Holiday Club 25: Mission complete 🚀

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

What a week it has been. This summer, our church became a launch site for one of the most exciting and joy-filled Holiday Clubs we have ever hosted. With stars, planets, astronauts, and space dust decorating the building, we set off on a journey across the galaxies and into the heart of God’s truth.

Over five unforgettable days, 103 children, four little ones in the crèche, and eight fantastic teenagers joined us for our space-themed adventure. From the moment the children walked through the doors with eyes wide and faces lit up, the excitement was contagious. Each room had been transformed into a different corner of the galaxy, lovingly prepared by volunteers who had been working for weeks. Space stations, control panels, hanging planets, and glowing stars all came together to create a vibrant world of wonder and learning.

But more than the rocket ships and shiny decorations, it was the message behind the week that truly mattered. Rooted in John chapter eight, verse thirty-two, everything we did pointed back to one truth: that knowing Jesus brings true freedom. This simple and powerful idea came alive through storytelling, games, songs, crafts, and conversations. Children learned how Jesus frees us from fear, from lies, from loneliness, and from the pressure to be anything other than who He created us to be.

Each morning began with high energy gathering that combined hilarious drama sketches, storytelling and worship songs that were impossible not to sing along with. The children danced, laughed, listened and reflected deeply, many for the first time, about who Jesus is and how His truth changes everything. Small group times gave room for connection, where volunteers listened with patience, answered thoughtful questions and reminded each child that they are fully known and deeply loved by God.

Creativity was everywhere. The crafts tables turned into miniature universes, with children making everything from rockets and galaxy jars to aliens. Outside, laughter echoed as groups raced through obstacle courses and teamed up for cooperative games. Every activity was thoughtfully planned not just for fun, but to create moments that point back to the love of Jesus.

An important part of the week was our Breakfast and Lunch Club, where around forty children and families gathered each day to share food and time together. These meals were about more than nourishment. They became spaces of welcome, warmth and conversation, where the church became more than a building and more like home.

Behind all of this was an incredible team of 69 volunteers contributing over 3,000 hours to delivering the holiday club. From leading groups to preparing food, running sound, playing music, acting, cleaning up and offering prayer they poured their hearts into this ministry. Their service, joy and care created a space where children felt safe, seen and celebrated. The teenagers who served alongside them were equally amazing, bringing passion, leadership, and genuine connection with the younger children.

To every parent who entrusted us with your child, thank you. To every volunteer who gave their time and energy, even when it meant glitter in the carpet and tired feet by Friday, thank you. And to God, who made this all possible and continues to speak truth and freedom into every life, we give all the glory.

As we pack away the planets and sweep up the final bits of stardust, one thing remains. The truth of Jesus sets us free. And that truth travels with every child who walked through our doors this week.

Our rockets may have landed, but the journey is only just beginning.