Summer Community Gospel Festival A Roaring Success!

The Summer Community Gospel Festival ended on Saturday 28th July, and despite very poor weather, was a real success and a blessing to all.

The event commenced with a Charity Gospel Concert in aid of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. The Church was moved by the presentation made by Gillian Scotford, one of the Mother’s whose son makes use of the Hospices facilities. £531 was raised.

The Concert was a blessing, with the ministry in music of our own Rejoice Choir, Shiloh, Choir, who couldn’t all attend as their Church had been flooded, but who still managed to send a contingent, Ron Lee, our own New Wine, Steadfast from the West Midlands, Our own Sophia Peart, and last, but in no way least, the excellent and outstanding Brixton Gospel Choir, who tore the place up with their inspired singing. See the photo page.

Artistes had to withdraw, as the weekend of the Concert saw more flooding around the Midlands, but a blessing was there for all nonetheless.

Sadly, the planned Fun Day for Sunday 22nd July had to be cancelled due to the waterlogged field; however, we hope to do something like this another time in the year.

The Noah’s Ark Play Scheme opened for business on Monday 23rd July. On average, the Play Scheme catered for 32 children each day, and on some days more. The majority of the children attending were from the local community.

The theme for the week was creation, with activities being art and music based. The Staff also took the children Bowling, Ice Skating, and over 75 revellers braved the weather and spent a fun day out in Cleethorpes on Thursday 26th July. See the photo page.

On Sabbath Morning 28th July, a Graduation Service was held for the children who attended the Play Scheme. They received their Certificates, and their parents attended Divine Service at Carter Knowle – all for the very first time, in a Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The positive comments, received, and the enjoyment of the Praise and Worship Service from the parents and children, make us hopeful that we have forged relationships and friendships on which we can build for the future.

Jasmine Spengler and Sharon Barratt

Each evening during the week of the Community Festival, Pastor Gary Gordon preached the word powerfully, and all who attended were blessed. This culminated in a Baptism on the afternoon of Sabbath 28th July, where two young women – Jasmine Spengler and Sharon Barratt were baptised, and a further four people indicated a wish to be baptised before the end of the year.

Jasmine Spengler and Sharon Barratt

It has been a busy week and Festival for all involved, but the four elements of the Carter Knowle Mission Statement, which is:

  • Touching Lives
  • Making Friends
  • Making A Difference
  • Building Community

Were truly exemplified in the Festival.