Seaside Rock Holiday Club

Scripture Union Seaside Rock Holiday Club ran for 2 hours each day from August 4th - August 7th in the Old Gym, Crondall.

All the reports are that it was a resounding success. We focused on Peter and his relationship with Jesus. We encouraged the children and the team of leaders to build their lives around Jesus, the solid rock.

The team who led it was made up of members of All Saint's and St Mary's congregation, a helper from the New Life Church and members of the wider community.

In total, during the week 34 children came, 23 of whom came everyday. We knew that 5 children who were due to come are members of the New Life Church, but we were surprised by the number of children who came who are members of other churches. There were children who either regularly or
occassionally attend All Saint's and St Mary's churches and children who go to the New Life Church, Salvation Army, The Vine and children who do not normally go to church. Karen and I led an assembly at Crondall Primary School and as a result of this, some of the children came. There
were also grandchildren of people who live in Crondall, some of whom live overseas. Friendships were formed between children who would not normally have a chance to meet.

There was a sense of people coming together to show a Christian presence in Crondall, irrelevant of denominations. Speaking to the parents of some of the children who normally go to other churches, they did not feel as if pressure was being put on them to start going to All Saint's or St Mary's. Both Karen and I stressed that it was open to all Christians and non-Christians. This was reflected in the Family Communion Celebration Service on Sunday 9th August. All the children who wanted to played an active role in the service. It was a diverse congregation. A lot of the regular congregation of All Saint's attended, knowing that it would be a very different service. Most of the children who normally go to other churches came, along with children who do not normally go to any church and those who regularly go to All Saint's. Many children brought extended family with them. There was a sense of
joy and celebration throughout the service.

I am aware that a lot of people throughout Crondall and Ewshot are talking about the holiday club and it has already been decided to hold it next year. We had to turn children away in the end and so next year, providing we can hold it in the Old Gym again, we are hoping to increase the numbers to 50 children.

I would like to thank FCCT for supporting the holiday club financially and with prayer and hope that this article shows that the money was well spent with the ecumenical nature of the club.

What better way of concluding this article with words from an email I received thanking the team and I for all they did. The children said "it was all brilliant".

Laura Barber
Youth and Children's Worker for the Parish of Crondall and Ewshot with
Farnham Christian Community Trust

Laura Barber, 28/08/2009