Croftlands Infant School

This morning Sarah and I did our Christmas assembly at Croftlands Infant School.  Sarah started by asking them what Christmas was and what it means to them.  A number of very good answers came back which included things like seeing family, eating good food, get and giving presents etc.  We then showed the children the Bible Society's Christmas video for this year - which tells the story of Jesus but does so in a 'Going on a Bear Hunt' style.  After this we pointed out that without Jesus there would be no Christmas.  I then introduced our song Rejoice with Us, then reminded the children what Sarah had said and that in all the rushing around we should stop and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  I then closed the assembly with a short prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

On Monday Sarah and I did our Christmas assembly for the children of Croftlands Junior School.  Sarah started by asking them what Christmas was and what it means to them.  A number of very good answers came back which included things like seeing family, eating good food, get and giving presents etc.  We then showed the children the Bible Society's Christmas video for this year - which tells the story of Jesus but does so in a 'Going on a Bear Hunt' style.  After this we pointed out that without Jesus there would be no Christmas.  I then introduced our song Rejoice with Us, then reminded the children what Sarah had said and that in all the rushing around we should stop and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  I then closed the assembly with a short prayer.

Leven Valley School

On Thursday Sarah and I went down to Leven Valley School to do our Christmas assembly.  We started with Be Happy and then Sarah asked the children about the time of year.  This led into a talk about Christmas and what the best bits are.  The children came up with some good suggestions from Father Christmas to roast turkey, presents to seeing family and loads more too.  We then showed the children the Bible Society Christmas video for this year.  It tells the Christmas story with all the main characters in a 'Going on a Bear Hunt' style which the children enjoy.  After the video Sarah continued to talk about Christmas and told the children that if it wasn't for Jesus then there would be no Christmas - shocked faced from the children.  I then introduced our Christmas song Rejoice With Us.  Following the song I reminded the children what Sarah had said and asked them to stop and pause when they are rushing about here, there and everywhere before Christmas and to think about why we are doing it - God's gift to the world Jesus.  I then closed the assembly with a prayer.

St Mary's RC Ulverston

On Thursday Sarah and I went to do the assembly at St Mary's RC School.  It was great to see the children all excited for Christmas.  Sarah started the assembly by asking the children about Christmas and what it means to them.  We had loads of very good answers ranging from getting presents to eating turkey to seeing family to getting presents and also it is about Jesus.  This led into our video about Christmas which we have been using this year from the Bible Society.  After the short video Sarah continued to talk to the children about Christmas pointing out that without Jesus there would be no Christmas - which came as a bit of a shock for a number of children.  I then introduced our Christmas song Rejoice With Us.  After the song I reminded the children what Sarah had said about Christmas and that Jesus is the reason for the season and in all the running around we do at this time of year we should stop and pause to remember what it is really all about.  I then finished with a prayer.

Broughton School

On Wednesday Sarah and I went to Broughton School for what would be our final visit of 2017. We did our Christmas assembly for the children.  Sarah started by asking the children what time of year it was - we had a number of different answers ranging from December to Advent to Christmas.  Sarah then asked the children what Christmas is all about and again we had a variety of different answers - toys, food, Father Christmas, chocolate, putting the tree up, spending time with family and Jesus of course.  We then showed the children the Bible Society video for this year which tells the Christmas story in the style of 'Going on a Bear Hunt'.  After the video Sarah continued to talk with the children saying that without Jesus there would be no Christmas which came as a bit of a shock to some children.  We then sang our Christmas song Rejoice with us.  Afterwards I reminded the children of what Sarah had said and encouraged them to stop and pause amid the rushing around before Christmas and think on the real reason for the season.  I then closed with a prayer.

Burlington School

On Wednesday Sarah and I made our final visit of 2017 to Burlington School. We did our Christmas assembly for the children.  Sarah started by asking the children what time of year it was - we had a number of different answers ranging from December to Advent to Christmas.  Sarah then asked the children what Christmas is all about and again we had a variety of different answers - toys, food, Father Christmas, chocolate, putting the tree up, spending time with family and Jesus of course.  We then showed the children the Bible Society video for this year which tells the Christmas story in the style of 'Going on a Bear Hunt'.  After the video Sarah continued to talk with the children saying that without Jesus there would be no Christmas which came as a bit of a shock to some children.  We then sang our Christmas song Rejoice with us.  Afterwards I reminded the children of what Sarah had said and encouraged them to stop and pause amid the rushing around before Christmas and think on the real reason for the season.  I then closed with a prayer.

St Peters School

On Wednesday Sarah and I visited St Peters School Ireleth to do our Christmas assembly.  We started by singing Be Happy, before Sarah asked the children what time of year it was - we had a number of different answers ranging from December to Advent to Christmas.  Sarah then asked the children what Christmas is all about and again we had a variety of different answers - toys, food, Father Christmas, chocolate, putting the tree up, spending time with family and Jesus of course.  We then showed the children the Bible Society video for this year which tells the Christmas story in the style of 'Going on a Bear Hunt'.  After the video Sarah continued to talk with the children saying that without Jesus there would be no Christmas which came as a bit of a shock to some children.  We then sang our Christmas song Rejoice with us.  Afterwards I reminded the children of what Sarah had said and encouraged them to stop and pause amid the rushing around before Christmas and think on the real reason for the season.  I then closed with a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went to do our Christmas assembly at Crosthwaite School.  To start the assembly off we sang Be Happy.  Sarah then asked the children about this time of year, and what the children thought it was all about.  The children knew that it was Christmas time and they said other things like eating good food, seeing Father Christmas, spending time with family, opening presents and even the birth of Jesus.  We then showed them the Bible Society video for this year, which a number of them had already seen at the Christmas Experience at the church.   After the video Sarah continued to talk about Christmas and said that if you take the mas of the end of Christmas then it leaves you with Christ and without Jesus there would be no Christmas - this came as a bit of a shock for some children.  Sarah asked the children to remember on Christmas morning in the middle of opening their presents to not only thank the people that gave them the presents but to thank God for Jesus also.  I then continued by saying that because of Jesus we can celebrate and we sang our Christmas song - Rejoice With Us.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our Christmas assembly at Low Furness School.  To start the assembly off we sang Be Happy.  Sarah then asked the children about this time of year, and what the children thought it was all about.  The children knew that it was Christmas time and they said other things like eating good food, seeing Father Christmas, spending time with family, opening presents and even the birth of Jesus.  We then showed them the Bible Society video for this year, which a number of them had already seen at the Christmas Experience at the church.   After the video Sarah continued to talk about Christmas and said that if you take the mas of the end of Christmas then it leaves you with Christ and without Jesus there would be no Christmas - this came as a bit of a shock for some children.  Sarah asked the children to remember on Christmas morning in the middle of opening their presents to not only thank the people that gave them the presents but to thank God for Jesus also.  I then continued by saying that because of Jesus we can celebrate and we sang our Christmas song - Rejoice With Us.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our Christmas Assembly at Church Walk School.  We started with Be Happy, Sarah then asked the children what time of year it was - Christmas was the answer.  So Sarah asked the children what Christmas was all about and she had a number of very good answers from eating chocolate, to Father Christmas, spending time with family, celebrating and the birth of Jesus.  We then showed the children the Bible Societies Christmas video clip which recalls the journeys that the main characters in the Christmas story take - it is done in a 'Going on a Bear Hunt' style.  After the video Sarah continued to talk about Christmas pointing out if you took mas of the end of the word we are left with Christ and without Jesus there would be no Christmas - this came as a bit of a shock to most of the children.  When Sarah had finished I introduced our Christmas song Rejoice with Us.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

