Spring Harvest is an annual Christian event, for all age-groups and denominations, that occupies the facilities at Butlins (at Minehead) and Skegness for a series of 5-day periods around Easter. We had been several times as a family sometime ago and had intended to return, so when my brother invited us to take up a spare place with his church, we felt that God had paved the way!
We were not disappointed. Spring Harvest are in the middle of a three year study-plan entitled "The Big Story" - One God, One People, One Hope. We studied what it means to be One Holy, Catholic, Apostolic People.
The format is a Bible-teaching session and seminar in the morning, and worship in the evenings in the big top with over 2000 people, where we were also treated to talks, drama, dance, and paintings from the resident artist. A more reflective worship was an option while the late teens and twenties had their own event. There is a full programme of activities for children of all ages. The afternoons are free, with optional seminars on many topics available.
In addition, there is the tempting luxury of a massive Christian Bookstall, and CDs to browse and buy. Many organisations have promotional stands, and it is a good opportunity to catch up and reflect on issues that these organisations are encountering - for example, one was asking us to help to "Stop the Traffik" of modern-day slavery, the buying and selling of people for cheap labour or prostitution. After all this, for a final hour each evening, different artists gave us the choice of "A Big Night Out". These included: the writer and comedian, Adrian Plass; Jonathan Veira, the international opera singer; the singer-songwriter, Sarah Kelly; and the bands "yfriday", "thebandwithnoname", among others. The films "Amazing Grace" (about the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire) and "An Inconvenient Truth" (about climate change) were also available for viewing.
In case you are gasping for breath, all activities are optional, and one can attend as much or a little as one wishes. Peace and calm could be found in the Prayer Room, which also had artistic materials to help one to reflect if desired.
The Bible readings were the book of Philippians. These were led by Steve Chalke who was informative, entertaining and challenging. He constantly reminded us of the need to read Paul's writings through the eyes of Jesus, i.e. with compassion and love. Steve explained that Paul never forgot the moment of his conversion on the Damascus Road: the fact that he had persecuted the church, and yet he was changed by Jesus' act of GRACE to him. Steve feels that moral exhortation changes nothing; rather that change occurs when our imagination can put things in a new way. When people are drowning they need help. In fact, feeling lost can lead us to look for meaning, and is therefore a gift of God's grace, it was suggested.
As we looked at the book of Philippians, we saw that the church in Philippi were working out what it meant to be "one holy, catholic, apostolic people" in the mess of their daily work, church and family life. As one people, our relationships with each other are of the utmost importance. No-one is to be left out: we are to be a catholic, meaning universal, church. Jesus does not seem to mind whether we belong first, believe first, or behave first as his people, since he gives us the opportunity for repentance, forgiveness and a new start. Being holy literally means being different, and this has tended to lead to separateness, but God's difference is that He cannot give us up, as He loves us too much. Holiness, therefore, means that Christian congregations should be engaged in the world, rather than withdrawn from society.
Apostolic means "sent": we are on a journey and learning together as community. At Knutsford Methodist Church we are trying to do this with God's help. We would like you to join us. Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will give you abundant life: life full of purpose and meaning".
The five days of Spring Harvest certainly rejuvenated me in body, mind and spirit, aided by walks along the beach and on nearby Exmoor, and a cream tea at the beautiful village of Dunster! I returned refreshed to face the challenges of life. For those who might like to have the same opportunity, booking for next year opens on June 6th. Further information can be found at www.springharvest.org or by calling 01825 769000.
