Faith in the community: Summer celebration included bunting, craft, singing - and cake
It was a great delight to host our inaugural Summer Celebration at All Saints, Denmead, over the first two weeks of August.
Blessed with sunshine and warmth, we were able to offer a wide range of free events, activities and services for all ages in a large summer marquee in the church gardens.
Across the fortnight, we welcomed more than 1,300 community and church members, pinned up over 200 metres of flags and bunting, and enjoyed more than 400 pieces of cake!
We began with a Songs of Praise service. From a published list of our top 25 songs and hymns, people chose their three favourites. This helped us create a top ten, which we sang together, interspersed with personal stories of faith in Jesus Christ. The top three were Bless the Lord O My Soul (10,000 Reasons), In Christ Alone, and, at number one, How Great Thou Art.
During the two weeks we offered a lively mix of sessions for youngsters, older people and all ages together. The craft café and afternoon tea created space for friendship, laughter, relaxation, beautiful cakes and shared crafting skills.
We also ran board game afternoons, where people came to play old favourites or learn something new. It was wonderful to see six-year-olds playing alongside 88-year-olds, enjoying one another’s company and learning together.
Our eco-morning invited local people to explore the wildlife garden, hear about our Ecochurch silver award, and discover the composting area, including a new biodigester which mixes food waste and woodchips to create fresh compost.
We were also keen to support families with babies and toddlers during the summer holidays, when many free groups pause. Alongside our usual term-time Little Stars group, we hosted two garden mornings with water, sand, toys, ice lollies, beach balls, Oobleck and more.
Parents and carers told us how much they appreciated having free, welcoming activities during a long summer break.
Family events were another highlight. A quiz night brought plenty of pizza and an amazing view of the solar eclipse, while our creation-themed afternoon included a mini-farm, fruit kebabs, bouncy castle, ice creams, face painting and crafts. Each child received a passport to fill with stickers as they joined in the activities.
The fortnight concluded with outdoor, all-age worship and a community picnic, as we celebrated and gave thanks for the fun, friendship and joy of the previous two weeks. The whole Summer Celebration was greatly enjoyed, and we are already beginning to plan for next year!
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, Hambledon Road, Denmead, Waterlooville PO7 6NN