Our congregation is one of many which support the E3 Scripture Union project in the North Coast. Previously called the Churches and Schools Together Project, because it is now being developed in other areas, the Scripture Union Council decide to give it the fresh name of ‘E3’ and image, although the ethos and nature of the work remain unchanged.
Jenny Atkinson, probably known to our children even if not ourselves, is the Schools Worker in the BT51 – BT57 area comprising the North Coast. The aims of this project, and indeed of Scripture Union, are fourfold – to promote the Bible as the source of truth and life; to reach pupils with the good news of Jesus Christ; to support and encourage Christians serving God in schools; and to envision and equip churches to pray for and engage with their local schools. You may have spotted some of the SU literature tailored for the north coast on display.
So here is an update on the past year, giving an outline of what has been happening in this vital dual work of reaching children and encouraging teachers and staff. We are aware that most children are not attending Church, but they are required to attend school! So while we have the opportunity in our lifetime to reach them with the joyous news of the Gospel, let’s do it while we are in the lifetime of the opportunity.
Back at the start of last April, working alongside Crown Jesus Ministries, SU was involved in three major school missions, Coleraine Inst., Coleraine High and Dalriada, each of which made major impact on the school. In the midst of this there was a Making Your Mark weekend, offering training and guidance to young leaders.
For many SUs within outlying schools, because there are few pupils in the group and so many staff needed to accompany, weekends away have become a thing of the past. Through a new venture called the ‘North Coast Camp’ we made it possible for pupils to spend a weekend together away from the school environment – to sing, laugh, play, make things, pray and above all learn more about who God is. A team of 10 SU volunteers led this camp with 42 children, which took take place at the start of May in the Outdoor Education Centre in Bushmills. This was a wonderful success.
During the months of April and May the Amazing Jesus lessons are presented, so along with two teams of volunteers Jenny was working with P5 and 6 classes in Millburn Primary and Harpur’s Hill Primary. They looked at three of Jesus’ miracles, sharing with the children what Jesus can do in and through them when they follow Him. The summer months of July and August were busy with various CSSMs and Camps around the towns of our North Coast.
Some of the best news is that in the last year five new Scripture Unions have been established in the schools of Coleraine College and the Primaries of Cullycapple, Killowen, Milburn and Ballytober. Do pray for these SUs and the teachers in these schools and others, who take on the extra duty of looking after their Scripture Union. Further encouragements have been through work with young disturbed children and also with those with learning disabilities.
If you would like any information about this work of Scripture Union, to support through prayer or giving, please contact Miss Dorothy Mills, who is our Link Person, or have a word with Jenny Atkinson at the SU Office at 36 Long Commons, Coleraine. Tel: 70320075 or
Email: jenny@suni.co.uk
