Our vision is to see every child and young person in Scotland exploring the Bible and responding to the significance of Jesus.
We are a Christian charity with over 2,000 volunteers and 120 staff working in four contexts: schools, holidays, community-based missions, and training and equipping.
We work in partnership with churches, SU Scotland Associate Trusts and others to help children and young people across Scotland have an opportunity to explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus.
We offer safe places where they can have fun, meet new challenges, feel valued, accepted and free to express their views and consider their own beliefs as they engage with peers and Christian leaders. We aim to focus on the needs of those from priority areas in all our activities.
4
CONNECT IN THE CITY
Karen Campbell talks about an amazing mission-holiday mash-up.
SU Scotland, New Olympia House, 13 Olympia Street, Glasgow, G40 3TA 0141 332 1162 | info@suscotland.org.uk suscotland.org.uk facebook.com/suscotland twitter.com/suscotland youtube.com/suscotland instagram.com/suscotland
Fiona Stewart highlights some exciting summer activities in Elie and Earlsferry this July.
8
AMBASSADOR IN BENBECULA
Meet Cherrie McKinlay, SU Ambassador, on a beautiful Scottish Island.
14
MAGNITUDE 2024
Sam Rae shares his vision for worship at this summer's Magnitude Festival.
16
EACH AND EVERY YOUNG PERSON
Elaine Tait has joined SU Scotland staff with a role focussed on Additional Support Needs.
18
PROJECT RESCUE
Meet the new teaching resource that will feature at SU Holidays this summer and in schools in the autumn.
I PRAY THAT YOU AND ALL GOD’S HOLY PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE POWER TO UNDERSTAND THE GREATNESS OF CHRIST’S LOVE—HOW WIDE AND HOW LONG AND HOW HIGH AND HOW DEEP THAT LOVE IS. EPHESIANS 3:18
The start of summer is always a high point in the SU Scotland year, with a burst of holidays and local mission events happening all over Scotland, together with the Magnitude Festival.
We’re excited about missions taking place in so many different settings, and this edition of @SU highlights two 'fresh expressions'. Connect in the City (see page 4) takes all the best thinking from our SU Holiday model and delivers it in a local setting, and Elie, long-time beach mission in Fife, is getting a makeover as a family festival (see page 6).
I’m looking forward to visiting events over the summer, seeing what’s new, what’s working and chatting with young people and volunteers. This year we’re offering a wider range of specialist SU Holidays (see page 12), and bookings are shaping up well. There's still space for more though!
Our vision at SU Scotland is to see every child and young
person in Scotland exploring the Bible and responding to the significance of Jesus. It’s this commitment to every child and young person that has led to the appointment of Elaine Tait as our first Additional Support Needs Development Coordinator (see page 16).
So many people are involved in delivering the summer programme, and this is a great moment to celebrate our volunteers—those who have been involved for decades and those who are stepping up for the first time as trainees. Read Naomi’s story (page 11) about how Basecamp has helped her to prepare for a summer where she will be volunteering at an SU Holiday and her local church holiday club.
The recent SU Global Gathering in Malaysia was a special time to gather together with SU leaders from 105 nations. SU Scotland’s Young Ambassador to the event, Hannah Steeds, shares her thoughts with us (see page 20).
Speaking of big events, please come along and join our end-of-summer Big Celebration at Lendrick Muir on 24 August if you can! Find out more details for the event along with other important information in the What's On section (see page 23).
However you are spending your summer, I pray that you would have moments of sensing the reality and depth of God’s love for you in new and refreshing ways.
Thank you once again for your part in the ministry of SU Scotland!
quote_open_roundel Robin
MacLellan CEO, SU Scotland
robin.maclellan@ suscotland.org.uk
social media: @robmaclellan
CONNECT
IN THE CITY is an exciting week-long event for young people that ran in the West of Glasgow for the first time in 2023. With everybody now gearing up for the second time around this July, Karen Campbell of the Wheel Trust explains why this new model of mission is the one for them.
