The ten volunteers who made up the Fareham URC team had as much joy and fun, we felt, as the seventy two children who attended the annual Christians Together in Fareham (CTiF) Holiday Club from the 5th to 9th August 2019 with varied activities between the three venues, the Community Church, the Methodist Church and our church.
To have a little preview of that joy and fun, click on the video links on the CTiF website at www.farehamchristians.org.uk/, and join in the refrain “Jump up and down, Jump up and down - I don’t care what people say - Jump up and down, Jump up and down - I believe in Jesus” which rang in our ears as we left each day and still does as we reflect on the week. You can download one here
The story of Daniel standing true and firm in his faith was retold within a modern-day scenario of a space academy with the trials and tribulations of launching a space craft with three astronauts into orbit. For the previous three years, CTiF have bought in external facilitators but with the experience gained in that time, the Holiday Club decided to branch out and go it alone with in house resources – with great success. Possibly more success, in that the contacts made with the children and families are local contacts which may in the future provide a focus for more initiatives.
The Community Church was the site of the Space Academy with the spacecraft crafted from plywood and cardboard boxes large enough to accommodate the three astronauts on their travels. The Methodist church was the dining hall for the two course lunch as well as craft and games, while our church was the base for science activities; the Sanctuary was reconfigured to accommodate the Bouncy Castle which had to be brought indoors for safety in the wet and windy conditions. The excitement, joy and happiness of the children as they sang the songs and danced around to the words “I don’t care what people say, I believe in Jesus” was a joy to behold.
Please do view three videos on the website, and perhaps be tempted to join our church’s team for Holiday Club 2020. Whatever expertise you have, even if it is washing up and clearing away, the team can use you!
Details of activities for children and young people at churches in Fareham can be found here.
