The Church by the Bridge - 100 Years of Good News
Over the last five days, we have here in Risborough been hosting Lighthouse week again.
I am very aware that I have already written about this amazing event before, but nevertheless want to do so again as Lighthouse, the weeklong children’s Christian based holiday club, is absolutely unique and hope-giving in this area. Just some statistics: Last year (2024) Lighthouse was held at 15 venues - mainly around South Bucks - had around 2,000 children attending supported by around 1,250 teenage and adult helpers.
This year Lighthouse Risborough has welcomed over 400 children and 140 young and mature helpers signed up. Is that not absolutely impressive?
Last Sunday the Lighthouse Commissioning Service took place which our local MP Greg Smith as well as our Mayor Matt Walsh attended. Both spoke a few words expressing their appreciation of the work that Lighthouse does for the children in South Bucks and in Risborough.
During the week each day kicks off with a daily briefing aimed at the 140+ Lamplighters (younger helpers), Lighthouse Keepers (teenage helpers) and group leaders involved. These daily briefings start off with open Prayer which frames the whole day and event. After some daily repeated ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ there then is a short reflection on the theme of the day which is based on a biblical passage.
I had the privilege of attending two of these morning briefing/reflection sessions this year. As in previous years, seeing the combined youth who chose to invest their week helping at Lighthouse, each coming from their own unique backgrounds, each teenager being completely valued, bold in stepping outside of their comfort zone and remaining kind under relentless pressure absolutely blew me away again.
If anyone says that our youth is only self-obsessed, only glued to their phones, not interested in what goes on around them or timid, they just have to come to Lighthouse to witness the exact opposite.
The year-after-year retuning children – who often then volunteer to be helpers themselves – speak their own story loud and clear.
The daily open prayer that started each day ensured that the whole event was from start to finish put under the protective hand of our Lord and master.
Jesus before he was arrested prayed this for future believers; “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.' (John 17:20,21)
Seeing all these helpers, as one, under the direction of Jesus Christ gives us a little glimpse of prayer fulfilled, and Kingdom come and starting to arrive here.
Well done to the whole Lighthouse Team – from youth to leaders – to being so open, prepared and willing to make this week happen again!
Have a blessed week
Kai