Church weekend at Sidmouth

On Friday, 28th November 2008, about 35 of us from Mumbles Methodist Church went to Sidmouth for a weekend break.  Initially this weekend was aimed at those guests and leaders from the Alpha Course  to get away from it all while studying and talking about what we understand as The Holy Spirit.  As the numbers from Alpha were quite small, it was decided to open up the weekend to anyone in the church who would like to go - no strings attached.

The weather was cold and 'bracing' and totally perfect for a winter weekend away.  There was plenty of free-time for those who wanted to do their own thing, and some took to their cars and travelled to nearby beauty spots.  Our hotel, Sidholme, was large and the staff very welcoming and helpful.  The swimming pool was well used for those who remembered to take their costumes, (I didn't).  Food was great.

Ken and Julia Allison arranged the Alpha Course to include time for watching the DVD's and discussion.  More people attended the sessions than expected so that was an added bonus for those making the preparations.  Personally I learned a lot and got the impression that others did too.

The weekend supplied us with the time to get to know others in the church better, especially round meal times and at the Quiz later on the last evening.  Those newer to the church also found it helpful to get to know others who, until the weekend, were only faces in a crowd.

After breakfast on Sunday morning, we went to Sidmouth Methodist Church which had also recently undergone some refurbishment, though not as drastic as ours!  It was a privilege to share the lighting of the first Advent Candle with the fellowship there.

As for me, I loved every moment - the Course; the shopping; the fellowship and the feeling of belonging to the body of the church.  I hope we do a church weekend again.

Chris Capel