Our new event takes so many of the best things about an SU Holiday, delivering them in a local day-camp experience that is much closer to home, but still really exciting. Going away on a camp isn’t an option for everyone. Part of that is down to cost, but there can be other reasons too. If a family has no connection with the Christian faith, they might hesitate to book until they know more.
With Connect in the City we are setting out to:
• CONNECT young people with new experiences
• CONNECT young people to the Christian faith
• CONNECT young people across wider Glasgow
We want to offer young people in P5–S4 the opportunity to have an accessible holiday-like experience where finance, location and residential aspects are not barriers to
attending. There were young people who came last year who had never been to the cinema or taken part in water sports. We want young people to have a really good time, with new experiences, like graffiti art, and a sense of being on holiday.
And we want to help build community. Young people are invited to experience and participate in activities (both on and offsite), as well as eat together and experience Christian community in action. Exploration sessions are a key part of each day, allowing young people to hear the gospel message and respond to the significance of Jesus in a way that is appropriate to them.
We run all day—morning, afternoon and evening— providing breakfast, a packed lunch and a hot meal in the evening. Basically, we take the SU Holiday model and run it as a Mission.
Last year we worked with a group of 20 young people, and this summer our event is fully booked at 30. We aim to meet every young person’s needs and therefore offer a high level of support, with an amazing team.
Many of the young people come from the Whiteinch area of Glasgow. SU Scotland has a long connection with Whiteinch Church of Scotland. Last year, one young person talked about how lonely he was at home with his mum out at work a lot and how he just didn’t want the event to finish.
We are also seeing young people exploring faith more and hope to run an Alpha course after the summer.
I joined the Wheel Trust 10 years ago, and in addition to my part-time role there, I work part-time for West Glasgow New Church which meets in Whiteinch. The
mission is a joint venture between The Wheel Trust and churches in the area, who have been incredibly supportive. The Wheel Trust is part of SU Scotland’s Associate Worker scheme and is based in the West End of Glasgow, a place where there are areas of affluence alongside areas of poverty.
Christian youth work in the West End of Glasgow has an amazing network of people. Youth workers and ministers support one another, meaning there is a Christian presence in lots of different schools in the area. I am in Hillhead High School every week, with other youth workers and ministers engaging elsewhere.
We had to trust God to help us through lots of hurdles last year and we are excited to be heading into year two!
In Scotland you are never more than 50 miles from the sea. Perhaps that is why we love beaches so much—we are shoreline people and horizon gazers.
For Scripture Union, the beach holds special significance. The first ever SU Mission took place on a beach in Llandudno in 1868 when Josiah Spiers wrote ‘God is love’ in the sand for local children and holidaymakers. In SU Scotland many of us can point to significant moments at camps and missions by the sea—at Scoughall, in Whiting Bay, on Islay and all across the land, children and adults have responded to the same, simple message that God is love with a resounding ‘Amen’.
Over the past 18 months, I have met countless people— old and young—who share testimonies of meeting Jesus at Elie in Fife. Elie Mission is described as ‘a thin place’ where decisions have been taken and foundations laid for lifelong discipleship. The shape and feel of the mission has changed over
time, as it responds to the culture of the day, but the core message of God’s love and saving grace has been faithfully and consistently proclaimed in this beautiful corner of the East Neuk.
In 2024, Elie will host a new form of missional activity. Local SU supporters have been meeting monthly to pray about the shape of the mission, and we’ve sensed a call to connect with families and young people through shared kingdom values like hospitality, creation care, creativity and sport.
The Elie and Earlsferry Festival of Life will be exactly that— a celebration of life in all its fullness. We are planning a programme of events for all ages—baking competitions, putting tournaments, movie screenings and beach activities along with a series of creative workshops.
We have some exciting visitors coming to share their expertise and testimonies, and we are currently recruiting a team
of people who want to be shoreline people and horizon-gazers—looking for new ways to tell others that God is love, and that he offers life in all its fullness.
To join the team, contact SU Scotland's Volunteers Department, and if you are around the East Neuk during the week of 27 July–3 August, come and join the fun! Scan the QR code to 'like' and follow the Elie and Earlsferry Festival of Life event page on Facebook where details are being posted.
