Report for 2009
Over five years many people have been reached and engaged with through Life on the Beach. People who might never enter a traditional church and/or have no idea about Jesus. Many conversations have been had, lots of drinks consumed, hundreds of biscuits eaten, lots of animals cuddled, millions of bounces bounced, thousands of badges made, many prayers said, loads of bands listened to.
We can only pray that as it ends seeds have been planted, concepts have been challenged but most of all the all the vision and aims of Life on the Beach from the start have been achieved: ‘To show the Life of Christ through generous hospitality, imaginative presentations and sensitive conversation.'
13 June 2009
The first event in 2009 saw the cathedral green covered in giant inflatable games as part of the Make Jesus Known Band's entertainment. These padded attractions proved to be very popular and certainly were a different form of entertainment than is normally seen on the cathedral front. Alongside this was also a large lorry providing a stage for the very physical and very active band. You could not fail to know the band was there as they did things loud, but no one could fault their heart and passion for getting the people around the cathedral to know and experience the love of Jesus. Several young people who do not attend church were very interested in the message and asked for more details and information following the performances. As well as the music element and inflatables there was face painting and badge making as well as free Fair-Trade refreshments. The traditional ‘Splat the Rat' game was also in demand, and several families enjoyed playing on the Giant Jenga and Connect Four. For those requiring quieter conversation or prayer there was a designated area set aide for this with specially trained people manning it. The faithful and much valued Life on the Beach supporters Bridge Books from Okehampton Street and the Mothers' Union both had stands telling people about their work.
12 September 2009
The last Life on the Beach and the River Dream Church from Exeter made sure we finished with an excellent day. God also blessed us brilliantly with fantastic weather and sunshine. River Dream provided some great music for people to listen to and enjoy as they lounged in the sun on the grass around the cathedral. Scott, their youth pastor, kept people laughing and informed people how much Jesus loved them. John of Bridge Books had a great display representing a very small sample of the great things you can purchase from the shop. The Mothers' Union had a map of the world you could pinpoint specific places special to you on, as well as literature and information about their very varied and excellent work. As always the Pennywell animals were in huge demand to be cuddled and hugged. Paul and his team manning the bouncy castle were non-stop all the time which is normal for a Life on the Beach event. Plenty of free refreshments were handed out and families again enjoyed playing on the giant games and as always the badge making was very popular.
Thank you to all the many, many churches, individuals and, organisations that have made it happen. There are too many to mention here but a heartfelt and very grateful thank you to all for you have done at the events. Especial thanks to the cathedral for making it possible by allowing us to use the magnificent and very special venue. As the Rev Canon Mark Rylands moves on he leaves behind a very special chapter of church life in Exeter covering a set of very special events that Exeter and individual lives are the richer for happening.
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