Definitely the best image for New Wine - in fact wondering with the cartoonist (from the ASBO Jesus site) should tender for this to be their new logo?
Six households from All Souls headed off for a week at the Christian festival/conference/holiday (never quite sure which description fits best - perhaps a bit of each?) - the photos are online here...
We all came back having had a fantastic week - inspite of the torrential rain, mud and (it has to be said) somewhat variable quality of speakers/input!
I always have mixed feelings recommending New Wine - the conditions are pretty basic (though they improve every year), the teaching input is wildly unpredictable (though this year it was a pleasure to have Mike Breen leading the morning input in Venue 2) and the seminar programme always seems to promise far more than it delivers...
...and yet there's nothing quite like it! Camping together brings out the best in people and friendships are made and deepened in a way it would be hard to imagine happening in many other contexts. The sung worship is often electrifying, prayer ministry plentiful and powerful and the 'after hours' events with music, food and entertainment enormous fun.
Most of all, from our perspective at least, the children's work is of a quality and depth that you'd be hard-pushed to better. The majority of "New Wine regulars" that I know say that the primary reason they go back year after year is the positive impact it has on their children's faith - they find themselves part of something much bigger than just their home church, they are bouyed up by a sense of confidence and joy and (above all else) this is children's work that actually expects God to show up - "it's not just about filling the time and keeping them happy".
Looking round those of us who went, it was very clear God was at work - some specific prayers answered, faith deepened and children encouraged. Great stuff!
Coming with us next year?