Lindal and Marton School

This morning Sarah and I did the assembly at Lindal and Marton School.  As it was our last visit before Christmas we did our Christmas assembly.  To start with we sang Be Happy then Sarah asked the children about Christmas and what it is, we then showed the Bible Society Christmas video for this year.  The video clip tells the story in the style of the story/poem 'Going on a bear hunt'  It traces the journey's of the main characters - Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men.  It finishes with a reminder of the journey Jesus made from heaven to earth.  Sarah then expanded on the story saying that if we take Christ out of Christmas then we wouldn't have Christmas at all because if it wasn't for Jesus there would be no Christmas.  To finish off we sang Rejoice With Us This Christmas before closing with a short prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon Sarah and I did our Christmas assembly at Pennington School.  We started with the song Be Happy then we showed the children the latest Christmas video from the Bible Society.  This year they have based it on the popular childrens song/poem 'Going on a Bear Hunt'  It covers the various journeys that the main characters take to Bethlehem and finishes with the journey Jesus made from heaven to earth.  Sarah then talked about Christmas and what Christmas is finishing with the idea that if you take Jesus out of Christmas then there would be no Christmas!  To finish we sang our Christmas song Rejoice With Us.  I then closed the assembly with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our first Christmas assembly (I know it is still November) we were at Newton Primary School.  To start the assembly we sang Be Happy then we showed the children the new Bible Society Christmas Video which tells the story of Christmas using the 'Going on a Bear Hunt' idea.  It focused on all the main characters of Christmas and their journeys to Bethlehem.  After it Sarah talked about Christmas and what it is all about, after asking the children for their thoughts she focused on the birth of Jesus.  To finish off we sang Rejoice With Us before I closed with a prayer.

Flookburgh School

This morning I went down to Flookburgh School for the assembly.  To start with I asked the children which song they would like to sing - one little boy picked God Can Do Anything, so I asked him to help me with the actions as we sang it.  After the song I took out of my bag a glove and a mitten I explained that both of them would keep my fingers warm however the glove would warm my fingers individually and the mitten the fingers would help to warm each other up.  I did say that both worked very well at finger warming.  I then showed a brief video clip of penguins as they move together for the long winter wait.  I used the clip to explain that the penguins help each other to keep warm and those on the outside will slowly be moved into the middle as they move about working together to keep each other warm.  I did point out that it is good for us all to be individuals but there are times when we do need to work together.  I mentioned a few places were we could do that too.  I used a verse from Philippians 2:4-5 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.  I explained what the verse means which then led to singing Shine. After the song I finished with a prayer.

Lindale School

Today Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Lindale School.  We started with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  I then decided to put my coat, hat and gloves on while Sarah asked if I was going home - no I am cold I said my hands are really cold.  I had gloves on and told the children I couldn't decide if I was going to be warmer with mittens on or gloves - so I had one of each on.  This led Sarah to talk about the merits of gloves and mittens for keeping our fingers warm, she discussed this with the children who answered questions about it- telling us what they would do.  The point was that gloves do keep us warm and the fingers work individually to warm up but in a mitten they work together.  We then showed a video clip of penguins in the wild standing together working together to keep warm.  This was the whole idea working together - by now I was very warm so had to take them off.  We used a bible verse from Philippians to emphasise the point further -  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:4-5).  Sarah explained what the verse meant and we linked it to the song Shine.  After the song we closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Infant School

On Tuesday Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Croftlands Infant School.  We started with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  I then decided to put my coat, hat and gloves on while Sarah asked if I was going home - no I am cold I said my hands are really cold.  I had gloves on and told the children I couldn't decide if I was going to be warmer with mittens on or gloves - so I had one of each on.  This led Sarah to talk about the merits of gloves and mittens for keeping our fingers warm, she discussed this with the children who answered questions about it- telling us what they would do.  The point was that gloves do keep us warm and the fingers work individually to warm up but in a mitten they work together.  We then showed a video clip of penguins in the wild standing together working together to keep warm.  This was the whole idea working together - by now I was very warm so had to take them off.  We used a bible verse from Philippians to emphasise the point further -  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:4-5).  Sarah explained what the verse meant and we linked it to the song Shine.  After the song we closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

On Monday Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Croftlands Junior School.  We started with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  I then decided to put my coat, hat and gloves on while Sarah asked if I was going home - no I am cold I said my hands are really cold.  I had gloves on and told the children I couldn't decide if I was going to be warmer with mittens on or gloves - so I had one of each on.  This led Sarah to talk about the merits of gloves and mittens for keeping our fingers warm, she discussed this with the children who answered questions about it- telling us what they would do.  The point was that gloves do keep us warm and the fingers work individually to warm up but in a mitten they work together.  This was the whole idea working together - by now I was very warm so had to take them off.  We used a bible verse from Philippians to emphasise the point further -  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:4-5).  Sarah explained what the verse meant and we linked it to the song Shine.  After the song we closed with a prayer.

St Marys RC Ulverston

This morning I went to do the assembly at St Mary's RC in Ulverston.  After singing Be Happy I told the children a modern day version of the Good Samaritan story.  I used 4 children to help me and they dressed up for their parts.  I then explained afterwards why Jesus told the story and went on to explain the difficulty the people of Jesus' day had with the Samaritan people.  The point was Jesus told the story when someone asked him who their neighbour was.  So I asked the children who their neighbour was and someone said everyone - great response.  I encouraged the children to think about everyone as their neighbour and therefore do what ever they can to help them when they need it.  I linked into the filling of shoe boxes as that was the focus of our previous assembly.  This story fitted well with the song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Burlington School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Burlington School.  To start off we sang Be Happy then I showed the children the Minion Mini Movie Clip 'Banana'  which the children found very funny.  After the clip I asked the children what it was the Minions hadn't done - share the banana.  I explained that if they had perhaps shared it between the two or three at the start of the clip then they might not have had all the other Minions chasing after them and loosing the banana.  I talked about how good it is to share what we have and pointed to the children's pile of shoe boxes they had collected saying that they had shared their love when they filled their box.  I encouraged them to think about what else they might share either at school or at home or in the wider community.  I linked back to our other assemblies this year which have all been about compassion and looking around to see what we can do to help others - cue Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

St Peters School

This morning I went to do the assembly at St Peters School.  I didn't sing a song at the start but went straight into the story.  It was a modern day telling of the Good Samaritan story Jesus told. In my version of the story we had a businessman on a train from London to Birmingham and he became ill - very ill, we also had a nurse and a police officer in place of the Priest and Levite - and they walked on by just like in the Good Samaritan story.  Then instead of a Samaritan person I had a rapper who came along a bit loud but was the one who called for help and gave money to see the man who was ill home.  Although I had 4 children dressed up in costumes the rest of the children took part as the sound of the train.  I split the children into two halves one half said London the other Birmingham and when said fast enough it sounds like a train going over the tracks.  At the end I told the children where they could find the story and explained why Jesus told it in the first place and I also pointed out why a Samaritan person was included in the story - they weren't like by the people of Jesus' day.  I then talked about who our neighbours are saying it is not only the person that lives next door to us, one child said it was everyone - great answer!  I linked this to anyone who is in need and further linked it into the shoe boxes which I was taking away after the assembly.  All of what I had said linked very nicely into Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus after the song I said a short prayer and prayed for the children who would be receiving one of the shoe boxes.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Church Walk Primary School.  I started it by showing the Minion Mini Movie Clip Banana.  The children thought it very funny to see the little yellow Minions fighting over the banana.  At the end of the clip I asked the children what it was the Minions hadn't done- share was the answer.  I expanded on this idea a bit by talking about sharing what we have with others and mentioned a couple of events that happen during November were they can share what they have or even give away things they no longer need.  I linked back to the previous assembly about feeding the 5000 and said that the little boy had shared his small lunch and Jesus used it to feed all the people.  During that assembly I introduced the children to the new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus - so to finish we sang it again.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Coniston Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Coniston Primary School.  We started with a song request from one of the children - God's Love is Bigger than a Burger.  After the song I told a modern day version of the Good Samaritan using some children to act out parts - instead of a traveller we had a business man on a train (rather than a donkey) he wasn't attacked but became ill.  As he was on a train we used the rest of the school split in half to make the train sound so one half said London while the other said Birmingham - when said quickly it sounds like a train going along the tracks.  The first person to find him was not a priest but a nurse who was looking for something to eat following a night shift, the second person to come by was a police officer who didn't want sick on his shoes so he left too.  Then a rapper came along and this person helped the man out, calling ahead to the next station and giving him money for a taxi.  I explained about the Samaritan people in Jesus' day how they weren't liked by the Jews.  I also explained why Jesus told the parable in the first place - responding to a question of who is my neighbour.  Sarah then picked up this idea of who a neighbour is and talked to the children about it saying that our neighbour isn't just the person that lives next door to us but is everyone and in particular anyone who has a need.  This led into Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Broughton School

