 |
|  |
|---|
|
The Church Family Weekend at Cliffe College (December 1990 edition of the magazine) Fun and Frolics (ask Rosie Welch)! Fellowship and Fatigue (ask 99% of the boarders)! Chile, China, Czechoslovakia, Chesterfield….well to be totally honest this title didn't quite grab me would a weekend filled with "Missionary talk" be for me? Would everyone else be considering becoming Missionaries in Bonga Bonga (ask R.W. again!). How many of us felt like this as we drove towards Cliff College (Cliff who?) on the foggy Friday evening?….(come on )lets be totally honest!). Personally, driving home on the sunny Sunday afternoon, there was a feeling of great sadness, the weekend was almost over. I can say in all honesty I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the two days. Just as one weekender put it "stimulating". Philip and Margaret King, our guest leaders, took us through six interesting and thought provoking sessions, which involved groups sharing two case studies and occasionally taking part in role plays. We discussed our awareness of Andrew, Mandy and Alexander Lines how well do we actually know them? do we remember them in our prayers? do we understand the practical day to day problems they'll be encountering? And what do we do to support our other overseas worker, Sandie Mitchell? Yes, we were all gently prodded. Philip challenged us on where St. Thomas' were up to concerning Mission within our own parish. Perhaps our next motto, to follow "Come and See", should be "go and share". The evening entertainment was oozing with talent, involving our oldest member through to the youngest. A quiz, which proved the theory that one doesn't have to be super brain intelligent to be a Christian. We enjoyed hilarious drama sketches and witnessed a Curate dressed in pyjamas, cuddling a teddy bear and sucking his thumb, a Rector, who was a bit of a "smoothy", dressed in a rather fetching pink bedspread. The 'two Sarahs' produced a rousing sing along mentioning 'little Sophie Green' who had decided bed was the more sensible choice. The children in our party, collectively called 'the Chimpanzees', had a great time in their own sessions including videos, a treasure hunt, football and teaching. They were a happy crowd who worked hard and mixed well, which brings me to one of the many things I took from the weekend. It was very evident how the Church Family was just that a very close family, strengthening existing friendships and developing new ones, talking with people we hardly knew but had seen in church often. The 'breathing space' on the Saturday afternoon was refreshing one group invaded the nearby Craft Centre, another strolled by the river and the 'energetic crowd' scaled the dizzy heights of Curbar Edge expertly led by Sherpa Dawson. So Cliff College (who's Cliff?) proved to be a well organised weekend, truly enjoyable, with an interesting programme, set in a beautiful corner of the Peak District. What date did you say the next one was? Let's keep that date free. Claire Brassington The Church Family Weekend at Scargill House (June 1992 edition of the magazine) We had been looking forward to going to Scargill for quite some time. In the end, it was a rush to get ready because we always seem so busy. We made good progress, and arrived at about 7.30pm. Members of the community were on hand to welcome us, direct us to our rooms, and even lend a hand with luggage. The rooms were very comfortable and we soon felt at home. Later that evening we gathered together for the welcome and introduction followed by a brief worship. After a good breakfast on Saturday we all met for family worship and then the children split into their groups for separate activities. The theme of the weekend being "Encouraging Personal Spiritual Growth" we started with a session on Christian Growth which encouraged us to think about the kind of people we are, and share some of this with another person. The next session was on making space for God in our lives. We discussed the busy-ness most of us had in our lives and looked for ways of making space to be with our Father. The afternoon was free and many of us took the opportunity of a walk to see something of the magnificent scenery. This was followed by a Celebration Praise in the Chapel. After the evening meal we had a fun evening which was a barn dance interspersed with entertainment provided by both adults and children alike. Sunday also started with family worship. Once again the children had separate activities, whilst our third session was on developing a relationship with God in crowded places. We looked at various passages which showed how Jesus was always in intimate communion with his Father, whether busy or not. After lunch we gathered together in the Chapel for Family Communion including a drama performed by one of the resident chaplains and three of our own Pathfinders. For us personally, the weekend confirmed what we had been feeling for sometime; that we needed to slow down and spend more time with God. We found a peace there that had been missing, we felt the Chapel to be a place