The lesson today is about working together as a church in Brighton opens its doors to sixth formers sitting exams.
St Luke’s, in Old Shoreham Road, Prestonville, near the Seven Dials, is making room for hundreds of students from nearby Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC).
The collaboration came about because BHASVIC has been growing – the college in Dyke Road, Hove, now has 1,800 students.
The principal, Chris Thomson, did not want to tie up BHASVIC’s halls for two weeks.
But he wanted a quiet space so that the college’s 16 to 18-year-olds could concentrate on their exams.
And after speaking to the Rev Martin Poole, who took over at St Luke’s last June, his prayers were answered.
The quid pro quo comes in the form of rent which has helped to fund new heating for the church, keeping the students warm and making Sunday services much more comfortable.
Mr Thomson said: “This is a great example of community collaboration and we’re excited about the possibilities of working further with our local church.”
Mr Poole said: “We’re very happy to be able to work with BHASVIC in this way and show practically how the Big Society that the government talks about might actually work.
“I also like to think that the church environment might have helped to inspire the students as they work hard at their exams.”
Mr Poole has been keen to find new ways to use the building which is usually empty from Monday to Friday except for a mums and toddlers group on Thursday mornings.
He can be contacted on 01273 557772.
