Area 8 churches share a spiritual weekend

 

Fifty-nine members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches from Gt Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Colchester, Hutton, Ipswich, Norwich, Chelmsford and Harlow gathered together to share the assurance and hope that we all have as Christians. 

 

The theme was ‘The Centrality of the Cross’, Pastor Toy (Area 8 Co-ordinator) said that this was a time to focus on the greatest act that has brought mankind to God. Pastor Toy was responsible for the announcements and was also the prayer Co-ordinator.

 

 

The venue was The Pleasaunce at Overstrand in Norfolk. The managers Charles and Veronica are also Christians who cater for Christians of all denominations. They provided excellent food and catered for different diets and needs. The accommodation was most comfortable with a homely atmosphere and a Christian environment. The sixteen members of the team who served at mealtimes and refreshment breaks were all Christian students from all over the world.

 

There were five main topics connected to the main theme:-

The Centrality of the cross

(Pastor Michael I Walker)

 (Pastor Chris Peake)

(Pastor Michael I Walker)

The Benefits of the Cross (Pastor Chris Peake)

The Grace and the Glory of the Cross (Pastor Michael I Walker)

 

 

 

Each Minister gave an amazing account of the Cross and what it means to us as Christians and the importance of it being the centre of our lives and the only means of counteracting the sin problem. The horrific death he went through and how it was all because of our sins that he had to suffer so much really hit home.  Pastor Walker pointed out that Jesus understood his mission and he knew that by laying down his life it was the only way we could be saved from the death penalty and to cover our sins.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Michael Toy led out and was responsible for Vespers on Sabbath. He said, “We must be

awake, alive and know what we believe and we must centre on Jesus”. Every day we need to set some time aside to focus on Jesus and what he has done for us. 

 

In between the talks the Praise Team, Stephen and Frida deBruyn, were responsible for choosing the hymns and they also sang duets with Stephen playing the guitar. Yarmouth couple, Jim and Joan Frost, who are in their eighties, sang together inviting the audience to join in the chorus. Talented song writer, Frida Peake, also sang and played the guitar singing songs that she had written herself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frida and Steven leading out with       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Glyn Jones (Jaspar Carrot lookalike)            

 

The programme was designed to include recreation and a time to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful grounds but also there was a slot for everyone to let their hair down and have a social. Glyn Jones acted as compere and did a wonderful job of organising and presenting extremely funny sketches, duets and songs. Glyn is talented himself and resembles the comedian, Jasper Carrot, he soon had everyone laughing and enjoying themselves.

 

 

Verle Bryan was responsible for the housekeeping and kept everyone in their place and produced a tin of sweets every now and again for good behaviour!

 

 

On Sunday, Sandra, from the Harlow Church gave her testimony and as she spoke there were photos on screen of her baptism which had taken place only two weeks before. 

She said that she had never thought about having Christ in her life until her daughter and son-in-law had their first child. The father is an Adventist and he wanted the baby to be dedicated and brought up in the church. She was curious about the church and decided to go and see for herself what it was like. Pastor Toy was preaching and his sermon made such an impression on her that she felt compelled to go as often as she could. 

 Sandra talking about her baptism by immersion             

 

She was also impressed by the welcome that everyone had given her and how they had put her at ease. Sabbath School was particularly helpful to her and she was eager to learn more about Jesus. Her husband isn’t a Christian but has been very supportive and helpful to her.

 

The weekend was brought to a close with the service of Communion led by Pastor Toy. He said that only goodness can drive out evil and only love can conquer hate and that Christ had given us an example by rewarding good instead of evil and no longer should there be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

 

There was a final meal with a presentation of £175.45 which had been collected on behalf of the sixteen volunteer students who had worked so hard in providing meals. Pastor Walker also gave them a set of ornamental camels made out of olive wood which came from Bethlehem. They were also each given a copy of the book ‘He is Coming’ by Alejandro Bullón.

 

It all came to an end so quickly which is always the case when people really enjoy themselves. Many people have said that they want to take part next year.