I think one of the things that always stands out to those who attend Spring Harvest (a five-day Christian event held at Butlins each year around Easter that attracts thousands of Christians of all ages) is the number of children’s scooters simply left unlocked and unguarded outside the various venues their groups use - and the fact that they are still there in the same place when they finally get reclaimed at the end of their sessions.

It is, in a sense, a foretaste of heaven; a foretaste of what this world one day will be like; a foretaste of what we, as Church, are called to embody and work for. We’ve said before that our task as Christians is not simply to sit around and wait for heaven to come. It’s not even about occasionally putting our heads above the parapet and trying to get others to join us in waiting around!

It’s actually about working to bring about that world where hearts and minds are changed as people come into contact with Jesus, so that this world becomes all that it is meant to be and that scooters can be left unguarded, not just at Christian events, but... because why shouldn’t they be?

Holiness, true holiness, sees us actually involved out in the world, living out ourselves all that we’re called to be, and making a difference as others come under the control of the one who makes difference possible. Unlocked scooters, just for a week at Butlins(!), or possible here in Cromer too... That’s the call I believe God has for us.

Revd Canon Dr David Court
Vicar of Cromer

It promises to be an exciting summer this year with both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London Olympics to look forward to, but for about 4,500 children and teenagers there’s something even better in store - an encounter with Jesus at a CPAS 'Ventures' holiday or a 'Falcon' camp.

CPAS has been running these camps for many years and, about 30 years ago, I went on a team that ran a 'Venture' in a school near Hastings, so I know from personal experience what a great time the youngsters have. I also know how much prayer and hard work goes into making faith in Jesus real for them.

This year, at over 100 venues, young people will be arriving for an action-packed holiday with an amazing variety of activities on offer. More than 3000 volunteer leaders will be involved - some with many years’ experience, others coming for the first time as junior leaders and thereby gaining valuable training in youth work. All of them will be praying that the youngsters in their care will really enjoy themselves but, even more, that they will meet with Jesus and get to know Him better.

The 'Falcon' camps differ from 'Ventures' in that they are specifically geared towards youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, so they are made very affordable and children can be subsidised. Many of them have never been on holiday before and have varied experiences of church, some none at all. As God works in their lives, they come to realise that they are loved, special and valued.

Please pray for all that CPAS will be doing this summer to help young people enter the Kingdom of God.

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The work of CPAS is our particular focus in the months of May and November, and is championed by Liz Whitaker.