Pauline Forster
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I’m Pauline and I am one of the SU Scotland Regional Workers for Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. I met my husband Colin when we were both on a holiday club mission team and we have been involved in various SU volunteering roles for a number of years. Our three children have been brought up being part of SU Scotland teams and events and are now all involved in many areas of SU ministries. I also work part time in our church in Newton Mearns as Children and Families Worker, two roles which complement each other well. I love being able to work with the young people in the region in which I live and it is an absolute privilege to be able to share God’s word and Jesus love with them. Below is an overview of the work that is happening in our region based on the seven Anchors of SU Scotland’s ministry.
Bibles Open – Schools ministry
SU groups
For many pupils attending an SU group in their school is the first time they hear or read from the Bible and get to explore what it means. Every day of the school week across our region there are SU groups running in primary and secondary schools but there are still many schools without groups and we would love to see this area of ministry grow.
Bible Alive
Costumes, drama, props, storytelling, sign language, multimedia, fun, laughter and P5-P7 pupils hearing the big picture of the Bible. What is not to love?! Bible Alive lessons are praised by pupils and staff alike and tie in with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. We are hoping to expand the reach of Bible Alive into more schools in our region. If you’d like to find out about training please get in touch.
P7 transition
Moving up to secondary school can be a big step. We are able to offer short Bible based lessons for P7 pupils to help them as they MOVE up.
Prayer Central
Dependence on God is essential in all we do in SU Scotland. You can sign up below to receive our quarterly prayer newsletter to support our region in prayer.
Ministry at the Margins Prioritised
At SU Scotland we want to see barriers removed that make exploring the Bible difficult for some young people. No young person should be excluded due to ASN, financial concerns or other barriers. If you have a heart for young people with ASN then we would love to speak with you to develop resources and work within ASN schools in the region. Cost should never be a barrier preventing a young person from attending an event and we have financial resources available to help with these. Please email in confidence if this is something you would like to discuss.
Disciples making Disciples
SU Scotland has options for secondary school pupils who are seeking to grow in their faith and also disciple others.
Equip Pupil Leader Training
If you are in S3 to S6, and know and love Jesus, and want to start an SU group in your school or help lead one that already exists, join us and the 100+ young people who have gone before you - take up the baton of leadership! Take time to learn and discuss what it looks like to lead an SU group in your school. You are the very best people to take on this role!
Equip West
Equip West provides opportunities across the academic year for high school aged Christians to gather and grow in their faith. We tackle some of the more difficult topics which we know young people are facing with the hope that they learn to be more confident to shine for Jesus in their school. You can find out more at suscotland.org.uk/equip.
COmMISSION programme
As well as holidays and weekends, there are also training events for senior pupils and young adults to help them grow in their faith and leadership skills, whilst equipping them to live out their faith and share it with others. If you know of anyone interested in these opportunities, then take a look at the COmMISSION page.
Volunteer – First Approach
The majority of the work of SU Scotland is carried out by nearly 3000 volunteers. There are many roles you can get involved in from a week away at a camp to praying and everything in between. Volunteering with SU is very rewarding, please get in touch if you would like to find out how you could get involved.
Serving the Churches
SU Scotland does not seek to replace the local church. We appreciate the support from local churches and are also able to support churches as they reach out to children and young people.
Local Ministry Hubs
Local Ministry Hubs aim to bring together churches, SU volunteers, other Christian organisations and Christian school staff to ensure every High School and their associated Primary schools are both prayed for and part of a local plan to try to enable meaningful Christian contact in all schools. To join your Local Hub please get in touch.
Residentials transform lives
Primary and Secondary Regional Weekends
Our popular Primary Regional weekend happens usually in February at our SU Scotland centre - Gowanbank. Every year we exploring the Bible together using a fun theme as well as taking part in lots of activities such as tree climbing, archery, silent disco, games and lots more.
Our new Secondary Regional weekend will be happening in September at Gowanbank. Secondary weekends are an opportunity for young people to explore and deepen faith together with leaders who are passionate about their faith while also getting to relax and try some adventurous, or not-so adventurous activities.
Easter/Summer/October Holidays
SU Scotland offers a huge variety of holidays during the school holidays for P5 to S6 aged young people. We have access to funding to help reduce the costs for those young people who may need some financial support to attend. Please just get in touch.