This morning I went over to Broughton School for the assembly.  I started the assembly with Creator God as I had so enjoyed my drive over to the school seeing the mountains with the mist hanging in the valley.  So after the song I told the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.  As I told the story I displayed some pictures and expanded the story to talk about our last assembly which was about shoe boxes (a good way to remind the children about it too) The point was that a little boy saw how he could help out in a situation by giving over his lunch, Jesus used that to feed all the people.  I encouraged the children to use their eyes to look around and see where they could use their hands to help out.  This led into Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Leven Valley School

This morning Sarah and I went to do the assembly at Leven Valley School.  We started by singing Shine as it had a link to what we were going to talk about.  We then told a modern day version of the Good Samaritan story and used 4 children dressed in costumes to help us. We had a man on a train who became very ill, an off duty nurse who walked on by to go for some breakfast, a police officer who didn't want his new shoes to get dirty and a rapper who rang ahead to arrange help for the man and gave him money to get home.  I explained to the children why Jesus told this story it was about loving our neighbours.  Sarah then talked about who are neighbours are and not just the people that live next door it is everyone and particularly those in need.  To finish we sang Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as it fits perfectly with the theme.  To close we then said a prayer.

Our Lady's School

This morning Sarah and I were joined by Lisa Smith for a shoe box assembly at Our Lady's School.  We didn't sing a song to start with as we wanted the children to watch a video clip from the Minion Mini Movie Banana.  It shows the Minions fighting over a banana.  At the end of the clip Lisa asked the children about the clip firstly reminding them what had happened and then asked what had the Minions not done - share the banana.  She explained that today we had come to talk to the children about how they could share something this Christmas time, by simply filling a shoe box.  I then explained what items to put in the box and what to do with it later.  Sarah then introduced the song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus and reminded them about the words and how we can look around us and see how we can help others.  After the song Lisa finished with a prayer.

St Marys Dalton

This morning I went to St Marys Dalton for the assembly.  I started the assembly with Be Happy before doing a modern day version of the Good Samaritan story with a business man on a train who becomes ill, a nurse who walks on by likewise a police officer then a rapper steps in to help out.  I explained that Jesus told this story in response to a question about who our neighbour is.  I told the children that their neighbour wasn't just the person who lived next to them but was the people around them and they should be on the look out for how they can help others that might be in need.  To close we sang Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as it fitted in with the assembly theme.

Lindal and Marton School

This morning Lisa Smith and I did our shoe box assembly at Lindal and Marton School.  We started with the Minion Mini Movie Clip called Banana.  It shows those little yellow Minion creatures fighting over a banana which the eventually loose.  Lisa asked the children what it was that the Minions weren't doing - sharing was the answer.  She explained that it is good to share what we have with other people and filling a shoe box is one way of doing that.  I then talked to the children about what they could put into a box.  We then sang Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as this fitted in with the shoe box filling as the children could look around and use their hands to fill the box.  After the song Lisa closed with a prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon Sarah and I went to do a shoe box assembly with the children at Pennington School.  We showed the Banana Mini Minion clip were the Minions all fight over a banana before losing it down a hole.  Sarah pointed out that the Minions didn't want to share what they had which led to them losing the thing they wanted most of all.  She encouraged the children to think about sharing by filling a shoe box full of good things.  I explained what to put into a box before Sarah introduced our song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  She then closed with a prayer after the song.

Penny Bridge Academy

This afternoon Sarah and I did a shoe box assembly with Lisa at Penny Bridge Academy.  To start the assembly off we showed a Minion mini clip about a banana.  The Minions didn't want to share the banana and instead fought over it until they lost it.  Lisa then explained the reason why we had shown the clip and the fact that they hadn't been willing to share which led to us talking about what the children can do to share this Christmas time in filling a shoe box.  Afterwards we sang Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  We then closed with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to Newton School for the assembly.  We didn't start with a song as we wanted to do a slightly longer story and finish with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as it fitted with the story.  We did a modern day version of the Good Samaritan.  Instead of a traveller being mugged while on a journey, he was on a train and became ill.  I got half of the children to call out London and the rest Birmingham and when done fast enough it sounds like a train.  Then instead of a Priest and a Levite I had a police officer and a nurse.  The Samaritan was a hip hop star who was doing a rap down the train.  I pointed out where the story came from in the Bible once I had finished telling it and why Jesus told it.  Sarah then picked up the idea of being a good neighbour to people and by neighbour not just the person you live next to but the people we see everyday.  This linked into the song.  After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Flookburgh School

This morning I went down to do the assembly at Flookburgh School.  It was great to see all the children again.  After singing Be Happy I told a modern day version of the Good Samaritan story, using 4 children to help me.  After telling the story I explained why Jesus told it the first time and then encouraged the children to look out for each other as everyone is our neighbour really.  This linked nicely into Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  After the song I said a short prayer to close the assembly.

Lindale School

This morning I went down to Lindale School for our first assembly of the new school year, we had seen some of the children during the Priory day at Cartmel.  I started off with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as this would link in very well with the theme of the assembly.  I told the children the feeding the 5000 story pointing out as I did that the boy had used his eyes and then his hands to do something small that then had a big impact.  By giving over his small lunch Jesus was able to perform a miracle and feed everyone.  I encouraged the children to look around their class room and school as well as at home and in the wider community to see where they might be able to help out in doing something.  I linked in with harvest too saying that at this time of year we bring food gifts in that are send to people in need.  I also mentioned Children in Need as that will be soon too.  I also said that when we do help out like this we Shine from the inside out cue for a song.  After the song I said a short prayer to finish the assembly.

Croftlands Infant School OCC Assembly

This morning Sarah and I along with Lisa did a shoe box assembly to infants at Croftlands.  We started with a mini movie clip from the Minions as they fought over a banana.  Lisa then explained that the Minions didn't want to share.  This was linked to how we can share what we have with others who perhaps don't get as much.  I then explained about the shoe box and what can go into it, telling stories of people who have received boxes in the past.  Sarah then reminded the children of our last assembly when we sang Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus and this linked in perfectly with the shoe boxes.  After the song Sarah closed the assembly with a short prayer.

Croftlands Junior School OCC

This morning Sarah and I with Lisa did a shoe box assembly for the children at Croftlands Junior School.  We started with a clip from the Minion mini movie with three Minions fighting over a banana.  The point was that they were not willing to share what they had and Sarah talked to the children about this by asking them some questions.  I then went through what goes into a shoe box before we sang Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  Following the song Lisa closed the assembly with a prayer.

BX NT5 Low Furness School

This afternoon I did the final New Testament lesson at Low Furness School.  The whole lesson is about Paul and his journeys as he now a follower of Jesus went far and wide spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ.  A number of children helped out as I told some of the stories and they all joined in when it came to the hand signs.

St Mary's RC Ulverston

This morning Sarah and I went to St Mary's Ulverston to do a shoe box assembly.  We started with Be Happy before showing the children a mini Minion movie clip about a banana.  The Minions fought over the banana as they were unwilling to share it - in the end no-one got the banana.  Sarah asked the children about the movie and about what the Minions should have done with the banana - share it.  She went on to explain that their are lots of children in our world that don't have nice things like we do in this country and that it would be good if we could use our eyes to look around and see were we could help out like filling a shoe box full of goodies and sending it to a child this Christmas time.  I then talked about what items can go into a shoe box.  We then linked our talk to our final song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  Following the song I closed in prayer.