Fiona Stewart Creative Director
Arts
Cherrie McKinlay is the SU Ambassador for Benbecula Church of Scotland where she keeps the congregation in the loop with all the exciting happenings at SU Scotland.
Cherrie and her family moved to Benbecula in the 90s and then to South Uist. Her late husband, Wilson, worked for the Overseas Development Agency, and before moving 'overseas' to Benbecula, they lived in Botswana, Swaziland, Sri Lanka, North Yemen, Sierra Leone and Sumatra. Cherrie taught in the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland and home-schooled their children when they were primary age and living where there wasn’t an English-speaking school.
'When we came to the Uists, our three older children were at boarding school, and my youngest daughter attended the local primary school. For 20 years several friends and I lead the SU Group in there. We had to stop at the start of the pandemic (although we did manage
Benbecula's SU Ambassador
to carry on for one year via Zoom). I would love to see it up and running again.
'We promoted SU Holidays to the group and even took them to weekend events at Alltnacriche—no small achievement with a twohour ferry crossing, five hours of driving and the need to be back in time for school on Monday morning.
'We are praying for young people in the community, for volunteers to re-launch the SU Group in the primary school and for a group to form in the high school.
'As with many local churches, we have fewer children attending on Sundays, but we are encouraged to hear about SU Scotland’s work with young people across the country—camps, missions, training, festivals—there is so much happening.
'There are older members of our congregation who became Christians because of SU Holidays, and we pray for SU Scotland when we get together as a small group.
'A regular annual event is the Back to School with God Suday service which I organise in August, so for me, being an SU Ambassador was simply what I was already doing, keeping in touch with SU Scotland and passing on information, opportunities and prayer requests.'
We have SU Ambassadors in more than 200 churches and would welcome more! Discover how to become an SU Ambassador, and register your interest online.
To learn more about praying for a school, visit Pray for Schools Scotland online. If you pray with others, like Cherrie, notify our Prayer Coordinator, Elizabeth McDowall, and find out if there are other groups already praying near you.
suscotland.org.uk/ ambassadors
prayforschools scotland.org.uk
elizabeth.mcdowall@ suscotland.org.uk
suscotland.org.uk/bsg
Every August and September, many churches engage with Back to School with God Sunday, marking the end of summer with a dedicated all-age service involving children and young people and including prayer for pupils, staff and schools.
Whata great start to the school year, reassuring children and young people that they are going back to school with God! Written by a small team from SU Scotland, SU Northern Ireland and CVE Scotland, Back to School with God Sunday resources have grown in popularity over the years and are now in use all over the UK. In 2023, registrations even came in from churches in the USA, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados and Spain!
Each year the service has a different Bible focus. This year’s theme is ‘Spot the Difference’, exploring Jesus’ encounter with the blind man and Zacchaeus in Luke 18:35–19:10. Jesus was in Jericho, and he was making an impact. People could spot the difference in both
these men’s lives after they met Jesus. The community was changed by Jesus and by the reaction of these individuals towards him. The challenge is for all ages. Can others spot the difference as we live for Jesus in school and in our community? Can others see the difference Jesus makes to us?
The all-age service is easy to follow, comes with an accompanying set of PowerPoint slides and offers a wide variety of options to suit every type of church. Leaders can select what works best for them in terms of ways to tell the Bible story, worship options, games, testimonies and prayer activities. The focus at the end of the service is always a time of prayer for schools.
We encourage people to involve children and young people wherever possible. I once saw a service online where the Bible teaching was delivered by two teenagers! We also provide children’s crafts for those who are looking for Sunday School
resources or who want to take young ones aside to do a craft during the service.
Follow-up is suggested with ideas for churches to support and pray for schools, children, young people and staff all year round. For that is our aim—to raise awareness of year-round schools’ prayer, to reassure that the church family cares and is praying, and to challenge Christian pupils and staff to be lights for Jesus in school. Find out more online and register to get your free resources!
quote_open_roundel Elizabeth McDowall Prayer & Church Partnerships Coordinator
Panic buying maybe isn’t what first comes to mind first when you think of our leadership training for young people, but it played its part in Naomi’s decision to sign up for February’s Basecamp at Gowanbank …
Ibooked the last place for the February Basecamp, because the June event was fully booked, and I didn’t want to miss out. I'd had an amazing time at a camp held at Glenshee and then Gowanbank, so it was a tough decision whether to continue as a camper or become a Trainee Leader.
