The weekend before last, Annie and I travelled to Sheffield to a youth and childrens work centre called The Oakes. We helped to lead a weekend for 8-14 year olds which was based on Roger's musical Jairus' Daughter. It was a really fantastic weekend full of fun and games as well as rehearsal, bible teaching and worship.
Friday night involved a snack dinner of hamburgers and then an introduction to the weekend.
Early on Saturday morning all the leaders and team members at the Oakes meet for prayer and bible study before forcing the kids out of bed for a pancake breakfast. Saturday morning also included a bible teaching session on faith, and the first rehearsal - Annie did a fantastic job with the orchestra who were mostly clarinets, and the choir were brilliant - they virtually memorised it.
After lunch the kids got some time off to explore and take part in various activities, including craft, dance, archery and a low ropes course. Then came more rehearsal and bible teaching before a game of hunt the leaders in the dark and then an indoor bonfire to get everyone out of the pouring rain.
On Sunday after the last bible study session, the orchestra, choir and soloists all came together for a final rehearsal in the dining room which meant that tables couldn't be put out for lunch. So instead table cloths were set out for an indoor picnic.
The performance to the parents at 3pm was great - the orchestra were very sensitive, and played beautifully, particularly in all the long exposed instrumentals. The choir were really excellent, making my conducting job easier as they knew exactly where they were and what to sing.
A weekend to remember.
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