New Springs - Loughborough

I don't know anyone who can put on an event better than Phil Weaver - senior minister of New Springs church in Loughborough!

Celebrating twelve years since the church commenced, the leadership team pictured here (left to right, Euan Lockwood, David Holmes, Phil Weaver, Ryan Atkinson, Nathan Weaver) hosted 240 people for a six course meal at the Hilton hotel. The theme was 'On Safari' and the oil paintings around the room elicited three months work by, exceptionally talented, artist Terry Woods pictured here with me. A number of the guests were incorporated into the animal pictures! Tony's testimony and work is going to be featured in Direction in a following edition.

After the meal the guests were treated to a top cabaret presentation by artists such as X factor finalist Beverley Trotman who is about to release a worship album, award-winning illusionist Chris Stephenson, comedy duo 'Men in coats' who have appeared on the Royal Variety show and whose Youtube sketches have been viewed 20 million times, conjurer Max Somerset who has his own series on Sky TV, world class opera singers Huw and Elizabeth Priday. Elizabeth often appears at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and is a formal National Opera Company Principal. Huw has performed before many of Europe's Royal families including our own.

Before the event concluded at 1am the pinnacle of the evening took place by a Gospel presentation entitled 'Dream on' and featured music and multimedia from Tracey Parkinson, David Holmes, Ellen Lockwood who are members of New Springs.

Many of those who attended the banquest were not yet committed Christians and a number were present at the meeting on Sunday morning that had a 'back to church' emphasis.

This was the first time I had been to the impressive New Springs facility in the centre of the town and the church was full for the event. Prior to me speaking Huw and Elizabeth Pridday sang and there could not have been a better context into which to share a Gospel message.

Phil and Helen Weaver are passionate about reaching people for Christ and are committed to excellence in every area of church life.