Spring Harvest 2009 - A first timers view
In May 2008, the annual announcement was made that Thomas Risley Church was planning to attend Spring Harvest. We'd heard some great stories from those returning a few weeks before so we decided to give it a go.
We were a bit worried about the cost, which in retrospect does offer good value for money but we didn't know that at the time.
So what is Spring Harvest?
Well, its quite hard to describe but its Butlins (which is probably much better than you are imagining if you haven't been for over 30 years like myself and only have an image of Hi-De-Hi in your mind). With lost of opportunity for worship, learning, fun, entertainment, swimming, meeting new people, prayer etc. etc.
Who is it for?
I have to say just about anyone. I think in the past that the numbers of youth from the church attending might have made some think that it is a youth event and whilst its certainly great for youth, it is by no means aimed specifically at youth. We stayed in a lodge with a friend and her 2 toddlers, so with our little one, we were three adults and three 2 and 3 year olds.
What was it about?
This years theme was "Apprenticeship"
A typical day for us was :-
7:30 am get up ready at about ( the joys of toddlers)
9:00 am to the "Big Top" for the Big Start. Thrity minutes of lively worship aimed at all ages with a mix of singing, some learning and some comedy theatre. A great way to start the day.
10 am one of us went the the big top bible study whilst the 2 (adults) spent time with the kids
10:45 Kids went to the 0 to 5s programme (they loved it)
11:00 Adults went to a "learning zone" loads of different options to learn about the theme of the day
12:00 (just after) collect the kids and go for lunch