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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 13 February 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE sun shone on more than 1,000 worshippers from more than 50 churches who took their services out onto the Rye park on Sunday 20 May for Love Wycombe.
There was a live band and a choir, bouncy castles for children and a large number of local charities took stands to promote their work.
The service was led by leaders and children from different churches and included music, drama, prayers and a talk from David Price from Wooburn Green Community Church. Richard Peters from the Encounter Trust, that organised the event said: "Love Wycombe was an opportunity for Christians from across the town to forgo their own services and meet in this beautiful place, sharing time with each other and finding out more about the amazing charities and groups who serve the town.
Our vision is for Christians from all kinds of churches to come together with one voice, in unity, to show our love for the town, to celebrate the work already being done and to help people find out how they can do more. "Heather Stanley from the One Can Trust foodbank said: "People in churches in the town already do so much for the foodbank, collecting donations and raising money.
Love Wycombe gave us the opportunity to speak to people about the increasing need facing our town and it was inspiring to find so many people who wanted to find out how they can do more to help. "Other charities represented included Wycombe Homeless Connection , Lighthouse Holiday Club , Wycombe Youth for Christ , Wycombe Refugee Partnership , AtaLoss Bereavement support group and many more. Neil Bartlett, leader of King's Church who welcomed everyone to the service, said: "It was a great opportunity to hear about how the church in Wycombe is helping in their communities.
We heard amazing stories of lives being changed from individuals who were themselves helped by Christians Against Poverty , who offer debt advice and related support.
They have helped turn around the fortunes of so many, helping them free themselves from dreadful financial situations. " He continued: "And of course, we couldn't have hoped for better weather! There was so much going on for children and the sunshine was magnificent.
We had a brilliant day. "Steve Baker MP was also at the event.
He said: "Love Wycombe is a wonderful event for our town.
No one could fail to be uplifted when they come out and see the good works that are being done by the foodbank, the Wycombe Homeless Connection, and all of the other charities represented here today who are reaching out to people in need where they are, standing with them and helping them.
It has been a really encouraging day and in turn I'd love to encourage people to come along to Love Wycombe in the future."After the service, families and friends stayed together in the glorious sunshine to share picnics while local bluegrass band, Papa Truck, entertained the crowd. Thousands have attended the open-air services which have previously been held in the town centre since 2012.