30th July to 3rd August
As a family we’ve been going to New Wine for more years than I care to remember, starting off in a borrowed tent, moving to our huge one and then progressing to our own caravan. Our kids have loved the freedom at New Wine, getting to know other people from their own church as churches camp together in villages. We’ve loved seeing our kids grow spiritually, moving on from being part of the kids’ groups to serving on the kids’ team and we’ve enjoyed serving on different teams ourselves.
This year we were really sad when the Coronavirus Pandemic hit and we realised that New Wine couldn’t happen, or so we thought! For the first time, instead of taking place at the Peterborough Showground, New Wine will be coming from the comfort of your own home and the leadership team have put together an amazing programme of online events.
We’ve set up a WhatsApp group for anyone who’d like to be involved, so if you’ve always wanted to go to New Wine but been unable to do so, don’t like camping or the outdoors, then this is the year for you! Just drop an email to me (jenny.welch@stsaviourssunbury.org.uk) and I can add you to the group.
John and I have volunteered to be “Village Hosts” (we’d normally be in charge of working out where people would camp and sorting out any issues that might arise during the week) as well as planning fun things throughout the week. Last year we did a couple of BBQs, had afternoon tea together as a church and spent time in the evenings sitting and talking about what seminars we’d been to during the day (or whatever else took our fancy) whilst enjoying a glass of wine and nibbles. So, this year we’re hoping to do the following:
Thursday - after the main evening session have a get together via zoom
Friday – after the main session have a quiz via zoom
Saturday – possibly have a picnic at lunchtime, in a local park and a BBQ in the evening (in various gardens)
Sunday – leave free (if people want to organise something themselves that would be great!)
Monday – final zoom get together after the morning session
This what New Wine has posted about New Wine Breaks Out
“Here's a taste of what you'll be able to enjoy, for free, from your sofa, a tent in your garden, your local park or even your bed!
In the mornings, Bible Teaching will be led by Pete Hughes and Bishop Jill Duff. Pete leads KXC, which has been described as 'one of London's most innovative churches'. His recent book ‘All Things New’ is about God's relentless passion to redeem lives, heal the nations, rewire the culture and bring renewal to all of creation. Bishop of Lancaster, Jill Duff, will be speaking in Impact, the urban venue, on Friday, Saturday and Monday mornings. As bishop, she oversees mission, evangelism & church planting in the Diocese of Blackburn. Previously she was the founding director of St Mellitus College North West and served as an urban parish priest, school chaplain & pioneer minister.
Evening sessions will be led by a different guest speaker each night. Confirmed so far are Miriam Swanson of Fusion, Gary Haugen of IJM, leadership coach Jo Saxton (pictured), author, speaker & advocate Danielle Strickland, Chris Lane of St Mellitus North West and New Wine National Leader Paul Harcourt.
Each afternoon will be TED-style seminars (18 minute video) led by experts in topics that are relevant and important at this time: grief, loss & lament; Holy Spirit ministry; leading in changing times; race; mental health & well-being; apologetics; creation care; parenting; and prayer. These will be followed by sofa sessions, Q&As & webinars for further discussion and questions.
Each morning at New Wine Kids: Space Agency, 0-11s & their families will encounter God through songs, challenges, stories, teaching & gunge! In the afternoons, join Stomping Ground live for fun, games, challenges & general craziness. New for 2020 is an Augmented Reality App packed with stories, games, crafts, activities, prayer & worship.
Luminosity is an exciting programme for 11-18s including breakfast time devotions and chat; challenges; afternoon workshops on mental health & anxiety, evangelism, apologetics, calling, leadership, social media & the world we could create; Evening Celebrations with high energy worship & guest speakers; and After Parties. For more info go to weareluminosity.org
Throughout the event you can browse our online Resource Venue where you’ll find St Andrew’s Bookshop and other shops including Christian Gift Co and Wee Sparrow, and opportunities to connect with Christian organisations including BRF, CAP, Open Doors and Hope for Justice. Using our interactive map you can also access charity experiences from Mercy Ships, MedAir, Compassion and MAF.”
We look forward to experiencing New Wine Breaks Out with you this summer, however that might look!
John and Jenny Welch