Cornerstone in Canterbury for REVIVE 2023

On 23-25 June 2023, Cornerstone joined together with 25 other London churches in the Co-Mission network for REVIVE – a jam-packed weekend of Bible teaching, fun activities and community. 

On Friday, those staying for the whole weekend, headed down to Kent University Campus in Canterbury, to get settled into the student accommodation. We enjoyed the company of 140 Cornerstone members in a cluster of houses, with enough outdoor space in the shade to pitch a communal spot using our own deckchairs and fairy lights. 

Altogether, over 2000 people attended REVIVE from Co-Mission churches across London. The Co-Mission network is a church planting movement, from where Cornerstone was borne and continues to partner with. With all these Christians coming together, the atmosphere on the main sports field and in the big top was buzzing. 

“It was a fun refreshing and relaxing weekend of fellowship and fun.”

Leanne

While the adults enjoyed big preaches from Matt Fuller, Jack Sara and Ray Galea. The kids and youth enjoyed their own programme of Bible teaching, games and activities in their age groups in marquees on the field. This year the teaching centred around the theme of God’s faithfulness through the storm. We heard a testimony from each of the three main speakers and were blessed by their preaching and application of God’s word to times of personal and collective suffering. You can find out more about the speakers here: https://co-mission.org/revive-2023/speakers/

In between the teaching sessions and topical afternoon seminars, there was plenty to do including sports and crafts for all ages, as well as a kids concert from Awesome Cutlery. The exhibition tent was often bustling; including the bookstall run by the Good Book Company and drinks from Neighbourhood Coffee. As Cornerstoners, we spent a lot of time socialising with each other and eating homemade treats, while our many children played around us – having an absolute blast. After hours, there was the option to enjoy fireworks and a silent disco, or sit under the stars and chat with church family. 

“Thank you for a blessed weekend with our church family! We had an amazing time and looking forward to next year!”

Janene

Revive was full of encouragements to press on in the Christian faith in all life’s circumstances, being reminded of God’s amazing faithfulness to us and his promises in Christ. We all returned home feeling blessed by a full-on weekend and with songs of worship fresh in our minds.