By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 13:02, Thursday, 04 June 2009

About 15,000 Christians are set to descend on Keswick next month for the annual ministries convention.

The three-week-long gathering kicks off on July 11, with events taking place at Keswick Convention Centre in Skiddaw Street and the Rawnsley Centre in Main Street, as well as churches throughout the town.

The first convention was held in 1875 on St John’s vicarage lawn, and has grown in size over the years. Last year’s Keswick Ministries attracted between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors from all over the world to the already popular Lake District town.

Simon Overend, operations manager for Keswick Ministries, said: “This year’s theme is Faith That Works – how appropriate given the times that we are living in, where values are continually being undermined, and there is a real call for integrity.

“The convention offers something for everyone, all within the wonderful setting of the Lake District.

“The programme offers life-changing Bible teaching, uplifting worship and great fellowship.

“If you have never experienced the convention, and don’t know what it’s all about, do come along.”

The convention, which runs until the end of July, includes regular Bible readings, seminars and lectures, children and youth programmes, a prayer centre in the Crosthwaite Parish Room, and concerts from songwriters including Stuart Townsend, Phatfish and Keith and Kristyn Getty.

The event can put pressure on Keswick’s parking system, and organisers have been working with a town liaison group to alleviate the problems.

Mr Overend added: “With the co-operation of the police, Keswick town council and Allerdale Council, we seek to control parking in the area around the convention centre.

“We encourage those attending the event to make use of the town car parks, including the additional convention car park at the rugby ground, and to use the convention minibuses that we lay on.”

For more information about the convention, visit www.keswickministries. org online or call the convention centre office on 017687 80075.

TKennedy@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:24, Thursday, 04 June 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk