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BIBLE WEEKS AND FESTIVALS

Music and ministry, mayhem and majesty ...

What are you looking forward to in 2005? ROB JAMES takes a look at some of this year's events

There are dozens of Christian conferences planned this year all with the potential to impact our lives, and hopefully our nation, for Christ. Here’s a small sample to whet your appetite.

MARCH/APRIL

Spring Harvest: Those attending this year will be pondering what it means to be a Christian in a climate of competing and sometimes hostile worldviews. Dates and Venues: Skegness 21 March – 10 April and Minehead 26 March to 10 April. For more information ring 01825 769000 or visit www.springharvest.org
Easter People: A wide range of celebration venues including all age worship, an ‘emerging culture’ venue, a more traditional celebration, and the main theatre with thousands at worship together. One of the key themes of the event this year is religious freedom. Dates: 29 March to 3 April. Venues: Scarborough, Southport and Torquay. For more information ring 020 8288 1961 or visit www.sharejesusinternational.com

MAY
Firm Foundations: Run jointly by The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade (England & Wales), expect it to be packed with “thought provoking activities ranging from Christian music, drama, concerts, Bible studies, praise and worship, workshops and sports based activities“. Dates and venue: Spring Bank Holiday (27 to 30 May) at Felden Lodge in Hertfordshire. For further information contact either The Boys’ Brigade on 01442 231681 or the Girls’ Brigade Headquarters on 01235 510425
Cross Fire: Cross Fire is the outcome of a deeper partnership between Cross Rhythms and Gilead Foundations drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministry. Cross Fire will have a mixture of Christian music, teaching, training in relapse prevention and counselling therapy, prophetic ministry and performing arts and art therapy. Dates and venue: 27 to 30 May at Risdon Farm, the Devon home of Gilead Foundations. For more information telephone 08700 118008 or visit www.crossrhythms.co.uk/festival
Whitby Gospel Convention: Having built steadily over the last five years, the 2005 event will be extended for a full week of evangelism and outreach. Events will include coffee mornings, musical outreach, open-air meetings and a 24-hour “Prayerathon”. Dates and venue: Whitby Pavilion 20 to 22 May. Ring 01947 810561 or e-mail: bylands-24@lineone.net

JUNE
Evangelical Ministries – Focusfest: Founded in 1993, Focusfest has become one of Europe’s biggest Christian women’s events, drawing together women from different denominations. Dates and venue: 24 and 25 June, Waterfront Hall, Belfast. For more information contact Evangelical Ministries, 114a Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1NU, ring 028 9047 110 or visit www.emins.com

JULY/AUGUST
Summer Madness: Ireland’s largest Christian festival was started by the Church of Ireland youth department 15 years ago and now attracts over 4,000 visitors, most of whom camp on site for the duration of the festival. Its focus remains on youth but is striving to be inclusive of all ages. Dates: 1 to 5 July. For more information contact Summer Madness, 217 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2DH or go to www.summermadness.co.uk
Evangelical College Of Wales – Word and Spirit Conference: Speakers include the Rev Jonathan Stephen, director of Affinity and the Rev Dr Noel Gibbard, president of the college. Revival Conference: Speakers include the Rev Hubert Clement. Dates: 4 to 8 July and 9 to 16 July. For more information contact Evangelical College of Wales, Bryntirion House, Bridgend, CF 31 4DX, ring 01656 645411 or go to www.etcw.ac.uk
Purpose Driven Church: The 2005 Purpose Driven Church Conference aims to help churches establish the core purposes of the Church, design an intentional discipleship process and build an outward looking perspective. Dates and venue: 19 to 21 July, Nottingham Arena. Ring 0870 321 2005 or visit www.purposedrivenuk.com
Grassrootz: Grassrootz Festival claims to be “the premier Christian music festival in the South East and offers something for everyone, from acclaimed speakers to kids' activities to coffeehouse chill-out – all in all a true family day out for all ages”. Acts booked so far include Rock and Roll Worship Circus, Dweeb, No More Horses, Psalm Drummers, poet Stewart Henderson, Dave and Carrie Grant. Date and venue: 9 July, Tunbridge Wells. Contact 01892 529505 or visit www.lifeandsoul.net/events/grassrootz
Keswick Convention: The Keswick Convention offers superb Bible teaching and the opportunity to explore the beautiful lakes. The three-week programme runs from 16 July to 5 August with guest speakers Sinclair Ferguson, Stephen Gaukroger and Dominic Smart. Dates: 16 to 22 July for week one, 23 to 29 July for week two and 30 July to 5 August for week three. For more information ring 01435 866034 or visit www.keswickconvention.com
Baptist World Alliance: In 2005 the Baptist Union of Great Britain hosts the centenary congress of the BWA. Speakers include Rick Warren and former US president Jimmy Carter. Dates and venue: 26 to 31 July, International Conference Centre, Birmingham. Ring 01235 517 755 or visit www.bwacongress2005.org.uk
New Frontiers: With the theme, “Let the Nations be glad”, this conference in Brighton is specifically designed for people in leadership, or who are in training for leadership. Speakers include Terry Virgo, CJ Mahaney, Stuart Bell and Greg Haslam. Dates: 5 to 8 July. For more information ring 01237 234555 or visit www.newfrontiers.xtn.org
New Wine: In 2005, New Wine summer conferences will be running for a total of three weeks - two weeks in Shepton Mallet and, for the first time, a week in Harrogate (although Harrogate is already fully booked). “Worship, word and ministry” are at the heart of what New Wine is all about and there will be a stream devoted to exploring life, Church and mission for a new generation. Dates and venues: 23 to 29 July and 31 July to 6 August at the Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, and 30 July to 5 August at The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. Contact 020 8567 6717 or visit www.new-wine.org. CLAN Gathering, (New Wine Scotland), will be held at St Andrews 23 to 29 July. For information contact PO Box 11458 Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire AB43 6RN or visit www.new-wine-scotland.org
Flames Of Fire: Flames of Fire is a ministry of Anglican Renewal Ministries (Wales). This annual Christian Family conference offers “a colourful mix of sugar and spice which includes renowned Christian speakers and writers who will challenge, inspire and encourage the walk of faith for every member of the family”. Dates and venue: 30 July to 5 August, The Royal Welsh Showground Builth Wells. Ring 01656 864476 or visit www.flamesoffire.co.uk
Grapevine: This year’s conference is entitled “Promise” and the organisers say it will be “a glorious celebration of God’s faithfulness led by Chris Bowater and an outstanding team of gifted musicians, singers, dancers and worship leaders including ministries from the Ground Level Network and special guest, Geraldine Latty”. Dates and venue: 26 to 30 August Lincolshire Showground. Contact Grapevine International 2005, 24 Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1XG, telephone 01522 533535 or visit www.grapevinecelebration.org.uk
Soul Survivor: This year’s gathering has a missionary theme: “To the ends of the earth”. Speakers include Mike Pilavachi, Ali MacInnes, Pastor Jonathan Oleyede, Roy Crowne, J John and Parick Regan. Worship times will be hosted by Tim Hughes, Delirious? and 100 Hours. Dates and venue: 10 to 14 August, and 20 to 24 August, Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Momentum, 15-19 August, is Soul Survivor for 20-somethings and students hungry to move on with God. Passion for your name is “open to anyone passionate about worshipping God and desperate for space to ‘go for it’ with abandon”. Dates: 15-19 August. Ring 0870 054 3331, visit www.soulsurvivor.com or e-mail: info@soulsurvivor.com
Greenbelt: The focus this year is “The Tree of Life”, a Christian Aid and British Museum sculpture made from guns left over from conflict in Mozambique. Speakers include Alan Boesak and Bishop James Jones and worship will be led by Tim Hughes, Matt Redman and Superhero, among others. Date and venue: 26-29 August at Cheltenham Race Course. For more information ring 0207 374 2755 or visit www.greenbelt.org.uk

