|QUOTE|After increasing the number of holidays and missions for 2008, Scripture Union is hoping to recruit more volunteers by targeting the 'Silver Server' community - those aged over 50 who volunteer, in addition to young people.

A survey published by The Journal of Occupational and Organisational Psychology at the beginning of March revealed that volunteering can lead to a more satisfying retirement, good news for Scripture Union, which has always encouraged people from a wide range of ages to volunteer to help with holidays and missions.

Hannah Edmunds, Scripture Union's Holidays Programme Manager, has said that although a typical volunteer comes from the 18-to-30 age group, there is a part for everyone to play in Scripture Union holidays and missions regardless of how old they are.

"We need people as caterers, first aiders, as small group leaders, in a pastoral role, admin work, prayer support and even financial support," says Ms Edmunds. "We need a mixture of people with 'up-front' skills and those who have a skill that will help support the event behind the scenes.

"'Silver Servers' bring so much experience with them when they volunteer and the skills and knowledge they have picked up during their lives are a great assistance to the holidays and missions."

Alan and Christine Sanders, retirees who are volunteers with Scripture Union agree: "There's great value in a team which has a wide variety of ages. This can be of mutual benefit and be stimulating for all concerned.

"Retirement, early or otherwise, provides wonderful opportunities to continue using experience and skills in the Lord's service - it may even include acquiring new skills! There's no retirement in the Lord's service!"

It is not just Scripture Union that will benefit from the 'Silver Server' volunteers; the volunteers get something from the experience of volunteering too.

"Volunteering with SU brings new experiences, new challenges and new friendships; it means being used within God's plans to impact on the lives of others," say the Sanders.

"Your Christian service doesn't stop just because you are no longer in the work place - it's about fulfilling God's purpose for the whole of our life, which doesn't stop when your pension starts!"