Fellowship
Craft Heaven
(1-5 July 2013)
Craft Heaven is a gathering of people with similar passions for creating with thread and fabric. Embroidery, quilting, patchwork, knitting, crochet, tatting, bobbin lace, beading – these are all skills on offer. Be challenged by something new or bring your own work to finish or share. If you have a technique you want to explore, let us know. If you have a project for which you need some inspiration, bring that.
Give yourself creative space in a friendly atmosphere, be refreshed by the surroundings and by people who care about what you do. Rediscover the creativity within yourself. Places are limited, so early booking is essential.
Cost: £250
Tales in Tunes
(29 July – 2 August 2013)
With Thursday’s Child
(Stephen Brown and Carol Anne Parker)
New event for 2013!
Particularly for musicians of whatever age or stage and anyone else interested in the place of music and song in the story of church life, we will spend time telling tales in tunes. As well as sharing music and improvising in whatever unusual instrumental combinations might be possible, the place of story song and reflective verse and mood-setting music will feature, along with some space and reflection on the God-tales in all of this. Come and play. Come and learn. Come and listen. Come and write. Come and reflect. Come and find tunes that tell your tale. And share some or all of this in an end of week concert.
Revd Stephen Brown, URC minister at Helensburgh, has been using music within his ministry since ordination. He began writing, recording and performing songs in the early 90s and has continued to do so up to the present and, since July of 2011, has been doing so as part of a musical duo, “Thursday’s Child”, with the Revd Carol Anne Parker, Church of Scotland minister in Fraserburgh. Carol Anne was a music teacher before entering ministry and has become a prolific songwriter since the formation of “Thursday’s Child”. Together, Stephen and Carol Anne see their music in particular and music more generally, as a critical component in the ministries they offer.
When booking, please let us know what, if any, instrument you plan to bring with you – remember, a voice is as valid an instrument as any other, and people interested in the theory rather than the practice are very welcome too!
Cost: £250
Walk & Talk
(2-9 August 2013)
With Alvene & John Costello
21 Years of Walk & Talk
2013 marks the 21st anniversary of Walk & Talk, a course that offers you the opportunity to spend a few days in the Lake District in a relaxed social environment. All are welcome, though to be able to participate fully you will need to be able to walk six or seven miles in a group.
The weekend will be a birthday celebration: dinner on Friday will be followed by an introductory talk, and then on Saturday we plan to have a walk of about seven miles at a leisurely pace. We will attend worship at Carver United Reformed Church on Sunday morning (optional), followed by lunch and a local walk from the Centre.
There will be four full days of walking from Monday to Thursday; the walks will be chosen to suit the ability of the group, and, depending on numbers, there may be a choice of walks each day.
There will be prayers or quiet reflections each morning and evening, as well as a programme of evening activities throughout the week, all of which you are welcome to join in with – or you can just relax if you prefer!
Whether you want to come for the weekend, the four weekdays out walking, or the full seven-day experience – either walking or just for the holiday – you will be more than welcome.
If you would like to ask about the walks and activities, please feel free to contact Alvene and John: alvene@btinternet.com or 07974 368024.
Cost: £399 for the full course, or £65 per day
Older Folks’ Fellowship
(19-23 August 2013)
For people who want to take life a little more slowly and enjoy good company, good food, good outings and time for prayer, reflection and fellowship: come and spend a few days in the Lake District at one of the best times of year.
You’ll have time to yourself, too, which you can choose how to fill; you’ll be well looked after, but not in a way that is intrusive or too ‘organising’! The rooms and grounds of the Centre are at your disposal and if there is something you would like particularly to organise for yourself while you’re here, we can help you to do that.
Our meals are restaurant-quality and we cater for special diets.
Kathie Bennett is an ordained URC minister with a special ministry to older people.
Cost: £320
Christmas Card Mania
(19-22 September 2013)
With Barbara Aspinall
Come and spend a long weekend making cards amongst new friends! This workshop-style course gives you the opportunity to make lots of fantastic Christmas cards, including learning new techniques and lots of tips if you wish. The atmosphere is friendly, fun and very enthusiastic – you’ll be amazed at how many cards are produced!
The leader, Barbara, brings all the materials you’ll need, and provides tuition that is both patient and inspiring, ranging from demonstrating a new skill to the whole group, to working closely with individual participants and answering those tricky questions you’ve never had anyone to ask.
If you enjoy crafting, good company and good food – and sparkly bits too – then this is the course for you!
Cost: £200