Burlington School

This morning Sarah and I went along to Burlington School for the assembly.  We didn't start with a song as our story was slightly longer than normal and involved children dressing up.  I told the story of the Good Samaritan with a modern day twist, in that we had a business man - who was ill on a train, a nurse who walked on by, a police officer who didn't want their uniform messing up and a rapper.  And yes it was the rapper who helped the person out.  I explained why and how Jesus came to tell this story in the first place.  Sarah then expanded on who our neighbours might be (not just the person who lives next door) and how we should look out for them.  This idea linked once again into the song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  After the song I closed the assembly with a prayer.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I went to St Peters School for an OCC assembly.  We started the assembly by singing Be Happy even though it was pouring with rain outside we can still be happy.  We then showed them a Minion mini movie with two Minions fighting over a banana - the children though it was great.  I pointed out that the Minions did not want to share what they had with each other and that they wanted it all for themselves - in other words they were selfish.  I talked with the children about clip and how we can be the opposite of what they did in collecting things together and filling a shoe box.  Sarah then went through what needs to go into a shoe box talking about the soap and toothpaste and the coloured pens and paper.  To finish we sang Help Me Be Your Eyes then we closed with a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went to do an assembly at Crosthwaite School.  After singing So Many Ways to Praise the Lord I told a modern day version of the Good Samaritan story with a business man on a train who becomes ill and a nurse followed by the police walk on by.  A rapper happens to rap their way past the man they stop what they are doing to help the man, pay for a taxi home too.  we dressed up 4 children in the various costumes to act out the parts.  I did tell the children that Jesus told a story like this in the Bible following someone asking him who their neighbour was.  Sarah then took the idea further by explaining that we should look out for everyone even the people we don't like and help them out, by showing compassion and love to them when they are in need.  We then sang Help Me Be Your Eyes before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to do an assembly at Low Furness School, we continued with the theme of compassion as that is this half terms Christian value.  After singing God Can Do Anything I told a modern day version of the Good Samaritan story with a business man on a train who becomes ill and a nurse followed by the police walk on by.  A rapper happens to rap their way past the man they stop what they are doing to help the man, pay for a taxi home too.  we dressed up 4 children in the various costumes to act out the parts.  I did tell the children that Jesus told a story like this in the Bible following someone asking him who their neighbour was.  Sarah then took the idea further by explaining that we should look out for everyone even the people we don't like and help them out, by showing compassion and love to them when they are in need.  We then sang Help Me Be Your Eyes before Sarah closed with a prayer.

BX NT4 Low Furness School

This afternoon I did the fourth lesson of Bible Explorer New Testament at Low Furness School.  In focus's on the life in the early church following Jesus going back into heaven and sending the Holy Spirit.  We looked at three people Philip, Paul/Saul and Peter and what they did at this time.  Next week we move to look in more detail at Paul and how he spread the good news to the wider area and on into Europe.

Coniston Primary School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Coniston Primary School, it was our first visit of the new school year.  I started with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus before talking about eyes that see and hands that help as a retold the feeding the 5000 story to the children.  I pointed out after the story that the boy and looked with his eyes and he could see that something was needed so he used his hands to hand over his lunch.  What Jesus did was a miracle but it started with the small boy.  I encouraged the children to look around and see where they could help out, in the classroom, in the school, at home and in the wider community.  To finish we sang Shine before I closed with a prayer.

Broughton School

This morning I was over at Broughton School for the first assembly of the new school year with them as well as our first OCC assembly of the year.  It was great to see all the children again and they looked great in their new school uniform!  I started the assembly by introducing them to Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as the words fitted so well with talking about filling shoe boxes.  I showed them a Minion mini movie with two Minions fighting over a banana - the children though it was great.  I pointed out that the Minions did not want to share what they had with each other and that they wanted it all for themselves - in other words they were selfish.  I explained that the song we sung said help me be your eyes Lord Jesus see where your love is needed help me be your hands... so I encouraged the children to look around and see where and how they could help others and pointed out that a great way would be to collect things to fill a shoe box and send it to children who have very little.  I went through what needs to go into a shoe box as well.  We didn't finish with a song as time was running out so I said a prayer and then played Help Me Be Your Eyes as the children left.

Priory Day at Cartmel Priory

Yesterday Sarah and I got involved with the Priory Day for year 5 and 6 pupils at Cartmel Priory.  About 140 children from 6 different schools came along to the day of events inside the Priory.  We started the day off with 'an assembly' before working with groups of children throughout the day, singing different types of worship songs and talking about how we can praise God in various ways - dance, music, instruments, sign language and by singing.  We both had a great day and it was good to see some many children coming together.  During the day the children visited other workshops, crafts, drama, games and prayer stations in the building.

BX NT3 Low Furness School

This afternoon I had the great pleasure of working once again with the year 5/6 class at Low Furness School doing Bible Explorer.  As it was week 3 the stories covered today included the events leading up to the death of Jesus and him rising from the dead on Easter Sunday.  The children all sat and listened, joining in with the hand signs as well as coming forward to take part in some of the stories, like explaining about the clearing of the temple by Jesus.

Leven Valley School

This morning Sarah and I went down to Leven Valley School for the first assembly of the new school year.  It was great to see all the children again including the new starters. We introduced them to a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as the words reflected what we wanted to talk about today.  Once again Sarah did all the talking my throat is better but just needed it resting a little longer.  Sarah told the story of the small boy who came to Jesus with 5 small barley loaves and two fish when the disciples wanted to send the crowd of 5000 men plus women plus children away.  Jesus used the boys small offering and fed them all.  Sarah pointed out that the small amount of food would just about feed 5 of the reception class, and what Jesus did was a miracle - but it started with a small boy looking at a problem and doing something to help.  Sarah encouraged the children to use their eyes to look around and see where they could help out in school, at home and outside of school in the community.  We finished with Shine before closing with a prayer.

Our Lady's School Dalton

This morning Sarah and I went to Our Lady's School for the first assembly of the new school year.  We introduced them to a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as the words reflected what we wanted to talk about today.  Once again Sarah did all the talking my throat is better but just needed it resting a little longer.  Sarah told the story of the small boy who came to Jesus with 5 small barley loaves and two fish when the disciples wanted to send the crowd of 5000 men plus women plus children away.  Jesus used the boys small offering and fed them all.  Sarah pointed out that the small amount of food would just about feed 5 of the reception class, and what Jesus did was a miracle - but it started with a small boy looking at a problem and doing something to help.  Sarah encouraged the children to use their eyes to look around and see where they could help out in school, at home and outside of school in the community.  We finished with Shine before closing with a prayer.

St Marys Dalton

This morning Sarah and I went to do our first assembly of the new school year at St Marys School Dalton.  Sarah had to do all the talking this morning as I have a very sore throat, so I just operated the computer and did the actions to the songs.  We started with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus then Sarah talked a bit about eyes before telling the story of the feeding 5000.  She pointed out that the little boy used his eyes and then his hands to do something to help out.  She encouraged the children to follow his example not only in school but at home and in the community.  To finish we sang Shine then Sarah closed with a prayer.

Lindel and Marton School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our first assembly of the new school year at Lindel and Marton School.  Sarah had to do all the talking this morning as I have a very sore throat, so I just operated the computer and did the actions to the songs.  We started with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus then Sarah talked a bit about eyes before telling the story of the feeding 5000.  She pointed out that the little boy used his eyes and then his hands to do something to help out.  She encouraged the children to follow his example not only in school but at home and in the community.  To finish we sang Shine then Sarah closed with a prayer.

Ignite

Last night we had a great time at Ignite.  We started last week to work our way through the Bible starting with Adam and Eve and last night we moved on to Noah.  We had our altogether time first playing some silly intro games before looking at the story.  We then split off into smaller groups to look in a little more depth at the story and how Noah had to trust God and obey what God said.  We read sections of the story and the young people responded and wrote down what they thought Noah was felling at the time.  We had all sorts of feelings coming out, sad, glad, special, proud, confused.  The bottom line was that Noah had to trust God and obey him by doing what God had asked him to do - as we all should do!  At the end we prayed using a prayer net, this is when someone starts the pray time with a Praise then passes a ball of string round the room of people (keeping hold of the end) then another Praise, pass on holding onto the string.  Once everyone had done this once we did it again this time by saying thank you for something.  The result was a strong network of pray.  To finish we asked them to think of something they wanted to let go of and as the ball of string was gathered in they released their finger from it - letting it go.

