic story but in a modern setting. The children enjoyed it as they chanted the London to Birmingham bit and as their friends got dressed up as the various characters.

A great start to the year I feel.

Calendar

2011-09-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Set up a Google Calendar which can be accessed via our website. It shows all the meetings, assemblies and events we are currently involved with, call back to it frequently to see all the up dated assembly dates etc.

Fancy Dress Day

2011-06-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well it is Thursday and that means it is fancy dress day at holiday club. The children came in a variety of costumes from home made to shop bought. The KS2 children did really well and a number of them dressed up which was great however only a few of the KS1 children dressed up.

Tomorrow is the last day and the final part of the Joseph story followed by the picnic and water fight.

The children have really enjoyed themselves this week and we pray that they will also enjoy the last day tomorrow and come along to the Sunday service as well.

Day 2 Holiday Club Up Date

2011-06-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well we had a good start yesterday with 30 children, today some were on holiday but we had 32!

The children and adults alike are having a great time. Gary has had a number of letters and jokes from the children. The games are going well as we are able to get them outside, crafts going well too. Tomorrow we have the fancy dress day which we hope will be as successful as todays wacky hat and hair day.

Continue to prayer for the children and leaders as well as Sarah and myself.

God Bless from St. Helens

Holiday Club Set up Day

2011-05-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Today was the set up day for the holiday club at St.Lukes. Everything was set in place and is working and ready for the kids to arrive in the morning. There are 50 children booked in already. We are all excited here and just can't wait to get started in the morning.

Please pray for the children and their parents for safety in the morning, also for the leaders involved particularly the team leaders as they will have the most contact with the children also for Sarah and me as we lead the team and the children.

This weeks Assemblies

2011-05-27T02:25:00.000-07:00

Well we have taken on a new school this week - Leven Valley CE School and did an assembly there on Tuesday morning. The children loved seeing us and Gary was a big hit with the children and staff I think too! We have also done assemblies at Low Furness this week and I have been into Pennington School for the second week of Bible Explorer. Next week is half term and we are off down to St. Helens to run a holiday club for my parents church - Pyramid Rock - which we did up here back in 2007 for Croftlands and 2008 for Urswick - should be a good week with almost 50 children pre-booked into it.

Pray for the team down in St. Helens as well as Sarah and myself as we taken on this holiday club, Sarah still has a bit of a bad back which is a best painful and sometimes very un-comfortable. The wheel chair has broken down several times this week which could (if we let it) stress us out but we serve a Great BIG God and it is now fixed.

Great Day at Millom

2011-04-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Had a great day today over in Millom for the church's fun afternoon. Did a total of 5 shows during the afternoon, 3 magic shows, 1 Gary slot which led into an interactive bible story and 1 other interactive bible story.

The magic shows were designed to entertain families and towards the end of each one I increased the Christian theme until the last show which was all based on gospel illusions. The room we were in was full to the door each time with standing room only for most of them. During the final show I talked about the 4 points and explained that God loves us so much, but we do things wrong and that Christ died for us and we need to ask the question. A few people responded and took the card I offered someone talked to me and seemed very interested in what I had said.

All in all praise God for the afternoon for what seeds have been shown.

Easter Assemblies

2011-04-15T03:15:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late - been to Spring Harvest and couldn't get a signal for Wi Fi The week before Spring Harvest Sarah and I did 4 Assemblies Monday at Pennington, Tuesday at Low Furness, Wednesday Croftlands Juniors and Thursday Croftlands Infants. We did the same talk to each school - Resurrection Eggs. The idea is that in each of the 12 eggs there is an object that relates to the Easter story Day 1 Donkey - which reminds us of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem Day 2 Silver coins - although there is only 3 of them it reminds us that Jesus was betrayed for 30 silver coins Day 3 Cup - which is to talk about the last supper Jesus had with His disciples Day 4 Hands - in fact they are praying hands to show us that Jesus prayed in the garden after His supper with the disciples Day 5 Leather - it looks like a shoe lace made of leather but it is to focus on the fact Jesus was beaten and whipped by the Romans Day 6 Crown of Thorns - although it is made of metal it serves to remind us that Jesus was forced to wear a crown of thorns as the Romans mocked Him as King of the Jews Day 7 Cross - the cross is made of nails which is a good way of talking about Jesus being nailed to the cross Day 8 Dice - the Romans gambled for His clothes and belongings Day 9 Spear - which represents the spear that was thrust into Jesus' side as He died Day 10 Cloth - Jesus was removed from the cross and wrapped up in a linen cloth Day 11 Stone - which is rather an odd shape but reminds us that a big stone was placed over the tomb Day 12 - as the space is blank and empty so the last egg is which is a reminder to us that on the Sunday Jesus rose from the dead and went back to the Father. Sarah and I were amazed at how much of the Easter story the children knew. Resurrection Eggs can be bought from www.onewayuk.com

Windermere Juniors - Easter Assembly

2011-04-01T02:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went once again up to Windermere Junior school to take part in their assembly. Our theme was Easter and Sarah and I had an eggcelent time and the assembly was eggcitting. That may give you a clue as to what the assembly was about - eggs. The egg is the symbol of new life and is used at Easter time to remind us of a 'New Life in Jesus'. We used what are called 'Resurrection Eggs' which are plastic eggs that contain a little object that is part of the Easter story. The children enjoyed it and even joined in when various objects came out of the eggs they told us what part they played in the story. We have 4 more assemblies next week on the same theme. Our prayer is for safety for the children during the Easter Holidays and that they will in the midst of chocolate Easter eggs remember why we have them in the first place.

