Celebrating All That Is Good

June 2nd, 2009

Wow! What a fabulous day last Sunday was in every way. 15,000 people together in a stunningly beautiful setting worshipping God and enjoying so much. The weather was perfect for the first Big Church Day Out. There was something for everyone. Delirious ended a momentous day in superb fashion. It was a day we shall never forget.  

It was clear that the whole amazing event was orchestrated by God, as a team of people came together contributing various parts of the jig-saw just at the right time. We as a Church had a significant part to play. Over 200 of us were involved in some way, from administration, playing, programme design, PA and set up, bunting-making, tea serving, money counting, stewarding and litter collecting. The majority of the 170 stewards were from Arun.  

Very many of you were there from 9.00 am right up until 12.00 midnight with hardly a break. You were stretched to the limit. Many of you never left your posts, and therefore couldn’t participate in what was happening on the rest of the site. Those serving teas in the tea tent were near to exhaustion, but carried on to the end. Several of you in the car parking area suffered verbal abuse, but I have heard appreciation of the friendly words of farewell being given by very weary car park stewards as people set off on their homeward journeys.

It was a learning curve for everyone, and I know things will be different another time. However, this was for me the very essence of the Gospel message being worked out as you stewards served sacrificially.  

The response to the day has been overwhelming, with many stories of people being significantly affected starting to pour in. The Police and the Foreign Office Security Guards on the House said they had never witnessed such a well organised and happy event.  Congratulations to Tim for a job well done, and the deepest thanks to all those of you who gave all you’ve got to serve others at expense to yourselves.   Thank you so much. 

David Thatcher

Filed under: Thought of the Week