Pennington School

On Monday afternoon Sarah and I went and did our first assembly of the new school year at Pennington School.  It was good to see all the children again and the new reception class came into assembly for the first time too..  We started with a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus which led into our theme for the day.  Sarah talked about what we use our eyes for then linked into our story about a boy who used his eyes to see a problem and then he acted on it.  I then retold the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, I displayed pictures on the screen for the children to see as I told the story.  At the end I pointed out that the boy had used his eyes to see the problem and his hands to do something about it - Jesus caused a miracle to happen which enabled all the people to be fed.  At the end we asked the children what song to sing between Shine and Help Me Be Your Eyes - they picked Shine after the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Penny Bridge Academy

On Monday afternoon Sarah and I went and did our first assembly of the new school year at Penny Bridge Academy.  It was good to see all the children again.  We started with a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus which led into our theme for the day.  Sarah talked about what we use our eyes for then linked into our story about a boy who used his eyes to see a problem and then he acted on it.  I then retold the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.  At the end I pointed out that the boy had used his eyes to see the problem and his hands to do something about it - Jesus caused a miracle to happen which enabled all the people to be fed.  At the end we sang the song again before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning I went to do the first assembly of the new school year at Newton Primary School.  I only had the Key Stage 1 pupils in the assembly this morning.  I started with Help Me Be Your Eyes before talking a little about eyes which led into the story of the feeding of the 5000 I pointed out to children that the little boy looked with his eyes and saw that there was a problem and used his hands to help - which reflected the works from the song.  I explained this to the children and encouraged them to look around and see where they could help out maybe at school, in the classroom or at home.  To finish we sang Shine as I linked what I was saying to shining out love.  I closed the assembly with a prayer.

BX NT2 Low Furness School

This afternoon I was once again at Low Furness School doing New Testament Bible Explorer.  The stories included Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the sermon on the mount as well as talking about parables and the calming of the storm.  I briefly retold the feeding 5000 story as they had only just had it in the assembly we did last week.  I talked about the disciples and did a selection process with 20 different people and picked out the 12 that Jesus picked (a bit like the apprentice with Lord Sugar - I had the music too!)  We ended with Peter declaring that he knew who Jesus was then went on to the transfiguration story.  Next week we focus on Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem for the final time.

Flookburgh School

This morning I travelled down to do an assembly at Flookburgh School, it was great to be back in the school with all the lovely children and staff.  I started the assembly with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus then talked to the children about what we use our eyes for and how when we looked around the hall we could see so many different things, but we can use our eyes for other types of looking too!  I then told the feeding 5000 story and pointed out that the small boy had looked around and seen that there was a problem (no food) and used his hands to hand over his small lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish.  Jesus took that small amount lifted it in his hands, blessed it and handed it to the disciples to hand out.  Everyone got fed.  The boy didn't know what Jesus would do with his lunch when he handed it over the point is he looked at the problem and did something to help.  I encouraged the children to look around them at school, at home, in the community and beyond for something they could perhaps do to help others.  We sang the song again this time with the words displayed on the screen.  I closed with a short prayer.

Croftlands Infant School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our first assembly of the new school year at Croftlands Infants.  It was great to see all the children again and to welcome the new reception children too.  We started with Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus a new one to the children so we played the video for them to watch and join in the actions.  Sarah then asked them what they used their eyes for - seeing things - the children came up with a list of different things they could see.  She then handed over to me to tell a story about a boy who used his eyes to see something, it was the feeding of the 5000 story and the small boy looked and saw that there was a need and he gave with his hands what he had.  Jesus used that little and fed a lot of people.  Sarah concluded by talking to the children about what they could do with their hands if they looked around to see where help was needed.  We finished with an old favourite Shine before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our first assembly of the new school year at Croftlands Juniors.  It was great to see all the children again following the summer break as well as the new year 3 children who move up from the infants.  Sarah started the assembly by asking the children what they could see with their eyes - we had a number of suggestions including objects in the room to people to things outside like the wind.  We commented when we heard the people and the wind in the hopes that the children would give us a few more suggestions.  I then told the feeding the 5000 story because in the midst of the talking between Jesus and the disciples a small boy saw what the problem was and acted upon it by giving over his small lunch.  Jesus then blessed it and handed it to his disciples to hand out.  I used the word hands several times and Sarah used the word eyes several times.  The link - Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus which is what we were going to sing at the end.  We encouraged the children to look around and see what they could do to help other people not only in school but outside too.  After our song Sarah closed with a prayer.

BX NT1 Low Furness School

Today I began doing Bible Explorer New Testament with the children in year 5/6 at Low Furness School.  After a brief explanation as to what Bible Explorer is to the year 5 children (year 6 had it last year) I began to talk about what the bible is and how it is made up leading me to talk about why we have old and new testaments.  So then I went on to talk about Jesus and how he is the Messiah which means Christ and why he was sent to earth (recap OT Creation, Fall...) It seems somewhat strange to be telling the Christmas story in September but as I said to the children Tesco has the Christmas stock in already and I had my first mince pie for lunch! so why not?  To tell the story I have three short video clips one mentions the prophets which I link back to the Old Testament and the fact that prophets foretold of the birth of Jesus, I read from Micah 5:2 which tells us the place Bethlehem and again link it to Ruth, Boaz and King David.  I again recap when I tell the story of Jesus at 12 in the temple and use the example of parents finding a missing child to explain why Mary said what she did to Jesus as well as explaining his answer to her about His fathers house.  Next we have the start of his ministry and Jesus coming to John for baptism - I explain who John is and what happen in the temple with when his father Zechariah was visited by an angel while he ministered in the most holy place.  After the baptism and the conversation between John and Jesus I talked about the 40 days and nights in the wilderness before being tempted by Satan.  At each stage I paused and taught the children the hand signs to use that will help them remember the stories.

St Marys RC

This morning I went to do the first assembly of the new school year at St Mary's RC school.  It was great to see all the children and staff again.  I started with a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as the words fitted with what I wanted to tell the children.  After the song I talked about what the words meant - help me be your eyes - in that we should look around and see where in our world we could help out.  I then linked it to the story of the feeding of the 5000 as the little boy looked and saw there was a need and responded to it by handing over his food.  Jesus then blessed that and handed it to his disciples to hand out.  The song also has the words may I be your hands to help, so I encouraged the children to look around and see where they could use their hands to help others.  We sang the song again this time with the words displayed on the screen and after I closed the assembly with a short prayer.