Urswick Brownies

2011-03-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

Last Night we went to Urswick Brownies and told them a little bit about what we do as Jester for Jesus. This will help towards their world faith badge. we told the story of Elijah and how he had to put all his trust in God to provide him with the food he needed and then how God provided that food firstly by the ravens then by the widow. The evening was a mix of songs, story telling, acting out, magic, crafts and games.

We hope that they all enjoyed themselves as we certainly did.

Assemblies this week

2011-03-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Church Walk Infants
On Monday we had our second visit to Church Walk School and took Scruff the Dog. The Theme for the assembly was senses given to us by the school. So Scruff had hear about a treasure of bones, so he went to look for them, then he dug (touched them), so he could smell them then he ate them. I linked these to God giving us all these senses to interact with His world. The kids loved it.

Low Furness School
On Tuesday we took the assembly at Low Furness. I did the same one as I did at Croftlands last week and told the Samuel story using a couple of children to help out as Samuel and Hannah. I managed to get the point across that no matter how old you are God can use you in a big way.

Croftlands Schools

2011-03-18T05:48:00.001-07:00

It seems a long time since I posted a blog but that is partly due to me being out of action following an operation.

But things are getting back to normal now - that is if things are ever normal.

This week I have been into the two Croftlands Schools to take assemblies. I told them the story of Samuel and had some children dressed up acting out the characters. It was a bit of a story tester for Bible Explorer because will I have be physically out of action I have been preparing my stories and ordering props for Bible Explorer. The way the children respond is ?&$! well words can't describe it really you have to be there to see it. I count myself very lucky to be able to go in and take assemblies presenting the children with a biblical message. Two other schools have expressed an interest in us going in to take assemblies which again is God working ahead of us.

God Bless you for reading this and thank you again for your ever prayerful support for our ministry.

Mark and Sarah

What a good week.

2011-01-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Just finished the final bits to my sermon for Sunday - Joseph God intended it for good. What a great story it is, God remaining faithful to Abraham's promise of a nation if only we could have faith like that.

We have had a great week this week with assemblies at Croftlands Schools, followed by Christianity Club at Low Furness School and to finish off lesson 2 of Bible Explorer (which I'm still being trained in).

The assemblies have been about New Beginnings so we took Gary along who started a story in the middle and then at the end before eventually starting at the beginning which is in fact a very good place to start (you could write a song about that). We used the example of Zacchaeus and how he turned his life around and started again a new beginning.

My BX training is going well I had an hour or so with my trainer before watching her on Friday as she told the story of Moses - brilliantly. I can't wait to get into the schools an have a go myself so I'm rather busy collecting things together to use as props for my stories which I'll need to find boxes for - there might be a little space somewhere on the floor of the office I'll have to see if I can find it!!

God Bless you all this week.

New Year Catch Up

2011-01-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Well what can I say God is Good.

We are now firmly back into the swing of things following the Christmas break and enjoying every aspect of the work we are doing. We have a very full time-table of events and assemblies fill in between now and Easter, they range from school assemblies, to Christianity Clubs, Bible Explorer plus training as well as going to the Cubs at Dalton again - not to mention all the normal stuff we do week by week. Today we had a very positive chat with the headteacher of Ulverston Infants School (Church Walk) and we have a date for our first assembly there which is great. Mark started his Bible Explorer Training on Tuesday and has today been to watch lesson 1 of the 5 that make up the whole of the Old Testament - he is very excited about the training and indeed about becoming a Bible Explorer Instructor. Other news church have signed up to the E100 programme and that was started last week in Church with most people taking the books and saying that they would like to follow it. God is really working His purpose out - continue to pray for the work we are doing and check out the web site and facebook for updates and events throughout the year.

Carol Service/Nativity at Croftlands

2010-12-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today started out reasonably well for us we had no morning service at Croftlands so we went to Urswick and shared in the Christingle Service there, then lunch at parent in laws, followed by Christmas party for Sunday School children and Kidzone then the final dress rehearsal ready for tonight. I think it was part of Murphy's Law that says what will go wrong will go wrong and it did. With less than half an hour to go before the service we stopped the practise and panic set in. The service unfolded and then it was the time for the children - Christmas with the Aliens - And they performed it beautifully the best they had ever, ever done it, God be Praise for the message those young children gave out tonight during that play, God be Praise for everything going well from scene changes to the music to entrance's to exit's. We had a wonderful time with the children and i think they have enjoyed it a bit too.

