Experiencing the HiLife

A LIFE-changing event, uniting the people and churches of the city!". That's how the organisers of a six-day Christian extravaganza describe what they've planned to take place across Southampton from Monday to Saturday (8-13 October).

Music, dance, drama, teaching, preaching, caring and sharing - all have their place in a unique mission which has brought together Southampton's churches in what they hope will "change the lives of many people in the city forever".

This month's HiLife Festival is based on five principles, says organiser Tony Morton, a leader of the Southampton Community Church based in Central Hall.

"HiLife is about fun, about family, about compassion, about caring and sharing precious values with friends and neighbours, whether it be events in the Guildhall to a school hall, or a restaurant to a church hall.

"Children, students, families, singles, young and old - we hope we've laid on something for everyone."

HiLife workers will be visible in the city all week. And if you're out shopping in the city centre, don't be surprised to see men in strait jackets!

Escapologist Steve Lee and his Miracle Street team, based in the city, will be giving regular performances in the precinct just outside the WestQuay shopping centre.

"We'll be taking the church to the people, using all kinds of visual elements to bring the message alive," said Steve.

For those not into entertainment, but who have a need, churches will set up Prayer Stations in the precinct where shoppers, or friends in need, can be prayed for.

Even Southampton's civic leaders have been thought of by the mission organisers.

On Tuesday night, one of the UK's leading evangelists has been invited to talk to them at the Guildhall.

With over one million people in the UK either having done the Alpha (Christian basic) course, watched it on TV, or know someone who has, there can't be many people left in Southampton who haven't heard the name of Nicky Gumbel, its figurehead.

Based at Holy Trinity Brompton, in London's West End, the 12-week non-threatening Alpha course has been responsible for thousands of people's conversion to Christianity through its simple programme of a meal and after dinner videos and chat. Even former Page 3 model Samantha Fox and disgraced Tory cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken have been 'Alpha'd'.

Gumbel, Britain's modern-day armchair version of Billy Graham, will give a special introduction to his course, and speak on the subject: Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?

Organiser Tony Morton says: "It will be a great night out with live music and entertainment, giving an opportunity to consider some of the big questions of life."

Art and humour will also be used to spread the Word.

Seventeen local artists are backing the festival by presenting an exhibition of their work on the subject of Release.

The presentation of art, poetry and photography can be viewed free, from Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm, and on Saturday from 11am until 5pm, at Level 2, Bargate Centre in Southampton, while stand-up comedian and actor Milton Jones brings his own brand of humour to the city on Monday night, following his award of the prestigious Perrier Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Festival.

Milton's TV appearances to date include Planet Mirth, and guesting on shows such as Bring Me The Head of Light Entertainment, The Stand Up Show, and The Big Stage.

Milton will be joined by comedians Andy Fay and Alun Newman, plus magician Paul Woodman for an evening of fun at Nexus, starting at 8pm.

Never before in Southampton's church life have churches from such diverse backgrounds come together for a mission.

Although poles apart theologically and in worship styles, 'happy-clappy' churches and Roman Catholics are common in their purpose, even if some events have been specially designed to meet a more reflective, catholic audience.

Internationally-acclaimed catholic charismatic speaker, Charles Whitehead, is to invite residents of Southampton to "renew your lives", at a talk to be given at St Edmunds's Church in The Avenue during the week. Those who, by birth, call themselves Catholics, are also to be offered the chance to explore four methods of prayer at the Stella Maris Centre in St Michael's Square, Bugle Street on Wednesday from 10am until 4pm.

Praying the Rosary with Scripture is the topic of Dudley Plunkett of the Immaculate Conception Church, while Maeve Heaney of the Verbum Dei Community will lead a session on Praying with the Word of God.

Praying with the Gospels in the Ignatian Tradition is Jean Page's contribution from the Sisters of the Cenacle, Netley, and the day will be rounded off by the vicar of Eastleigh, the Rev Richard Davies. His talk is entitled Contemplative Prayer within the Benedictine Tradition.

Evangelism and missions were once the domain of Bible-thumping evangelists who, by and large, saw social action as something to be left to others. Not so with HiLife.

The 30-supporting churches have organised social action teams to work with Bob Light, a project worker in Swaythling, on a special mission to the Flower Estate.

Bob has been running clubs for youngsters on the estate for several years, but through HiLife, teams will help families and single people improve their gardens and homes, particularly helping the disabled, widows and those who do not have the finance to get the jobs done themselves.

All work will be carried out free of charge.

The 'Changing Estates' concept comes from Manchester-based Andy Hawthorne, who will be in the city on Wednesday to share his vision.

