FF programme:Layout 1 - Firm Foundations

Programme
22-25 May 2009
Firm Foundations is a
partnership of
The Girls’ Brigade
England & Wales and
The Boys’ Brigade
Welcome
A warm welcome
Whether this is your first visit to Firm Foundations or you’re an ‘old hand’ - we pray that
you’ll enjoy this year’s festival.
The theme for this year is Priceless: this is how we know, based on 1 John 3, and so
you’ll be learning about how priceless God’s love is and how priceless you are to God.
Events on the programme will reflect this theme - and there are also several other
changes to Firm Foundations (FF) this year.
One of the key changes is that this year we have two main venues offering you a choice
of worship styles and bands - so there’s something for everyone.
Plus for the first time this year there are a number of venues where you can purchase
food, offering you more variety, and plenty of seating in designated marquees.
The only thing that never changes about FF is the dedication and time put in by
volunteers and staff. Thank you to all of them - without their support and skills the event
couldn’t happen.
So have a great time, reflect and listen to what is being said, but most of all take time to
discover what ‘priceless’ means to you.
Eric Hudson and Sharon Brocksom
On behalf of the Festival Planning Team
Pastoral Support
Fancy a chat?
It can be great if something challenges us at FF, but what if that
leaves more questions than answers?
Don’t panic - come and talk to the Festival
Support Team - well, one or two of us anyway!
Over the years the festival has built up a
specialised and experienced team who can offer
you a friendly chat, time to pray, reassurance
and encouragement to discover what God is
saying.
So whether you’ve been challenged by one of
our speakers, a verse in the Bible or want to chat
through some lifestyle issues, then come and
find us.
My Space: One or two of us will be in My Space
from 10.00 to 23.00. This is a new space where
you can find different, individual ways of
expressing your faith, connecting with God and
sharing stuff that has been bugging you.
Worship: We will always be in V1 and V2 during
worship - and we’ll introduce ourselves.
Hear 4U: You might like to talk in more
detail about a specific matter. By texting us
on 07526 002496, the number advertised
during the festival, we’ll arrange a meeting
time and place with one of the Hear 4U
team. These sessions will last for up to 45
minutes. For those who prefer, booking
cards are available at My Space.
Remember, it may also be good to talk with
someone from your group who can
continue to support and encourage you
when you get back home. The Chapel is
available for personal prayer or groups who
want to pray together during the festival.
The Festival Support Team is there for all
ages, including leaders who may be feeling
unappreciated or those struggling with
aspects of youth work in today’s church.
Worship
Worship with a wow
The theme for 2009 is Priceless: this is how we know, based on 1
John 3, and you’ll be learning about how priceless God’s love is and
how priceless you are to God.
Knowing that we’re loved by God is so important
in these days where people constantly review
their worth and value.
Saturday: Mark Greenwood
This year FF sports not just one fantastic
worship venue but two - set to meet the diverse
needs of all who attend the festival.
V2 will be for those who enjoy hearing about
other’s embarrassing real-life stories and what
got them through, while allowing you to
comment on life, and have space to think and
reflect - hosted by you and ending up who
knows where!
Head to V1 if you fancy some fast-paced, factfinding, eye-widening and question-answering
worship, hosted by some active characters - and
guest presenters chosen from the crowd. And,
of course, not forgetting some gunge!
Worship in this venue will be led every morning
by C3, from Cambridge, and the speaker will be
Simeon Whiting from Youth for Christ.
The evening speakers are:
Friday: Andy King (a youth worker from
Birmingham)
Sunday: Let’s hear it for the boys - a worship
session for all the FF males.
Magnus, who are no strangers to FF, will lead
worship every morning and the speaker will be
Mark Greenwood from 40:3 Trust.
The evening speakers are:
Friday: Simeon Whiting
Saturday: Emma Owen (God TV presenter)
Sunday: Let’s hear it for the girls - a worship
session for all the FF females.
Worship
Magnus
Under the spotlight
Next Magnus took the hot seat.
FF caught up with some of the main worship
artists from each of the venues.