Messy Day at Croftlands Junior School with church

2010-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Today with our church we did a messy day - the first of many I hope. There was lots of glue and paint and mess and no really order to what we did - which made it more fun. There was a big overall plan and that was to made props and decorate costumes for the Nativity play tomorrow. But we gave the children a free choice as to what they did, we needed some tools for Joseph a brush for Mary, then a wiseman/King decided to make a water bottle/flask holder. Some painted bushes while others drew pictures to go into the programme. And in my lack of faith I looked at the clock at 10.30 and thought we will never find enough for them to do, but by 2.30 having done a technical run through we couldn't kick some of them out they would still be there now if we let them. Both Sarah and I were very pleased with today considering it was our first time with this kind of thing, the children have asked us when's the next one...very soon I hope. Praise God for today, for the bridges built and the conversations had with parents.

Low Furness School

2010-12-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went into Low Furness School for 9.00 to see the last part of Bible Explorer which is part of Walk Through the Bible Ministries. It is great to see the children engaged and enjoying some of the great stories that are found in the Bible. I have been asked if I would like to train to do it which is again another blessing from God.

Following this we went on to do an Assembly about Advent telling the children what Advent is really all about and how it leads up to Christmas Day when we yes open presents and eat lots of nice food but we also remember the birth of Jesus. I followed this up at Christianity club last night with Scruff the Dog who gave me A Vent because it was A Vent time and I explained to the children that so many people get the meaning of Advent and Christmas wrong.

Bible Explorer

2010-11-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

Now here is a really blessing. Many years ago I did Walk Thru the Bible and loved it, so much so I did it again the following year. Now BX as it is known is the children version and I have been asked if I would like to be trained to teach it ... is that a daft question or what I said YES! YES! YES! This is just another one of God's ticks that confirms to us that what we are doing is from Him.

Praise God

Croftlands Infant School

2010-11-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

Tuesday
This afternoon we took the assembly in the Infants school. We did a similar thing to the Juniors but I took along Henry the Hedgehog. Who behind my bag was getting excited about Christmas much to the amusement of the children. Again we told them about the time of year advent and what it means and reminded them that Christmas is about a baby born in a stable who's name was Jesus.

Croftlands Junior School

2010-11-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

Tuesday
Today we visited the Junior school and we waited .... and waited..... and waited..... As that was what we wanted to talk about as it is coming up to advent. We showed a Power Point about what advent is and explained that Christmas is an exciting time that has lots to do with food, presents, Father Christmas, decorations etc but it is also the time of year when we remember the birth of Jesus. We told them to remember the real meaning of Christmas as they for Christmas Day.

Pennington C of E School

2010-11-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

Monday
Did an assembly today for the school and took along Gary... The children thought he was great. We told the children about the importance of the Bible and about some of the things you might find in the Bible. Gary was standing on it to see out of his house!!! Sarah told him that he wouldbe better off reading it, Gary asked why and Sarah told him about the stories that we find in the Bible to which Gary then decided to get off the Bible and go and read it.

Windermere Junior School

2010-11-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

Today we visited Windermere Junior School to take the assembly. We had a lovely drive up past the lake and marvelled at the wonderful orange, yellows, reds and browns on the trees - I think God has great fun with colours at this time of year.

The children and staff welcomed us as we played Friend of God as the children sat down in the hall. We started with Our God is a Great Big God before Gary came up and talked about his Bessie mate Ben (best mate that is). We then linked this to the friends that Jesus had when he was on the earth, Sarah asked the children to name the 12 special friends the children managed to name 7 which was good. We then talked about how some of them like Peter let him down, but Jesus forgave him and welcomed him back and in fact the church was started with Peter. Although we had slightly gone over time we sang Shine to end the assembly.

Low Furness School

2010-09-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Again as always at Low Furness the children enjoyed the assembly. Today we talked to them about how Jesus was also a man and lived with a 'normal' family - we told them he was very special too and we talked about how we should be when we are around our families and how we should help one another and how we should love our brothers and sisters.

Pennington CE School

2010-09-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

Had a great time with Pennington School yesterday morning. We sang a few songs and talked about what people might say about them and used the Fruit of the Spirit to tell them what they should be like and how they should be towards other people. Considering it was our first time at the school the children really took to us and enjoyed what we did for them.

Sir John Barrow School

2010-09-26T12:34:00.001-07:00

Yet another late blog!

On Friday we went into the school and took an assembly for the juniors. Following a very enthusiastic response to Our God is a Great Big God we invited out two boys and gave them a plate and a tube of tomato puree. Which at our instruction emptied onto the plate - why what a waste I hear you cry? It was to demonstrate that what sometimes comes out of us - like words can't too easily be taken and put back in our mouth. So it was a lesson in watching what we say. We ended the assembly time with singing Shine.

For a first time assembly we felt in went well and after Christmas we hope to be able to go back in again.

Windermere Junior School

2010-09-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

This was today!

Yes a blog published on the right day.

Today we went up to Windermere Junior School, however we were a little late as there was a delay on the A590, But God answers prayer and the road was clear after Sarah took a short Detour. The children welcomed us with silent cheers as we arrived to take the assembly. A quick burst of 'Be Happy' and on with the main part, just like Croftlands Junior school on Tuesday we did a talk about what people might think about us and linked it to the Fruit of the Spirit. We concluded with Shine which was a new one on the children. Following the assembly we booked up dates up to and New Year and we have to take Gary next time.