At 17, I have lots of friends who are participants at SU Holidays, but it definitely feels like the right thing to become part of the team now. I’ve just finished my final year at school, and I’m ready for some new challenges.
I'm so glad I went to Basecamp. It's excellent preparation for becoming a leader, and the training sessions cover a lot of ground like how to lead different aspects of an event. In
the session about how to lead games, I was able to contribute some of the crazy game ideas we play in my youth group; we had such a lot of fun in that session and a real sense of togetherness.
Another stand-out moment for me was the workshop where we shared our personal stories. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it was a moment of real closeness when everyone in the group took a turn to share something about their faith journey. It surprised me how willing everybody was to do that—we got to know each other so well in the course of just a short weekend.
I am looking forward to returning to an SU Holiday at Gowanbank, and Basecamp means I feel ready to contribute on the team. I know there will be lots of opportunities to connect with a small group of young people, to spend time chatting with them over meals and to take part in activities together—I am aware of the influence I may have in that leader role.
It’s going to be a busy summer, as I am also setting up a holiday club in my local church. I have support from other people in the church, including a previous youth worker, but I’m taking some action to make it happen. We haven’t had a holiday club since before Covid and it feels like it’s time to provide something for the children in our community. I have a long summer holiday between finishing school and hopefully starting at university in September to study medicine, so it feels like a moment when I can get involved and try and do something that makes a difference.
quote_open_roundel Naomi O’Brien
GEARING UP FOR SUMMER
There is an ever growing range of specialist activities on offer at SU Holidays, running from July through into August. Some events still have spaces, so don't forget to share with young people you know ......
MOUNTAIN BIKING
With a choice of red or blue level events, to suit different skill levels—build confidence in a qualified team.
NEW! CREATIVE ARTS
A new primary event taking place at Scoughall with arts and crafts, sewing, baking, music and percussion.
NEW! GAMING
Following a successful weekend last autumn, we’ve now launched a summer video gaming holiday.
Whichever holiday young people choose this summer, they will have the chance to make friends, enjoy time together, explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus.
ISLAND ECO
ADVENTURE
A week exploring Arran’s amazing landscapes and habitats with hill walking and bushcrafts.
CANOE
ADVENTURE
Canoeing down the Spey, camping along the way, with games, wild swimming and evenings around a crackling campfire, yes please!
NEW! NERDCON
We know our new board game based ‘NerdCon’ Holiday is going to be brilliant, but we have now made it even better! It’s now an incredible pay-asmuch-as-you-want event!
Dive into a world of strategic fun and camaraderie surrounded by fellow board game enthusiasts in the relaxing surrounds of Gowanbank. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, this unique holiday offers a perfect blend of competitive play and leisurely enjoyment as we explore the Bible together— all at a price you choose.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to unwind, connect, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of board games without breaking the bank. Book your spot today and let the games begin!
suholidays.org.uk
IMMEASURA MORE
Sam Rae shares about preparation to lead worship alongside the wider team at this summer’s Magnitude Festival.
It’s helpful, I think, to kick off by saying when it comes to leading worship, the first place of preparation must start within! Am I deeply aware of the abundant love God has for me today? How might I follow him today? Am I holding back from him in any areas of my life? Ultimately our own closeness with Jesus is our priority as leaders, and this is always a dance with God as he calls us deeper in knowing him and giving more of ourselves over to him.
Thinking a bit about our team, over the last few years there have been particular values that we’ve felt God call us to in shaping how we 'do team' and serve at the festival.
• A servant heart: Everyone in that tent is a child of God gathering in wonder of Jesus—our role is simply to facilitate the space for people to be open to Jesus revealing himself to them.