When and where did you become Christians? All
the guys in the band have been Christians for
quite a while, but at various times in life - for Jo it
was when she was young and for Barry when he
was at uni.
First Wayne Sanders, worship leader with C3,
had time for a chat.
What are you most looking forward to about Firm
Foundations? Worshipping with loads of others
and being able to just worship God for four days
solid!
This year’s theme is Priceless - what is priceless
to you? In no apparent order: my salvation, my
wife and my two little kids.
Who is your hero? Apart from the obvious choice
(Jesus) I'd probably say Nelson Mandela.
Next up was Simon Beaumont, who plays bass
with C3.
What makes you laugh? The Mighty Boosh.
Tell us something about you that people might
not expect? I share my name with Mr Gay UK discovered by the top result for my name on
Google.
What are you most looking forward to about Firm
Foundations? Rain and mud! Not really, being a
part of the festival, meeting new folks and
spending time with God and friends.
Are you on Facebook? Yes, the band are all
signed up - but some spend more time
‘networking’ than others!
God TV presenter Emma Owen answered FF’s
burning questions next.
Wayne Sanders
Emma Owen
What’s your favourite shop? I spend most
of my time in Tesco sadly, but I love the
Adidas factory! Missy Elliott style all the way.
Simeon Whiting from Youth for Christ was
up next.
When and where did you become a
Christian? On a Christian camp, aged 12.
This year’s theme is Priceless - what is
priceless to you? Cheesy answer: my wife.
Honest answer: my iPhone.
What was your childhood ambition? I
wanted to fly in the Red Arrows.
Last but not least was Andy King from
Riverside Church in Birmingham.
This year’s theme is Priceless - what is priceless
to you? God’s love and forgiveness, they’re two
things you can’t buy at Tesco!
When did you become a Christian? When I
was 18 at Spring Harvest. But sat on my
own on the beach in Minehead was when I
decided to be sold out for Jesus.
What was the last tune you downloaded? My
husband does that and I can guarantee it has a
hip hop flava.
What makes you laugh? My friends, Eddie
Izzard (not my friend) and people walking
into lampposts.
Entertainment
That’s entertainment
This year FF will provide you with entertainment that’s priceless!
Plus having two main venues at this year’s FF
means there’s even more opportunity for you to
take part in the entertainments on offer or just
relax and enjoy the shows.
Look out for:
FF’s Got Talent
Come and support your fellow campers as they
brave the stage in the annual talent show - we
may discover the next George Sampson, Paul
Potts or even a Susan Boyle.
Taking place in Ignite and V2, this year you’ll see
two audition shows, elimination rounds and a
super final show.
To avoid disappointment, please try and attend
one of the audition shows, which will be held on
Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
Saturday’s auditions are very busy, so please try
and make it to Friday’s if possible.
FFTV
Three fantastic shows will be premiered this
year. Don’t miss The Quiz on Friday night, which
will test skills and knowledge, or Grumpy Old
Men vs Grumpy Old Women in the ultimate
battle on Saturday night. Plus, on Sunday night
you can enjoy Sunday Night LIVE with a variety
of guest interviews and live performances, with
some audience participation.
FFRadio
FF is even taking to the airwaves this year.
FFRadio 1 will air between 12 noon to 14.00 and
FFRadio 2 between 17.00 to 19.00 in the eating
areas. FFRadio 1 will play music from the charts,
modern Christian music and broadcasts featuring
interviews with the bands. FFRadio 2 will feature
music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, as well as
phone-ins and vintage Christian music.
Entertainment
FFLIVE
New this year is FFLIVE. The first event FFLIVE
will provide will be a karaoke spot before events.
There will also be other FFLIVE events running
throughout the weekend including a bands
performance spot, the chance to learn circus
skills and a comedy club.
FFLIVE events will be held throughout the
festival, so check out the FFLIVE Information
Boards at the festival to check out what’s on
and where.
Club Ignite
Dance Zone has been reborn as Club Ignite FF’s very own nightclub between 23.00 and
01.00 in Ignite each night.
This year DJ Richie, one of north London’s top
DJs, will be mixing some top tunes to keep you
partying until the early hours. Themed evenings
will also be included.
