On 15 November, Coventry Cathedral was transformed into a warm, cosy campfire scene, complete with trees, crackling firepits and a large bell tent – all to celebrate a century of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) holidays.
Over 200 guests comprised of past and present volunteers, participants and supporters, gathered to give thanks for a century of life-changing ministry. In the dimmed lights, old friends embraced, children played with giant Jenga blocks and worship songs echoed out on acoustic guitar.
Tim Friend, current Ventures and Falcons Principal, led the service. He reflected on the roots of this ministry: in 1942, a small group of leaders passionate about sharing the gospel took twenty-four young factory girls, aged 12 to 15, camping in the fields of Coldharbour, Surrey. Gathered around a campfire, they sang songs, shared stories and heard the good news of Jesus Christ. One of the girls wrote home, ‘my brother and I have given our whole selves to Jesus’. A century later and tens of thousands of young people have experienced a CPAS holiday.
Much has changed from these humble beginnings, but throughout the service it became clear that much has stayed the same. Whether called the Fresh Air Fund, CYFA, Pathfinders, Explorers, CYPECS, Ventures or Falcons, these holidays have always been a joyful celebration of friendship and faith, all while responding to the invitation of a life with Jesus.
The service interspersed worship songs with stories shared by those who had attended a holiday this summer. Specially commissioned videos also captured footage and photographs from every decade. To end the evening, Jon Scamman, CEO of CPAS, gave a glimpse into the future of Venture and Falcon holidays. ‘We are wholeheartedly committed to carrying this work forward,’ he affirmed, while thanking the thousands of supporters who have made this ministry possible.
Jon emphasised that while continuing to invest in residential holidays, CPAS will also look to strengthen work with churches, resourcing both the ‘mountaintop’ holiday experiences as well as the ‘basecamp’ day-to-day ministry of the local church. He also reflected on the paramount importance of safeguarding in all CPAS does, both past and present.
After a joyful round of praise and prayer, the night finished with guests sharing tasty hotdogs and marshmallows. It is abundantly clear that none of this ministry would have been possible without the thousands who have sacrificially given their time, finances and energy, all so young people have the chance to encounter Jesus.
As we at CPAS look back with thanksgiving and forwards with expectation, we echo the refrain which was threaded throughout the service: how good is our God!
