BEACH MISSIONS

Born on the beach at Llandudno almost 140 years ago, the CSSM (Children’s Special Services Mission) tradition now continues annually in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Not just a tradition, it is an event vividly remembered after each summer and eagerly looked forward to for the next summer by hundreds of children, parents and volunteers.

When Josiah Spiers wrote those famous words ‘God is love’, in the sand in 1868 he unlocked a whole new concept in the ministry of leading children to Jesus. Moving from the formality of Sunday School, children were introduced to a lively and enjoyable way of understanding the teachings of the Bible! Ask any child from today’s CSSM and the same sentiments will be apparent. As recorded in the annals of SU history, CSSM became Scripture Union but the original name has been continued in Greystones to honour its founding member.

Each July a team of approximately 50 volunteers is mobilised to run a series of daily events over a two week period. And the town of Greystones has come to expect such activities as ‘Hunt the Worker’ up and down the streets and in many a shop where CSSM workers try to pose inconspicuously as local people about their ordinary activities! Children from the age of 4 are divided according to age group, taking on those well familiar names of Sprats, Sardines, Swordfish, Sharks and Holiday Club.