If you love being outdoors, fellowship with other Christians, contemporary live worship bands, inspiring teaching and vibrant ministries for children, you may enjoy a week camping to experience the New Wine summer Christian conference in Somerset.
This is the fourth year that we have attended this Christian festival as a family and we are already looking forward eagerly to next year. The children enjoyed themed ministries, where they, depending on their age, learnt more about their faith in the jungle (Christian identity), a formula 1 race track (Old Testament heroes) and as knights and princesses (St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians). The array of teaching for adults was mind blowing and I enjoyed some great teaching on wisdom and listening from the Book of Proverbs. Julia Dow, our part-time Parish Development worker for children, co-led a teaching stream on contemplation and life rhythms.
Stripping life back to basics and living in community with members of our congregation, is an uplifting experience (after a short low period of adjustment to English chilly evenings!)The lack of electricity and therefore mobile phone usage, screens and cars, encourages conversation, and card playing.. The children are safe to roam free on bikes and with independence comes confidence. Adults, with happy and occupied children, have more chance to relax, learn and chat, over wine, sometimes late into the night. Without modern day distractions, in our experience, comes a closer relationship with God and a spiritual top-up, which is well worth the effort required to camp for seven days. If you would like more information about New Wine and the summer conference 2017 do contact kirsten@bowdonchurch.org.
Kirsten and Simon Wood