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Scripture Union What is SU? S.U. seeks to encourage pupils in their faith, be a witness in the school, raise money for missionaries and be a fun place to go on Friday afternoons. S.U. meets every Friday afternoon between 3:45 - 5:00, but there are numerous extra events also. Some of these activities include; music concerts, weekends away, table quizzes and a Girls' Night In. Senior S.U. is more than a club, it is a family of people who support and help each other. Last term our theme was “Relationships!” We encouraged all senior pupils to come along to explore the relationships we have with our friends, family, church and God There is also a Junior S.U. section, which meets every Monday lunch-time for songs, quizzes and learning in Mrs McMullan’s room. Senior SU is getting personalised hoodies for its members. There will be a short verse on the back; "For we walk by faith not by sight". We have a weekend away once a year and this year we went to Millisle, staying at the Boys Brigade centre. Pictures from past weekends can be seen below - if you click on the icon to the bottom right, you will see the images as a slideshow. If you are unsure what the pictures are supposed to be, hold the mouse over the image and you will see a description:
Senior Scripture Union Report 2009 I think we can sum up 2008-2009 for S.U with the expression “What a year!” Last year we saw a huge increase in the number of pupils attending on a Friday afternoon which was such an encouragement to everyone. We started off the year by organising the weekend away – undoubtedly one of the major highlights of the S.U calendar! We returned to the YMCA centre in Newcastle, having thoroughly enjoyed our experiences there the previous year. Each day we enjoyed worship, quiet time, Bible study and the message from our speaker, David Morris along with all the craic of being away from home with our friends! With the first term flying in, it was time to organise various parts of the 6th Form Formal. The S.U committee was responsible for planning the alternative after-formal which, with permission very kindly granted, was held in the Presbyterian hall. Another area of outreach during the formal was seen in the small Bible verses which were printed unto the personalised place-cards. Starting a new term in 2009, we were not aware of the exciting times that would lie ahead but I think it’s safe to say that, looking back, we can now see how God was moving in S.U. We started off the year with “Three Big Questions” which was a fantastic way to start the year as it got everyone refocused after the stress of the January Mock exams! Next, we embarked on a six-week series of the book of James, starting in week one with an introductory lesson on how to study God’s word and then apply to our everyday lives, which was a really useful way to begin our study, as the ‘James’ is all about faith in action! In S.U, the biggest opportunity to witness to our friends and teachers comes at Easter, and last year was no different. We led the service through worship, prayer, Bible readings and drama. It was an especially memorable service for the Upper Sixth pupils who shared, via video link, favourite verses from the Bible, S.U memories and what God had done, and continues to do, in their lives. S.U decided to donate the retiring offering from the service, a total of £200 to Rainbow House Orphanage in Thailand which was without doubt a huge blessing to those who received it. We also had an “Open Microphone” meeting before the end of term which allowed anyone to share their testimony, favourite Bible verse and suchlike. This was a real blessing and encouragement for all those who attended as we were able to hear how God is doing so much in people’s lives! To end the year, it was the turn of the Upper Sixth to lead S.U and say their goodbyes to S.U. This was a sad day but also one full of excitement and anticipation as thoughts turned to the future and God’s promise of his everlasting love for and protection of all of his children, in whatever path he leads them into in life: Jeremiah ch29v11,”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Judith McLean V SU Weekend 2009 The annual SU weekend was held on Friday 13th to Sunday 15th in Millisle Boys Brigade centre and a great time was had by all. We were blessed by the presence of Anita Adrian, whose talks on image challenged us and strengthened our faith. On Saturday we took part in various games and team building activities such as the high ropes course, zip lining and the climbing wall. The night was rounded off by a bonfire and a social. The next morning after worship, a traditional Sunday roast was enjoyed courtesy of the outstanding kitchen staff. After this a “share” session was held and God’s presence was truly felt. We then packed up and headed home for some much needed sleep. Aaron Ferguson UVI 1608 SU Event On 5th December the 5 Royal Schools convened as a group for a 1608 Senior Scripture Union (SU) convention. This event was received with high demand for places, with all of the schools involved producing a high turn out of pupils and staff. The event was held in RSD’s lower Campus hall, starting at 9:30 and ending at around 3:00 p.m. Upon arrival, the visiting pupils were offered some light refreshments in the foyer of the Campus before entering the main hall to begin the day. The praise band from RSD then played some songs on stage for everyone to sing along. The band consisted of; Amy Williamson and Sarah Gilkinson- (coordinators of the praise group), Nadine Hall playing the piano, Rachel Clingan playing the clarinet, Ray Chan playing the flute, Kelsey Hadden and Sarah Ferguson playing guitars and William Maguire on the drums. This group was well organised and as a result of this the music produced was highly commented on as a major success. Mr Hewitt then welcomed everybody to the event and thanked them for their punctuality. The key speaker of the day was Rev Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore. He gave an interesting three part talk on the Christian lifestyle and made a good point about needing a common interest with people before discussing your religious beliefs. Between each component of this talk the praise band went on stage to play more well known songs. At lunch time all the students were brought up to the Upper Campus for free food. This free time was useful for the students to chat and become acquainted. When everyone was finished their meals they returned back down to the lower Campus to be greeted by many various Christian organisations, for example Exodus group and Tear Fund, which had set up stalls around the hall. There was also a small bookstall here, run by some senior prefects from RSD, selling Christian literature. Once the break was over, the organisations each gave an outreach talk. These were to discuss the different opportunities to be had by all the members of each Scripture Union- these varied from trips to foreign countries over the summer break, to giving your email address to sign up for a regular podcast so that you are kept updated on the current affairs of the 3rd world countries. Many members have now signed up to all of these, and await further details of the prospects involved with the summer adventures available. The day finished with each person writing a prayer on a paper foot, which were placed on a makeshift pathway created earlier in the day by staff.
An enjoyable time of fellowship and praise was had by all present. Many thanks are due to the various teachers involved who co-aliased to make this event run so smoothly, the many RSD pupils who helped serve sweets, sell books and clean up afterwards and also to RSD for providing the Scripture Unions the use of the hall throughout the day. We would also like to thank the speaker for his discussion which was a highlight for most at the convention.
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