Summer Madness 2010 updates

Domino's Pizza Cash Rewards Application

2010-09-12T15:48:00.000+01:00

Domino's Pizza Cash Rewards Application: Summer Madness can get a whole 0.05% commission on your orders ! so get munchin'

Your thoughts please

2010-09-05T08:42:00.001+01:00

We are winding up the feedback on this year's event before we get into the details of planning for 2011; so if you have a few moments to fill in the 'response form' please do so NOW.
We've published the results so-far if you want to have a peek to see where your own contribution lies on the whole spectrum of feedback.

SM10 Donor Transplant appeal - let's make it 1000 !

2010-07-08T11:33:00.002+01:00

We heard from brave Charlene Barr at Summer Madness this year and so far, over 350 of us have promised to sign up for the Organ Donor Scheme.

Charlene says:

“A transplant would be the answer to my prayers as I am continually worn out and have no energy for anything. It would also mean that I might get back to

Uganda

– that would be my dream”.”

Emily Thackray, Chairman of the Transplant Charity Live Life Then Give Life says:

"Three people like Charlene die waiting for a transplant every single day. Even though most of us support the concept of Organ Donation, only 28% of us have actually signed the Organ Donor Register. It's something a lot of us don't really think about, even though any one of us could need a transplant at some point. I hope that people who have been moved by Charlene’s story take action and sign up today."

If you are going to visit www.uktransplant.org.uk then please also text 'yes' to 07797803716 so that we can let Charlene know that her visit to SM was worthwhile in this regard as well :-)

Here is a bit more background to it all

WE'RE UP AND RUNNING -

2010-07-02T09:40:00.000+01:00

We've been beavering away into the wee hours and the site is nearly ready to greet the thousands of campers due to arrive after lunch.... (or later preferably!)..
So here are a few tips/reminders about getting ready...
CAR PARKING: - You will have to pay at Harberton Gate G now..the website option has finished.
REGISTRATIONS - Everyone comes in through the Admin tent - where you can pick up your armbands and complete any payments necessary.
LATE BOOKINGS - Turn up at the Admin tent, fill out some forms and pay your way in -)

Monk for a day

2010-06-28T16:03:00.001+01:00

CIYD / YOUTH LINK venue at SM10 are hosting the Benedictine Monks for the week-end and are inviting you to sample the daily routine of a modern 'urban monk'
Why not check out this this video link to see what it's all about and if you could imagine observing The Rule at Summer Madness...
JK

Armbands at Summer Madness

2010-06-25T12:11:00.000+01:00

In case you were wondering, or didn't get the earlier email about armbands......this is just a wee reminder that we decided that THIS YEAR we will give out the armbands at registration on the Friday 2nd !

We will be down on site from Monday 28th but you can still email us or call (the office number will divert to my mobile: 02890673379, or 07788562340)

See you soon!

JK

CAR PARKING AT SM10

2010-06-24T20:04:00.000+01:00

Don't forget to get your Car Park pass on line before the Festival and save yourself £2.50 !
It will be £7 plus fee for the whole event or £4 per day. AT THE CAMP IT WILL BE £10 for the whole Festival and £4 per day...

The AWKWARD questions...

2010-06-23T19:12:00.001+01:00

Summer Madness is known as a place where you can question, test and explore your faith and new ideas. Sometimes it may be difficult or controversial issues, sometimes the focus might be on really getting to grips with some really important aspects of faith.

This year we have a bit of a focus on questions that some non-Christians may want to ask. Stuff that they find hard to deal with, which holds them back from faith. And we have a specific session, just looking at the BIBLE and some of the harder passages or doctrines that may puzzle even a Bishop :-)

These two seminars (check out page 55&57 of the handbook) invite a great deal of audience participation and we'd like you to submit your questions - even before the event.

Here is a little form you can use to ask whatever you like - about the Bible or about difficulties/doubts that you (or your friends) may have..

THE FLOOR IS YOURS....

