Ah, the Yorkshire URC Young Adults weekend away. Back again after Corona, the weekend gives us “youths” space to rest, relax, and, most importantly, reinvigorate our faith through worship, study, and discussion. Over the weekend we focused on Romans 12; Paul’s bit that starts with: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”.
Arriving Friday evening we started with dinner (massive thanks to Ruth), then went into our first session which really got us thinking with some great questions and an introduction to the passage and theme, followed by something more creative.
Saturday morning was breakfast and then a prayer walk through the fabulous scenery around Edale; on the walk we paused to read verses and doodle on nearby walls, trees and rocks (with chalk!) with the opportunity to discuss what we’d read, thought, and drawn as we walked.
Back to the Peak Centre then for drinks and with a short time to explore before lunch, a few of us went for a bit of a wander onto Kinder Scout above the village.
With lunch done, we went into a reflection on our theme with candles and then arts: drawing, painting, and modelling what we’d read and thought. Having successfully failed to burn the place down, we then had a bit more free-time before dinner – enough for coffee and a quick trip to the local (Edale’s Old Nag’s Head is excellent by the way, well worth a visit).
No retreat would be complete without a fire and marshmallows, and this didn’t disappoint. After the evening reflection and activity, we went outside for some light marshmallow-themed pyromania to the sound of a few contemporary worship songs.
Sunday morning began with breakfast and then, for something a bit different, into a Godly Play session tying together the weekend’s themes, readings, and thoughts, and leading into our communion to finish the weekend.
After that Sunday lunch and then, unfortunately, time to go. I think everyone who came would say the weekend was certainly welcome after these past two years! See you all next year!
Article written by David Miall.
If you can’t wait until next year why not join us at one of our monthly coffee mornings together. Up and coming dates are: Saturday 10 September in Bradford & Saturday 05 November in Huddersfield. Find out more here https://urcyorkshire.org.uk/event/young-adults-coffee-morning/2022-06-18/