Report on the Parish Weekend at Aylesford Priory

18th – 20th June 2010

Before leaving All Saints for Aylesford, a few announcements were made which outlined the programme for the weekend, including its main purpose i.e. a combination of exploring our faith, fellowship, fun and relaxation. Based on the reaction and comments of the group, both during and afterwards, it appears that these objectives were met, and the weekend was a huge success.

As with last year, it was planned to coincide with an open air concert by the Salvation Army orchestra and choir on Saturday evening, and the annual summer fete at the Priory on Sunday. The spiritual aspect of the weekend was led by Sr Judith Blackburn SSM and comprised three group sessions, one on Friday evening and two on Saturday. The theme for the sessions was, ‘Journeying with God’, and she used the analogy of our experiences of journeying to places, with our spiritual journey.

Judith’s conversational and easy going style made the group sessions a rewarding and enlightening experience. In addition to the discussions, two tables were set up with various artwork materials. The children had great fun using these during the discussions and produced various clay models of birds and animals that they had seen I the grounds etc. The adults also used them to good effect and produced visual stories on paper of the key stages on their spiritual journey. I think the weekend not only provided an opportunity for us to explore our journey of faith, in itself it turned out to be a milestone on that journey. All of these works were brought to the altar with the bread and wine during the Mass on Sunday as an offering to God.

It is always difficult to analyse exactly what makes something successful. However, I think there were a number of factors which helped to make this year’s weekend notable as follows;

The group comprised 30 guests and was slightly larger than in 2008. It also included twelve people who had not been previously. Of these there were some for whom staying at somewhere like Aylesford was a completely new experience. The group also included four children, Matthew, Thomas, Kai, and Charlie, who really entered into the spirit of the weekend and broadened the age range. I think their presence, and sense of fun gave it a real family feeling. The broad range of ages and backgrounds resulted in a well balanced mix.

One of the comments I heard on several occasions was; ‘I’m really glad I came. I’ve never really spoken to you before, and it’s really good to have the chance to get to know you’. It was self evident from people’s smiles and light-hearted conversations that getting to know one another was an important aspect of the weekend.

Our worship which comprised of Morning and Evening prayer, Compline, and Mass on Sunday morning was fully attended and was key in focusing the theme of our spiritual Journey. Jane involved as many people as possible in helping to lead the services, and I think this also added to the fellowship. The Pilgrims Chapel is ideal for a small group and has real sense of peace, and the effect that this had on people was noticeable.

For one or two individuals the weekend proved to be a real turning point in that they were able to come to terms with some personal issues that had been troubling them. One individual felt so moved by the experience, and announced this publicly at the end of the mass, and thanked everybody for their help.

The meals in the Pilgrims Hall were also great fun and another opportunity for fellowship. We had one long table which ran almost the entire length of the hall, and it reminded me of the last supper. It was noticeable that people were happy to sit wherever there was a space, and not just with certain individuals. The wine with our evening meal went down well and was partly paid for with an anonymous donation.

Another comment that was voiced by many in the group was how they wished it could last longer. Based on this, and the fact that there was some last minute bookings that we unable to accommodate, I have provisionally booked 50 places for the same weekend next year i.e. 17th – 19th June. Jenny Sheldon has given the dates to Anne Coleman who I understand is keen to lead the spiritual aspect of the weekend once again next year.

There is probably a lot more that could be added, and it would be interesting to hear what others have to say.

It is a privilege to be able to arrange such events on behalf of the parish, and very rewarding to know that they are appreciated by those taking part,

 

John Milbank 2.7.10