| 25th
Year of Spring Harvest 12th - 27th April 2003 A group from St. Philip's spent six days at Spring Harvest in Minehead with a group from Maidstone Baptist Church, St. John's, Lewes and friends from America along with 7 - 8,000 other Christians from all over the country. A similar event of about 9,000 runs concurrently at Skegness, altogether approximately 60 - 70,000 Christians enjoy a great holiday of praise, worship, teaching and fellowship. It is a marvellous time of challenge, refreshment and renewal for all ages. The young people on site this year decided that it was designed for them as the organisers provided an adult crèche. The atmosphere is amazing, the speakers are of the highest national and international level and are inspirational, at the same time extremely human and approachable. There are venues, groups and events for all ages from 3 months with a variety of worship styles and all levels of teaching from young childrens groups to extremely academic, enlightening daily Bible study attended by hundreds of people. The music, drama, seminars, Bible study etc. run during the day with evening worship in the big top and other venues, late night entertainment ranges from drama to bands to chat show style events all with a Christian theme and a lot of humour. The people involved in organising and leading Spring Harvest are living their faith in a most inspiring and encouraging way. One highlight this year was the new book by Rob Lacey 'The Street bible' small b, parts of which he performed in study settings and entertainment venues and as late night entertainment, in which he performed virtually single handed 'The bible in seventy five minutes'. It is a wonderfully refreshing look at the Bible with modern interpretation for "Those who've never read the Bible and those who've read it too much". It has been a week of inspirational teaching, amazing worship, wonderful fellowship and a time of refreshment for mind, body and spirit. We also managed to visit some of the lovely Somerset countryside and tourist attractions. Minehead has a large, clean, sandy beach situated just across the road from the site, Ideal for building sand castles and paddling. The camp is only 2 miles from Dunster Castle which can also be reached by steam train which runs along the perimeter of the site. It does not have to be as hectic as it sounds because it is physically impossible to join in everything but it is difficult (however strong your reserve) not to be swept along with the atmosphere to learn and worship. For me one of the highlights is to see thousands of people of all ages hurrying to the next event not able to get enough of God's word. Sorry about the number of superlatives but it really is that enjoyable. Spring Harvest April 2004 If a holiday with like-minded people, plenty of fun and fellowship appeals to you then look out for the details in the church notices over the next few weeks for next years event. There will be an evening to explain more about Spring Harvest and a chance to have your questions answered in the very near future as booking takes place in early June and places are snapped up. We were unable to book the usual week 3 for this year as all the self catering accommodation at Minehead for that week was booked within thirty five minutes of the phone line opening. If we don't book immediately it is virtually impossible to book later in the year except through cancellations which are rare. So please come along and find out more (no commitment). We would like to see friends from the whole parish. Love in Christ, Chris Rose |