Firm Foundations

FF 2005 - 'Wide Open'

The theme for this year's Firm Foundations was based around the theme 'WIDE OPEN', taken from 2 Corinthians, chapter 6: "I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide open spacious life". FF2005 was held over the bank holiday weekend from 27th to 30th May 2005 at Felden Lodge (BBHQ).

The theme was explained through worship, Bible study and seminars. Morning Worship was led by the Firm Foundations Worship Team, consisting of young people from BB/GB with Dennis Pethers, Director of Viz-a-Viz expanding on the theme each morning. The Evening Celebrations were led by Robin Mark and Band with speakers including Jim Partridge (Youthwork The Conference), Philip Jinadu (Youth for Christ), Nigel Argall (Moorlands College) and Jules Jacob (Holy Trinty Brompton).

The programme also included a wide range of activities to keep both young and old(er) busy throughout the day including Swimming, Ice Skating, Canoeing, Giant Games, Bouncy Castle, Human Football and a first for FF was it’s very own POP IDOL competition. The cornerstone stage was providing an ever-increasing wide range of acts including bands, soloists, a choir and a Gospel Illusionist! The DanceZone, FF’s very own nightclub was once again to capacity, and as usual was followed up by the late videos which take the programme well into the early hours of the morning!

This year’s festival was planned in a slightly different way with a Management group and Policy group. The Management group delivered the festival with different areas planned and co-ordinated by young people. The Policy group has the task of looking at the development of Firm Foundations and how it fits into the overall work of BB and GB.

It was good to see God using Firm Foundations to impact on the lives of young people. The atmosphere of FF is unique and it is good to see the family of BB and GB coming together to worship, challenge, meditate and respond.

This year saw the launch of 'Become a Friend of Firm Foundations'. Since 1990 FF has challenged thousands of young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of our volunteers have recently been discussing the idea of regularly contributing financially to the festival. By joining the new friends' scheme and committing to donate on a regular basis, either monthly or annually, you will enable the festival to continue and develop this valuable work. All monies will go towards the face to face work of FF and as a friend we will be in touch with you at least once a year to let you know the impact your money is making. For further information contact Eric Hudson on 0870 092 0174 or eric.hudson@boys-brigade.org.uk

We were encouraged to receive a letter from a neighbour to Felden Lodge:

"Dear Sir, I should like to say what a nice, well behaved bunch of young people you have had at your event this weekend. While we have had a few cars and heard the music, this did not give us a problem. In fact, it is nice to know that there are still young people around who know how to behave and be very polite. We hope you all had a very nice time at your Firm Foundations weekend.".