Rob James is a Baptist Pastor based in South Wales

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		BIBLE WEEKS AND FESTIVALS Music and ministry, mayhem and majesty ... What are you looking forward to in 2005? ROB JAMES takes a look at some of this year's events There are dozens of Christian conferences planned this year all with the potential to impact our lives, and hopefully our nation, for Christ. Here’s a small sample to whet your appetite. MARCH/APRIL Spring Harvest: Those attending this year will be pondering what it means to be a Christian in a climate of competing and sometimes hostile worldviews. Dates and Venues: Skegness 21 March – 10 April and Minehead 26 March to 10 April. For more information ring 01825 769000 or visit www.springharvest.org Easter People: A wide range of celebration venues including all age worship, an ‘emerging culture’ venue, a more traditional celebration, and the main theatre with thousands at worship together. One of the key themes of the event this year is religious freedom. Dates: 29 March to 3 April. Venues: Scarborough, Southport and Torquay. For more information ring 020 8288 1961 or visit www.sharejesusinternational.com MAY Firm Foundations: Run jointly by The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade (England & Wales), expect it to be packed with “thought provoking activities ranging from Christian music, drama, concerts, Bible studies, praise and worship, workshops and sports based activities“. Dates and venue: Spring Bank Holiday (27 to 30 May) at Felden Lodge in Hertfordshire. For further information contact either The Boys’ Brigade on 01442 231681 or the Girls’ Brigade Headquarters on 01235 510425 Cross Fire: Cross Fire is the outcome of a deeper partnership between Cross Rhythms and Gilead Foundations drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministry. Cross Fire will have a mixture of Christian music, teaching, training in relapse prevention and counselling therapy, prophetic ministry and performing arts and art therapy. Dates and venue: 27 to 30 May at Risdon Farm, the Devon home of Gilead Foundations. For more information telephone 08700 118008 or visit www.crossrhythms.co.uk/festival Whitby Gospel Convention: Having built steadily over the last five years, the 2005 event will be extended for a full week of evangelism and outreach. Events will include coffee mornings, musical outreach, open-air meetings and a 24-hour “Prayerathon”. Dates and venue: Whitby Pavilion 20 to 22 May. Ring 01947 810561 or e-mail: bylands-24@lineone.net JUNE Evangelical Ministries – Focusfest: Founded in 1993, Focusfest has become one of Europe’s biggest Christian women’s events, drawing together women from different denominations. Dates and venue: 24 and 25 June, Waterfront Hall, Belfast. For more information contact Evangelical Ministries, 114a Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1NU, ring 028 9047 110 or visit www.emins.com JULY/AUGUST Summer Madness: Ireland’s largest Christian festival was started by the Church of Ireland youth department 15 years ago and now attracts over 4,000 visitors, most of whom camp on site for the duration of the festival. Its focus remains on youth but is striving to be inclusive of all ages. Dates: 1 to 5 July. For more information contact Summer Madness, 217 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2DH or go to www.summermadness.co.uk Evangelical College Of Wales – Word and Spirit Conference: Speakers include the Rev Jonathan Stephen, director of Affinity and the Rev Dr Noel Gibbard, president of the college. Revival Conference: Speakers include the Rev Hubert Clement. Dates: 4 to 8 July and 9 to 16 July. For more information contact Evangelical College of Wales, Bryntirion House, Bridgend, CF 31 4DX, ring 01656 645411 or go to www.etcw.ac.uk Purpose Driven Church: The 2005 Purpose Driven Church Conference aims to help churches establish the core purposes of the Church, design an intentional discipleship process and build an outward looking perspective. Dates and venue: 19 to 21 July, Nottingham Arena. Ring 0870 321 2005 or visit www.purposedrivenuk.com Grassrootz: Grassrootz Festival claims to be “the premier Christian music festival in the South East and offers something for everyone, from acclaimed speakers to kids' activities to coffeehouse chill-out – all in all a true family day out for all