2020 has been something of a rollercoaster and the Urban Saints Camps programme has experienced this fast-moving and bumpy ride to the fullest. Now we're on the eve of December and attentions turn to Advent, Christmas festivities, fine food and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. But not before we bring the 2020 Camps season to a close in exhilarating style... with our hugely popular Shine weekend.
Shine is our annual weekend event for girls aged 11 – 18 years, running from 4th to 6th December and is now in its 12th season. The conference itself focuses on being a time of fun, fellowship, and faith building, underpinned by great speakers and awesome worship. Normally held at a beautiful venue, in 2020 Shine is going online! Far from being a poor substitute, we're delighted to report that over 100 girls will be joining the online experience from all around the UK for the entire weekend - some of whom would not otherwise have been able to take part.
While we will miss being together in the same place, we are excited that this year has presented us with an opportunity to reach girls across the UK in new, creative ways. More than just an online event, this virtual adventure features exercise sessions, baking, craft and a ‘not-so-silent’ disco, with each girl receiving a personalised box of goodies to enhance their experience.
Over the weekend we will begin to explore the theme of trust. Through a range of activities, online workshops, and keynote sessions, we will start to unpack what it means to trust in a constant God at a time where everything else is inconsistent and ever changing. With a dedicated team of volunteer ‘Shine Angels’ and a highly gifted ministry team, we will journey alongside our girls and their leaders to understand and celebrate the ways God calls us to take our place - amidst the uncertainty - right next to Him (Ephesians 2:6) and live for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).
Our keynote speakers, Linford and Joy, are a dynamic duo who openly love and trust God in their everyday lives and have a passion for helping others to trust God daringly and boldly. Living in Wolverhampton, with their son Zuriel and another baby on the way, they are fun, loving and kind to their core. They believe in young people and avidly cheer them on, calling them up to seek God in all areas of their lives.
Please do join us in praying for the Shine team as they seek to deliver the best experience online for our girls and leaders. Pray that throughout the weekend, they feel supported, loved, and abundantly valued, drawing closer to God in every way. Give thanks for the group leaders who are lovingly finding new ways to engage their young people throughout this season and pray that Shine is another opportunity for God to manifest in their lives in a new, dynamic way.
We expectantly look forward to hearing many more accounts of how Shine has made a lasting impact in the lives of young woman... just like these testimonies:
“I can honestly say that it was a life changing experience that helped me to understand God more, overcome fears and to make new friends. Every day was a different adventure, there was never a moment where I felt bored as I was constantly taking part in the fun activities that were offered. There is something for everyone to enjoy.” Age 12, Staffordshire
“Shine helped me to embrace who I am and to stay strong in the faith of God. I did not feel pressured, instead I felt completely moved by the Holy Spirit. The worship and scriptures shared gave me a boost of confidence which everyone needs to have in their life. I was very inspired…” Age 15, Essex
“The Shine weekend was a special and significant time for all the girls… so thankful my daughters and their friends are able to share in such a valuable time, with powerful teaching and worship, prayer opportunities and the sessions were great! A BIG thank you to everyone.” Leader, West Midlands
“What a wonderful weekend. I know you spend a year praying, thinking, planning, organising and it really shows! So well organised, quality teaching and a thread of love running through it all. Amazing to see how they are growing in their faith and you help accommodate that!” Leader, Gloucestershire
Experience the adventure for yourself in 2021
We are really hopeful that many of our Camps will run in 2021. We are delighted to share details of our provisional 2021 Camps programme. Our desire is to run Camps where it is safe to do so, whilst recognising the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
If you want to add the dates to your diary or sign-up to hear the latest updates on plans for 2021, please visit the 2021 Camps web page:
