Christ Church Moreton Hall

So how was your summer?

Did you get away anywhere? Perhaps you spent a couple of weeks cooking on a Mediterranean beach, getting a tan that is already fading. Or perhaps you braved the English weather and sat on a seafront under an umbrella. Or maybe you didn’t get away at all; holidays can be so expensive can’t they?

Maybe, for 2008, there is an alternative...

As a church over the past couple of years we have taken a party to a New Wine summer festival in Somerset. If you would like to know more, check out their website. However, some of us go, not as delegates, but to work on one of the teams of volunteers who help make the event happen. For many teams the places are free, and you even get fed! Yes, it can be hard work, but you will make great new friends through the shared experiences. It might make for a great summer. It might just change your life.

Both my daughters and I worked on team this year. My youngest works with three and four-year-olds with special needs; playing, listening to stories with them, doing craft. My eldest was on the stewarding team; maintaining site safety and security, helping delegates, finding lost children. At 17 she is learning skills in dealing with people that will last a lifetime.

I was a steward as well for the first week. It really is better than many of the ‘team building’ courses I used to do; people skills, practical skills, all are given a thorough workout. You minister to people, and work for the Lord, in practical and sometimes unseen ways, but knowing that it is for Him makes it very special.

Then for the second week I moved onto the ministry team. Prayer ministry is a key part of New Wine and it is an honour to be a small part of what the Holy Spirit is doing. Take a look at some testimonies.

There are many other teams, look at the details. Maybe there is something else you would like to try.

Is it hard work? It can be, yes. Is it physically or emotionally draining? It can be, yes. Is it rewarding? Almost certainly!

New Wine was a big part of rebuilding my shattered life a few years ago. Now serving there is a big part of my summer. Why not think of joining us next year? The glow you get is better than any seaside tan.

Steve