It is a pure joy to be able to work with children and in particular to teach them about how they should live their lives for Jesus. It must be the best job in the world.

Croftlands Infant School

2010-09-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Another late blog.

But what a joy and uplift it is to be back at Croftlands Infant School. The children and Staff are so warm and welcoming it is great. As usual we have a very loud version of 'Our God is a Great Big God' before a very shameful Scruff the Dog came out. He had been a naughty boy, he had taken a sausage from the butcher's shop and then bite the butcher on the leg!! Sarah told him he would get a bad name for himself, and I pointed out that we should show love, kindness, goodness, patience, peace etc to each other. Basically the Fruit of the Spirit but I didn't use those words to the children.

Our prayer is that God will continue to Bless the work that has been started in the school.

Croftlands Junior School

2010-09-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is a little late as we did the assembly on Tuesday, but we had a great time with the new year 2 classes in the junior school. We sang a few of the old favourite songs and talked about 'what people might think about them' and linked it to the Fruit of the Spirit. We have a monthly slot now in the school up to Christmas, which is just great. We pray that God will continue to bless us in this work.

A fun filled night at Cubs

2010-09-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to the 1st Duddon Cub group and had a fantastic time with them. We sang some songs and took along Gary who fell off the family Bible so Sarah told him what was in the Bible then I told a story from the Bible using my shape changing square, then the kids all made a somple one so they could re-tell the story for themselves. We rounded off the evening with a a short magic show and Wonderful Lord - a truely enjoyable time. I am thoroughly enjoying my new way of life.

Low Furness School

2010-09-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

What do you think?

This was the title of the assembly this morning the first one back after the summer. We sang a few of the old favourite songs from holiday club and I then talked about Jesus asking his disciples who people thought he was and who they thought he was. It was used to demonstrate the point that although Jesus did do and still does great things for us we need to decide what we think about him, just as the disciples of Jesus had to. To get the point across we asked two people out who then told us what the favourite TV programme was and why then we asked them what they thought of the other persons choice of show as other peoples opinions are equally as important as our own. Thinking back to the holiday club I asked the children about some of the things Jesus had done in his life and asked them if he was here right now doing those type of things what would they do and who would they say he was.

All in all a good assembly and a good start to the year.

Spent the rest of the day ringing round our other schools and booking in assemblies as well as contacting some new schools and asking to go in and talk about what we do.

Urswick Holiday Club

2010-08-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

We have had a fantastic time this week doing the Holiday Club 'Seaside Rock' at Low Furness School with the people from Urswick Church. I would be on very safe ground - one could say rock solid ground (wise and foolish builders one of this weeks stories) when I say that everyone from the youngest child to the oldest helper has thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It is great to be involved with God's work in this way. The children have enjoyed singing songs learning new ones, doing craft, playing games, listening to 'Peter' as he told us about Jesus and some of the things he got upto with Jesus. This week seeds have been sown that now need to be watered and looked after by all of us, and at the end of a very busy week we pray that God will show us how, when and the where to water those seeds. God's Glory be Praised in Heaven for the work that has started this week with some of the children in Urswick.

Sarah and I are praying into our future as to where God wants us to go. We both feel called into some form of full-time children's ministry. We therefore thank you and ask for your continued support and prayers as we seek out God's will for our lives.

Wet Wet Wet

2010-07-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

No not the pop group but how our holiday club ended today. The day was great and we managed to get outside for a picnic and then have the usual water fight a good soaking was had by all. The week has gone so fast we can't believe it is now over. The children have been great the junior leaders did a brill job and a really good time was had by all.

We just have the Sunday service to do now at 10.30 on Sunday morning which will be a mix of traditional songs and hymns as well as giving the parents a small taste of what has happened during the week. Talking to parents at the end of the morning was great too as they told us just how much their children had enjoyed what they had done during the week.

It would be good if we could build upon this and hold another event in the Autumn we'll need to think about that one.

Thanks to all our blog followers who have been praying for us during the week.

Sarah and I are now taking a three week break before doing the Urswick holiday club on August 16th.

A jester at WAC

2010-07-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was asked to go and talk to the Wednesday Afternoon Club that meets in the community centre on Croftlands. My brief was to talk about our work with Jester For Jesus - so I did. Then I told them all to imagine they were 7 years old again and I did a children's magic show for them. Except I did add in one or two card tricks. They loved it! I ended the show with my usual ending about Jesus taking all our sin away and God pouring out His love for us. Despite being told not to do too much God stuff - I did what I felt was right and yes sowed a few seeds - great fun all round.

Croftlands Community Church Holiday Club

2010-07-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Our God is a Great Big God.

Not only was this the first song we sung today but Our God really is a Great Big God. Last Sunday we had just 29 children booked in for holiday club. We thought it was as a result of the cheap holidays some people had got this week. But slowly over the week the number started to rise. When it got to 40 we said great that is 10 per group - we can cope with that. Then the numbers went up a bit more and then a bit more and then even more still. We then past last years 54 number for those that had pre-booked. God is really working out His purpose we thought. We got to 60 which is 15 per group well we have had that before - lets print the list - ring ring went the phone 2 more - OK print it now - ring ring again 3 more - so that's 65 - WOW!! This morning 68 children turned up for holiday club and we have another new starter tomorrow. God is certainly Blessing us as a Church with His goodness. My prayer tonight as I write this is that God will Bless all those children that came today and if they don't come back tomorrow I pray that God will work on them with something they have picked up today. So I just want to say thank you God - You are a Great Big God.