Burlington School

This morning I went to do the assembly at Burlington School, it was the first visit of the new school year.  I started the assembly by introducing a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  I then used the lines of the song to talk about how we could look around us and help other people out.  This led into the story of the feeding of the 5000 when a small boy looked around and saw that something needed to be done and he used his hands to give his small lunch to Jesus, who lifted it up in his hands and handed it over to the disciples to hand out.  Hands plays a part in the song too as it says may I be your hands to help.  I encouraged the children to look around and see where there was a need either in school, at home, outside of school, in our country and even our world and see if they could use their hands to help - and therefore share God's love.  We sang the song through again this time I displayed the words instead of the actions video.  After it I said a short prayer.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I made our first visit of the new school year to St Peters.  It was great to see all the children and staff again.  We introduced the children to Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus as the words fitted with what we had prepared to say.  We played the action video of the song first. After the song Sarah talked about how we should use our eyes to look around at school, at home, in our community, in our country and even in the world to see where we can help other people who may be in need.  She then linked it to the story of the feeding of the 5000 by saying that a small boy used his eyes, saw a need and did what he could to help.  I then told the story with pictures to remind the children what the story is about.  I also introduced the word hands several times and pointed out that the song not only talks about using our eyes to see where Jesus' love is needed but our hands to help.  Sarah then summed up what we had said before we sang the song again this time displaying the words. After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went over to Crosthwaite School for our first visit of the new school year.  To start with we introduced them to a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  We played the video with actions so the children could see them.  Sarah then taken about how we can use our eyes to look around and see where we might be able to help other people.  She linked it to the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.  I then used pictures to tell the story.  I repeated several times the word hands as this is mentioned in the song too.  The boy used his hands to carry the food, Jesus used his hands to lift the food up and pray, the disciples used their hands to give the food out.  Linking everything together Sarah and I said we should look around and see where help is needed and use our hands to provide that help if necessary.  We gave them a number of examples how they could do that.  The schools Christian value this term is friendship so Sarah linked what we had said to that too talking about how we can befriend people that are perhaps new to the school.  We then sang the song again but this time we displayed the words.  To finish Sarah said a short prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning Sarah and I went to Low Furness School for our first visit of the new school year.  The theme for the assembly was compassion as that is the schools Christian value at the moment.  So to start with we introduced them to a new song Help Me Be Your Eyes Lord Jesus.  We played the video with actions so the children could see them.  Sarah then taken about how we can use our eyes to look around and see where we might be able to help other people.  She linked it to the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.  I then used pictures to tell the story.  I repeated several times the word hands as this is mentioned in the song too and the school has a bag with things in it about compassion and the outside of is has hands on it!  Linking everything together Sarah and I said we should look around and see where help is needed and use our hands to provide that help if necessary.  We gave them a number of examples how they could do that.  We then sang the song again but this time we displayed the words.  To finish Sarah said a short prayer.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I was at Church Walk Primary school for our first assembly of the new school year.  I played a song to start with that was new to most of the children 'Help me be your eyes'  I then talked about what the words meant and how we can be the eyes and hands of Jesus and help people out who are in need.  I linked into the story of the little boy who gave his small lunch to Jesus and Jesus used that small amount to feed over 5000 people.  I encouraged the children to look around in their class room, at school, at home and in their community for things they can do to help others - how they can be the eyes of Jesus and show his love to others.  We finished with the same song before I said a short prayer.

Funday at St Pauls in Barrow

Today we all went to take part in the funday at St Pauls Church Barrow.  I was dressed in my jester outfit and entertained the crowds with some magic and Stacey and Lacey turned up to join in the fun too they helped me in my first show to make some sweets for the children, then helped me to explain what is in the Bible during my second show.

There was a good crowd of people at the event and the sun came out too who could possible ask for more. All in all a great day.

Follow the Leader Holiday Club

We had a great final day today at holiday club (we still have the celebration service on Sunday)  We finished off the week with the breakfast on the beach story.  The children took home all the crafts they had made and we gave the results out of the judging for the various competitions that have been running during the week colouring, paper plate and the boat designs too.  Then a picnic and water fight to end it all.  All in all it has been a totally great week and Praise God for all those young lives that this week have heard stories about Peter from the Bible.

Follow the Leader Holiday Club

Thursday already last day tomorrow I can hardly believe it - 
We have had another great, fab, brill day today - it was fancy dress day today so we have had loads of children dressed up in Bible character costumes and leaders joined in with the fun too.  Tomorrow we round the week off with the usual picnic and water fight at the end, then get ready for the Sunday Celebration Service 10:30 at the hall.

Follow the Leader Holiday Club

Had two more great days at the holiday club, loads of children there yesterday and today.  We had the story of Jesus bringing the daughter of Jairus back to life showing to us and his disciples just how powerful he is. Then today Jesus went up a mountain and glory shone out from him as be was joined by Moses and Elijah as he was transfigured.  We have been focusing in on Peter and looking at how he might have reacted to these events.  Here was Jesus showing Peter and now us that he truly is God's son.  Peter is starting to get it now but then there is tomorrow's story...

Follow the Leader Holiday Club

Had a fab first day at Holiday Club on Croftlands.  Loads of children nearly all the ones that had pre-booked came as well as a few others.  We had lots of BIG action songs with a couple of new ones thrown in to.  Great crafts to reflect the story - which was Jesus calling Peter.  High energy outside with the games and the stillness and quiet of the reflection time.  Bring on Day 2...

Burlington School

Yesterday I did our final assembly of the year at Burlington School.  It was great to see the children.  To start I asked the year 6 children if they would like to pick the first song to sing as it was their last time with us - they picked God's love is Bigger than a Burger.  After the song I told the story of Abraham and how God called him to move from Ur to a place He would show him, I asked how the children might feel if when they got home they were told that they were going to move and a big van outside had all their things in it.  I had a few responses like happy, sad, scared... I then added what would you feel like if you were told that when you move you were just going to drive around and find somewhere - not knowing where that might be.  This was like Abraham, however God had made a promise to him that he would give him and his people and his family land to live on - even though Abraham at this time had no children God made a promise that he would.  Eventually Abraham does have a son and a large family grows from him and he does have land to live on.  His people became the Israelites and they live in Israel.  I linked back to the transition assembly and lesson we did a few weeks ago and the Jonah drama as well as the verse from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go - explaining that God has promised to be with us and as we move on in life he will go with us and help and guide us.  To finish we sang My Lighthouse. Then I closed with a prayer.

Lindal and Marton school

Yesterday I did our final assembly of the year at Lindal and Marton School.  It was great to see the children.  To start I asked the year 6 children if they would like to pick the first song to sing as it was their last time with us - they picked God's love is Bigger than a Burger.  After the song I told the story of Abraham and how God called him to move from Ur to a place He would show him, I asked how the children might feel if when they got home they were told that they were going to move and a big van outside had all their things in it.  I had a few responses like happy, sad, scared... I then added what would you feel like if you were told that when you move you were just going to drive around and find somewhere - not knowing where that might be.  This was like Abraham, however God had made a promise to him that he would give him and his people and his family land to live on - even though Abraham at this time had no children God made a promise that he would.  Eventually Abraham does have a son and a large family grows from him and he does have land to live on.  His people became the Israelites and they live in Israel.  I linked back to the transition assembly and lesson we did a few weeks ago and the Jonah drama as well as the verse from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go - explaining that God has promised to be with us and as we move on in life he will go with us and help and guide us.  To finish we sang My Lighthouse. Then I closed with a prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon I went to Pennington School for the last time this school year.  I asked the year 6 children as it was their last assembly with us what they would like to sing, God's love is bigger than a burger before we started to sing I reminded the year 6 children that this might be the last time to sing it.  I was so pleased to see them join in with big actions as well.  After the song I told the story of Abraham and his move at God's direction to a new place and also the promises God made him there about children.  I linked back to the transition assembly and the verse from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  I encouraged the children with this verse to remember it as they move on and up through the school.  We finished with My Lighthouse before I closed with a prayer.

Penny Bridge Academy

This afternoon I went along to Penny Bridge Academy for the last time this school year.  I asked the year 6 children as it was their last assembly with us what they would like to sing, My Lighthouse was one suggestion and God's love is bigger than a burger was the other.  So after singing God's love I told the story of Abraham and is move at God's direction to a new place and also the promises God made him there about children.  I linked back to the transition assembly and the verse from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  I encouraged the children with this verse to remember it as they move on and up through the school.  We finished with My Lighthouse before I closed with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went over to Newton Primary School for the assembly.  We did our Jonah drama to start with it's repeating line about Nineveh... Sarah then talked about it as we looked at the verse from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  She talked about us moving on as children will move up the school and year 6 move on to a new school, she encouraged them that God will be with them as the move.  We then sang My Lighthouse before I closed with a short prayer.

St Mary's Ulverston

This morning Sarah and I went to St. Marys in Ulverston for the last assembly of this school year.  We started off by singing So Many Ways to Praise the Lord before doing our Jonah drama.  We used tow boys to play the parts of Jonah and the king while Sarah narrated.  Once again the repeating line about Nineveh went down a storm and the children had a whale of a time (sorry about the puns).  Sarah finished off by encouraging all the children as they prepare to move on up the school and move on to secondary school too.  We once again used the verse Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  We finished with My Lighthouse before I closed with a prayer.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I went to do our last assembly of the school year at St Peters.  We started by singing So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  Sarah then introduced the theme for the assembly which was Thankfulness, she then displayed a picture of something she was and is very thankful for it was a picture of Grace and Martha.  She explained a little about them to the children.  I then took over saying that I too was thankful for Grace and Martha but my picture was of some carrots, which as you can imagine brought about a laugh, I add that I was also thankful for cauliflower to which Sarah interrupted saying but Mark you don't like it!  which is true but I am thankful that some people do so I can give it to them when ever I get served it.  I did go on to talk about other food stuffs.  Sarah then displayed the last picture which was a box of tissues, she added that she is thankful for friends and family that help when times are hard and things.  Sarah then went round the hall and asked each child what they were thankful for we got some great answers like family and friends to water and food to pets and Xbox!  We reminded the children that they have so much to say thank you for even the school as some children in some parts of the world don't go to school and others have massive cityscapes to look across instead of mountains and hills.  We finished with Shine before closing with a prayer.