where God's presence was very strong, and one of us was made very aware of the reality of Christ's suffering on the Cross and that He died for us. Scargill House was a special place and we left feeling physically and spiritually 'Fed and Watered'. Chris and Pat Calow Off to Willersley Castle -Church Family Weekend (December 1993 edition of the magazine) We started off the weekend in real holiday spirit, collecting Sue and Jenny Ward en route. The sun was shining and I felt very positive that this was going to be a good Church Family Weekend. Having had a hard week at work, I was glad the journey to Willersley Castle wasn't too long the thought of driving a distance like that to Scargill would have been very daunting. When we arrived, we 'checked in' at the reception and were allocated our room which was very comfortable indeed. At first I was disappointed with the view from our window. Some rooms will have looked out over the valley in front of Willersley and the facing rocks - very impressive - while ours looked out on the pathway to the annex - and onto the "wheelie bins"! However, we had the benefit of entertainment provided by a squirrel's antics while he was scavenging around the bins -better than TV any day The weekend was split into various sessions, allowing time for group worship, prayer groups, fun and games - and sessions led by our guest speaker, Cyril Ashton. The children meantime were enjoying their own activities as 'The Trogs'. The main subject that Cyril spoke about was love - the sort of love that supports and strengthens a church, its leaders, members and its work. We must let this love - the Love of Christ, and the fact that He died for us - right through ourselves and into the edges of our lives, where we don't want even Jesus to venture. As someone who has never really got the hang of loving myself, I found Cyril's talks incredibly instructive. He gave me a new viewpoint from which to look at myself and my relationships with others in my family and in the church. He taught me in a weekend what I had spent a lot of money trying to learn previously through psychotherapy - that I was lovable and that God loves me! One thing Cyril said that has stayed in my mind ever since, and it's this: God loves me as though I am the only person on earth - and what's more, He loves everyone like that!! Powerful stuff, and there was lots like that! Another thing that I think all of us who were at Willersley will remember is that Cyril could remember everyone's names - just in the short time he knew us. Wow, what a gift! The weekend at Willersley will stick in my memory for many reasons - the joy of fellowship among the church group, the venue itself (the food was wonderful too), the fact that Catherine and Jenny so obviously enjoyed themselves together, the inner peace that both Tim and I found there, and the knowledge that Cyril Ashton was able to give us in his teaching. Now when are we going on the next Church Family Weekend? Lindsay, Tim and Catherine Leteve Off to Scarborough for St Thomas’ Weekend Away (August 1996 edition of the magazine) The Church Family Weekend will be held at Green Gables Hotel. Scarborough over the weekend 27 to 29 September 1996. Jonathan Jee, our former Curate, is coming to lead our thoughts and he plans to base his contributions on the parable of the prodigal son. Alan Lowe. who has been on placement in our parish during July and August while training with the Church Army is to lead the children's programme. (Read about the weekend below) St Thomas’ Weekend at Scarborough (December 1996 edition of the magazine) Packing for a family of five is always tricky. By the time you have included everything from the teddy who can't possibly be left behind to the kagoules and wellingtons, it looks as if you have enough luggage to emigrate. So it was that we set off for Scarborough. Staying away from home for our family because of Bethany's special needs is not easy and this was only the second time in two years we had attempted this delicate operation. Equipped for every eventuality we set off, hoping that the preparation would be worth it all. We arrived in the dark and cold with three tired, hungry children and after unpacking the car in pouring rain we began to wonder if visiting Scarborough in the Autumn was a good idea after all. It took until the next day to really settle in. Although the accommodation was fairly basic we were comfortable and well fed and our older two children thought it wonderful to have the freedom of the entire hotel. The only grumblings in the morning were from Bethany who, having been told we were going to the seaside exhausted us with the question "where is the seaside?". She was not content with the very distant "sea view" being pointed out to her. We had plenty of time before breakfast to peruse the weekend programme and work out where we would all be since an 8.45 breakfast for three children seemed like lunch time. The children had their own programme of learning, based on. the same theme of "The Prodigal Son" as the adults, but at each age group's own level. The