Jonah@Low Furness

2010-07-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

We did our last assembly of the year at Low Furness today. I wanted a story they could remember over the summer as well as give them something to think about. It was also the last assembly with the year 6 children so I wanted them to take something with them to their new school.

Jonah came to mind yesterday, I was told to go and he did in the opposite direction which is what we do at times. But God had a plan for his life as he has for ours, also God protects us and looks after us. God sent the fish to Jonah, Jonah then went the right way.

Sarah told the story from one of the kids bibles and I encouraged children to help act out the story. Some became a boat others sign posts still others operated a dark sheet for the sea. We prayed with the children and for the leaving year 6 class before singing Wonderful Lord together, Sarah's heart was melted by one little boy's singing.

It is an absolute privilege to be able to go into these schools and interact with these children. We don't know what September will bring but it is my prayer that God will direct us back into the schools to continue the work started this year and to perhaps increase it as well. Looking back over the year it has been fantastic. Praise the Lord.

Jester For Jesus -plays the Palladium

2010-07-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yes you read the headline correctly. Yesterday we had a very busy day and Bertie the Clown perfomed on the stage of the Palladium - Millom!!

We went over to Millom to do a Gala day fund raiser for the Rotary. It should have been outside but due to the 'Heat wave' - not it was inside. The only space after the various stalls had been set up was the stage which meant the children had to sit up on the stage too which was fine. We did two different shows during the day both had a Christian message to them and we gave out several childrens leaflets and a few bussiness cards. There were a few people there from some local church's who asked us questions about our work.

We followed the afternoons events with a meal round at Fred and Lorraine's house (Lorraine was Sarah's help and nannie when we had Grace and Fred is Pastor of Millom Community Church). We had a blessed few hours with them catching up.

Croftlands Infant School

2010-07-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

Just done our last assembly of the year at the infant school. We had a great time. It has been such a joy to be able to go into that school and share a little of God's message with the children. They do so love to sing songs except this time we did not sing Our God is a Great Big God. Inright Outright was the first song we sung followed by the talk we do on reflecting God's Glory in our lives, we followed this by singing Shine.

I hope and pray that we will still be able to do assemblies in September. Of course if I get a full time job that can't happen, that's why working part time has been so good this year. It would be even better I feel if I was called to do more of God's work.

After the assembly I spent an hour or so walking round the estate planning a treasure hunt for Kidzone on Wednesday. It was a time for me to reflect about the work we do on the estate I spoke to a couple of people and introduced myself to them. I hope to do more walking about in the coming months around the estate and pray into verious areas and parts of it.

Croftlands Junior School

2010-07-06T02:03:00.000-07:00

What a reflection!

Today i went to the junior school and took the assembly. The children were so pleased to see me I was greeted with calls for the chicken song and where's Sarah? Sarah had stayed in bed this morning still feeling the effects of a very busy weekend. I didn't do the chicken song but I promised that we would sing it lots and lots at holiday club. Hey Diddle Diddle was the order of the day. I followed this by looking into various mirrors I had taken with me which brought a bit of a laugh. The whole point was to ask the children what they reflect. I talked about how a mirror reflects 100% of the light that enters it and I showed them a verse from 2 Corithians 3:18 which talks about reflecting God's glory. I finished with Shine and a little talk about holiday club before I said a prayer for year 6 and prayed for the rest of the school.

St. Helens Festival

2010-07-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I along with the family have been off this weekend to St. Helens at the invitation of SHINE - St. Helens Inter Neighbourhood Evangelism. who have a space at the festival each year. They target the youth of the town through a group called Youth Aflame. Our task is to entertain the children in between the sound checks and acts performing. On Saturday we did 3 magic shows from 12 noon till 5pm and today took part in the Praise in the Park open air service then went on to do 2 other magic shows. Each show had a Christian message at the end following one of my gospel tricks. We have between 15 and 20 children each show as well as their parents. We first of all worked the crowd as they passed by and invited them to the show and gave away over 200 leaflets to children on Saturday. Today we gave away slightly less than that. I was also able to talk to a few adults who happened to pass a comment about the clown costume. My approach was to tell them who I was, what I did and then why, ending with God loves them. On my clown suit I have 4 badge's which represent the 4 points - God loves us, we have done wrong, God sent Jesus to save, we have to decide to follow Him. I can't remember how many people I have spoken to over the weekend and I guess I'll never know how many lives God has touched. So my prayer tonight is that God will work on those people that have been challenged and that they will decide to follow Him - To God Be the Glory.

Croftlands Community Church Fun Day

2010-06-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

What a busy day!

That was yesterday. I think I have just about recovered now. We were really blessed by the hot sunshine which made this event so fantastic. Over 200 people attended the event throughout the afternoon, which is more that double the number that came last year so what will next year bring ... God Knows!! We thank the Lord for all that happened at church yesterday, the feedback we have recieved has been really good. The looks on peoples face's when they find out it is free says it all.

