Our annual Barbie day was spent at Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester on August 1st. It was such a beautiful setting to all get together for a day out and we were very privileged to be in one of the best areas. Thanks to the outstanding organisation of Ian and Muriel we had a great spot with a large BBQ, benches and tables to sit on, Two large gazebos to sit under and even a super beach that the children loved! We also had open spaces to play games of football in, and to throw frisbees ,,,, tho’ contact with the frisbee was VERY close to me on a couple of occasions. I now know what it feels like to have a ‘close shave’!
We had an abundance of delicious food! Everyone brought plenty of sausages, beefburgers, chicken, bacon, lamb kebabs, chops and steak! We also had strawberries and cream and fresh pineapple. It was enough to feed the 5000 and I actually believe that the food grew as there was loads left over! Colin was a great chef and Bex was a great commis! At one point Bex forgot herself in worship and thought she was bringing manna down from heaven! (We have photograph evidence to prove it).
The weather was nice and sunny, with just a light shower of rain. One or two people did wrap themselves up occasionally and Wes looked very fetching in a cerise pink blanket with a beautiful lacy edge! There was a great turn out of people and it was lovely to all be together, have time to share ourselves and get involved with each other more. We had time to connect a little further and relax in who we are. We also sat in a circle together and prophesied over each other! Everyone enjoyed the day and Joanne felt the day was ‘Awesome’ – “totally loving each other – the way Jesus wants it to be Hey! It’s so important to build bridges with one another and to be honest and transparent. In turn, this builds a bridge to the world that is looking for people who are real and aren’t afraid to admit to being in process … not easy … but breathtakingly refreshing!
‘ What binds us together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything else of the sort. Christians come together … because … they have all been loved by Jesus Himself … they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake.
(D. A. Carson)
posted by Jean Packer
The conference was a momentous few days of Holy Spirit impartation, teaching, testimony, and friendship; making us aware again of how much we appreciate this family of churches, to which we are affiliated. Stories of what God is doing in the nations abounded, as well as testimonies of God’s love and healing.
Posted by goldenvalleyblog 