LEADERS HANBOOK FOR SM10

2010-06-23T18:34:00.000+01:00

We expect every Leader to do his/her duty :-)

So you may be new to the Madness or an old hand. It might be a large group or just a small bunch of friends on an outing....- but it's always good to keep up to date with what we the organisers are thinking!

We keep it really simple - every one is at SM to enjoy themselves and benefit from the big experience of God - make sure your actions help that to happen for others as well.

Venture Photography

2010-06-23T18:26:00.000+01:00

Venture have partnered with SM this year to offer a free gift to all SM10 campers !

The complimentary Venture Portraits Session entitles your family to:

• One hour of fun in the studio with an award winning Venture Photographer.
• This is followed by an exclusive viewing of your images, one of which you can choose for your complimentary 10" x 8" desk portrait. However, if you prefer, you can use the value of
your desk portrait (worth £165) towards an authentic branded product from an amazing range of wall frames and displays.
• This whole experience is usually worth £215.

To ensure you receive your complimentary voucher simply complete the contact information here
and hand back the completed form to a Venture Photography representative during the Summer
Madness weekend.

SPOTIFY OPEN..just in time for those SM10 worship playlists....

2010-06-17T23:36:00.000+01:00

SPOTIFY RELEASES A NEW FREE VERSION..

JUST IN TIME FOR YOU TO LISTEN TO THIS YEAR'S SUMMER MADNESS WORSHIP SET !!!

We are hugely privileged in this part of the world - for so many reasons. Now 'Spotify' brings another to your list of blessings.

This is a free music player that allows you to listen to vast amounts of music across the internet - FOR FREE. If you were a really early bird you might already have a free account with Spotify..but if you've been waiting on an invitation to get one of these freebies - wait no more.

Spotify have now released a totally new account which costs nothing at all - but is limited to 20 hours streaming per month. TRY IT OUT NOW

When you are up and running HERE IS THE LINK to our 'SHARED PLAYLIST' that contains most of THIS YEAR'S WORSHIP MUSIC AT SUMMER MADNESS

What a gift - you can explore the very latest in music of all kinds and discover what you like and what you can leave behind the rest.

Get yourself up to speed before the Festival and use up all of those 20 hours on the SM play list :-)

SUNDAY NIGHT MADNESS

2010-06-15T20:12:00.001+01:00

A 4th OF JULY SPECIAL

So, on the Sunday at Madness we are organising a special 'seeker friendly' service in the evening - that you should feel comfortable inviting your non-Christian friends along to (as if SM is anything else!!) But if you are praying for someone in particular and would like to invite them to join you at Madness for all or part of the day, you can request a special 'free pass' for the Sunday evening. This is open to any camper booked in to the Festival for the week-end. All we ask is that any camper wishing to avail of this evangelistic opportunity logs on to this link and leaves us the details. The person concerned will be put on a 'guest list' and can pick up their free pass at the Admin tent at Madness. We will do our best to confirm with the group 'leader' who has been invited. Keep praying....

Who SHARES WINS

2010-06-14T19:40:00.003+01:00

WHO SHARE WINS

Have you ever thought what might happen if the entire Madness camp decided to do one big collective Act of Random Kindness: so here's the thinking....

1. We have huge gathering at the King’s Hall in July with the theme “Dare to Share”
2. StreetReach, and things like StreetReach, are now happening all over the province throughout the year....including this summer
3. One of the best things we ever did at StreetReach all those years ago was to offer a free jumble sale. People came in looking to buy clothes and found that we were either giving them away or asking for very little.
4. Many ordinary people are struggling these days to make ends meet financially..….

So will you dare to share some of your clothes this year?

When we say share we actually mean give away. Dig through your bag right now and bring something clean to the collection point at main stage worship. This can be part of your worship. There will be “StreetReaches” (or similar) in Belfast, Londonderry, Portadown and Ballymena, which will all be able to bless other people because of your simple act of generosity.

The clothes should be of good quality and up to the mark fashionably.

Come on, share it! You're getting to Summer Madness - let someone else have the T-shirt!.
AND IN KEEPING WITH THE TITLE... WE WILL GIVE AWAY 2 FREE SM11 TICKETS TO THE PERSON WHO DONATES THE MOST ITEMS!!!!

RTE to broadcast Sunday service from Summer Madness 2010

2010-06-10T21:47:00.000+01:00

RTE (in the guise of Kairos Communications) will be filming at Summer Madness this year to produce an hour long 'Songs of Praise' type programme, to be broadcast a week or two after the Festival.

So maybe you'd better pack that extra/clean t-shirt and emergency 'lippy' - should be asked for a few words or if you are caught on camera singing your heart out or just munching on a burger.

...but we do have a few other ideas for those extra bits and pieces that you might pack..(see the Random Acts of Kindness article...)

THE DEBATE RAGES ON..

2010-06-10T21:26:00.002+01:00

Should a Christian ever date a non-Christian...??
So far 60% of you think YES
and 40% think NO
Will you change your mind at the event...
If you haven't yet voted...then visit this link now!

SM has talent...the sign up page..

2010-06-01T10:27:00.001+01:00

Audition your way to the main stage at Madness, showing off your best skill, talent, gift! Just click on the link and tell us a little bit about yourself.
Last year was a roaring success as we cheered all of the entrants through to a new phase in their career. Join in the fun and give us all the pleasure of watching your efforts !
JK

Leaders resources

2010-05-30T19:27:00.002+01:00

Just a wee note that the leaders / resource section of the website is now up to date with loads of helpful advice and info...

Arts and Activities round up..

2010-05-28T01:57:00.001+01:00

What's On - Arts!

As we've all come to expect from Madness over the years, we have a whole host of arts programme, activities and workshops for one and all to indulge their "arty side" in!
For those of you with music on the mind, the worskhop lineup is more than just eclectic - the ever talented Pais will be laying on Beat Box & Freestyling (SMart 1, Monday 4pm); Four Kornerz will be stretching your creativity with Afro Funk workshop (SMart 1, Saturday 4pm); Tim Doak is busy prepping two Photography sessions (SMart 1, Sunday 2.30pm & 4pm).
Appearing throughout the festival will be our trusty array of DJs & VJs, culminating in a high-octane Sunday Night Disco, Rave (or whatever you prefer to call it!) in the Yakshak at 10pm, hosted by the team at YWAM & Fusion.
Alongside the main evening music programme, all our venues around the festival site promise a burgeoning lineup of talent and creativity day and night - from the Christian Aid and SMart 1/Exodus "Deep" Afternoon sessions, right over to CIYD/Youthlink's Ceilidh and Urban Saints/Tearfund Open Mic & "Best of Belfast" nights, there is definitely something for everyone!
And that's before we even get to Monday Night Madness!

What's On - Activities!

All the favourites will be making a reappearance this year - including Outdoor Laserquest, run by the adventurous pro's at Escarmouche; Basketball & a whole array of action run by Christians in Sport in the Yakshak, alongside a new addition to the team: a Climbing Wall, courtesy of ALT, capable of reaching up to four people up to the heights of the halls at a time!
A bit of Cage Football won't go amiss, and alongside some quality inflatables and pool tables, there's only one more word needed: Zorbs!

SM promopics

2010-05-25T12:51:00.001+01:00

Here is where you can view some more Promo Pics for the SM Festival...

Press release article

2010-05-24T19:08:00.002+01:00

You can access a 'press release' / article for publication in your church magazine or school / youth group notice board...
Just follow this link for the full text..
JK

SM10 DEBATE

2010-05-22T05:57:00.003+01:00

This house believes that it is always wrong for a Christian to date a non-Christian.

Couldn't be simpler?

Have your say before the event by taking part in our online poll here

Message to SM Youth Leaders

2010-05-21T11:11:00.001+01:00

Just a wee reminder that this week-end sees the last chance to get your final discount on those precious SM tickets... Save that extra Fiver for another burger or even a good book!
JK

SEEKER-FRIENDLY SUNDAY MADNESS:

2010-05-14T09:53:00.003+01:00

Traditionally we try to open up the Fesival on the Sunday to allow you to invite in family and friends - to sample some of the programme and join in with the praise and fellowship. This year we hope to extend this 'open day' policy, to provide free access to the evening mainstage as well. This will only be through special complimentary tickets that can be obtained by campers. THE POINT BEING: you get the chance to pray for your friends and invite them along for a day of Madness that might just change their lives.