ages”. Acts booked so far include Rock and Roll Worship Circus, Dweeb, No More Horses, Psalm Drummers, poet Stewart Henderson, Dave and Carrie Grant. Date and venue: 9 July, Tunbridge Wells. Contact 01892 529505 or visit www.lifeandsoul.net/events/grassrootz Keswick Convention: The Keswick Convention offers superb Bible teaching and the opportunity to explore the beautiful lakes. The three-week programme runs from 16 July to 5 August with guest speakers Sinclair Ferguson, Stephen Gaukroger and Dominic Smart. Dates: 16 to 22 July for week one, 23 to 29 July for week two and 30 July to 5 August for week three. For more information ring 01435 866034 or visit www.keswickconvention.com Baptist World Alliance: In 2005 the Baptist Union of Great Britain hosts the centenary congress of the BWA. Speakers include Rick Warren and former US president Jimmy Carter. Dates and venue: 26 to 31 July, International Conference Centre, Birmingham. Ring 01235 517 755 or visit www.bwacongress2005.org.uk New Frontiers: With the theme, “Let the Nations be glad”, this conference in Brighton is specifically designed for people in leadership, or who are in training for leadership. Speakers include Terry Virgo, CJ Mahaney, Stuart Bell and Greg Haslam. Dates: 5 to 8 July. For more information ring 01237 234555 or visit www.newfrontiers.xtn.org New Wine: In 2005, New Wine summer conferences will be running for a total of three weeks - two weeks in Shepton Mallet and, for the first time, a week in Harrogate (although Harrogate is already fully booked). “Worship, word and ministry” are at the heart of what New Wine is all about and there will be a stream devoted to exploring life, Church and mission for a new generation. Dates and venues: 23 to 29 July and 31 July to 6 August at the Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, and 30 July to 5 August at The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. Contact 020 8567 6717 or visit www.new-wine.org. CLAN Gathering, (New Wine Scotland), will be held at St Andrews 23 to 29 July. For information contact PO Box 11458 Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire AB43 6RN or visit www.new-wine-scotland.org Flames Of Fire: Flames of Fire is a ministry of Anglican Renewal Ministries (Wales). This annual Christian Family conference offers “a colourful mix of sugar and spice which includes renowned Christian speakers and writers who will challenge, inspire and encourage the walk of faith for every member of the family”. Dates and venue: 30 July to 5 August, The Royal Welsh Showground Builth Wells. Ring 01656 864476 or visit www.flamesoffire.co.uk Grapevine: This year’s conference is entitled “Promise” and the organisers say it will be “a glorious celebration of God’s faithfulness led by Chris Bowater and an outstanding team of gifted musicians, singers, dancers and worship leaders including ministries from the Ground Level Network and special guest, Geraldine Latty”. Dates and venue: 26 to 30 August Lincolshire Showground. Contact Grapevine International 2005, 24 Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1XG, telephone 01522 533535 or visit www.grapevinecelebration.org.uk Soul Survivor: This year’s gathering has a missionary theme: “To the ends of the earth”. Speakers include Mike Pilavachi, Ali MacInnes, Pastor Jonathan Oleyede, Roy Crowne, J John and Parick Regan. Worship times will be hosted by Tim Hughes, Delirious? and 100 Hours. Dates and venue: 10 to 14 August, and 20 to 24 August, Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Momentum, 15-19 August, is Soul Survivor for 20-somethings and students hungry to move on with God. Passion for your name is “open to anyone passionate about worshipping God and desperate for space to ‘go for it’ with abandon”. Dates: 15-19 August. Ring 0870 054 3331, visit www.soulsurvivor.com or e-mail: info@soulsurvivor.com Greenbelt: The focus this year is “The Tree of Life”, a Christian Aid and British Museum sculpture made from guns left over from conflict in Mozambique. Speakers include Alan Boesak and Bishop James Jones and worship will be led by Tim Hughes, Matt Redman and Superhero, among others. Date and venue: 26-29 August at Cheltenham Race Course. For more information ring 0207 374 2755 or visit www.greenbelt.org.uk Rob James is a Baptist Pastor based in South Wales © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.