News Archive
Church weekend away
Hidden talents were revealed this weekend at Abbott Hall. Christine Jensen does a fine rendition of "My Favourite Things" and Zoe Elder an even gutsier "Do-Re-Mi". Ever seen Amy Barnes gargling "Hickory Dickory Dock"? It's worth asking her for a repeat if you missed it. Even Ian Wylie scrubs up well in a suit, but 007 need not fear, Ian has his weakness: tying a bow tie is not one of his talents. He was a fantastic MC, borrowing heavily from Jacob's 1,000 Worst Jokes book.
What is it with men and directions? Mark Elder, apparently, is so well prepared he never gets lost or needs to ask for directions; at least that's what he maintains. Unluckily Zoe begged to differ, and that lost them the chance to be "Mr and Mrs" Champions. Congratulations instead go to Mark and Claire Thomas!
Around 60 of us made the trip to Grange over Sands for the church weekend away. We were really blessed by Mark's ministry and spending time with each other. Mark spoke on the theme of the fruit of the Spirit: one fruit, nine flavours, and helped us to look particularly at being joyful and experiencing freedom. I will remember his illustration of a one winged bird flapping around in a circle representing an unbalanced life: we need to have fruit and gifts of the Spirit to live a balanced and healthy Christian life.
A particular feature of each session was testimony; we heard the very honest testimonies of Ted Gladstone, Rachel Rai and Karen Richardson. Despite traumatic situations in each of their lives over the past year they have been able to see God working. Thanks for your honesty and encouargement.
Thanks also to Fran and Amy, and the mums and dads
who did a great job looking after the children. New friends were made
and old ones renewed.