CAPTION: Chocolate was sent to home schooling families as a way of showing churches were thinking about them
Churches Support School Families With Chocolate and A Bible Verse
Two churches in South Devon sent local families who were home schooling a chocolate-themed gift pack as a way of showing them the church community was thinking about them.
Sarah Chapman, the new families worker for the Modbury Mission Community, said she got the idea from a fellow children’s worker.
She sent chocolates, hot chocolate sachets and a card to a number of families the churches have contact with.
Sarah Chapman is a church families’ worker in South Devon
The card read “You’re not alone and you are being thought of and prayed for. Enjoy a few minutes of ‘Time Out’ with a well deserved cuppa!’ 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Sarah said “We wanted to show families from the primary schools in Modbury and Aveton Gifford that we were thinking about them, especially the children and parents who may have been struggling.”
We also invited parents to weekly Zoom drop-in sessions to give them a chance to share frustrations or moments of encouragement.”
Sarah said the feedback about the chocolate gift packs was positive. Comments from parents included “It was such a lovely treat, brightened my mood, after what had been a long and challenging day.
And “So good to know that you are not alone and that someone is thinking and praying for you.”
Families in Modbury and Aveton Gifford were sent chocolates and a message of support
Preparations are underway across Devon’s Church of England schools to welcome all pupils back from Monday 8 March.
Secondary school pupils will be required to take two coronavirus tests a week and wear masks in the classroom as well as communal areas.
In a message this week to schools, Sue Lockwood, the Diocese of Exeter’s acting Director of Education, said “Thank you all for your sterling work in providing so well for our school communities during this difficult period.
“Having spoken with many of you following the Government’s announcement for a return in the week of 8 March, I know that the overwhelming mood is positive about being able to welcome back the majority of our young people.
“There will of course be pressures and anxiety and whilst I don’t wish to dismiss these, I do wish to recognise your tremendous endeavours (often with personal sacrifice) to do what is right for your children and young people. THANK YOU!”