• Approaching worship with an expectation of encounter: Ultimately God has promised His with-ness, and we believe that as we look towards him, he loves to meet with us. When this is the mix,
BLY
it’s hard not to get excited for all he might do!
• Aiming for excellence: This reaches how we honour Jesus, one another as team, and the young people, where learning parts and being musically tight is one side, but so is how we speak and communicate to each other.
• A deep rootedness in being real family with each other: simply, God always calls us to go together, and it’s so much better to celebrate the wins and help each other in difficulty as team this way!
One of the real shaping passages of scripture for how we worship Jesus at Magnitude is 2 Corinthians 3:18, which describes how, 'And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.' There is this sweet picture of us having the veil removed post Jesus resurrection, getting to behold
God the Father, and as we do that he promises to come near to us by His Spirit and make us more into the people we were always made to be. We spend a lot of time contemplating how God guides us in scripture in how to worship him, but this has always been a beautiful snapshot of the mystery of worship!
There is no question that Magnitude is full-on with two main sessions each day. The team for each session changes as we aim to be on for two sessions and off for one, giving everyone time to rest. As well as the two sessions, we need to fit in rehearsals and team time where we have a laugh and encourage one another, so it’s a busy schedule, but also great fun.
My own experience of God’s call to be a worship leader came through the worship and prayer ministry at Soul Survivor. I grew up going to SU Holidays, study camps, Go Conference and Basecamp
and think back to moments when Jesus came into clear focus for me. At Soul Survivor I had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit that shaped my choices to lead worship and study music. It’s a privilege now to see young people on their own journeys with God! When we pray for Magnitude, we ask that God will do 'immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine'. I don’t know what it will look like—I don’t want to measure—but there is expectation and a growing sense of God doing that exact work amongst the young people in Scotland. I'm simply in awe of how God is shaping them to be the kingdom of God throughout our culture.
quote_open_roundel Sam Rae
Sam Rae is joint worship leader for Magnitude, with Sam Hibbard and Charlotte Holden. He has just finished a degree in music from Napier University and contributes to worship at Central Church in Edinburgh.
EACH & EVERY YOUNG PERSON
Elaine Tait has stepped into a new role at SU Scotland to ensure we increasingly support children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN). We asked her to share a little bit about why she’s so excited.
Each and every young person, just as they are! This includes young people with ASNs, those impacted by poverty, by care experience, those who are part of an ethnic minority, refugees and asylum seekers and those with a family member in prison.
I want to help us all focus on removing barriers that might exist, barriers that might be getting in the way of a young person being able to explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus. In order to do that, the most important thing is to listen.
We need to listen to children and young people, to their parents and carers, to staff and volunteers. And we need
to not make assumptions. By listening with open minds, we become aware of what a child or young person needs and can take action to support them.
I will be working with volunteers and staff, delivering training, participating in events and helping anyone connected with SU Scotland to consider how to provide the support that each young person needs.
I’ll also be working with children and young people of course! I used to teach RMPS (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies) at Clydeview Academy in Gourock and supported young people with ASN there. Before that I worked for a cancer charity and have experience of bereavement support, with a trauma informed approach. There is a lot of knowledge and best practice out there, so part of my role will be to connect with that—through networks such as the
Additional Needs Alliance— so that children and young people within SU ministry might benefit. My experience of supporting pupils in school is also relevant, and I am looking forward to sharing, contributing and connecting people … because this is simply so important.
I’m also excited as I have a really clear sense that this is what God wants me to be doing. I love teaching and wasn’t looking for a change, but over the course of last year, God spoke to me about being directly involved in ministry, and this role is the one I feel called to.
Seeking out those who are marginalised and finding ways to meet their needs is not only what we are focussing on doing, it is who we are becoming as SU Scotland. Jesus spoke about leaving the 99 to search for the one. We need to have that mindset too.
quote_open_roundel Elaine Tait
Elaine and her husband, Graham, have four grown children and are part of Darnley United Free Church, on the south side of Glasgow. They have many volunteer connections with SU Scotland, including as Team Leaders for KX2 on Arran.
