IMG_3268The Royal Cornwall Show kicks off tomorrow and will see many people from across the diocese take part as exhibitors, stall holders, chaplains and visitors.

The Eve of Show service takes place tonight in the main ring (Wednesday) from 6.30pm and is open to all. A pasty supper will follow in the Churches Together Marquee. During the service the chaplains are commissioned and God’s blessing is asked for the show. St Minver Silver band and the Allen Valley singers will take part this year.

Then during the three days, show chaplains will be on duty around the showground and in Stand One (Churches Together) and there will also be representatives in the Wedding Marquee.

The Churches Together in Cornwall marquee is situated on a prime site opposite the Showground Offices. It is supported by a large number of volunteers from all denominations who are passionate about seeing the Church active in the market place.

The marquee has been progressively upgraded as the years have gone by and this year is no exception. As well as a carpeted floor we now have solid walls which will afford us more protection against the elements when necessary.RCS 2013 025

Our theme this year is ‘Making Waves’, exploring how the church is ‘Making waves’ in our communities in many different areas through providing street pastors, supporting and organising Food Banks, supporting language lessons for immigrants, the surfing, skateboarding and agricultural communities, and overseas charities. Visit our very professionally produced display, which will be available to churches after the show for their own events.

As well as providing much needed rest and refreshment areas, this year there will be opportunities for spiritual refreshment in the form of a large interactive prayer space where you may explore ‘Big Questions’, ‘Hopes and Dreams’, Praying for others and the world, a ‘Be Still’ area as well as having opportunities to explore worries and forgiveness. This is an area for all ages to explore aspects of prayer in a non-threatening and creative way, collecting your take home gift as you leave the area.

We will have live acoustic music throughout the show, hopefully outside the marquee (weather permitting!), with bands such as The Grenaways, Freedom Guilt Equation, Wayfarers, Cardie and Harbottle and Jonas, as well outside activities for children and young people. There will be the important toddler area allowing younger members of the family some time out of the pushchair with age appropriate toys and activities.

We will have our well stocked Christian Bookstall provided by the Aquila Trust from Launceston and a comprehensive Fairtrade stand provided by Traidcraft at Callington. All our refreshments, including ‘real’ coffee, are either Fairtrade or locally sourced.

The showground and marquee are supported by an ecumenical team of chaplains who will be seen in their smart jackets in the marquee and around the site; they love to chat, listen and help where they can but also lead our hourly prayers.

Come and seek out our ‘scarecrow’ – following our lady bishop last year, who will it portray this year?