Just Come

Sharing a meal and talking with friends old and new is what many who’ve just returned from our parish weekend said was most special about our time together. About sixty of us travelled to St. Rhadagund’s Christian hotel at St. Lawrence on the Isle of Wight. Our theme for the weekend was “Just Come”. Many individuals were brought together in one place, but we learned that we are not called to be the same as each other – but to be transformed by God where we are.

The weekend was lead by Martin and Cesca Cavander from ReSource; together they brought a real warmth and wisdom. We enjoyed Martin’s jokes and stories about lawyers and bishops. We learned about the importance of laughter and forgiveness and fellowship. On Saturday morning Martin spoke about God’s many names. One participant said that she will come away thinking of God breathing His name into our nature.

Many were moved by an act of affirmation lead by Cesca, when in small groups each individual was able to hear God’s voice say “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32.8 NIV). This was a moving experience for many – a powerful affirmation of God’s love and purpose for each of us.

Our children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were led by Sarah and Andy Wright and a team from the local church community. It was great how the comings and goings of all the children made us feel like a real family. They provided fantastic contributions to our entertainment on Saturday evening, including a hilarious sketch about the waiting room of Dr. Contagious, resplendent with wigs, buckets, twitches and a pregnant man in a dress!

During our Sunday worship many of us contributed to the decoration of a stole for Rob to wear during the Eucharist. Circles of colourful fabrics embellished with beads, sequins and threads were placed onto the stole as an outpouring of our response to God. One participant said the making of the stole was a wonderful symbol of our church – everyone made their own contribution and gave something of themselves in a joyful coming together.

I’ve mentioned coming together so many times in this report of our weekend; very appropriate for a time when we “Just Came” with open hearts and minds. We've been well nourished at the dining table and in our coming together before God to be and to learn. Carravagio’s painting of the ‘Breaking of the Bread’ led us to ponder on ourselves as the bread. God gives thanks for us, He blesses us and He breaks us open so that in our personal renewal we can be transformed. We have come to a place where we can “Just Go” into the world. Blessed and refreshed with beaches, beads, sunshine, games, birthday cake, teaching and prayer, we return to our homes and to St. Mary’s with a real sense of renewal and renewed friendships

What is St.Rhadagunds like?

Just two miles from Ventnor, St Rhadagunds is a family-friendly Christian holiday hotel with views of the sea, set in six acres of gardens. The house was built in about 1870 as a Victorian gentleman's country residence. It has 30 bedrooms, some ensuite, and a large dining room for up to 100 people. Activity rooms and lounges make St.Rhadagunds a comfortable place to stay. There are lovely walks nearby, including one to the beach for the more adventurous, as well as plenty of other places to visit. The ferry across the Solent feels like a special beginning to a Church Family weekend.

What will we be doing?

The theme for our weekend will be ‘Just Come’. Martin Cavender from ReSource and his wife Cesca will be leading the weekend for us. Andy & Sarah Wright are coming to work with the young people, and Hilary Davis to work with the children. We will be coming together to be encouraged and refreshed, both individually and as a church; to spend time together, talking, praying, eating, drinking, and having fun. There will be special activities for all the children. We want everyone to have a great time.

Just Come is for you!

We want you to ‘Just Come’ if…

• you have not been with St.Mary’s for long
• you come to 8’oclock or 10 o’clock services or none at all
• you are young in spirit or in age
• you are single or have a family
• your faith is young or old
• you have been at St. Mary’s for many years

Come and find out more!

Martin and Cesca Cavender, the weekend leaders, will be with us in our morning services on Sunday 19th November. Come and meet Martin and Cesca after the Young Family Service in Sheet Village Hall where they will be telling us about the programme for the Church Family Weekend. All welcome.

If you can’t come on the weekend…

we would still like you to be involved. Please pray for Martin and Cesca our leaders, for all the preparations and arrangements being made and above all for a positive and refreshing outcome for all. We want to ensure that the fruits of this weekend are fed back into the whole church family. Please use the available prayer cards.