Bertie the Clown was there and he did two shows, the first had no gospel message however the second did as he talked about the love God has for us by sending His son to die for us. It was a great time because we that is Sarah and I have had so much contact with the schools on Croftlands, it gave the children the chance to tell their parents who we were.

I love the work we do I feel so honoured to be involved with children and in particular telling them about Jesus I couldn't think of a better job. So I pray that God will continue to work in us to spread God's word to children (and adults)

Croftlands Infant School

2010-06-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

JOY JOY JOY!!

What a joy it is to be able to take an assembly at Croftlands Infant School. Today's assembly set me up for the day and possibly the week. To see and hear the children singing along to Our God is a Great Big God and later Wonderful Lord is just ... words fail me. It is one of those situations where Sarah and I go in to bless the children with a story or a song or a puppet sketch and come away feeling more bless than ever. We just love it ... and with God's help next year we will be able to do more, possibly in small groups what a privilege that would be. Tomorrow we will be taking the assembly over with the juniors.

Low Furness School

2010-05-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Low Furness school, it has been a little while since we last went as the year 6 pupils have had SATS. Following on from the Pentecost service on Sunday and the fact that only a few children were there we did the postcard from Ben sketch again for them. We also sang 'Shine' our newly acquired song from Spring Harvest, along with a few old favourites like 'Our God is a Great Big God' and 'Inright Outright'. It is such a joy to see the children taking part in the singing and being asked to sing particular songs too.

What ever God has planned for me in September we are praying that it will be more of the same. There is no better job I could think of in the world than taking the gospel message to children.

Mark

Sunday Pentecost Service

2010-05-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

In the words of Gary (our blue skined, pink haired, scouse puppet) WoooowwwWeeee!!!

God is Good!

We were invited at the last minute to take part in the Pentecost Service at Urswick Parish Church. This was a joint service with the other three churches in the adjoining parish's of Aldingham, Rampside and Dendron. The service was held in the playground of Low Furness School and boy was it HOT HOT HOT!! We had a great congregation and the theme for the day was 'Journeying Together'. We did a puppet sketch with Gary recieving a postcard from his best friend Ben who was on holiday in Australia. He was having a great time and was making use of the things that Gary had given him. We went on to do a comedy sketch about the story of Jonah before Mark talked to the children and adults about how God helps us along life's journey even when we turn away from him like Jonah did. Our travelling companion is the Holy Spirit, Mark read from Acts chapter 1 verse 8 when Jesus promised the disciples the Holy Spirit and told them that they would be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea and Sameria and to the ends of the earth. No matter what life throws at us with the Holy Spirit our journey through life is made better. The vicar Rev. Alex Armstrong summed up the service to the adults.

As we were asked at the very last minute Mark and I felt very unprepared but with the gifts God has given us and through the power of His Holy Spirit we had a great and blessed time. God is Good!!

May He challenge you to use the gifts He has given you on your journey today.

Sarah

Low Furness May Fayre

2010-05-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

HOT HOT HOT - is the best way to describe today. The weather was hot, I almost melted I think in the heat. Had a great time at the school and shared God's word with the children using a number of gospel tricks. Unfortunatly one or two failed due to the excessive heat (glue failures and thnigs). Just getting ready for tomorrow as we are involved with the Pentecost service at Urswick Sarah tells me that it is going to be hot again.

Croflands Junior school

2010-05-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Today we took the assembly at the junior school. The year 6 class was out on a school trip to Manchester and another class was out swimming. We told the story of the lost coin and the lady that searched everywhere for it ... yes I was the lady in the story complete with pink wig. The children responded very well to the story and we were able to get across 2 points the first was about respecting the things we have and the second was about how God loves us so much He would do as the lady did and search and search for us. Sarah read the story from the Lion Children's Bible and it said the lady had 10 coins, some were shiny, some dull, some small, others big, some thin and some fat. I was able to get the point in that no matter what we look like God loves us. We sang Touch a Finger next before ending with Wonderful Lord, which the children joined in with - it was brilliant to hear and see all the children singing. It is such a blessing to see all the children in the school welcome us and wanting to talk to us both Sarah and I feel really privileged to be doing what we are doing.

It was Magic at the Mothers Union

2010-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Tuesday this week we had a talk to do at Bouth Mothers Union. It was great!! First I gave a talk about my early childhood in church and Sunday School then went on to talk about our work with children now. Following a tea break I then went on to do a magic show ending it with an extended gospel routine. Both Sarah and I enjoyed ourselves and I think so did the ladies. You see Bertie the Clown the Jester for Jesus is not just for the children.

Our God is a Great Big God...

2010-05-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Our God is a Great Big God and He holds us in His hands.
Today I went to my school to find out that my part-time 1 year contract is not being renewed. This has come as no surprise to us as the school role has dropped and the school is running at a great loss at present.
We are both praying that God will open up a new door for us somewhere. This year has been so wonderful being part-time has enabled us to open up a schools work and ministry in three local schools, plus being a teacher with week ends free enables us to do fun days and Sunday School also doing something other than teaching would mean not being able to do holiday clubs.
So this blog is a request for your prayers too: to ask God what the way forward is. I have long had a desire to do more with the children and more outside market type work trying out the car boot sale and taking the gospel message there. My really big idea is a double decker bus that can go to markets, car boot sales, schools, shopping centres who knows where. God is in charge I know that and Sarah knows that. So this morning as I read the letter I felt very happy and I've been excited all day knowing that God has something better for us. Praise the Lord for His goodness to us and His Blessing are new every morning.

