September SU Update
In 1867, on a sunny day in Wales, a man named Josiah Spiers had a simple yet powerful idea. Walking along a beach filled with families, he noticed children playing in the sand - creating gardens from pebbles and seaweed. Inspired, he invited them to spell out a short but life-changing Bible verse in the sand: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
As families gathered around those words, Josiah began to tell stories about Jesus in a way that was fresh, creative, and relevant for young people. That moment sparked the beginning of Scripture Union.
From those pebbles in the sand grew a movement that, for over 150 years, has been finding new and creative ways to help children, young people, and families encounter God through the Bible and discover His love for themselves. Today, it is our privilege to continue the work of gathering people around this same truth.
For many of you who read this, your life has no doubt been deeply impacted and shaped by the words of hope that are found throughout Scripture as you have encountered them in your homes, churches, and perhaps even at a Scripture Union camp! If you have been at Ovoca Manor in recent months, you may have noticed that the words of Psalm 145 have been beautifully painted on one of the walls as you walk up the old staircase:
3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure his greatness.
4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;
let them proclaim your power.
This is our heart. We don’t want to just hold onto what we know of God’s love for ourselves - we want to share it with others. Our hope is for children and parents, grandparents and friends, to gather and celebrate what God has done and is still doing in our lives, our communities, and our homes. Our prayer is that generations of young people and families would encounter God’s love for themselves.
We want to invite you to partner with us in this work by keeping you regularly updated with our news and events so you can pray intentionally and get involved with what’s going on.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Scripture Union here in Ireland. None of our work would be possible without your time and generosity. If you would like to give to the work of Scripture Union Ireland, please see below.
Blessings,
Mark Murray
National Director
Updates & Prayer points:
We are piloting exciting new Bible Engagement workshops to give young people and families practical methods and tools to encounter God through Scripture.
We’re always working to have a high standard of service at Ovoca Manor, which includes new decking being installed at Densmore Lodge.
A number of Ember retreats aimed to develop student faith leaders from a variety of backgrounds have taken place at Ovoca Manor.
We were delighted to welcome 24 participants to our Father & Daughter camp in early September.
Two new staff have joined the SU team - Lisa Garcia (Bible Engagement & Events Facilitator) & Andrew Mullen (Ovoca Manor Residential Support).
Support the work of SU
Much of our work is only possible because of supporters who see the value of SU Ireland's work and sow into our ministry!
