Search

Stories from across Scotland

“A fun day event for the children attending the new school had an overwhelming attendance of over 200 people! This was a really encouraging event as it provided a community for the families attending the school before the physical community had actually been established.”

Adrienne Cartwright encourages us to ask the question, “What else can we be doing?

“It is so important to show love in whatever way the school requires it, because in doing so, we are able to show Christ’s love in really practical ways in our community.”

 Karen Stangoe reminds us how important it is for us to be “Showing the church’s love in action

“Creating a trusted and known persona with the young people of the school is so important for the rest of the community, and can allow other relationships to form”

Michelle Brown reflects on how her involvement with the local school has enabled her to become ‘Embedded in the community

“Gillian emphasizes that it is significant the change we can have in someone’s life when we welcome them into a community and allow them to be known and loved there.”

 Gillian Burns reminds us that often, ‘The Change We See’ comes slowly and gradually

“One of the ways we can make a community better is by educating young people from the start about the life skills that teachers don’t have the time or expertise to cover in teaching hours.”

Chris Dowling challenges us to think about Serving for the Future 

There have been occasions when the young people in contact with Paul have gone from being regulars on the detention list, to receiving awards at prize-giving just months later!

Paul Beautyman helps us think about how we match Their Need and Our Skills

Reflecting on the project, Sue talked about the importance of being bold and putting ideas out there even if you weren’t sure how the school would receive them, approaching new ideas with a ‘why don’t we do this’ kind of attitude

Sue Thomson reminds us that Nothing happens without building relationship

An important aspect of serving in schools is being aware of the individuals you are serving and supporting. Looking for the opportunities where you can release them to contribute more and allow them to be involved in the decisions for the group.

Gillian Orr encourages us to Stick it out for the one in ten

It’s very easy to get discouraged when it seems like our current work isn’t going in the direction we were planning or hoping for... So perhaps the important thing is to keep this perspective - that the picture we have right in from of us isn’t the whole, and we might not ever see the whole for ourselves. 

Gordon McBirnie reminds us that God always has a bigger picture in mind

Yes, it's heartbreaking to think that many people in the country haven't perceived Christians as concerned with one of our nation's biggest injustices.  The good news is that I deeply believe this tide is starting to turn...  we see so many Christians being drawn to this work.

 

 

Serve Your Local School aims to help churches in Scotland see the potential to play a part in their local school community and to make a real practical difference for the teachers, staff and pupils in the school. 

We believe that every church can make a difference, regardless of the size of congregation, staff-team and resources. On the website you'll find a range of resources and ideas to develop links with the local schools in your area. Read more...

 

Click to Get StartedClick to View IdeasClick to Read Stories       

 

 

 

 

 

What people are saying about Serve Your Local School