Life in all its Fullness
We had a very good trip down to Sidmouth by coach from Prestbury and
Pittville with a welcome tea break at the motorway service en route. We
arrived at the Sidholme hotel at about 6pm and, after allocation of rooms
and keys, we had time for a quick walk to the seafront before dinner. In the
evening there was a question and answer session with Fr Michael, Fr Peter,
Fr Paul, Andy Macauly and Linda Biggs on subjects as diverse as favourite
cars and reasons for the recent flooding. Compline rounded off the evening.
Saturday morning started early at 7.30am with Morning Prayer and after
breakfast Fr Paul gave a very interesting talk on Life in all its fullness,
the theme of the weekend. There were opportunities to take part in
workshops, such as discussion, craft activities, singing, drama and sport,
some of which were incorporated in later worship sessions. The weather was
hot and sunny on Saturday so many people went down to the beach to enjoy the
good weather and the beautiful coastal scenery.
On Saturday evening many people entertained us with singing, poetry
recitals, sketches and even opera, which proves that there are a lot of
talented people in our parishes.
The highlight of Sunday morning was the Eucharist/celebration service led
by the Celebrate! music group and a choir of young and old. The
combination of the lively worship and the beauty of the Eucharist, enhanced
by the sun shining through the windows, made it a very joyful and uplifting
service. We then had a delicious Sunday lunch before it was time to say
goodbye and head off home.
It was our first time at Sidmouth and we enjoyed the chance to relax and
get to know other people better from across the Team. Many thanks to all
involved in organising the weekend away.
Janet
and Alison Green
