Inspire Autumn 2023

Dear All,

Wow, what a term, what a team and what wonderful opportunities we have to shine the Light of Jesus amongst children in schools. Read on to find out more in this edition of the INSPIRE newsletter.

DRAWING BACK THE CURTAIN ON THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

Have you heard of the unreached tribe who have not yet heard the Good News?

There is a tribe of people who have not heard the gospel, and mission with this group involves travelling into unknown places, no doubt feeling like you are travelling back in time. Eating strange foods, learning new languages, and having uncomfortable experiences are par-for-the-course when reaching these people - as well as jumping through cultural hoops in intellectual acrobatics trying to explain the gospel!

Our unreached tribe is hundreds of thousands strong and they absolutely LOVE discovering Jesus and God’s love. This tribe is called School Children, and they live on your doorstep, down your street, and round your corner…

School Children are a tribe that are perpetually gospel-ignorant, biblically illiterate, and rank amongst the most vulnerable people on the planet, but they are open to hearing the Word of God from your lips, they are happy to hear your witness, they take joy in Christian visitors, and their lives are changed for good when the local church reaches them in mission.

Would you like to do what so many parents and teachers are unable to do - to draw back the curtain on the kingdom of heaven?

If you would, then get in touch because Spinnaker is an arm of the church; Spinnaker is an army of the church, and we are on a mission to reach the most enthusiastic tribe in the world! - Mike Harrowing CEO (email: [email protected])

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY

I have had the joy and privilege of training with Spinnaker over the past 6 months and it has exceeded my expectations. It amazes me that in these times of political correctness, Spinnaker still manage to send people into schools to help them provide their compulsory “collective worship” time and teach children about Jesus…what an amazing opportunity! I may not be the most entertaining, out-going, charismatic person, but I love Jesus, am passionate to tell kids about Jesus and I’m available. This means I get to share Jesus with several hundred kids every Assembly and even lead them in prayer. Only in heaven will we know the result of these seeds sown but we need to make the most of this chance while it still remains possible. - Helen P, Schoolsworker

OUR FINANCES

A TESTIMONY OF GOD'S PROVISION

It is our ongoing testimony of God’s provision, and thanks to the generosity of the individuals, churches and grant makers we partner with, that donations to support the team remained steady in 2022/23.

Overall income for the year totalled £112,837. Expenses for the year totalled £138,806. The deficit had been planned for as we were blessed to have a legacy gift which could be used to support the increase in staffing levels and activity in schools during the year, together with work on the exciting 'It's Jesus!' project. A big thank you to everyone who has supported us, and continues to support us, through the downs and (thanks to you) the ups of the current financial year! The full 2022/23 Annual Report & Accounts will be available shortly. - Susie Arthur, Finance Administrator.

BUSY BEES

Our 36 staff and volunteers have done a total of 1,155 visits across 70 schools in the last academic year! This is compared to 734 visits in the previous year, so we have been busy bees!

244 lessons
819 assemblies
24 RE days
68 club sessions

SPINNAKER CHRISTMAS CARDS

We love the ‘It’s Jesus’ assembly illustrations and are delighted to offer you a beautiful scene of the journey to Bethlehem for our 2023 Christmas card. Please click the link to place your order: www.spinnaker.org.uk/christmascards

This years' illustration is again by the talented Sarah Horne, commissioned for the 'It's Jesus' resource series by Spinnaker Trust.

SPONSOR A SPINNAKER ASSSEMBLY

Help us share the wonderful story of Jesus' life with primary school children by sponsoring an 'It's Jesus' assembly. From £30, to £100 to £?, whatever level you choose, every sponsorship will help.

www.spinnaker.org.uk/sponsoranassembly

Last of all in this edition, but definitely not least is the news of

OUR FAB, FAMILY FRIENDLY, FEBRUARY FUN DAY

on: 10 FEB 2024 at 2 TO 6 PM

at: Christ Church Chislehurst, 40 Lubbock Road, Chislehurst BR6 5JJ

JOIN US FOR a day of MEGA fun and general silliness, themed around our 'It's Jesus' assemblies. We're raising awareness, raising funds AND raising the fun.