This uplifting and exciting event took place on Saturday 8th September at Stopsley Baptist Church. The National Gathering, hosted by two young people, Olly and Linda, included worship, creative prayer and response to the stories, testimonies and video clips from all over the movement.

Ashleigh Shanks shared her experiences of taking part in a wide variety of Urban Saints activities, including Crusoe, Re:Act and Radish. The gathered guests watched stories from groups all around the UK, saw a glimpse of one of our latest residentials – Rock School - and heard what our young people think about their hard-working leaders.

Matt Summerfield shared the vision for the future and the guest speaker for the day was Lyndon Bowring from CARE. Vice chairman, Margaret Rose, led all present in a special commissioning ceremony. There was also an opportunity to honour 3 ‘special’ Leaders – Carol Bruce (Harpenden), Dr John Mercer (Sandbach) & Steve Ball (Caterham) – who had been nominated by their Groups for their extraordinary commitment and service.

“The National Gathering was absolutely excellent and we’d strongly recommend flagging leaders to go next year!” – Howard Jones, Sandbach