Anyone who is a camper at Madness this year can request a complimentary ticket for Sunday and simply ask that they are used prayerfully. Throughout the 'Celebration of Hope' many of us learned the value of dedicating ourselves to praying for friends and family and providing some opportunities for individuals to experience the Gospel and a clear chance to respond. So it's that simple. But you do need to get in touch with the office and ask - because it is a commitment - on your part!
Call 02890673379.

Return of Unsigned Competition 2010

2010-04-30T17:32:00.000+01:00

Calling all Bands, Singers and Acoustic Acts...

Unsigned is a competition designed to give up and coming local Bands the Chance to showcase their music to a wider audience and win a great prize and gigging opportunity.

Through it we want to encourage local talent and help groups glorify God through their music. Come down to see the heats of the competition on - Saturday 8th of May Exodus Lisburn and Saturday 15th May Exodus Coleraine @8.45pm- and see who makes it to Summer Madness.

Sponsored by the new Music Matters Shop 20-22 Bradbury Place Belfast www.mucicmattersbelfast.com in association with Summer Madness and Exodus.

For more info on how to entre see http://www.exodusonline.org.uk/News/428/unsigned-act-2010

Summer Madness has got TALENT!

2010-04-30T09:33:00.005+01:00

One of the highlights from last year was of course the introduction of our very own home spun talent contest. So get out those dancing shoes, tune up that guitar or practice whistling dixie while reciting the book of Deuteronomy - we want to hear from you once again. More details on the website over the coming weeks....

Top ten tops for organising your group at SM10

2010-04-30T09:33:00.004+01:00

Whether you are coming to Madness for the first time or the 24th (yes it has been that long!!) you might want to remind yourself of why you do it - the value of setting aside some special time for God in our lives and the very clear impact that the residential experience can have on your group. This is a helpful wee article for those who are coming to camp for the full event, but even if you are considering the amazing value of the 'non-residential' tickets and even short week-end option (Friday - Sunday) check out these helpful pointers from some seasoned youth workers.

Ready made lesson plans and YOUR STORY on the web

2010-04-30T09:32:00.006+01:00

SM and Exodus have put together a new website to encourage us all to think about the story of God's role in our lives. It's a really exciting way to explore our 'Dare to Share' theme this year - we've produced special leader's resources and are inviting you to make your own contribution to the site! It doesn't have to be a Speilberg production, it could even be done on your mobile phone or simply an email, but have a look at some of those 'we've done earlier' and come back and tell us your own tale of God's unexpected activity in your life.

Those that CAN - CAMP, and those that CAN'T - STAFF !

2010-04-30T09:32:00.003+01:00

So you don't think you can face another night under canvas or cold sausages for breakfast & suddenly you feel 'too old' for Madness. Well, these may not be the most noble of motivations to join the SM staffing crew! - but if you couple this with a heart to serve others, a desire to give a little bit back and an ability to fill in some forms within the next fortnight then we might well have a match :-)
The SM staff teams are filling up very quickly and our rigorous vetting proceedures mean that the deadline to join up for staff this year is likely to be the 17th May. But don't leave it to the last minute, rally a few friends and get in touch with us now - through the website or give us a call anytime, we're not that scary really :-)

SM introduces: Free Stuff!

2010-04-30T09:31:00.001+01:00

We are really excited to start the first of the introductions for this year’s mainstage worship. Alongside firm favourite Ryan Griffith - more from him in the next E-Zine - meet the latest addition to the team, Rend Collective Experiment! Rend, nice folk that they are, wanted to give you guys a head start and have made an exclusive Summer Madness version of their song "Movements" which is available as of today as a free download. And as if that wasn’t enough, they have also made a video teaching you how to play it, so you can jam along and sing it in your churches and youth groups. You can find all this plus free sheet music from www.rendcollectiveexperiment.com!! Over the next few weeks Ryan and Rend will be providing the Summer Madness goers with exclusive access to some of their music so make sure to watch your inbox as they 'dare to share' the best of their creative endeavours

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED

2010-04-18T22:08:00.000+01:00

A new resource has been launched to help young people share their faith story and provide an opportunity to spread some Good News across the cyber world and beyond.

