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Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
 
 
 
 

Friends' pupils enjoy SU weekend in Castlewellan

Friends' Scripture Union Committee who organised the recent very successful weekend away for all members. US47-144AONINETY-SEVEN enthusiastic pupils from Friends' School Lisburn, along with five willing teachers, took part in the Friends' School Scripture Union Weekend in October.

It was held in Castlewellan Castle and the huge demand for the weekend highlighted the success SU has had this year.

The weekend began a fancy dress party, the theme for this year being 'Superheroes'.

This brought out the creativity in everyone with costumes varying from 'Superman' to 'Super noodles' with 'Captain Underpants', 'Lara Croft' and 'The Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles' stealing the crown for best outfit.

The students then amused themselves with lots of dancing and games before settling down to a good movie after their annual night walk around the lake had been cancelled.

The first of the talks from guest speaker Andi Oakes, who led the senior pupils, and Julianne Quilty who spoke on the foundations of Christianity to the junior pupils, were held the next morning.

The two are very talented speakers who brought extremely relevant and thought provoking messages, which left everyone on a spiritual high for the rest of the day.

A visit to Castlewellan was next up in the afternoon, whilst the evening meeting proved to be another very powerful teaching session. It gave some of the senior pupils the opportunity to open up and share their own feelings and personal struggles, again leaving the students with a lot to think about.

Some lively worship and powerful, encouraging words from the speakers was enough to wake the students up following a night of fun and games.

"The meetings touched and challenged the pupils with some sharing what the teachings had meant for them personally" said one of the pupils, Louise Gilmore.

"Each of the students left with heavy hearts with everyone being reluctant to go, especially the Year 14s who would be leaving for the very last time."

The weekend ended on a high note with an interesting walk around the maze.

Louise said, "Our time in Castlewellan has taught us so much more about giving your all to God and living your life for Him, and will be an experience that won't be forgotten in a hurry.

"Thanks must go to the incredible S U Committee who worked tirelessly and with stead-fast devotion to make the weekend what it was."