PROJECT RESCUE PROJECT RESCUE
A new resource, Project Rescue, written by Susie Ford, Regional Worker based in Dundee, and Heather Holdsworth, SU Scotland volunteer, will feature at SU Holidays this summer. A modified version will also be available for use in schools in the autumn. Whether you or someone you know are heading to an event this summer, or if you pray for events, we thought you’d like a sneak preview.
The aim of Project Rescue is to provide seven sessions of age-appropriate, engaging teaching materials that give a broad overview of the Bible. There are options for different activities and responses enabling Team Leaders to choose what best suits their campers’ age demographic and faith background, as well as their own preparation time and preferences.
TEACHING AIMS
COGNITIVE (HEAD)
• Understand how the Bible narrative fits into history; it is part of the human story
• Learn how the Old Covenant sacrificial system culminated in Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross
• Appreciate the flow of key people and events in the Judeo-Christian storyline
AFFECTIVE (HEART)
• Understand the broken friendship between people and God; consider their appetite for having this restored
• Appreciate the lengths God took to reconnect Creator and creature
BEHAVIOURAL (HANDS)
• Consider personal life priorities and areas of self-governance
• Grow in their interest in engaging with God through Jesus, the Lamb of God
• Grow in humility with those around as loved image bearers of God
SESSION ONE
HOW CAN SOMETHING SO RIGHT GO SO WRONG?
Friendship with God is broken, we need someone to help make it right
SESSION TWO THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE
God is worth trusting no matter what is happening around us
SESSION THREE DRAMATIC DAYS WITH THE PRINCE OF EGYPT
God loves people and has the power to rescue them
SESSION FOUR HOW TO RULE THE WORLD God stays faithful to his rescue project even though his people keep rejecting his ways
SESSION FIVE TIMES OF WONDER AND IMPOSSIBLE THINGS
God has provided Jesus as the Lamb of God, the forever rescuer
SESSION SIX HOW CAN SOMETHING SO WRONG GO SO RIGHT?
Jesus must die as the final lamb in order to complete Project Rescue
SESSION SEVEN
SO THIS IS HOW IT ALL WORKS OUT
Project Rescue means we can belong in God’s eternal family
2024 SU Global Gathering
Hannah Steeds, Ministry Development Co-ordinator at Alltnacriche, shares her experience of joining an international event.
In March this year, I had the opportunity to attend the SU Global Gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a Young Ambassador. The gathering, which takes place once every 6–8 years, creates a brilliant space for representatives of different national SU movements to come together to pray, share ideas, reflect and encourage one another.
The theme of this year's Global Gathering was ‘Bridging the Gap’. This meant thinking about how Scripture Union can remain relevant and respond helpfully to a fragmented and divided world. Usually, the gathering is attended by national movement leaders, but this year 43 Young Ambassadors (age 18–35) from as many different countries were also invited to share where we see 'gaps' or issues that affect the young people and families with whom we work.
The Young Ambassadors identified areas where stronger bridges would help SU to share the Good News of the Bible. These included ministry at the margins, innovation in digital ministry and a concern for holistic mission. We also heard insightful talks from keynote speakers Krish Kandiah, Nana Yaw Offei Awuku and Ruth Padilla DeBorst. Each shared about their experiences in tackling division and added practical reflection on how to bridge gaps between the church and the world and between people of different generations.
Over 300 people from 100 countries attended the Global Gathering. I was amazed at how easily people who had been strangers before the gathering soon connected like family.
In conversation, I learned of many bridges already being built. Just a few great examples included mental health programmes for young people in Uganda, sport and
play ministry in Portugal and Canada, and school’s ministry in Malaysia.
I would recommend the Global Gathering to anyone who has the opportunity to attend. It opened my eyes to the amazing work that God is doing through SU and helped me to appreciate that SU Scotland is part of a much bigger picture. Bridging the gap wasn’t just talked about but was modelled in a powerful way as the gathering brought many people from such diverse contexts together, all with a shared heart for God’s word. I am grateful for the connections that I have made and excited to see what bridging the gap will look like in the years to come.
quote_open_roundel Hannah Steeds Ministry Development Co-ordinator, Alltnacriche
Also attending the SU Global Gathering from Scotland were Stephen Bell, Chair, Robin MacLellan, CEO, and Jackie Ringan, Director of Development and Holidays.