Seminars
Superb seminars
During your time at FF why not check out one of the numerous
seminars on offer?
All seminars will be 45 minutes long.
Saturday
09.00: Leaders’ breakfast - Refresh
Leaders at FF for the first time can join Event
Managers Eric Hudson and Sharon Brocksom for
breakfast - an ideal time to ask questions about FF.
13.30: Cost of a tap - Reel to Real
This seminar will challenge participants to think
about the things that we consider ‘priceless’ in our
lives and how they compare and relate to people
living in poverty in developing countries - aimed at
14 to 18-year-olds.
Youth leaders who need advice on managing
difficult and challenging behaviour in their youth
group, or who want to prevent problems from
developing in the future, will benefit from this
session led by Simeon Whiting of Youth for Christ.
13.30: Playing sport in a way that honours God
- Ignite
This seminar will help young people grasp how to
use their priceless God-given gifts for Him - led by
Ian Lancaster from Christians in Sport.
14.30: Priceless and possible (social justice)Reel to Real
Worship group C3 will lead this workshop.
This seminar is designed for youth leaders who are
interested in exploring social justice issues with the
young people that they work with. Led by Amy
Merone of Christian Aid.
13.30: Dealing with difficulties in your youth
group - V2
14.30: The power of sport with your young
people - Ignite
13.30: Worship - V1
Ian Lancaster, of Christians in Sport, will help
Seminars
leaders who want to reach and disciple young
sporty people in this seminar.
the world. Activities, led by Jessica Bingham and
Vikki Groves, will include prayer, art and games.
15.30: Am I really priceless? (I) for girls
aged 13 to 19 - Reel to Real
14.30: Promoting your company - Thurso
Dining Room
13.30: Sharing your faith I (knowing and
showing the way) - Ignite
Led by Phil Lund from Boys’ Brigade.
Mark Greenwood from 40:3 Trust will address how
you can share what and why you believe.
This will let you discover what God really
thinks you’re worth - and space to experience
it for yourself. Led by GB Development
Director Rachel Foster.
15.30: Daughter of the King (I) - Reel to Real
16.00: Great resources for youth work Ignite
Led by God TV presenter Emma Owen, this
seminar will look at ‘Who am I?’ in the contexts of
the eyes of the world, in my own eyes and in God’s
eyes - and is for young women.
13.30: Man of God? - Thurso Dining Room
16.30: Daughter of the King (II) - Reel to Real
Led by World Vision.
Aimed at youth leaders who want to add a
little extra spice, or even a lot of new material,
to their youth group meetings. Led by Simeon
Whiting, of Youth for Christ.
This seminar, aimed at youth leaders, will look at
empowering young girls and women to believe
who they are in God’s eyes. Led by God TV
presenter Emma Owen.
14.30: Sharing your faith II (dealing with difficult
questions) - Ignite
16.00: Evaluation of FF for leaders - Thurso
Dining Room
Leaders will learn more about being open to
answer and knowing when to take the opportunity,
led by Mark Greenwood from 40:3 Trust.
Come along and have your say.
Content as seminar I of the same name.
13.30: You only have one life - Reel to Real
14.30: Dance and drama - Thurso Dining
Room
This session will explore World Vision’s take on
priceless and how you can make a difference in
Drama and dance skills with Andy Hancock, of
Youth for Christ.
Sunday
One for the boys, led by Phil Lund from Boys’
Brigade.
14.30: You-nique - Reel to Real
16.30: Am I really priceless? (II) for women
aged 20 to 40 - Reel to Real
17.00: Evaluation of FF for young people Thurso Dining Room
Come along and have your say.
Performers
Sounds of Salvation
Band brilliance
As ever, FF has some great gigs lined up to entertain you over
the course of the weekend.
Headlining on Saturday night are The Steels and
Sounds of Salvation - and don’t miss Empire
Nation and On Off Switch on Sunday night.
The Steels
Also performing over the weekend are 77x,
musician TP aka Jesus Junkie, Guernsey’s
premier Christian rapper Cryptic Misfit and
various GB/BB bands such as Fifth Generation
and the Bob Stone Band from Enfield.
Check them out...