As project leader for Message 2000, he mobilised over 20,000 youngsters in the northern city to help tidy-up council estates over a ten-day period. The volunteers raised the funds needed for their project themselves, but were boosted by a grant from Manchester police of over £30,000. Police chiefs said the project brought a sense of "fun and direction during the summer period when officers usually notice an increase in disturbance and criminal activity".

"Andy has a huge story to tell, and is guaranteed to be an inspiration to those who listen," says event spokesman Tony Morton.

Mr Hawthorne will be telling his story at Central Hall in St Mary's Street, Southampton on Wednesday night at 7.45pm.

Southampton University is not normally known for its Christian music, dance and drama, but on Thursday evening, the Turner Sims Concert Hall will be taken over by Christian artists in the area for an evening of live music, while at the city's Central Hall, 82-year-old Don Cox from Southampton will be telling his amazing story of healing in his family.

Don's mother was paralysed for two years, and doctors could not offer any help. In desperation his father took her from Romsey to Southampton via taxi, to hear the preaching of George Jeffries, known by churches in the area to have a healing 'gift'.

Don says that to the surprise of his mother, she was healed instantly.

Other interviews include David Haokip from the City Centre parish, and Jersey-based GP, John Stewart-Jones, and there will be an opportunity for prayer and anointing with oil for those who are ill.

With churches these days becoming increasingly aware of the needs and pressures faced by families, HiLife is offering a parenting course.

"Having children may be the biggest challenge we ever face," say Max and Sue Sinclair who are to present How to be a Great Parent, in Bitterne on October 13.

"Our presentation will enhance your family life and give you new insights and practical strategies for being a great parent," they add.

Topics for the Saturday morning event include: secrets that every parent should know, 100 ways to let your child know you love them, setting safe boundaries for discipline, developing emotional security, how to build good family communication, and, preparing children for the big wide world.

Child care and a crche are being made available so that Southampton parents with youngsters can attend the event at the Methodist Church buildings in Whites Road, Bitterne.

If the way to a man or woman's soul is through their stomach, then Tony Morton and his co-organisers at HiLife have got it just about right.

On Friday and Saturday night, the Southampton Community Gospel Choir and the HiLife Band will be in full swing at the P.O.S.H. Restaurant.

The events will not only give a chance for people to learn about the Christian faith, as they tuck into a three-course meal at £9.50 a head, they will be raising funds for orphaned and needy children in Kenya.

"The aim of the HiLife mission is to bring members of churches into contact with the whole community," said organiser Tony Morton.

"We want to understand the community's needs better, and for them to understand who we are, and what we believe.

"Hopefully we have created a context both relaxing and informing, and wherever possible transforming."

Mr Morton hopes HiLife will achieve "a feel good factor in the city, where churches are seen as part of the community, with a desire to help.

"We want people to realise that God is good, and that Christians are OK!

"And through the mission, we hope achieve trust-building relationships for the future where our gifts can working with others in the community for the good of Southampton."

Subculture Revolution, a teenage music event, featuring Target and Kelvin J. kicks off the pre-mission at the Kings Church Centre, Coxford Road, Lordswood, followed on Sunday evening with Dance Upon Justice at the Academy in Southampton, an event looking at injustice around the world.

Hundreds of volunteers from local churches are to be joined by Christians across the south to lead the week-long mission.

Each morning at Central Hall in St Mary Street the would-be evangelists will receive teaching and Bible talks. Sessions ranging from working with children, to preaching in shopping precincts, will be taught by experts in their own fields - such as Celia Morris, who runs a Sunday school in Liverpool every Saturday for around 1,000 youngsters.

Southampton-based Steve Lee will bring his experience as a street preacher/entertainer to his workshops.

Preacher, writer and charity director Andy Hawthorne, and Gary Gibbs, a former national evangelist with Youth For Christ, will also give the benefit of their experience, while John Partington, a JP and church leader in Exeter, will share his passion for evangelism and strong churches.

Each weekday, after lunch, the trainees will put into practice what they've learnt, using a 'smorgasbord' of events to help take the 'Good News' out to the people of Southampton.

"It is an opportunity for us to reach out to the wider community," says Mr Morton, "not expecting others to come to church, but asking the people of the church to go to others."

But it won't all be preaching - there will also be events ranging from parenting skills through to meditation.

Meditation is normally thought of as an Eastern religion practice. But according to Southampton-based Christian meditation expert Stef Smart, it can help us all "slow down and tune into God".

"Meditation is ideal for people looking for peace and inner certainty in an age of flux and constant change," he said.

"It can also help those looking for a sense of harmony with nature and people."

Drawing on Christian traditions over the last centuries, he is offering a free introductory session at the Central Hall this Sunday, October 7 while at the city's Community Church in Central Hall, senior citizens are to be treated to lunch as part of an inter-church event for those who do not normally get out. A three-course lunch is being laid on, to be followed by entertainment, music, Christian testimony and a short talk.