Flookburgh Primary School

This morning Sarah and I did our last assembly of the school year at Flookburgh School.  We did our Jonah drama, which the children really enjoyed particularly as there was a repeating phrase that kept coming out every time Sarah mentioned Nineveh I would say Nineveh have you heard about the stories about that place they're not good ones I can tell you - the children found this very funny.  After the drama Sarah talked a little about how we are all on a journey in life and we are all moving on, and in school we move up a year and year 6 leave to go to secondary school.  She encouraged them with the words from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  We then introduced My Lighthouse to them before Sarah closed with a prayer.

Broughton School

This morning Sarah and I were at Broughton School for the last visit of this school year and Vic and Emily joined us for the transition lesson and assembly.  The lesson helps those in year 6 as they move on to secondary school.  The assembly with the whole school was about Jonah, we told the story with a drama sketch.  There was a repeating line about Nineveh which made the children laugh quite a bit.  After the drama we talked about God being with us wherever we are and used Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go to encourage the children.  We than sang My Lighthouse and Sarah closed with a prayer.

St Peters

This morning Sarah and I went to St Peters for the assembly.  We started by singing God Can Do Anything.  Then Sarah asked if anyone had ever lost anything.  A few children mentioned things they had lost and Sarah told them about things our children had lost like teddy bears left in hotels etc (he was posted back).  She asked how they felt when they discovered they had lost something.  The children gave different reactions, Sarah recalled a time when one of our children got lost in a shop and how that made her feel - she lost her peace of mind as she frantically looked for her.  When we do lose things that are important to us we can become uneasy and not be at peace because of it.  I then retold the story of the lost coin displaying pictures as I did, I paused a few times to explain things and ask how the lady was feeling, then when she did find it how she rejoiced and throw a party.  Sarah had said that I was going to tell them a story which was one Jesus told and we call them parables she explained what a parable is.  When I had finished the story I then explained that it was a nice story and we could just leave it there but when we look at the heavenly side of the story it tells us how much God loves those that decide to follow him as they are no longer lost (like the coin) but found.  To finish Sarah introduced them to My Lighthouse and some of the words that say 'you are my peace in a troubled sea'  After the song Sarah closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning I did the assembly at Low Furness School.  The theme was Peace and Parables, so after singing God can do Anything I asked the children if they had ever lost anything.  I got a few answers back from the children like, necklaces, animals, teeth! I asked them how they felt losing something special like their teddy bear - I talked about the time Grace left her teddy in a hotel room and how she felt (they posted it back to us) I said that sometimes when we lose something special we are upset and if it really is important and we are frantically looking for it we are not at peace. I then told the story of the Lost Coin having explained that Jesus used parables to talk to people (I also explained what a parable is) as I told the story I displayed pictures on the screen and paused a few times to ask the children how the lady might have felt.  I then explained that it was a nice earthly story but it had another meaning too which was that God delights in people when they decide to follow him, that being the heavenly meaning behind the story.  Next we sang My Lighthouse which has the line you are my peace in the trouble sea.  I then did a plug for holiday club before saying a prayer.

Haverigg Primary School

This afternoon we helped out at Haverigg Primary School with a transition assembly and lesson for year 6.  We did the usual drama about Jonah followed by the song My Lighthouse.  Then we went into the lesson.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to Church Walk Primary School for our last assembly of the school year.  To start off we sang So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  Sarah then displayed a series of pictures which were super heroes like Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and Joe Smith.  Wait a minute! Joe Smith?  Who is he and what does he do?  It was at this point that I got a phone call from - God - who told me all about the special ability that Joe Smith has and we can read all about it in 1 Corinthians 13 -love.  The phone call ended.  In stead of reading the passage Sarah gave the children examples of what love is and isn't and I read the bit from 1 Corinthians 13, she also got the children to put their hand up if they thought it showed love.  After this we sang Shine as Sarah had linked it in to the song.  Then we closed with a prayer.

Leven Valley School

This morning Sarah and I did our last assembly of the school year at Leven Valley School.  We did the drama about Jonah that we have been doing for the transition assemblies.  We enlisted a couple of children to play the parts of Jonah and the king/queen of Nineveh.  The children thought the repeating line about Nineveh was funny - each time Sarah mentioned Nineveh I would reply - Nineveh have you heard the stories about that place they're not good ones I can tell you - I did it in a west country accent while pretending to be a sea captain.  After the drama Sarah pulled a few points out from it and talked about people moving on like the children in the school will move up a year and year 6 leave to go to high school.  The link with Jonah is that he had heard about Nineveh and didn't like what he heard but was asked to go, and when he ran away God was with him, and when he was in the sea God was still there with him, God was even there when God was in the belly of the fish (God sent the fish after all)  We used a verse from Joshua 1:8 to encourage the children - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  After this we sang Wonderful Lord as it talks about God looking over us and protecting us.  During the song I said a short prayer.

Our Lady's School

This morning Sarah and I did our last assembly of the school year at Our Lady's School in Dalton.  We did the drama about Jonah that we have been doing for the transition assemblies.  We enlisted a couple of children to play the parts of Jonah and the king/queen of Nineveh.  The children thought the repeating line about Nineveh was funny - each time Sarah mentioned Nineveh I would reply - Nineveh have you heard the stories about that place they're not good ones I can tell you - I did it in a west country accent while pretending to be a sea captain.  After the drama Sarah pulled a few points out from it and talked about people moving on like the children in the school will move up a year and year 6 leave to go to high school.  The link with Jonah is that he had heard about Nineveh and didn't like what he heard but was asked to go, and when he ran away God was with him, and when he was in the sea God was still there with him, God was even there when God was in the belly of the fish (God sent the fish after all)  We used a verse from Joshua 1:8 to encourage the children - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  After this we sang Wonderful Lord as it talks about God looking over us and protecting us.  During the song I said a short prayer.

Pennington School

This afternoon we have been at Pennington School doing our transition assembly and lesson with the year 6 children.  We did the usual drama about Jonah to start with then Sarah summed up at the end, we then sang My Lighthouse before Lisa closed with a prayer.  Then Emily, Lisa, Sarah and myself went and worked with the year 6 children helping and encouraging them as they prepare to make the move to secondary school.

Lindale School

This morning Sarah and I did our last assembly of the school year at Lindale school.  We started with a drama about Jonah, before we started we asked two children to help us in the story one to be Jonah and someone to be the king/queen.  Sarah narrated the drama while I directed the children as to where they should go, I also played the part of a sea captain and had a repeating line; whenever Sarah mentioned Nineveh I would reply Nineveh! Have you heard the stories about that place they're not good I can tell you.  After a few repeats the children laughed each time they heard Nineveh as they knew what was coming.  To finish off Sarah talked about moving on and encouraged the children with a verse from Joshua 1:8 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for God is with you wherever you go.  Then we sang the chicken dance song which was a first for the children at the school. I then closed with a prayer.

Croftlands Infant School

This morning Sarah and I did our last assembly of this school year at Croftlands Infant School.  We did a short drama about Jonah which we used to help the children think about their moves up the school and for the year 2 children as they move to a junior school.  We needed two children to help us tell the story one to play Jonah and one to play the part of the King of Nineveh.  Sarah narrated the story and I played the part of the sea captain of the boat Jonah used.  I had a repeating line to say every time Sarah mentioned Nineveh I would respond Nineveh! have you hear the stories about that place they're not good I can tell you - which caused the children to laugh.  After the drama we sang God's love is Bigger than a Burger before Sarah close with a prayer.

