Weekend Away 2009

In September 2009 we had a wonderful weekend at the Horstead Centre in Norfolk. We were blessed with sunny weather. Read on for more pictures and news of what we got up to.

Half four on a Friday afternoon and we all pile into the coach for the two hour trip to the Horstead Centre just north of Norwich. After our evening meal, lovingly prepared by the centre staff, we had the first of our discipleship sessions.

Saturday we have two of our activities - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  This year, we were all split into three groups and all had a go at the tower (a collection of rock climbing, abseiling and a zip-wire across the garden), archery and canoeing.  Most, if not all, of those who had done these activities before did so this time with added confidence.  Some managed to get further with the rock climbing, some did the abseiling for the first time, some scored high on the archery.

Later in the afternoon there was the second of our discipleship sessions.  In the evening, there was some free time and the third discipleship session.

Sunday morning was the third of activity session and a tidy up.  After lunch we had our fourth and final discipleship session before getting on the coach and heading back to Woodbridge.

During the discipleship sessions this year we looked at our faith and trust in God.  By looking through the Bible we can see God is a God in whom we can trust.  We can find security in God.  The first session is always a lead in session, where the topic for the week is introduced.  The second session on Saturday afternoon is a time when we break into groups and find creative ways to express what we have learnt about the topic.  This year some produced a sketch, others made drawings and paintings, some did a dance and a few managed to write a song.  The last session on the Sunday afternoon is the time when we bring back to the whole group what we have produced on the Saturday.  The Saturday night is always a more personal quite time when we move around to various stations where we are encouraged to think about things, read scripture verses, pray, etc.

The weekend away is a good time at the beginning of the academic year to have time away together, get to know each other a bit more and spend time with God.  We are all looking forward to next year's weekend away already.  As one of the young people said, "I really enjoy going to the Weekend Away because it is an amazing experience. It comes at just the right time, just after we have started back at school. This is great because it reminds us to keep on track with God as everything begins to be busy again. Everyone who comes really gets involved in everything and it is like one big family. The quiet evening is brilliant because we have time put aside for us to concentrate quietly on God and many people feel the Holy Spirit every year. All the activities and leaders are fantastic too."

Other Comments from the young people and leaders

It is IMMENSE!! J

It has brought me closer to God. I have been set back on track and feel I am heading the right way. Weekend Away is a great chance to join with friends and take on some crazy activities. It is also a great chance to encounter God. I LOVE it !!!

God moves here!!  Happy days!!!  The weekend away is so important for us all to pull closer together as a group, and it’s great for us to be together and have a laugh and meet friends in the presence of God, and to minister to and pray for each other in the presence of God, and start as we mean to go on – in the presence of God.  Amen!!!

The weekend away is a great place to Love God, Love Life and Love the Word.  We have the opportunity to enjoy great activities in a Christian atmosphere and learn more about God and the Bible.
It’s GREAT.

It is great here I love everything about it. Love Pheeebs cook xxxx

It’s a great break from school and homework in the new term! It brings everyone together and closer to God.

The weekend away has brought me closer to everyone and they have helped me along god’s path. I love it and it’s a great experience! J Its great to get out of the stress of school life! It’s AWESOME!!!

The weekend away was an amazing experience especially the activity when we tried to get  closer to god. It was amazing.

The weekend away really gave me a chance to realise God’s power and what he can do. I really enjoyed this; it was a great break from normal life and the people here are awesome!!! The best bit was probably the session on Saturday night, with the candles and stuff, it really made us all connect with God. Thank you Horstead Centre, this was great!

This weekend has been really enjoyable, the activities were really fun and I learnt a lot more about God and how to communicate with him. Really well organised. Great!

Weekend away=win

Silver foil and toilet signs J !

Weekend away has brought me closer to God. It has been an amazing weekend. Also the form guys are brill to.
L FOR LEGEND
L FOR LOVE
L FOR LOSER

I had the most pleasant of times during this wonderful weekend. The youth were very active and joyful. It was an honour to get to know them and to be part of this legendary group. I’m extremely thankful to the lord for bringing me to this church and look forward to an amazing year.

It was amazing. Good to try new activities and become closer to God.