Croftlands Infant School

2010-05-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well what a good time we had this morning with the children from the Infant school. Again as we started to set up the song request came in (it was actually several ) all for : Our God is a Great Big God. The hall filled up and the kids are so excitable. We sing the request song which goes down a real treat with all the kids joining in. Then Sarah started to tell a story about a lady in the Bible and guess who had to act out the part? So with a pink Stephanie wig on and Sarah reading away we told the story of the Lost Coin, which the children thought was great. Sarah followed it up with a little talk and then we sang our new favourite song Shine.

It is so good to be able to get into the schools in our area and teach the children a little something about the Bible, God and Jesus. Part-time teaching has really blessed us this year and in turn we have been able to bless others. We would ask for your prayers though at this time as my part-time 1 year contract has not yet been renewed so we are concerned a little about what happens next. With the success of this year we can't believe that it was just for a year, which might be the case if I have to take a full-time job elsewhere. Sarah and I have talked about how we would love to do more within the schools particularly on Croftlands. So that is why we ask you to pray for us. It is an exciting time - and our problems are God's opportunities.

God Bless
Mark

Millom Fun Day

2010-05-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well what can I say? In the words of Gary it would be WOW!!
Today Sarah and I travelled with the family over to Millom to take part in their Fun Day. It started at 12 and finished at about 4. Sarah and I did 5 slots during the day and entertained about 30 people each time children and adults. We did 2 magic shows one I called a family show which seemed to be the best attended, there were people crowding the door and all the seats were taken inside. We also did 2 story slots, 1 was an interactive story with Bertie helping out (HA HA) and 1 was for younger children (which was good but maybe a bit too long). We then did a final slot which was all gospel based stuff, magic and Molly singing His Love Will Go On. All in all a great day, certainly our children enjoyed it and the feedback we got from the organisers was positive so much so they have already booked us for next year.
We will never know what impact we have had on the children and adults today but we have sown the seeds of the gospel and about God's love for us, and we pray that those seeds will in time start to develop and grow. To God be the Glory for today.

Mark

Saturday - Millom

2010-04-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

We are both very busy this week not only with our every day things and assemblies etc and other church activities but on Saturday we have the first of our many Fun Days. We (I) have lots of new material to work through, tricks in particular. So I am looking forward to Thursday my day off when I can sit down and plan, practise and perfect my acts. I am trying to put together two different acts for the children each one with a slight gospel message to it then a final act with a more powerful message to it. As well as the magic we are also going to be telling a few stories with a bit of a twist to them. I am looking forward to it. We would ask though that you would pray for us. It always or nearly always happens that whenever we put ourselves out there for God, Satan starts to destroy it, either by illness, or stops the wheelchair from working. So please pray for protection over us and our children this week and on Saturday so that God's Glory may be seen.

Low Furness School

2010-04-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Shine, Shine, Shine
Today we introduced the pupils of Low Furness School to Shine. A new song that we pick up from the all age worship at Spring Harvest. I feel that it is going to be one of those songs that never goes away. The children loved it. For the story today we told the Lost Coin Story from one of the children's bibles. But before Sarah read the story we had someone looking round the room for a lost coin. During the telling of the story Sarah had me acting out parts of it, complete with pink (Stephanie) wig. Then as the children had enjoyed it so much we sang Shine again. At the end one of the teachers told a real life story about losing her purse on Monday - thankfully two men found it and returned it to her so she said they Shone out by doing a good thing. It fitted in well. It just goes to show that God has all things planned.

Croftlands School Assemlies

2010-04-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

NO! NO! NO!
This was the theme for the assemblies at both schools this week. Saying NO! However it was not based on a negative, it was based around Daniel and his friends who said NO! to the Kings special food. We tried to teach the children that it is sometimes bad to say NO! and it is sometimes good to say NO! We also told them that they should let their lights shine for Jesus and we demonstrated this by singing with them a new song (for us) that we picked up at Spring Harvest called Shine. The children really enjoyed it. So much so that on Monday afternoon our friend came round for tea with her two children both of which go to the Infant school and they were singing it.
God is really working in those schools and we pray that he will continue to do so and that he will show us what else we can do to further develop the work within the schools. The response we get as we are getting out of the car, setting up and during the assembly is great. We have children asking us for certain songs. We have seen children outside school who have recited words of songs back to us. We consider ourselves privileged to be able to work with them.