Croftlands Junior School

Today we did our transition assembly and lesson at Croftlands Junior School.  It was the last assembly we will do with the year 6 children as well.  We did the usual drama this year it was about Jonah followed by singing My Lighthouse after the assembly we worked alongside the team to deliver a lesson that will help the year 6 as they move on to their secondary school.

Burlington School

This morning we did our transition assembly and then lesson at Burlington school.  To start off we did a drama about Jonah and how he didn't want to go to Nineveh.  We had a repeating line that kept coming out every time the narrator said the word Nineveh.  Nineveh! Have you heard the stories about that place they're not good I can tell you...  After a while the children caught on to this which added fun to the drama.  In the assembly we sang My Lighthouse to finish it off then closed with a prayer.  The idea was to talk about the children moving on to new classes, new teachers and even new schools. After the assembly we worked with the year 6 children offering them some encouragement and tips ready for their move to secondary school.

St Peters School

This morning Sarah and I were at St Peters school for the assembly.  We started with a drama about Jonah and how he didn't want to go to Nineveh.  We got a couple of the children to play a part in it too.  We had a repeating line that kept coming out every time the narrator said the word Nineveh.  Nineveh! Have you heard the stories about that place they're not good I can tell you...  After a while the children caught on to this which added fun to the drama.  In the assembly we sang My Lighthouse to finish it off then closed with a prayer.  The idea was to talk about the children moving on to new classes, new teachers and even new schools. 

Crosthwaite School

This afternoon Sarah and I went over to Crosthwaite School for the assembly.  We did the story of Jonah as a drama and got one of the boys to help us act it out.  Jonah heard from God and ran in the opposite direction, we had a repeating line which was said ever time the narrator said the word Nineveh.  Nineveh! Have you heard the stories about that place they're not good I can tell you...  After a while the children caught on to this which added fun to the drama.  In the assembly we sang My Lighthouse to finish it off then closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

This morning we did our transition assembly and lesson at Low Furness School.  The assembly had a short drama about Jonah who heard from God and ran in the opposite direction, we had a repeating line which was said ever time the narrator said the word Nineveh.  Nineveh! Have you heard the stories about that place they're not good I can tell you...  After a while the children caught on to this which added fun to the drama.  In the assembly we sang My Lighthouse to finish it off then closed with a prayer.  After a short break we took the year 6 children for a lesson and looked at some of the big questions and issue that face children and young people as they move into secondary school.

Pennington School

This afternoon Sarah and I went to Pennington School for the assembly.  We started with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord.  Then Sarah spoke to the children as pictures of super hero's appeared on the screen, she talked about their special power or gadgets. The last picture was of Joe Smith, at which point I chipped in asking who he was and what special power he had - just then my phone rang (it was on silent) and it was God who told me to look up 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 which will explain Joe's special power.  It was all about love, then as Sarah read out some statements of things people might say I displayed something about love from the bible passage.  To close off the assembly we sang Shine and I finished with a prayer.

Newton Primary School

This morning Sarah and I went to take the assembly at Newton Primary School.  It seems like ages since we were last at the school (before Easter), it was great to see all the children again.  We started with So Many Ways to Praise the Lord which was a new one for the children.  After the song I told the story of Ruth and about how she showed so much love and kindness towards Naomi.  Sarah talked about ways the children can show loving kindness to each other and when we do we can Shine from the inside out.  After singing our second song Sarah finished the assembly with a short prayer.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning Sarah and I were at Church Walk School for the first of the transition assemblies and lessons, we were joined by Vic, Emily, Saga, Thomas and Lisa.  The theme this year was on Jonah, so after a short drama about Jonah we sang My Lighthouse.  Then the year 6 children stayed behind as we talked to them about moving up to secondary school.  We had an altogether time first as the children watched a short video which looked at some of the big questions children face as they move.  The children then split into groups and they went off and looked at other issues regarding moving to a new school.  They rotated round three different stations during the lesson.

Pentecost Experience Church Walk

This morning Sarah and I helped out a team of people from the Parish Church Ulverston put on an experience about Pentecost for the children of Church Walk School.  The children came in and heard a little of the Pentecost story before moving round 6 different stations where they heard a little more about it.  They then came back together for a final talk and question session before going back to school.  Sarah and I had a great time as we connected with the children and were amazed at the depth of feelings they expressed in some of the activities they were involved in.

Leven Valley School

This morning I went down to Leven Valley School for the assembly.  After singing Inright Outright with the children because it linked a little to what I was going to say I told them off the events of Ascension and then Pentecost particularly as today is Ascension Day.  I used pictures to tell the story and added in my own particular twist which made the children smile and laugh.  After this I explained that Pentecost as the time the Holy Spirit came down but it also marks the birth of the church which has continued to grow and expand over the years and that is why we know about God and Jesus today - it started with Peter talking to a crowd of people.  He was shining from the inside out -cue for a song.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Broughton School

This morning  I went to Broughton school for the assembly.  As Thursday this week is Ascension Day I decided to focus on that and then Pentecost for the assembly.  So to start off we sang Inright Outright and used it to remind the children about Easter, before I showed them some pictures and talked about the time Jesus went back into Heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit.  As Peter stood up on that day and told thousands about Jesus he was Shinning from the inside out which gave us a cue into our final song.  After the song I closed with a prayer. 

St Peters

This morning  I went to St Peters school for the assembly.  As Thursday this week is Ascension Day I decided to focus on that and then Pentecost for the assembly.  So to start off we sang Inright Outright and used it to remind the children about Easter, before I showed them some pictures and talked about the time Jesus went back into Heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit.  As Peter stood up on that day and told thousands about Jesus he was Shinning from the inside out which gave us a cue into our final song.  After the song I closed with a prayer.

Low Furness School

Today Sarah and I were at Low Furness School - we said prayers for Manchester and all those caught up in the events of last night.  Children sat around a love heart of candles and wrote prayers which they later put round the heart.

Church Walk Primary School

This morning I went to Church Walk Primary School for the assembly.  After singing Be Happy I told the story of Ruth.  I started by saying that the story is very small and if you flicked through the Bible you could easily miss it.  At the end I encouraged the children to be like Ruth and show love and kindness as she did to people they meet.  To link with the story we finished the assembly by singing Shine.  I then closed with a prayer.

Coniston Primary School

This morning I was at Coniston Primary School for the assembly.  After singing Be Happy I did my choices magic trick (a teacher had asked me to perform a trick last time I was there) So I brought out three children and gave each one a numbered card, then I gave them the choice to swap cards if they wanted to. Next I took out some coloured discs which had the same numbers on them as the cards, I gave the children the correct numbered disc.  Each disc was then replaced with a bag of the same colour, in all the children's bags they had sweets but in mine bag there was loads of sweets.  The children sat down as I explained that they had all been given a choice of card, the choice to swap it and now they have the consequences of their choices.  I went on to say that we all face choices every day from what do I wear, to what time shall I get up, should I go to school - in fact every child had probably made over 20 choices already today.  But in life there are even bigger choices we need to make, like what secondary school should I go to, or what GCSE's should I take, or even should I work in school of mess around - that choice will affect what job we get later on in life.  I linked in the story of Adam and Eve which I covered in January, then linked it to being pressured by someone to do something wrong - we have a choice to do it or not.  I encouraged the children to ask for help when faced with choices from teacher, parents and people at home and ask God for his help to.  To finish we sang Shine before I closed with a prayer.

Lindale School

This morning I went to Lindale School for the assembly. It was before Easter that I last saw all the children so it was great to see them all again today.  To start we sang Be Happy, I then followed the set theme which was about choices and I was asked to tell the Adam and Eve story which I did in my special way which got the children laughing - I hope it also got them thinking about the choices they sometimes make.  Afterwards I talked a little about some of the big things we face like should I steal such and such just because my friend tells me to, or should I hang out with that group who get into trouble.  I encouraged the children to think about what they do and to ask for help from teachers, people at home and of course God.  I rounded it off with linking to the song Shine.  After the song I closed with a prayer.