Sunday 5: Focus for today and throughout the week
There are 67 Scripture Union Associates around the country, most working with schools to help resource RE curriculum, assemblies and Christian groups. They also play a valuable role in linking churches with their local schools.
Monday 6
The associate trust at Oswestry is ten years old this year. The trust used its celebratory year to launch a Romance Academy to help teenagers make right relationships. From a modest start in April, with one of Associate Hannah More’s friends, who recruited three non-Christian friends, the fi ve month course has ended with a buzz around town. Now more teenagers are eager to join.
Tuesday 7
Graham Daniels, from Christians in Sport, last month helped Insight, the associate trust in Kingston-upon-Thames, mark 20 years. The trust has grown during its life, and transition worker Chris Webster has just joined Associates Tim Neal and Heather Stephens. Stories of children, young people and staff stirred by the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus more are their greatest encouragement.
Wednesday 8
At Havering, on the eastern outskirts of London, Ben Poch has joined Alex Newens as a part time worker with the Graceworks associate trust. Ben has been with Ambassadors in Sport for the past year, doing school PE lessons, running lunchtime clubs, and organising football teams. He is now working part time in schools and part time as church youth worker in a church.
Thursday 9
Associate trusts have recruited new workers for the new school year. Primary workers
Claire Miller and Hazel Childs have joined Watford; Keighley appointed Alison Way, to cover maternity leave. The new trust at Worcester appointed Ashley Vaughan, while in Mold, north Wales, churches have formed a schools work trust, with Wendy Swan as the new worker.
Friday 10
Behind every Associate worker there is a team of dedicated and committed trustees –
volunteers who run the body that oversees the ministry. The 39 associate trusts, spread across England and Wales, represent groups of churches that have responded to God’s call to work in schools in their areas.
Saturday 11: International focus
Bolivia: Scripture Union has been going through a rough time. The country has been facing political hardship during which wealthy provinces have sought independence, threatening disintegration and violence, and leaving millions without a future. Amid this, SU workers continue their ministry in schools and camps.