Dear Friends,
We’re a little late sending out our October update simply because term is rushing by! Already we’re well over the halfway mark and just this week, we’ve sent out our end of term plans as classes finish in just over 4 weeks! The middle of first term always seems to go by so quickly – no sooner are we past the initial few weeks of introductions before we’re thinking about Christmas! While this term has not been without some challenges (colds, bugs, and ill-health doing the rounds), there’s a lot of positivity about classes, learning, and the community. There’s something so special about seeing new relationships form between students and watching people’s faith develop as they wrestle with new ideas and develop new skills.
Over the next month, before we finish for Christmas, we’re holding an On-campus Open Day on November 19th. The Open Days are a great opportunity to get a slice of College life! Guests will meet staff and students and see round the University campus. Whether thinking about starting classes in January or simply wanting to get a view for what’s on offer looking ahead to September 2026, there’s no time like the present to come and explore the options. We’d appreciate you spreading details of this event around to your friends and networks as you never know who might be interested in a class or two! You can register for the Open Day here or email graham.meiklejohn@uws.ac.uk.
And what is on offer next term? Our three intro classes cover a wide range of interests. Christian Worship tackles the theology and history of worship so we can be better informed to participate in worship. The Practice of Pastoral Care gives an overview of skills and best practice for a range of pastoral situations like comforting the bereaved, boundaries and safeguarding, and engaging with issues of mental health. Finally, the Values of Youth and Community Ministry is part of our Youth and Community degree stream but can be taken as a standalone class and looks at a framework for understanding ministry within the community. Whether you’re looking to tackle these topics for the first time or reflect on your experience and stretch your thinking, between them, these classes offer something for anyone involved in church life. For further information and practical details please contact our Academic Director, on graham.meiklejohn@uws.ac.uk.
Finally, a brief mention of a new initiative arising out of a partnership between Paisley Abbey and the University of the West of Scotland. On Sunday November 16th at 11am, Paisley Abbey will host a special service focused on Higher Education and to pray for the University. While not initiated by SBC, we’re supportive of the initiative and hope to be involved in the service. We recognize many of you will be involved in your own Sunday services, but if you are near Paisley and would like to support this new opportunity, then please feel free to join us at Paisley Abbey on November 16th.
Ian Birch and the SBC Team
Prayer Points:
Please continue to remember us in prayer.
+ Pray for the students – as the term progresses and assessments are due, may they be able to focus well.
+ Give thanks for continued good will from the University – at a time where HE is stretched, we never take for granted a supportive awarding institution.
+ Pray for the staff team as they seek new opportunities and new ways to create sustainability.
+ Give thanks for the opportunity to support Paisley Abbey as it partners with UWS.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we continue to equip people to serve God’s Kingdom.
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