Autumn Retreat 2009

Well, what an inspiring and spiritually refreshing Autumn Retreat we shared!

I had not been to High Leigh before and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful grounds, the lovely woods including a small lake, the stately manor gardens and the majestic, ancient trees. It was a relief that though the motorway was not far away the grounds were sufficiently quiet to ‘ponder anew’ or just to take some exercise and photographs!

The en-suite rooms were very comfortable and sleep was quick once my head felt a pillow. There is also free internet access for anyone who brings their laptop!

Our mornings started at 8am with prayer. I believe it was Spurgeon who said it is a good rule to look first into the face of God before you look into the face of man!

On the first morning, Jackie invited us to bring before God our thanksgivings, on Tuesday morning, Marlines read Psalm 103 to get us in the spirit of praise!

Breakfast was at 8.30am, lunch at 1pm, tea at 4pm and dinner at 7pm. The highlight was perhaps the warm sticky toffee pudding, even better with cream which compelled a second helping for some of us! Reflection and prayer at 9pm brought the day to a close but was not by any means bedtime!

Now we all had some idea we would probably get to know each other a little better than we had previously, but we could not have anticipated all being together in our nighties or pyjamas well past midnight! In case someone reads this with fear of a Corinthian church influence, let me assure you that there was not! (2 Cor. 12:21) Thankfully, it was a false fire alarm. An uncomfortable and scary moment that was seen in better light the following day, as the shared experience of relief turned to humour, with much to praise God for!

Our daily bible study was led by Dr Pat Took, who had already whetted our appetite at the Sunday morning service. She used the Word to challenge us as the Body of Christ to:

Remain in the confidence of Christ towards God, remembering our humanity, and accepting that as healthy families we enjoy warm moments, but people also get fed up with each other! However, we are ambassadors of the Gospel of Love, a love that forgives, saves, supports and understands. As the Father gave to us, so we give to others! Especially our brothers and sisters in Christ! (2 Cor. 1:3-7, 2:5-8)

Remember that we are individually and corporately jars of clay, holding treasure; the church is a testimony to God’s glory. God’s all-surpassing power upholds us in all situations. We should not lose heart, even when we appear to be outwardly wasting away; inwardly we are being renewed daily. We fix our eyes on the yet unseen but guaranteed eternal glory! (2 Cor. 4)

Remember the benefits of rejoicing amidst sufferings, and that we already posses everything! (2 Cor. 6:4-10, 11:16-33)

Reflect upon our disappointments and failures as a church body, but note and celebrate the areas where God's glory shines in our ministry. We found we shared much with our new friends from Hatch End!

Gordon led a ‘Question Time’ session which opened the way to get to know more about Pat’s journey in her ministry, and to get to know more about the new pastor of Hatch End.

Gordon also read Luke 18:35-43 and invited us to reflect upon Jesus’ response to the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, as if Christ Himself was now asking each of us personally ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ This was conveyed in a simple manner but powerful application.

Time away from feasting on food or the Word was passed in a variety of ways: knitting, talking, reading, walking, excursions to nearby towns, shops or farms, surfing the net on laptops, playing giant Connect4 outside, but unfortunately the Games Room was discovered too late for friendly table tennis challenges!

On the last day after lunch we all gathered around the Lord's Table in silence to recall and appreciate the grace we have received, in the meal which brings to mind God’s Holiness through the symbols of Jesus’ body and blood. A poignant finale for a family reconciled to God! 'Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God!'

So we parted, and I was reminded of our first evening’s reflection led by Pat. It sums up the gain of the retreat:

We are a family in God's Name. Strengthened by the power of His Spirit in our inner being, as Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.

We are rooted and established in love together with all the saints, trying to grasp the fullness of the love of Christ. May we always be open to receive the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:14-21) Hallelujah! Amen.

Karen

(Who perhaps should not drink coffee in public!)