Tales of the Unexpected is an initiative to mobilise young people beyond the ‘big event’ mission mentality and into a lifestyle that embraces an open and authentic approach to friends and neighbours about their relationship with Christ.

The idea is really simple: we have approached several individuals to share their experiences through short video clips and invite others to submit their own stories – written, filmed or txted in to the site. It’s wonderfully encouraging to hear of how God is at work within our communities and personal lives. We have all got a story to tell and modern media can be a really powerful way of engaging with a very wide audience.

The plan is to grow – organically. Over the next weeks and months we will be adding new videos from around the Province and further afield and linking to still others. But we most especially wish to see everyone join in. The real point is to inspire young people – everyone to stand up and be counted, to reflect on their own faith journey, to gain a better grasp of what the Gospel is all about and to have the confidence to share that in appropriate ways and especially across the all pervasive world wide web.

The point is - to inspire you into action. We want to hear from YOU. Others will be encouraged and challenged when they hear your story. Ultimately we want see more people drawn into their own encounter with God. As the site develops we hope that it can be a hub for faith-uplifting tales of God unexpected grace.

And we would like to be open to questions. We all have doubts and issues from time to time and often need to address other people’s questions as well. So we also intend to have section that will discuss blocks to faith or matters that some may find difficult to deal with.

So let this be the first step. The next time you’re online visit www.talesoftheunexpected.org and connect with some of the stories there and then reflect on your own journey. You might even surprise yourself when you open up to what God is doing in your life.

Prepare to Dare

2010-04-18T22:02:00.000+01:00

If you want to introduce your group to some aspects of this year's theme then look no further. Check out the resources prepared by Exodus guru Jose Cummings, and watch out for the forthcoming resources/links page.

Free - online

2010-04-18T20:56:00.001+01:00

UCCF have developed an excellent site that addresses questions for seekers and sceptics who want to explore the message of Jesus with an open and adult mind. Check this one out..

SMore videos uploaded

2010-03-08T00:31:00.002Z

In case you haven't seen the front page of the SM website recently ....check out these new video clips..

Dance Guru Donking Rongavilla is back

2010-02-27T15:58:00.001Z

Donking is dreaming up some new moves for Madness this year..

Worship at Summer Madnes 2010

2010-02-25T13:50:00.000Z

Okay, so we've got The Rend, The Ryan and Big Ben (Cantelon) on mainstage - so all that's required is your vocal chords, your devotion - and a heart that's directed to serving God and others.
So let's make a big noise this year and celebrate our faith and invite God to come amongst us and change our lives and those around us.
There will be lots of opportunities for you to meet with God in 24/7, in Rehab, late night worship, in your tent! Just put the appointment in your diary and let Him do the rest....

Arts line up - beginning to take shape

2010-02-25T12:03:00.002Z

Well if you've been around Madness before, your heart will beat that bit faster when you discover that many of our favourite artists are all booked and ready for Madness 2010:
4 Kornerz - of course!,
BlueTree - fresh from their gig with Hillsongs..
Six Star Hotel - still making tracks that last and impact audiences for good
Brian Houston - what more can you say about the man and his music....legend!
Steve Price - Illusionist extraordinaire... is back

New Groups

2010-02-06T17:55:00.003Z

If you've never been to Summer Madness before then it could be worth your while phoning the office to ask about some special deals available to help you make the leap!
02890673379...ask for John or Sharon :-)
After you've been once - you'll never be the same again....

New SM promo DVD to be released in the next few days

2010-02-06T17:07:00.002Z

We've completed another update to our Promo DVD and it will be released in the next few days. Check back here soon or have a look at our YouTube channel for updates!

Materials for SM promotion

2010-02-05T12:53:00.001Z

Downloadable pre-booking form and PR video here