November 07
The 2008 events programme is just being finalised, and as soon as it is, we'll be updating the Count Me In website with all the dates and locations where you can volunteer next year.
So watch this space! Well, not this space exactly, because this is the news page...
October 07
Either Benj at SU's Haydon Bridge mission is the world's best computer game whiz, or he's just got a lot of time on his hands. Don't know what we're talking about? Check out the highscores on The Volunteer Strikes Back computer game.
Benj has a monopoly on the leaderboard and we need a dedicated soul to put an end to this domination! Will you be the brave soul to take on the challenge?
September 07
In the last two months, more than two-thousand volunteers have made Scripture Union's summer programme of holidays and missions happen. That's a lot of people. And if you're one of those, we've got another favour to ask…
On your event, you experienced people having fun, making new friends, getting lots of new ideas, being challenged in their faith and receiving solid Bible teaching. And before you forget about it, we want you to share it with others!
Will you be brave enough to stand up in your church service and tell the congregation what you did, what you enjoyed, what you hated (hmmmm I wonder how many people will mention a lack of sleep here?!) and what you learnt from the whole experience?
Sharing your experience is really important. It gives others new ideas and techniques for their own church programmes. It delights others to know that God's Word has been sown in thousands of lives in a fun and appropriate way and that Christianity has been seen in a positive light to the outside world. And it also encourages people to get involved themselves, which will have a huge impact on the number of events Scripture Union can run in the future.
So, to steal the slogan of a multinational empire… Just Do It.
August 07
More than 70 events have come and gone and there are still more than 20 to go! My, it has been a busy summer!
And the sun has come out too. Lovely!
If you have great stories to tell from your event, email us at team@scriptureunion.org.uk
July 07
The summer is here!
OK, so it might be the wettest few months since the Great Flood, but trust us, the summer is here! During July and August, around 100 events will take place in England and Wales, and overseas on short-term placements.
10,000 people will be involved in the programme this summer. That's 10,000 children, young people and adults who will hear or share the message of the gospel. And these events are only possible because of our wonderful volunteers.
Enjoy the summer… and don't forget your umbrella.
June 07
We all know slavery is bad, but people didn't always think so. But thanks to the efforts of people like William Wilberforce and John Newton, the British slave trade is no more, and 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.
Scripture Union celebrated the anniversary recently with a Lifepath mission in Olney, the home of lace-making, pancake races and the resting place of John Newton.
Lifepath Olney, which was run by volunteers from the churches of Olney and schools trusts, focussed on the life of John Newton - his conversion, his work in the abolition of the slave trade, and the songs that he's famous for, such as including Amazing Grace.
May 07
Take a look around, and you'll see the Count Me In website harping on about the impact that volunteers have on the children and young people who attend. But before you think it's just a load of hot air, here's some proof! This Easter saw the launch of a new holiday called Motivation, which was for young people about to sit their GCSE's, combining revision, watersports and God! The following quote has sped its way to us from a parent of one of the girls on the holiday.
'I cant thank you enough for giving my daughter such a wonderful time! Last week I said goodbye to a very stressed and slightly hormonal teenager but have welcomed back a happy and positive daughter who was just a little bit sad to be at home rather than at camp!'
See? That's the effect volunteers have. And before you ask, we didn't swap her daughter with another person.
April 07
There are a number of things that make us happy at Scripture Union. One is chocolate, another is nice weather and another is seeing people volunteer. Thankfully, we've had all three recently! The 2007 programme is filling up nicely, so thank you for your commitment to the cause.
But don't despair if you haven't got around to signing up yet, because there are places still available! Frontline missions to Romania, Peru, Hungary and Slovakia, and the debut beach mission in Portugal are all eager for you to get on board. And when we say 'you', we mean you.
March 07
Welcome to the Count Me In website. The clever people at Scripture Union have put their heads together* and come up with everything you need to know about being a volunteer - what you'll be doing, where you'll be doing it, and what's in it for you.
Please take a look around the site, have a go at the quiz, and test your skill at the game. And don't worry if you get caught playing it at work, we'll cover for you!
*not literally.