So we had our first weekend away as an official church this past weekend and here are 10 reasons why I loved it. Do check out these epic facebook photos and videos.
(1) The Karaoke
This really was something to behold. The Saturday night was casually passing by and then suddenly the karaoke comes on and 50% of you became possessed by the spirit of “Summer of 69.” The passion, air guitar, in-tune and out-of-tune singing, the group hugs and the dancing were all hugely entertaining fror a boring ‘old-before-his-time’ grandad like me! Dave’s rendition of “My Way” was inspirational!
(2) The Food
Oh my word, were those burgers good. Thank you Clara! And the chilli on Friday night was spectacular. A special mention also goes to Tim’s monster cookies too…delicious!
(3) The Speakers (Sean & Ana)
It was great to have an older and wiser (and fun!) couple join us and share their own stories of personal transformation under the theme of “pilgrims and apprentices”. Jesus wants to change me on the inside (as I understand his love for me) so that he can use me in the everyday business of life (as I bring him into every situation). Super applicable and down-to-earth teaching which will set us up nicely for our City Groups and Life Groups which will be starting in January 2015.
(4) The Table Tennis
Apart from the sour moment of losing to my wife in front of you all (the cheers went on for a good 10 seconds!!!) I enjoyed watching and playing table-tennis, especially with Patrick, Sam, Jacob and Annabelle.
(5) The Mouse
Hearing of the mouse that got in Katherine’s bag and then into the shower, scaring Katherine, Shannen and Lauren out of their wits was hilarious!
(6) The People
As cheesy as it is, you guys made it. Thanks for throwing yourselves into the weekend and getting involved in all aspects of the timetable. But thanks too for taking the time to get to know people you hadn’t met before and mucking in with washing up, drying up and cooking.
(7) The Sleeping
Not much sleeping happened over the weekend which meant we got some great shots of people trying to catch some sleep on the Saturday afternoon after a late night playing cards. Barry – you were my favourite! (Check out facebook 😉 )
(8) The Challenges
Dave was the winner of the malteser balancing game, Barry and Orla the malteser throwing game and Craig the after-eight eating game (though I think my demonstration was probably a world record*). There were some hilarious photos – do check out the facebook album.
(9) The New Song
It was great to learn ‘Boldly I Approach (The Art of Celebration)’ with some outstanding lyrics. Here is just the first verse:
By grace alone somehow I stand
Where even angels fear to tread
Invited by redeeming love
Before the throne of God above
He pulls me close with nail-scarred hands
Into His everlasting arms
(10) The Work of God
Whilst we must thank God for all of the above (even the mouse and losing in table tennis!), because all good gifts are from him (James 1:17) I was also very grateful for the way he built us together as a community and was working in individuals to bring breakthrough and freedom. It felt like a very important foundation for us as a young church and got me very excited about the future. May God continue to work!
Anyone got anything else?
*this is clearly a very arrogant claim, but I am going to stick by it! Pity it wasn’t recorded…