Anniversary weekend
Friday night
Good Evening Rock'n'roll fans!
Clive Urquhart, Senior Pastor, had squeezed himself into a tight t-shirt and skinny jeans with turn-ups and his hair was looking quiff-tastic! Tonight church was very definitely going to put a smile on your face. Over the years the Friday night of the Anniversary Weekend has become known as 'the ball' but this was a full-on rock'n'roll party.
Hundreds entered into the spirit of the event, with extra from Grease and James Dean look-a-likes rubbing shoulders with the occasional Elvis and waitresses from the diner. Then there were the glamorous dresses, bow ties and evening jackets. And it seemed like everyone danced under the disco ball to the sounds of local rock'n'roll band The FireTones.
Looking around the hall, as friends and family ate and chatted together, there were new faces and familiar faces. For some this would be their introduction to a church that's living life and loving it. And although the shocking pink decor is not normally there, the passion for people is. That's what makes the Anniversary weekend such a celebration.
Saturday
Great day. Great rides. Great friends.
Watching the weather forecast is rarely a faith-building exercise in the UK. It certainly wasn't in the week running up to the Fun Day. There may have been a wet weather plan but nobody really wants to spend a day on fairground rides in the pouring rain. I'm sure someone prayed because it didn't rain! So under blues skies, with the occasional cloud, thousands enjoyed a day of free activities for all the family.
Many who'd been invited from the local community showed up. The atmosphere told its own story: happy, smiling people mixing and making friends, enjoying life together. The more adventurous mixed it up on The Orbitor, arguably the most sick-inducing ride ever to grace our Fun Day! Amid the candy-floss and the queues for ice-cream a song heard blasting from the Dodgems summed it up: We Are Family!
Sunday
The KF Honour Awards 2008
For the first time Kingdom Faith presented awards as part of the Anniversary Weekend celebrations. There are loads of people who could be honoured but here are the five who picked up the Awards in 2008.
"Nation Changer" - Elizabeth Allan
Elizabeth is probably the most impacting, nation changing person in Kingdom Faith. She is affecting laws in our nation and across Europe because of what she is doing.
"It's with great joy and thankfulness that we present you with this award."
- Caroline Urquhart
"Quintessential Parents" – Roger & Vicky Greene
Roger and Vicky have done a fantastic job in raising their own children and we know lots of people honour them, their family life and how they are as parents.
"You're just a great example. I know other people see the way you've lived your life and raised your family, and the quality of family that you've got."
- Clive Urquhart
"Most Amazing Mum" – Johanna Thomas
Johanna has pressed in with God and seen some great things happen with her family. She's a woman of faith; she's a women of the word. She's full of life and energy and always seems to have a smile on her face.
"We just want to speak a double portion of grace, anointing and authority operating through your life."
- Jane Urquhart
"Outstanding Dedication" – Paula Floyd
Paula has been at Kingdom Faith about sixteen years. She has prayed and served and dedicated herself to Kingdom Faith with a real heart for what God is doing. She's done an awesome job.
"She has been so faithful in serving me and Kingdom Faith. What she does behind-the-scenes is just amazing.
- Colin Urquhart
"Dedication To Go Above And Beyond" – Matt Hellyer
Matt always goes the extra mile. If you come up with an idea he won't just do the idea but do the next bit and make it even better. He is never satisfied unless it is done in a very excellent way.
"I want to say thank you for the way you invested yourself tirelessly. You've gone beyond 'what's the cost to me?' and laid your life down."
- Clive Urquhart