The Steels are an exciting, edgy three-piece
rock band who will be taking to the stage on
Saturday. They are currently touring to promote
their second album Your Name In Lights. Hailing
from Newcastle, the band have played live at
major festivals in the UK, Europe and USA. Their
aim is to take the message of Jesus to the next
generation in a new and refreshing style.
77x
Ska band Sounds of Salvation will be
performing on Saturday at FF. They’re a 10-piece
high-octane Christian ska band, based in
the south of England. Since forming in
2004, the band has gone from strength to
strength and this summer is also playing at
a number of festivals including H3, Bright
Lights, Breakout, Godfest and at a number
of beach missions. The band’s aim is to
make worshipping God the most fun it can
possibly be.
Empire Nation aim to change the world
one riff at a time, using their faith, creativity
and refusal to conform to the norm.
Get surfing
If you want to find out more about any of
the artists you’ve seen at FF, check out the
official website www.firm-foundations.org.uk
or why not join the official Facebook group
to find out what others thought of them?
Activities
Get sporty
If you fancy trying out abseiling or canoeing, FF’s the place to try.
A wide range of sporting activities are on offer to
all at the event - but places are limited so make
sure you listen for the announcements at the end
of the worship sessions and on FFRadio to find
out where you can sign up (apart from the
abseiling).
Please note you can only book for yourself and for
two other people and no group bookings will be
accepted.
This year, there will be no transport available to
take groups to and from Jarman Park leisure
complex and Hemel Hempstead town centre.
But on-site activities will be run from 13.45 to
14.45; 15.45 to 16.15; and 16.45 to 17.45 on both
Saturday and Sunday at FF.
Christians in Sport will be offering sessions of
football coaching and multi-sport team
competitions on the Saturday.
Each of these sessions will last for 75 minutes.
Prices/locations for the activities are as
follows:
Canoeing: £4 - participants will be
transported to and from the off-site canoeing
venue by minibus
Archery: £2.50 - this will take place in the
croquet lawn area
Multi-sports and football: £2.50 - this will
take place on the main field but if the weather
is bad will be run on the hard court area
behind the Ignite venue
Abseiling: £1 per abseil - the abseil tower will
be on the grass between the dining room
and the main house and will be open as a
continuous ‘drop-in’ activity.
Children’s Work / Films
Doing it for the kids
Children’s club Kidz Alive is action-packed
for 2009.
Aimed at youngsters aged five to 12, the club
is full of faith, fun and full-on discovery.
Featuring plenty of adventurous activities, great
games and crazy challenges - a brilliant time of
finding out about life and faith is guaranteed.
Kidz Alive’s opening hours are:
Saturday/Sunday: 09.45 to 11.45 and
17.00 to 18.30
Monday: 09.00 to 10.00.
A crèche will also run at the same time as
the Kidz Alive children’s work.
We know that children are ‘priceless’ and this
year they’ll have fun finding out why God loves
them so much.
Pass the popcorn
Trilogies will be the theme in FF’s cinema Reel to Real.
Films will be showing at 18.00, 21.00, and
midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the
Thurso Centre.
The 18.00 film on each day will be the High
School Musical trilogy; the Pirates of the
Caribbean trilogy will be shown at 21.00
each day and the Ocean’s trilogy in the
midnight slots.
So sit back, relax and enjoy the films.
Food / Retail
Food glorious food
For the first time this year there will be a number of venues where
you can purchase food, offering you more variety, and plenty of
seating in designated marquees.
Arnold’s is the festival’s self-service restaurant
offering a wide range of hot/cold food and drinks.
£5 meal vouchers can be purchased from the
Shopadrome - ideal for groups to give out to
young people.
Many of the staff who work in the kitchens have
appropriate catering qualifications to ensure the
best quality service possible. Prices held from
2008 in Arnold’s and Snack Shack.
Arnold’s opening hours will be: Friday 16.30 to
20.00; Saturday/Sunday 08.00 to 14.00 and 17.00
to 20.00; and Monday 08.00 to 14.00.
Snack Shack’s opening hours will be: Friday
16.00 to 01.00; Saturday/Sunday noon to
midnight; and Monday 11.00 to 14.30.