Mark

Spring Harvest 2010 - Skegness

2010-04-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Well what can I say about Spring Harvest - It was rubbish...when we had to leave to come home. We could have stayed longer and soaked up the atmosphere. Sarah and the girls had a ball, and as for me I had a great time. It was good to listen to some powerful God inspired teaching in the Big Top and be involved in the worship with thousands of others. One can only imagine what Heaven will be like with millions of people worshipping God. We have come back refilled, refreshed, recharged and re-challenged to take God's word out to the people. The theme for the week was Seeing the World Through Different Eyes ... God's Eyes. Each day part of the story of Esther was brought to us and in particular the verse that says ...for such a time as this... When we look at the world with different eyes we can see all the - for such a time as this - parts of if. It made us realise that loosing my job last year was one such thing. And now facing that same situation again both Sarah and I and both say the same thing - for such a time as this. And we can face tomorrow knowing that we are firmly in God's plan and His story is part of our story and our story is part of His story. We can say that when we see the world through different eyes.

Croftlands Infants School

2010-03-09T01:52:00.000-08:00

Just got back from the Infants school. The day started with a number of children greeting me with Hi Mark...can we sing Our God is a Great Big God. How can you refuse that. Sarah wasn't with me today as her wheelchair is out of action. This was met with concerns from both the staff and the children. However I took a long with me the crow and the hedgehog and talked about how God listens to us. We don't have to shout and make a lot of noise like the crow does we just need to talk quitely and God always listens to us. We then finished off with Great Great Brill Brill as the words tell the children that God always hears us when we talk to him.

1st Duddon Cub Scout Group

2010-02-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

We have had a great time tonight. Sarah and I got asked to talk to the Cubs as they are doing a World Faith Badge. We was not really sure what to do or even what to expect - so we went and introduced ourselves to the children and told them a little about what we did as Christians. We had a Scruff the Dog slot followed by a talk from Sarah about watching what we say, we sang some lively songs, we told a story from the Bible in a modern way which we got the children to help us with by dressing up as characters from the story. I did some magic tricks about God's promise never fails and then I gave them a short message about God's love. We sang some more songs and ended with Wonderful Lord. I didn't dress as Bertie the Clown but I told the children about him and about why we do what we do - because we love God so much and He loves us so much that we just want to tell people about him. Sarah and I really enjoyed ourselves and feel that some more very presious seeds have been sown again tonight so please pray for those little ones that the seeds will start to grow.

Low Furness School

2010-02-23T02:24:00.001-08:00

Half term is over. Had a great time away with the family in Wales. Today I went to Low Fueness School while Sarah who had rather a bad sleepless night stayed in bed (also recovering from the long drive home on Saturday). Did a game of Simon Says with a few children out front. I used it to demonstrate that we shouldn't always do what people tell us to do - particularly if it is wrong. So I did the usual Simon Says this Simon Says that then I said Simon Says go and smash that window, and Simon Says draw on the wall. I then told them the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from Daniel 3. The children responded very well to the story laughing at bits of it to. We finished off with the Chicken Dance song.

Low Furness School

2010-02-02T02:06:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Low Furness School having done an assembly there. Today we focused on what we say - that is not what we say Mark and Sarah/Jester for Jesus BUT what we say you get the idea I'm sure. Anyway it involved a tube of toothpaste and it got a bit messing. But we got the message across to the children that they should be careful what they say as you can't put back into your mouth the words that we speak out - just like you can't put toothpaste back into the tube. The bible verse we used was from Psalm 19:14.

Croftlands Junior School

2010-01-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hi a day or so late but hey.

Tuesday I went to the Junior school to do the assembly. I am always trilled when the children respond to us in the way they do. The love us going into the school and singing with them and telling them stories. I makes us feel really blessed that we are being a part of their education and introducing them to God. What a great job I have that enables me to work part-time in my school and be able to go into other schools with the gospel message. Praise God! He is Great and truly blessing Sarah and I.

Croftlands Infant School Assembly

2010-01-26T00:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Sarah and I went back into the infant school. It was the first time this year. The warm welcome we recieve from both the staff and pupils is just great. Our theme was about protection and about how God can, will and does protect us. We dressed a few of the children up in safety equipment and talk about each piece in relation to what it protects. We ended with Wonderful Lord and prayed God's protection on the school. We will be doing the same talk to the Juniors today.

Low Furness CE School

2010-01-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year to all our supporters and friends.

Today we went into Low Furness School to do an assembly for them (they have OFSTED in so please pray for the staff and pupils). We had a great time with the children singing Be Happy, Our God then did a talk about How God protects us. We also showed a video clip about Moses and how God protected him on the river. We followed this with Wonderful Lord and a prayer. I think the OFSTED person liked it and the staff were so grateful for what we had done.

Also today contacted the Croftlands Schools and got some dates for assemblies this coming term. Check website in a few days to see the dates.

God Bless.

Low Furness School

2009-12-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Today saw us agian at Low Furness School. We took Gary with us and the children responded well to his silly behaviour as they learnt the real meaning of Christmas. Gary could not understand why the big present Sarah had which look great and said on the label the best present of all - was infact an empty box. Until Sarah pointed out to him that the empty box was cross shaped. She reminded the children that Jesus was God's gift to us on earth and that Jesus died for all sins - so He is the greatest present ever given.

We are taking a break for Christmas now but will be back doing assemblies in the New Year.

We would like to wish all our friends and supporters a very Happy Christmas with all of God's Blessings for the New Year.

Mark and Sarah