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Ollie says...

What a fantastic start to the new year! Westbrook 100 really was a superb event and a great way to kick off our Centenary celebrations.

We had exactly 100 of us making the trip down to the Isle of Wight and with plenty of shaving foam, fun with a laser gun, and quality fellowship, we had the perfect ingredients for a memorable weekend. The riotous fun started with the Numbers Game on the friday night and forfeits such as a make-over given by a junior made it a real highlight. On the Saturday, our convoy of around 9 vehicles arrived at Headhunters, were we had a rather one-sided game of outdoor 'capture the flag' with laser guns. Unfortunately, no one did actually manage to capture the flag despite a few worthy attempts, but plenty of running around and some organised tactics ensured a solid victory for the 'non-orange' team. Back at Westbrook we enjoyed some party games (essential for any 100th birthday) and of course had a massive cake to feed us all! Throughout the weekend we had a great set of talks given by various leaders, and it was brilliant to have Neil Johnston with us who led musical worship on the Sunday morning. It was great to see lads growing closer to God and feeling really fired up going back to school. As a group we really grew closer and this event has given us great momentum to carry through the year.

Shortly after Westbrook, the Mexico team continued their fundraising with a hugely successful Auction of Promises where over £2000 was raised! We'll have another fundraising event, a Mexican Meal, on 13th March which is not to be missed so do look out for details on that. As well as looking forward to Mexico, another area of new territory for USG is the new 'Connect' prgramme. The leaders had their briefing last week and it's fantastic to have so many churches on board and wanting to see our lads intergrated into church life. We'll have plenty more information on this to come, but the key date to remember is 11th April for the grand launch of this new scheme.

So, what else is coming up?! Well, on April 2nd we have a couple of exciting events: the first being the superb Good Friday Event and the second is the start of our house building project to Mexico. We've got 12 of us going across the world from 2nd-12th April to build a house for a poor family out there; this is new ground for USG and we are thrilled at the prospect of it. Check out the 'Events' page and stay posted for more exciting stories of what Urban Saints Guildford is up to this year!

Mike says...

Urban Saints Guildford is 100 years old!! January 2010 marks the start of our Centenary Year, and with 12 months worth of celebrations to look forward to, there's much to be excited about! With a line-up of action packed activities, events and awesome camps fast approaching, mixed with some incredible new events to mark this special year, 2010 is set to be an amazing 12 months for all involved in Urban Saints Guildford! But the question is, "how did all this start...?"

One Sunday afternoon in 1910, a young doctor, whilst out walking on Pewley Downs, met a group of boys who seemed to have little to do. He suggested a walk, so they all set off for Shere playing various rough and tumble games as they went. On the way, they climbed a tree, and with everyone settled among the branches, Doc. Pimm gave the lads the first of many talks from the Bible. All agreed they wanted to continue meeting in this way, but as winter drew closer, they found a building, the first of many to become the home of Guildford Crusaders.

Throughout the last 100 years, even through both world wars, Guildford Crusaders has continued to meet, helping lads discover more about Jesus Christ in a fun, energetic and friendly environment. In January 2008, the group changed its name to Urban Saints Guildford, marking the launch of some exciting new programmes and activities

With now over 80 lads attending our weekly events, Urban Saints Guildford is a dynamic, exciting and unique group - are you missing out? Hold tight, sit back and brace yourself for a mind-blowing year!

Mike says...

Urban Saints Guildford has never been more exciting! Our group continues to grow in size and we're looking forward to an amazing programme of activities, outings, camps and residentials over the coming months. What's more, January 2010 marks the start of the most significant year in the group's history when we shall be celebrating our centenary - 100 years of Urban Saints Guildford/Guildford Crusaders! We have some fantastic activities lined-up to celebrate this incredible occasion so keep a look out for more details!

Parents, lads, family, friends - don't miss our annual review of the year and 99th birthday celebration on Sunday 22 November, where through a mix of video, photos and interviews with the lads, we shall 're-live' the activities and events of the last year. For all lads, we shall also be celebrating our 99th birthday on Friday 20 November, which will be an evening not to be missed! Meet 19:00 at the USG Hall, parents pick up at 21:15.

Date for your diary - "Westbrook 100", Friday 29 - Sunday 31 January 2010. To mark the start of our centenary celebrations, we're aiming to take over 100 of us away for the weekend to Westbrook on the Isle of Wight. Don't miss out!!

James says...

What does 2009 hold for Urban Saints Guildford I hear you ask! Well, as ever we have a fantastic range of outings, events and residentials lined up for you. The highlights are sure to be Whitsun Camp, (22 - 25 May), and Summer Camp, (15 - 28 Aug) - get your application forms in quick, you don't want to miss out! Coming up soon though is the "Good Friday Event" on Friday 10-Apr. Details out in the next few weeks, but it will be a great opportunity to invite a mate along so get thinking about who you'll bring. Obviously the Juniors, Inters and Seniors are all running some awesome events so keep a look out for what's going on in your section by looking at the section specific events pages.

2009 promises to be a brilliant year at USG, it will be great to see you around on Friday nights and I hope you'll enjoy all of the amazing events we're running this year!

Mike says...

What an incredible year it's been at Urban Saints Guildford! As I reflect on the vast number of events, outings, camps and other experience shared over the last 12 months, I'm amazed at what've we've managed to pack in! If you're a lad at USG, what's been you're favourite memory this year? Drop me an e–mail to let me know...

Urban Saints Guildford will not be meeting on 26 and 28 Dec 08, or on 2 and 4 Jan 09. We return to our normal programme on Friday 9 January 2009 and look forward to seeing you there as we kick–off the year with plenty of fun at the hall. Don't miss out, and why not invite a friend?

On behalf of all the leaders at USG, I wish you a very happy Christmas!

God bless, Mike

Benedict says...

Well how could we forget the Inter Sleepover! Although several weeks have passed, such an adrenaline–filled event will be etched in my memory for a long time to come! Things started as they meant to go on, as the Inters descended on Laser Quest, for some "serious fun with a laser gun". It was hardly surprising that after a series of action–packed games, a car boot–load of chips and sausages were easily devoured! We somehow crammed 42 lads and leaders into the Top Deck room at Guildford Baptist Church, with the likes of Danny and Charlie spilling out into the hallway. Sleep was eventually had by all, and waking up was made easier through the abundance of bacon butties!

So all in all, the Inters enjoyed another fun–packed event! We had a great turnout of 35 lads – for several guys it was their first experience of Urban Saints Guildford. If you liked the sleepover, then you'll love Westbrook, which will be another excellent opportunity to bring your mates along to!