Inspirational fundraising
Meet Sarah Spouge, our Assistant House Manager at Lendrick Muir where she contributes to the successful running of the centre.
Whenshe’s not at work, Sarah is still busy on her feet. Recently, a new passion for running has taken her into uncharted territory. Not only does she run six days out of seven, but she has turned her fitness focus into a way of supporting SU Scotland.
Sarah says, 'Running did not come easy for me. I have hypermobility syndrome, flat feet, fibromyalgia, calcium tendonitis and impingement syndrome in both shoulders, Raynaulds’ disease and tendon damage in my right hand. The ladies I see about my feet don't actually know how I manage to run. There are days I struggle, but I keep fighting. Somehow it is better to run, than not. That is all I know.
'I’ve only been running a few years, and I took part in my first half-marathon in November 2022. It was freezing cold, and it
definitely wasn't easy. This year I am planning to run six half-marathons to raise funds for SU Scotland.
'In particular, I'm raising money to support children and young people whose families are struggling to fund their SU Holiday. All donations, no matter how small, are gratefully appreciated.'
This year Sarah is running half marathons in Alloa, Carnoustie, Loch Leven, Falkirk, Antrim and Glasgow. What’s next? She’s stopped saying 'never again' and has her name in a ballot for the London Marathon. Go Sarah! We think you are amazing.
You can support Sarah’s fundraising for SU Scotland with a secure online donation by visiting her Just Giving page. And if you are feeling inspired, there are loads of fun things you can get involved with to fundraise too.
Register now to receive weekly prayer information, prayer letters from Team Leaders prior to their events, and updates as needs arise. suscotland.org.uk/ prayerhotline
SU MISSIONS
Missions and holiday clubs provide a fabulous setting for children to have fun and learn about Jesus. Find resources and a list of holiday clubs running this summer online. suscotland.org.uk/ missions
SU HOLIDAYS
To find out about and book spaces on an SU Holiday, visit the holidays website: suholidays.org.uk
MAGNITUDE
2024
20–24 July
Lendrick Muir
Magnitude is an annual Christian youth festival for young people aged 11–18. Based at Lendrick Muir, you'll find space to encounter God, enjoy community and experience nature together. magnitude.org.uk/2024
suscotland.org.uk/bsg
VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Bible Alive (residential) 20-23 August
Lendrick Muir
Allergy Awareness (online)
Food Hygiene (online)
Training courses are open to SU Scotland volunteers. Book online or contact the Volunteers Department. suscotland.org.uk/events
BIG CELEBRATION 2024 SAVE THE DATE
24 August,
Lendrick Muir
Our guest speaker is Stephen Jones, teacher and longtime SU Scotland volunteer and Team Leader. Join us for main sessions, seminars, activities and a ceilidh to finish off the night!
suscotland.org.uk/ bigcelebration
SPOTLIGHT & EQUIP
27 September
25 October
29 November
Spotlight East (S1–S2)
7.00–8.45pm
Cornerstone Free Church
Edinburgh
Equip East (S3–S6)
7.00–8.45pm
Elim Church
Edinburgh
Equip West (S1–S6)
7.00–9.00pm
The Tron Church
Glasgow
Enjoy time with your friends, share what's going on at school, and spend time thinking through the Christian faith in the face of the big questions of today. With speakers, worship, games and snacks.
suscotland.org.uk/equip
GO CONFERENCE
11–14 October
Lendrick Muir
SU Scotland’s national youth conference for S4–S6 pupils who want to grow in their relationship with God and understand how the Bible shapes all areas of life. Bookings are open!
suholidays.org.uk/go
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE—exploring Jesus' interactions with the blind man and Zacchaeus in Jericho (Luke 18:35–19:10). We have everything you need to hold an all-age church service or children’s talk—plus prayers and activities for use in Sunday Clubs. Find out more and register online.
