From Derbyshire Church, Mid June 2010

The Bible & The Beat

New look for youth at Cliff Festival

There was something different at this year’s Festival weekend at Cliff College. As well as the more familiar aspects of the event - Bible studies, lively worship and so on - there was a whole new look to the youth activities, with the launch of ‘The Pulse’ venue.

Parked well away from the other venues, where they could make as much noise as they liked, they enjoyed their own seminar stream, which aimed to help them in their discipleship and live in such a way that impacts the world around them. In the evenings, the celebrations and preaching for the youth fed hungry hearts and commissioned willing feet and hands. There were late night activities where they could let their hair down, including a Jazz Café, a game show, music from Philippa and a club night with DJ Kubiks.

The college is investing heavily in developing this programme, which promises to be even bigger and better at future events. Offerings from the adults went towards this step of faith.

There was plenty going on for all ages as well, with a choice of an interactive or more traditional Bible study in the mornings, an all age worship celebration, a prayer journey, a labyrinth mown into the terrace lawn, and a whole host of speakers including college staff and visitors. There was even a reflective walk up on Froggatt Edge. The theme for the weekend was “God songs in a strange land”, looking at the exiles’ experiences through Psalm 137, and how Christians are singing God songs in today’s world, despite the troubles we face.

During the weekend, BBC Radio Derby reported on the event for their Sunday Breakfast show.

Next year’s Festival is 27th-30th May, and the theme will be “Ask for the Ancient Paths”. Details from 01246 584 200 or go to at www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/festival where you can also read more about this year’s event.

 
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