During the second day a book launch took place. The book ‘And It Can Be’
was recommended by David Walton the retiring Vice-President. In his
foreword he says ‘It has always seemed to me that, of all places, the
Christian Church should be one where people can be open and honest about
the varied aspects of their lives. This is where they ought to find
support on their journey as they look for a gospel direction in their
struggles and perplexities, their joys and friendships.’
‘I
hope this book may help to open doors of understanding and be of practical
use in building up that mutual love and trust which are the marks of a
mature Christian community’.
I am
reading through it slowly at present and finding it interesting. It is
published by Outcome. If you want more information about this publication
pleas contact me or look on www.outcomeonline.org.uk
I listened to one of the sessions where a
young lady was reporting from the Youth Conference. She spoke bravely of
her parent’s separation and how it had impacted on her, especially when
Dad was a Minister. This was the only session I managed to get to hear
and it seemed too much of a coincidence that I was there at that moment.
I managed to find her after and speak to her briefly and she and her Mum
knew about Broken Rites, which is encouraging.
On my travels around the stands, I spoke
to a representative form Christian Guild Holidays, Hotels and
Conferences. There are several hotels around the country, all very well
appointed and some with heated pools. There are no single room charges
and there are special interest holidays and some coach holidays. They
also have a bursary fund to enable those who cannot afford any sort of
holiday and are in real need of one, to get away for a week. If you are
in real need of a holiday or know of someone else who is, then please
contact me or your regional rep and I will find out more. I am planning to
have a couple of days of ‘Lazy days and log fires’ in December so will let
you know how that goes. For more information go to
www.christianguild.co.uk
I have had contact with a few members
recently, but if you want to talk, please do call or email me.
My next task is to approach the URC to
try to get a presence at the Assembly which is in Loughborough in July
2010. Methodist Conference is in Portsmouth next year so if there are
folk who would like to represent the organisation at either of those, then
please make contact and I will let you know more details.
I do hope you get the chance to enjoy the
colours of
autumn especially when the sun enhances
the range of yellows, gold and red in the leaves
before they fall.
