Letter from the Chair

Dear friend,

I am writing to ask you to consider bringing a group of Young People to this annual event this year. I realise that many will not have heard much about Crossfire, and so in order for you to make this decision I will give you a few tasters!

Before telling you anything about what happens at the event it is important that you can feel confident in sending your Young People into our care – so, here's a little about our set up and reason for being.

Crossfire is a FURY camp for all 14–25 year olds, which is offered to the whole United Reformed Church by GEAR (The Group for Evangelism And Renewal within the URC). It is organised by a committee made up of URC ministers, other URC folk and some from the wider church who offer their skills to us in gratitude for the ministry of the camp to them in the past. We remain grateful for the support of GEAR, but also of FURY officers and the Youth Office for their on-going support and advice.

We are also keen to be aware of and to implement the URC Good Practice guide in order to ensure the safety and integrity of campers and staff alike. As well as taking appropriate care in all our relating to young people, we also have fully qualified First Aiders, and our excellent catering is done by a qualified team.

The aim of the camp is to provide a safe and fun (yes indeedy!) environment where young people can be challenged by the Gospel and come to a lasting personal commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. We long to see young people set free, and empowered by God to live the Christian life to the full, and we are grateful to God that many of our team, and several other URC ministers, can point to moments at Camp that have been significant in their Christian lives. Whilst we have lots of fun, and many new and lasting friendships are made at camp, youth relevant worship and prayer are at the heart of the programme, and of course the preparations!

So, what of the event itself ?

Crossfire is held in Cottesmore Village Hall (near Rutland Water, just off the A1) over the Spring Bank Holiday – Friday evening, 27th May, until after lunch on Bank Holiday Monday, 30th 2005

We have the use of a flat field for camping, and of the wash and shower facilities in the centre. All the "Sessions" take place in the main hall where we erect a stage and bring in professional PA, lights and video projection, to form an impressive venue.

On arrival, all Campers are allocated into "Tribes". These small groups are led by 2 young leaders (one male one female) and this is where much talking and praying occurs, as well as being the basis for inter-tribe games, quizzes and other competitions. It is hoped that the care and nurture within these groups ensures that no-one can get lost in the bigger crowd at the event, nor ever be without someone to talk to and share with.

We also have a quality worship band which is very busy throughout the weekend, and on the Saturday night we usually book a top Christian band. Over the last three years we have hosted concerts by "Kato", "Quench" and "As If..." – all excellent bands. There are also great "let your hair down times", and opportunity to input into the fun as part of the Road Shows with the resident DJ.

In between all this, there are also workshops on various topics, either related to the main theme or practical giftings - art, music, worship leading, "DJ-ing" etc.

The cost of camp is – £47 for the full weekend. This includes everything except for tent hire (if needed) tuck shop, book stall and any (supervised!) free time options off site. You can save a massive £7 by booking and paying by the end of February, and there is a bursary fund available to help any who require this. Please ask.

I could go on and on, but perhaps enough is enough. Please get back to me and I will gladly give any further detail or explanation - or visit www.crossfire.org.uk

Please consider how Crossfire can effectively have a role along side your work with young people more locally, and please also join us in praying for the ministry of Crossfire camp!

Thank you for taking the time to read this

Yours in Christ
Andy Hall

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