Refresh: Friday 20.00 to midnight;
Saturday/Sunday 11.00 to 23.00; and closed on
Monday.
Soda Siphon: Don’t forget to drop into V2
and try one of the cocktails from the nonalcoholic cocktail bar at some point this
weekend. Soda Siphon will also be serving
hot drinks. It’s run by members of the 23rd
Sheffield BB company.
Shop till you drop
Come along to the Shopadrome, in the
house’s lounge, to stock up on drinks,
sweets, FF merchandise, and items from the
BB/GB shops and Christian bookshop.
Newspapers will be available, as will Krispy
Kreme doughnuts (Saturday and Sunday
only). The Shopadrome’s opening hours will
be: Friday 13.00 to 01.00; Saturday/Sunday
09.00 to 01.00; and Monday 09.00 to 14.00.
But please note the shop will shut during
worship.
General Information
FF at a glance
First aid: A team from the British Red Cross will
be available throughout the weekend for any
accidents and emergencies.
Drugs, solvent and alcohol free zone: FF
operates a strict NO drugs, solvents or alcohol
policy throughout the entire site.
Mobile phones: These must be switched off
when inside any venues on-site. Mobile phone
charging is possible at the Shopadrome, for a
small fee.
Smoking: A strict NO smoking policy operates
in all buildings, venues and the camping areas.
It’s only permitted in other outside areas.
Wristbands: These MUST be worn at all times
and will be checked regularly by the festival
team. This is to ensure only paying guests are
on-site.
Broken wristbands can be replaced for a small
fee and anyone without a wristband will be
required to purchase one at the Shopadrome.
Vehicles/parking: For safety reasons,
guests’ vehicles can’t be left on-site.
Alternative parking is provided off-site and
details of this are available from the
Welcome Team.
Noise: This should be kept to a minimum
late at night, especially in the camping
areas. Also, please avoid any unnecessary
noise before 7.30am!
Loss/damage to property: Any items of
lost property should be handed in. Firm
Foundations, The Boys’ Brigade and The
Girls’ Brigade (E&W) can’t be held
responsible for any loss or damage to
property and/or vehicles.
Extra programmes/planners: These can
be purchased from the Shopadrome for a
small fee.
Stop for a shower: This year showers will
be FREE of charge at the Thurso Centre.
Acknowledgements
A BIG thank you
The Strategy and Planning teams would like to thank the numerous volunteers who work before,
during and after the festival to make it such a success.
Thanks also to the Strategy Group members who are Chris Row (Chairman), Ruth Gilson, Steve
Dickinson, Sharon Brocksom, Eric Hudson, Colin Preston, Barbara Darby, Michael Elliott,
Jonathan Eales, and Jane Ellis.
And to the Planning Group members who are Eric Hudson (Event Manager), Sharon Brocksom
(Event Manager), David Martin (Site), Lorne Campbell (Worship), Vaughan Staples
(Entertainments), Dave Mayo (Activities), Colin Preston (Admin and Finance), Chris Norman
(Retail) and Catherine Burt (Communications).
FF is also pleased to acknowledge the assistance of James Evans, Andrew Oakley, the Isle of
Wight College students, volunteers of the British Red Cross, Green Hills Christian Trust,
Cementaprise Ltd, Ellam Oxtoby and Peck and Hemel Hempstead Railway Station.
A friendly face
If you’d like to help the festival to continue, why not become a Friend of Firm Foundations?
Since 1990 FF has challenged thousands of young people to get to know God. By joining the
Friends scheme and committing to donate on a regular basis, either monthly or annually, you will
help support this valuable work. All money raised in this way will be spent on the face-to-face
work of FF and at least once a year we’ll contact you to tell you the impact your money is making.
To sign up, you can download a form from the website at www.firm-foundations.org.uk.
Don’t miss out on Firm Foundations
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Although next year’s theme is still to be decided,
you’ll be guaranteed an action-packed weekend
of worship, activities and performances from
well-known Christian artists.
So put the date in your diary now and look out
for more details later this year.
Friday 28 May to Monday 31 May 2010