At Spring Harvest, Becky, Lauren, and me went to a group in the Morning and at night. Our group was called Distinctive and we did all sorts of things like singing, playing games, and praying.

In our group we learnt that God is important and that he sent Jesus down to die for us because he loves us so much. I think it is good to learn about this, as you will get to know more about God and why he loves us so much.

At other times we were allowed to go off by ourselves to the fair or shopping, as long as we told one of the adults. We also went swimming a lot. The pool had water rides in it!

Thank you to Jackie for planning the few days, it was really great fun. Please could you do it again? Also thanks to Richard Brookes for driving me.

Jade Pearce

Over the week of 26th-31st of March a group of us from Oakwood travelled north to Skegness for Spring Harvest 2005. This year's theme was ?Sing the Lord's song in a strange land? with the weeks Bible Studies and Seminars being based on the book of Daniel. The weather was a bit miserable, very cold everyday. The chalets were very good and the food was great too!

In the morning I attended the 'Faith and Working Life Zone', which was led by Claire Pedrick (a Director of 3D Coaching Ltd) and Jim Saker (a Senior Lecturer at Loughborough Uni Business School). It posed many questions about how I behave and relate to people at work, especially when there are no other Christians there. How do people perceive me? How do I react in certain situations? It was really challenging and some of the things I've learnt I have tried to put into action at work since my return.

In the evenings I went to the 'Big Top Celebration' where we enjoyed worshipping through song and listened to the visiting speakers who this year were Steve Chalke, Peter Meadows, Pete Broadbent, Martin Young, and Brother Andrew who had a particularly amazing story to tell.

I also attended two afternoon seminars; one was about being a single person in which we learnt that the ultimate relationship is that with God. We discussed what it's like being single, some people were happy and others weren't. Most agreed that as a single adult you are viewed differently within both the workplace and the church, i.e. "as you're single you won't mind doing that bit extra work or putting in those extra hours." This seminar was led by Jill Rowe (Youth Participation Manager at Oasis Trust) who is single and happy to be single.

The other was called 'Stuff' in which we talked about how to handle and use our possessions in a consumerist age. We talked about how people go out and buy the latest gadgets even if they don't need them. It was led by Martin Young (Senior Minister at Rising Brook Baptist Church) and Pete Broadbent (the Bishop of Willesden). Martin is someone who enjoys having all the latest gadgets and Pete's someone who only gets the stuff that he needs. There were some interesting debates and comments in defence of both options.

For 'After Hours', which ran from 10.30-11.30pm, I went to Resident ?Comedy? show on the first night, which was a bit poor! On night 2 I went to see the Iskra String Quartet, which was brilliant, I even bought their CD! On night 3 I went to see the Red Balloon Theatre Company, which was again brilliant! And on night four I went to see Note for a Child who are a band, which I again really enjoyed.

On the final morning after breakfast and repacking the cars I went to the final Big Top celebration where we shared communion and listened to a sermon from Rachael Orrell. We left for our journey home before the rush and were on the road by 11.20.

Thanks to Richard Brookes for driving myself and Jade (my niece). And a BIG thank you to Jackie Sibuns for organising the trip, we all had a great time.

Daniel Pearce