Even though this year has brought many challenges to SU ministries, we have found that God is still well and truly on the move and opening up plenty of exciting opportunities:
Read the full SU NEWS Winter 2020 EOFY Update (PDF)!
A note from the Board
We are eager to make a sound decision about the proposal to merge into a national SU group. COVID-19 has slowed discussions at a national level, however, the time has come for our movement to make important decisions about our future.
The Board plan to present clear options to our AGM later this year and enable governing members to vote on whether to stay as a separate Mission entity or to merge with the other States and Territories.
We will be communicating throughout August and September with our governing members and seeking their feedback before taking options to the AGM for a vote.
If you would like to vote on our future at the AGM, please join up and become a Governing Member today: sunsw.org.au/become-a-member.
Working together for the Kingdom
Key staff and volunteers from across SU state and territory Movements are currently engaged in collaborative discussions to identify shared resources and information that will allow ministry to continue safely at this time.
Already, this has seen the première of a range of online Camps in many States (including NSW), as well as research and development into our leadership training, as we seek to meet critical Gospel needs within our communities into the future by mentoring emerging young Christian leaders for life and ministry.
Praise God also for this opportunity to see relationships flourishing across SU as we work together in this way.
Summer Missions 2020-21
As we eagerly look ahead and hope for upcoming mission season, we must remind ourselves: we work with Churches, and therefore need to strengthen our relationship with local churches and do all we can to help create a pleasing aroma within the communities we minister.
The question on our mind needs to be, ‘How can we reach and disciple every child, young person and family?’ not, ‘How do we run a mission?’
Meet Peter
Given the impact of COVID-19 on ministry in NSW, Peter Stone has agreed to step down from the Board to re-join staff in support of Interim State Director, Glenn Coombs, as they look to the future.
Peter became a Christian at an ISCF camp in his first year of High School (1968). “I went to that camp because ISCF was the only place where the older boys in my school treated us with interest and respect.” Today he knows this was the love of Jesus.
Peter went on to serve as ISCF leader, Junior Officer at SU Camps, Camp Director and SUFM Team Leader. He was on staff for ten years as Camps Coordinator, Training Director and Associate State Director. And most recently, has been a Board Director.
“SU holds a special place in my heart. It provided the people and places that led me to Jesus, helped me grow in my faith, learn my gifts and gave me opportunities to serve and lead. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve again in this very focused role.”
Peter’s qualifications in adult education, theology and business administration as well as a career spanning the public sector, professional services, financial services and consulting will be an invaluable asset as we review strategy, develop key operational plans, build capability and sharpen our focus on fulfilling the distinctive mission SU has in NSW moving forwards.
SU Camps adapt and evolve
SU NSW staff and volunteers are thinking hard about what our Spring Camps will look like. It seems probable that many can go ahead if the curve stays flat. Please pray! There will be adjustments to make, and some hard work ahead, please pray that God will provide the faith, wisdom, and flexibility His people will need!
Leadership Conference Springwood was held recently as a two day online event, but plans to run normally next year. Meanwhile, Leadership Conference Tamworth plans to move from July to October this year, most likely at Lake Keepit.
Check sunsw.org.au/camps for latest SU Camps and also facebook.com/sunsw for updates!
Pray
Pray for wisdom at the AGM Member vote later this year on the decision for SU NSW to merge into a national SU group with other States and Territories. Have your say, apply to become a member!
Given the impact of COVID-19 on ministry in NSW, pray for God’s blessing over SU NSW as we review strategy, develop key operational plans, build capability and sharpen our focus on fulfilling the distinctive mission SU has in NSW moving forwards.
Pray for continued ministry innovation in the Camps space in particular as we develop more quality virtual experiences for kids and youth, pray and prepare for safe return of face-to-face Camps, and continue to explore possible new Camps with passionate SU volunteers across rural and metropolitan NSW.
Pray for SUFM, SUmmerlife, SUmmerkids and Holiday Bible Clubs Directors and key staff, preparing for the upcoming season of Summer ministries amidst the ongoing COVID-19 situation and considerations.
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