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On the Richter scale of Joy most of us if we are lucky fall in somewhere between Clint Eastwood and Victor Meldrew! No wonder though. World hunger is only worsening. New names appear weekly of those killed in action in the Middle East. Human trafficking is expanding. Billions are mired in poverty, millions are fighting HIV, and on top of that we have all been hit by the dreaded recession! Who in their right mind can talk about joy, when for so many people their only experience is that of despair?
Yet it is astonishing when you realise how many references there are in scripture to JOY, from “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!” to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” There are dozens of places before and after and in between where we are urged to lead joy-filled lives. The angels promised a world quivering in darkness ‘good news of great joy, for all the people’ This message was and is scandalous, because it challenges the idea that no matter how earnest we become, we on our own can’t fix the world! It speaks instead of our need for a SAVIOUR who, whilst today’s experts are offering their ‘sober assessments of the current situation’, is one who comes in flesh, whilst everything is falling apart, to help us shoulder the planet’s burdens.
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Our capacity for joy is often mirrored by a desire to express ourselves in music and singing. Nia is an international singer/songwriter who hails from Wales, but now calls Gorsley ‘home’. Nia, along with the Gorsley worship team will again be leading worship at this year’s festival, sensitively drawing us into the presence of God and helping us to express our joy through music.
We are also delighted this year to welcome the London Community Gospel Choir and the South Wales Festivals of Male Voice Praise. In 1982 a dream and a vision came alive. Revd. Bazil Meade, with the help of Lawrence Johnson, Delroy Powell and John Francis, made a mark in history pioneering the first concert gospel choir in Britain - the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC). Trying to fit LCGC into a neat slot is virtually impossible. They are adaptable, flexible and create dynamic melodies with rich harmonies whether they are performing as an octet or 30 strong choir. LCGC is known for their funky gopsel flair, swing-beat, R’nB, traditional and soulful arrangements, with invigorating choreography and vocal gymnastics. [This will be a ticketed event at the Festival - you can book your ticket online] |
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Greg Haslam was born and raised in Liverpool. He is married to Ruth and they have three grown-up sons and two granddaughters. He studied Theology and History at Durham University. After teaching high school he trained for the ministry at the London Theological Seminary before moving to Winchester where he pastored for 21 years until his call to Westminster Chapel, London in March 2002. Greg has travelled widely as a preacher and conference speaker, both in the UK and overseas. He is the author of many articles and six books including ‘Preach the Word!’
Phil Collins is a well known National Evangelist and Church Leader and has spent 19 years in ministry, travelling as an Evangelist throughout Britain, Canada, USA and Africa, conducting town and citywide missions. He spent many years as the National Evangelist for Youth for Christ where he pioneered ‘Life Force’ teams across Canada and then went on to develop ‘Activate Theatre Company.’ Phil is currently leading a church in Stourbridge in the West Midlands. He is married to Michelle, and they have 6 year old twin daughters, Emily and Jessica, and 2 year old Isabella.
In January 2003 Robin Oake, a retired police chief from Shrewsbury, received a phone call to say that his son, Stephen, had been murdured. Stephen Oake, who was also in the police force, had been stabbed to death during an anti-terror raid in Manchester. Robin says he believes forgiveness is possible in every situation.
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The Youth Programme has been carefully designed to ensure that it nurtures the individual spiritual lives of young people across the 11-17s age group. We meet twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Each session is packed with teaching, worship, small-group discussion, multi media presentations, crazy games and lots of time to laugh and respond to God. During the second half of the morning and during the afternoon we offer a range of optional activities, including our soap box sessions, (a chance to go deeper on a variety of issues) sports, music, art, prayer and chill out in our own late night café. Throughout the weekend we’ll help you discover what it means to love and serve God daily.
Children under 5 have their own programme in our fantastic Children’s Centre and Garden, using a mixture of play, singing, games, crafts, stories and sensory activities - the under 5s are guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Under 5s meet during the morning only. We also offer a soft play room that is open all day. Children aged 5-11 meet together in a programme that has been carefully designed to ensure that it nurtures the 5-7s and 8-11s effectively. We meet twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Each session is packed with crazy games, teaching, worship, puppets, age streamed small-group activities, multi media presentations and lots of time to laugh and get to know God. During the second half of the morning and during the afternoon we offer a range of optional activities, including Bible Bop, sports and art. We also offer an opportunity for the whole family to come together for all age worship on the Final Day. |
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