Joanne Gilchrist - from the SU team creating resources for mission - talks about storytelling, including information on SU's latest book "Robin's Christmas Song" available to purchase from now! And how can you read this story out loud well? And why are stories so engaging? And what exactly rhymes with 'Almighty'? It's all in this episode.

Contact:

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

FB: scriptureunionenglandandwales

Insta: Scriptureunionew

Resources:

su.org.uk/christmas

Researcher Sarah Holmes joins the podcast to talk about the brand new "Taking the Pulse" research which surveys the landscape of youth and children's ministry in 2026. Find out what people are saying about the relevance of church and the Christian faith on the next generation.

Contact

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

FB: Scriptureunionenglandandwales

Insta: ScriptureunionEW

Resources

www.su.org.uk/takingthepulse

Ruth reckons she can beat Mark at most sports. She also talks about one of SU's flagship resources: Half Time. 36 sessions through the Gospel of Mark using sport as the language. We also think about some of the challenges faced when unpacking the Bible with children and young people today.

Contact:

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

FB: ScriptureUnionEnglandandWales

Insta: ScriptureUnionEW

Resources:

su.org.uk/halftime

Matt, Jenni, and Geoff consider how to get connected with your local school and how to love them well. What does it mean to reveal Jesus in a school setting? Why might you consider gardening or listening to children read? What's that got to do with Jesus? All the info is in here.

Contact:

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

FB: Scriptureunionenglandandwales

Insta: Scriptureunionew

Resources:

www.su.org.uk

www.grace-foundation.org.uk

Long drive home from holiday? We've got some play along games for you. Join in, borrow the ideas for your youth group, and enjoy some clips from our first 16 episodes.

Contact:

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

FB: Scriptureunionenglandandwales

Insta: ScriptureUnionEW

What can churches do in the summer? It's not too late to do something, but what could that something be? Matt, Beckie, and Jenni share ideas for the whole family for the summer holidays. Oh, and also, Beckie has an announcement to make.

Contact:

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

FB: ScriptureUnionEnglandandWales

Insta: ScriptureUnionEW

Matt, Beckie, and Pete stumble across the topic of pilgrimage and the things we need to "keep going" in the Christian life, especially if we've been walking it for a long time. What has helped you to continue the journey? And how did Samson catch 300 foxes? All sorts of questions in this one.

Today we talk about safeguarding. This isn't safeguarding training; it's a conversation about how to engage in outreach with children and young people in safe ways. There's an interesting section on "grey areas," where it's not immediately obvious what the best course of action is. Chloe - Scripture Union's Safeguarding Manager - joins Matt and Beckie to discuss.

Contact:

sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk

chloes@scriptureunion.org.uk