Move Your City - A Heart For Rennes

We've been talking about it for months, and it has finally happened!

The "Move Your City" project took place in Rennes from 27th October to 2nd November to launch an initiative called "A Heart for Rennes".

Our slogan : "To love, serve and animate the city of Rennes".

Here is a photo-summary of the event.

Even before the young campers arrived, we covered the city association boards inviting the people of Rennes to our big "Celebration of Life" on the Saturday.

Over 30 young people from Rennes, but also from all over France, and even our friend Kate from the UK, came to participate in this camp to serve the city. 

Claire enjoyed attending the early morning worship team practices.

For the young campers, the morning sessions included times of worship...

... bible teaching and training workshops...

... and times of prayer.

The group bonded very quickly. 

 The team of volunteers who cooked for us throughout the week were amazing and we all thoroughly enjoyed the gourmet meals.

And those just discovering Brittany were able to taste the famous "galette saucisse"! (A sausage in a savoury crêpe).

David and his team were in charge of the more technical aspects of the week for a good part of the mornings and evenings.

The afternoons were dedicated to serving the city. 

On the Wednesday, David tood a group of teenagers from the CADA (a centre for Asylum seekers) to the Planetarium.

And on the Thursday, this same group discovered the joys of bowling.

Other young campers did arts and crafts in an old people's home and sang songs to the elderly who were delighted. 

Our church hosted a wonderful exhibition entitled "La Bible en miniature", which told bible stories through scenes made out of playdough. 

And the artist, Myriam Schott, did a playdough workshop for children...

... accompanied by the African storyteller Chyc Polhit.

Another art exhibition entitled "Heart Reflections" also piqued the curiosity of passers-by in a church in the heart of Rennes. 

Every evening, the young campers went out to spend time with the homeless and offer them sandwiches and a hot drink.

The evenings were also a great opportunity to invite friends, and all the people of Rennes, to concerts, conferences and other events linked to our faith. 

In order to invite people to these evening events, the young campers performed a street dance in the afternoons on central squares in Rennes. The idea was to perform a dance which they had all learnt together previously to pique the curiosity of passers-by. 

Carolyn and Claire took an active part in the practices...

A highlight of the week was our closing "Celebration of Life" on Saturdy 1st November with absolutely brilliant weather. The whole family was there (with our friend Kate below).

This wonderful celebaration was a successful opportunity to continue to bless the city of Rennes by offering free games and activities for children and their parents.

The programme included : many different game stalls...

... face-painting...

... candy floss and crêpes...

... a magician, an African story-teller, a concert...

... which made the day of the 500 people or so who came to join us. 

After church on Sunday, we had some of the young campers back at ours for lunch for one last meal together... 

... and a few games.

We want to give God all the glory for all that He did during this fantastic week!