From Pastor Rod (20th June 2011)

I am writing this having got home from the annual church retreat yesterday and after a wonderful weekend filled with many blessings from the Lord I can reflect of His goodness.

This was our third annual retreat at Perceval Hall in the Yorkshire Dales and the first blessing we receive is the beauty of God’s creation in the scenery of Wharfedale away from the main roads across the Dales. Nestling in a valley surrounded by towering sheep covered hills; the fifteen century manor house with magnificent gardens is a haven of peacefulness. It is always a joy to return year after year especially as now we have a sense of history and belonging as we walk through the oak beamed rooms, twisting staircases and panelled corridors.

The second blessing we receive is the gift of God’s plan of family and togetherness. Eighteen of the fellowship attended this year, and to be able to experience fellowship over an extended period, draws us closer as a God given community able to share and enjoy each other’s company, rather than for the odd hour of Sunday worship or church activities. For example it is in such a situation that we listened to experiences of John Reynolds humorous wartime experiences in the Royal Navy.

The third blessing is the spiritual insight we gain from our presentations. This year we learned and discussed how we can grow in our spiritual life through the renewing of our minds; our time; our relationships. Also we watched a BBC programme presented by Anne Widdecome that asked the question does Christianity have a future in a secular society.

The fourth blessing is that of free time. I have been organising and running retreats for over 25years of ministry and I personally believe that such occasions must have a lot of “free time” so with that in mind, the Saturday afternoon and evening is given over for that purpose. Some of the group used the afternoon to tour the surrounding area by a visit to Bolton Abbey while others choose to remain and enjoy the Hall’s gardens, sitting on a bench and looking down the length of the valley. Saturday evening is spent together and this year we were entertained by some group games including “indoor kurling” after suitable instruction by Martin Wakefield. Needless to say the ladies were better than the gentlemen. Add to these blessing that of good food, comfortable beds (Simon and Julie got the fifteenth century four poster bed) it all added up to another “gem” in the church calendar.

Talking of which we have secured a change of dates for next year. Instead of August which we had been booked in for, a cancellation has enabled us to change to June 2012, which is more suitable for some people. So the dates for next year are the 15th-17th June. Put the dates in your diary and if you have not been on retreat before save your pennies and plan to join us. You will not regret it.