Come along to the King Edward’s Big Top and take part in the Greatest show on earth! (or at least the Hambledon/Godalming/Witley region).

We’re talking about the Busbridge&Hambledon BIG DAY OUT. Get your seats booked as it’s sure to be a full house.

If you came along to the Lashings of Ginger Beer day out last year, you’ll remember that we asked you to imagine Busbridge&Hambledon in 5 years time…All of you said the same thing…Working together, closer unity and a shared vision to reach out with the Gospel into the community.

This year we’re taking the next step…looking at the practical actions needed now to pursue a life shaped by Jesus Christ. We’re going to look at being THE RIGHT WAY UP IN AN UPSIDE DOWN WORLD. We’ll begin with that thing most precious to us: our own lives. The keynote address by Simon will include short breaks for discussion and most importantly, an extended coffee break.

What’s the exciting programme?

Come along and be part of the Greatest Show on Earth – being part of God’s kingdom! The BIG Day Out will go something a little like this…

• 9.30am arrival & registration
• 10.00am worship & keynote address
• Yummy lunch, space to chat & sporty fun
• Juggling Jake’s Circus Skills workshops – for the young and all the young at heart!
• Short seminars on a theme for life – choice of 5 different speakers
• Closing Keynote and Worship

PLUS face painting and (back by popular demand) giant balloons!

Are we talking Popcorn & Candyfloss?

No! Rest easy. We’ll have coffee breaks, there’ll be biscuits to munch and of course the delicious 2 course lunch to look forward to. Don’t forget to let us know if you’re vegetarian or have any food allergies we need to be aware of.

How will you keep us entertained?!

We’ve got some fabulous acts lined up for this year…the worship is going to be awesome, there will be exciting activities for the children, the seminars will be excellent plus you’ll have the opportunity to learn, be inspired, get to know Busbridge&Hambledon people that little bit better and have FUN!

Seminar 1 – Drum roll please!!*

We are privileged to have Ben Smith joining us for our drum-prayer-praise seminar. It’s suitable for adults and children alike (children under 13 need to be accompanied by a nominated adult). You will have some hands on fun with the added bonus of leading the entire church family in the afternoon worship with your new found skills. No prior experience of drumming is necessary and we’ll even provide you with the drums!

Ben is a Christian and a peripatetic drum teacher who works in schools with children. He has just finished touring with his band and plays percussion with Matt Redman.

Seminar 2 – Creative Mission*

Martin Poole is an inspiring speaker who has a vision for bringing Christianity into the heart of the community beyond the walls of Sunday church. Martin is vicar of St Luke’s, Prestonville in Brighton in the Diocese of Chichester. Martin also leads ‘Beyond’, an Anglican Mission Community involving worship and mission connecting with those in the local community who have nothing to do with church through the arts and exploring spirituality. The work of Beyond has been featured in the news including the concept of the ‘Advent Beach Huts’ in Brighton, Lent journeys using shop windows and many other creative ideas.

The question for us is: we may not have a beach… but how do we connect with the villages and suburbs of our area ? Could we have an Advent trail across front gardens in Busbridge? A Lent journey around Hambledon village green?

Seminar 3 – Getting the Balance Right

Using your talents and energy to best effect, with enough shafts of stillness.

With Peter Shaw: Author of many books, Reader, Business School Professor, coach to Chief Executives and Bishops, and a former Director General in the UK Government.

Seminar 4 – Conversations on the Couch

The Family Circus, bringing up children in a Christian environment with James Gibson, Catherine Taylor & Friends

In 2011 we had Simon Taylor, Rick Page and Sam Millar exploring the challenges of Christian living within the tensions of a City culture. In 2012 we offer you honest insights into a conversation around the challenges of bringing children up in a Christian environment, which will stand the family in good stead for eternal life. Catherine is married to our exalted Rector (Simon wrote that) and has many stories to tell. James Gibson has recently arrived in the Godalming area as, to quote him “a Vicar with L plates on”.

Conversations on the Couch is an interactive seminar where observers are invited into the living room to offer their own questions and comments on the subject at hand.

Seminar 5 – Saying Yes to God when we want to say ‘NO!’

With Catherine McBride…”I love God. I know He loves me. I say I want to do His will so how come when He asks me to do something for him I invariably say ‘No!’?” Come and explore why we often/sometimes struggle to follow His path, and perhaps find the courage to say ‘Yes!’

*Limited places

Lastly, how do we get there?

Take the A283 to Petworth. Pass through Witley village and King Edward’s School is on your right, at the top of Wormley Hill, half a mile beyond the village.

We’ll be starting the day in the King Edward’s chapel and you’ll need to be there for 9.45am (prompt).

Parking is limited, so please car share if possible. The entrance is opposite the old Witley post office.

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