children's sessions were very well run and. gave both adults and children a sense of freedom and independence from each other at key points in the day yet coming together afterwards to share experiences. Jonathan Jee's teaching on the Prodigal Son was excellent. He made us look in a new light at the parable, directing us to look. not just at the younger son, but at the father and older son too. We were encouraged to see ourselves as relating to one of these characters and to work out what God was saying to each one of us, as individuals. Over the two days teaching, I think many people felt that God had spoken to them through the corporate teaching. For the children, the highlights of the weekend were the,. children's teaching sessions, which encouraged friendships, fellowship and care across the age ranges; the swimming pool. (particularly being allowed to swim at night!), eating toffee apples, down the Prom and riding on the big wheel (that Mum was too, scared to go on) and riding on Alan and Enid Sheldon's motor bike and sidecar down the sea front (I'm sure Alan could have made a. profit if he had charged for rides!). For me, I would say the best parts were the teaching; sessions, the Saturday evening entertainment to which many contributed, but mostly the hugely emotional Family Communion, which was wonderfully enhanced by all the children's groups. When Bethany, who is here and alive by the grace of God, stood up willingly in front of the church family, waving her home made banner, singing and dancing and wanting to, tell everyone what she had been learning about, alongside Emma and Jonathan, it made all the preparation worth while. Karen Herrick 9.09 Camping Weekend at Birchover (October 1997 edition of the magazine) Wouldn't it be fun if we went camping in Derbyshire for a weekend? So spies were sent out to go and look over the land -er no, campsites. They returned and reported (it was overflowing with milk and bunnies) and we decided that we'd go to Birchover. Friday 18th July found tents being pitched in the field at Barn Farm, with a few more being added on Saturday. In all 28 adults and 25 children (from 14 weeks old to a 16 year old celebrating his birthday that weekend) camped out, and we had a few day visitors including Sheila Pite (as was), who was a lovely and welcome surprise. We shared everything over the weekend -from teaspoons to tents and cooked communally. A highly efficient mess tent produced breakfast (with a novel form of toasting bread on a gas ring), barbecues, bolognaise and regular brew ups for 50 plus. Special thanks are due to the Calow family for organising the mess tent and to Angie and Dave Fookes for organising almost everything else. On Sunday morning we had an informal time of worship together (a bit later than 9.09). Everybody said '"Thank you Jesus" for superb weather, wonderful views, cooling icecreams from the village shop, for a special time of fellowship and enjoying being part of the Christian family together, but more particularly that Jesus made it all possible. St Thomas’ Weekend at Scargill (December 1998 edition of the magazine) Two contributions from members who went there for the first time. The Scargill Experience Being a newcomer to St Thomas' and the area of Chesterfield, I jumped at the chance of a relaxing weekend away. I was hoping to forge new friendships and strengthen my faith in the Lord and to ‘learn'. I achieved all these things and more. It turned out to be a brilliant weekend, very enlightening and wonderfully strong in the Spirit. I hope to see you there next time we go. Heather Lord If you have never been to Scargill House, a conference and retreat centre run by a Christian Community in the Yorkshire Dales, you should consider doing yourself a big favour by booking accommodation there soon. It is an experience you deserve and one from which you will, no doubt, benefit. We shared the experience with 40 others from the parish and a school party from Ripley St Thomas School, Lancaster. It was a memorable weekend for a variety of reasons. Keith the warden and his wife Mary, who is the lay chaplain, led us throughout with their sincere, warm and learned style. They breezed through a busy programme effortlessly. From prayers to notices, worship to workshops, study groups and the entertainment on Saturday evening, they devoted their talents to the group and made a huge contribution to the enjoyment of the weekend. Every member of the group was free to do as much or as little as they chose. Our own choice was to join in with most of what was arranged and a sizeable majority of the group did likewise while some chose to explore or rest on their own. Scargill suits both tastes well. After the welcome on Friday evening we were given a brief outline talk about the format for the weekend and those with children were reassured that proper provision had been made for the younger members including a special early meal if required. We said prayers and dispersed to our rooms for the night. Dispersed is too gentle. You have to imagine people going in all