|
Upton-by-Chester United Reformed Church |
|
God's Love is for all. Our mission is to show it, share it, live it. |
|
Church Weekend |
|
Thinking Outside the Box
This was the theme of our 2007 Church Weekend which was held at Beechwood Court, Conway, on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd September.
Twenty five participants arrived in Conway on Friday night and received, as always, a warm welcome. Once rooms were located the gong was sounded for our evening meal. The catering at Beechwood Court is excellent and I think next time we go we should all be weighed before we arrive and when we leave. I am sure there would be weight gain. A cooked breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, a three course evening meal and supper are all included. Even Ovaltine and Horlicks were available to help us sleep.
The activities over the weekend were many and varied. We had quiet times, reflective times, Bible study, practical tasks, games, quizzes and worship. We even had free time on Saturday afternoon for walking, cycling or for a trip into Conway or Llandudno for some therapeutic shopping. You could just chill out doing embroidery or reading if you wished. Two energetic cyclists were seen, by four elderly walkers, cycling the wrong way around the “Great Orme”. I wonder who they were?
As “thinking outside of the box” was our theme the first thing we all had to do was to make a box 4” x 4”. We all achieved this, with the exception of our treasurer. His box was 6” x 4” which we thought probably allowed for VAT. The theme basically asked us to look at things from a different perspective and to challenge assumptions and the status quo.
We had time for creativity and you will find, below, a poem, written by Katy Fozzard, which was used in our closing service.
One of the exercises we undertook was to consider, in pairs, our lives going backwards as far as we could remembering major events which had happened to us and then going forward identifying major events in our Christian faith. This was a very challenging task for many as both happy and sad events were identified which lead to a few tears. This is not an exercise I would recommend doing on your own.
Whether you were a teenager or over seventy there was something for everyone in this weekend. We learnt a little more about each other and we had a most enjoyable time. We have booked the centre again for a weekend in September 2009 so start saving up so you can join us.
Paul Ivison (one of the four elderly walkers)
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
When you’re fed up and you’re bored And you’ve got nothing to do Just get up off the sofa and say “Let’s try something new”
If it’s Judo or Thai Chi Or going bungee jumping It doesn’t really matter As long as you do something
So next time you are tired Of sorting out your socks Remember all you have to do Is “Think outside the box”
|