Programme

The whole programme is optional – no-one is required to come to any or all of it (although if the children wish to opt out, they will need to be supervised by their parents/guardians)  We hope that what there is will be helpful and enjoyable.  You may find inspiration from the material presented or the ways things are done.  You may find inspiration in being with other people or in walking on your own in the beautiful woods.  We pray that you have a great holiday and that God speaks to you in new and profound ways about your spiritual journey.  A typical day includes:

Guest speakers

Our main speaker is Karl Martin, pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Edinburgh.  If you'd like to listen to some of his talks online or on your iPod, visit his church website. Karl has taught at the last four Ashburnham holidays and is a gifted and inspirational preacher. He will be speaking at most of the evening Gatherings.

The morning bible studies will be taught by Erik Peeters. Erik is assistant pastor at Wharfedale Vineyard and speaks there regularly. He has a winsome way of communicating truth in a simple and accessible way.

Hosts

David and Alison Flowers host and lead Ashburnham. They have enjoyed Ashburnham almost every year since the early 1970's when their lives were significantly influenced on holidays with young people's groups there which were led by David's parents: Michael and June. Now their children have grown up with Ashburnham as have many of the other regulars.

David and Alison lead the Wharfedale Vineyard and seek to provide a safe and welcoming time in which you can have loads of fun and also experience the presence of God.

Children and Young People

John and Liz Hawksworth oversee the programme provided for the children and young people. John is the YFC Director for the North East and he and Liz have many years experience of providing children and young people with a vivid and entertaining experience of following Jesus.

Worship leader

Nik Gee will coordinate the worship at Ashburnham. This is always a significant part of what makes the week special and provides an opportunity for worship leaders and musicians from many churches and groups to take part.

Nik is an assistant pastor at Wharfedale Vineyard and has responsibility for worship. He is passionate about music and all forms of worship. He has led for many years and is gifted at creating a safe space for everyone to worship.

Workshops and seminars

There will be a range of engaging workshops and seminars for you to join in with:

Practical ones such as Marriage, Raising Children or Dealing with Work;

Devotional ones such as Building a Prayer Life or How to Read the Bible;

Ministry ones such as Praying for the Sick, Learning to Prophesy. 

People and Stories

Melanie's story

Having walked away from church 7 years ago, I felt very cynical and unsure about coming to Ashburnham. My life as it stands is very far from what God called me to yet I knew a longing for God. Despite fear and running very fast, God has ministered to me deeply and given me new hope.

John's story

I felt very touched – the sense of God’s presence – the tangible sense of peace, the community, the fun, the great conversations, hearing from God, the spirit of the cabaret evening, the range of ages – love having the young and the old all a massive part of what’s going on.

Someone else wrote

I wanted to say that it was (and always is) an exceptional week, a time where I meet with God pretty much more than any other time, a very rich and diverse group of people that it is a priviledge to be part of and having started going as a child it was very special to have my young child experience his first Ashburnham(which he loved). I loved the continuity of people returning time and time again. There is nothing like it . Thank you very much

Matt and Jue

First-timers to Ashburnham in 2005, Matt and Jue wrote:

"Speaker: amazing! Seminar: fascinating, amazing. God has drawn very near to us and met with us in a very powerful and gentle way. We feel more passionate about doing his will where we live and work. We have been inspired by talks, conversations, friendships, prayer, words of encouragement and much much more. A massive thank you to the whole team for the preparation and hard work and for making us feel very welcome."