directions, left, right, upstairs, downstairs, forward, backward because Scargill has in interesting layout. By the time you have solved the puzzle it is time to leave but there are numerous tea and coffee stations, scattered throughout the complex so you are never far from a kettle. A cow bell announces breakfast and all meals. The really fit and keen had, of course, already taken their exercise and no doubt, early morning tea or coffee at one of the stations. In any event soon we were all gathered in the dining room for our first fuel of the day and very good it was. Our party, the school group and one or two individual guests sharing the food and fellowship. Ruth, a widow from Folkestone joined us and stayed with the group throughout the weekend adding a lot to our enjoyment in her quiet way. Off then to our initial study group "Looking at life" after a short act of worship. Our first opportunity to share thoughts and concerns on a bible theme. Continuing after coffee with "Life together" in a similar format. Good Leadership and lots of interesting contributions from the group. A Dales walk followed lunch. The really fit, who had been out at sunrise running, jogging or walking as they do, probably chose the long arduous eight mile walk. Some chose the less arduous three mile and we ambled along the lane gently to Kettlewell, whilst others sat and chatted or didn't. Having volunteered for hand bell ringing class as opposed to stone painting or prayer group we later made our way to ‘The Upper Room' where Mary spent an hour and a quarter training us duffers to play three tunes which we somehow re-arranged as the musical expression goes. Great fun and a novel experience. Dinner followed Evening Prayer and then the entertainment. Talent in abundance and dancing in the folksy country style. We had a poet, a guitarist, two pieces of drama and a monologue. There were also two quizzes and some of us thought they had replaced the hand bell ringing slot, but Mary knew best! On Sunday we studied "Life in Abundance" during which session we were encouraged to identify with either Martha or Mary. Robin was more attracted to Lazarus but only because he had forgotten to pack his razor perhaps. After lunch we shared the celebration of Holy Communion in the breath takingly beautiful chapel. A very appropriate end to the weekend as we received from God and committed ourselves afresh to His service. The place is a gem set in 24 carat landscape. The people would wash your feet if that was your need. The Holy Spirit inhabits every nook and cranny. Please join us in praying for the Christian Community that run Scargill House. They deserve our prayers and have touched our lives and we thank God for that blessing. Bill and Pauline Woodend Church Outing to Blackpool 2005 (February 2006 edition of the magazine) Didn’t we have a lovely day....the day we went to Blackpool The weather didn’t look too promising as we left for our church outing to Blackpool in early October. There were grey skies and a constant drizzle. ‘We’ll drive thro' t'rain and it will be nice in Blackpool’ said David Holden – an exiled Lancastrian and the trip organiser. We weren’t so sure. Us doubting Thomas’ were proved wrong and David was right. As we arrived in Blackpool the rain stopped, the clouds lifted and the sun started to shine. We had several hours to do our own thing: up the Tower, around the fun fair, along the prom and a tram to Fleetwood were some of the things on offer. I was struck by the number of fish and chip shops and cafes – and I did succumb to a full English breakfast and chips for tea! We assembled back at a local church, Holy Trinity, in the early evening for a wash and brush up before setting off to drive through the Illuminations. The vicar met us and told us about the ‘hidden’ Blackpool, the itinerant population (the local school has a 30% turnover of pupils each year); tenement housing with many families sharing the same bathroom, the high rate of teenage pregnancies and suicides. There is no real ‘soul’ to Blackpool – people come to escape from life. He also told us Blackpool was the line dancing capital of Britain! David Sanderson then told us about the Church Army missions that he used to lead in Blackpool. He remembers sleeping several times on the floor of the church that we were now in. Many people had found God at Blackpool through the missions. Blackpool is a place that needs surrounding in prayer. It was then back on the coach for the Illuminations. We had been told it could take 2-3 hours to get through the lights. Our driver, however, was canny…we were parked on the prom ten minutes before the lights were switched on. We counted down to 7pm and as soon as the lights came on we were off. We were through in 25 minutes! The lights were fabulous….but are they the true Blackpool? A big thanks to David Holden for organising the trip and we look forward to the next one. Mark Hoare St Peter's Church Outing to York 2007 (October 2007 edition of the magazine)
From comments I received it would seem that 'a lovely time was had by all!' So, any ideas for 2008? Chris Smith |
