Life In Technicolor [part 2]

It was such a good conference. We enjoyed our first keynote speaker, Jonathan Edwards, enormously.

The main hall had comfortable seating - always important wen you have to sit for a long time!

People here all look happy, anyway

 

On the Saturday, as well as talks from Jonathan, we had some less formal moments. In the afternoon there was an opportunity to go to workshops. I chose jewellery making.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all concentrated really hard under Jill's guidance and some lovely necklaces and ear-rings were created.

Other friends learned puppetry, or handbell ringing, whilst others shared book reviews. Quite a few people took advantage of the nearby Sports Centre, some went for healthy walks- and a number just sat around chatting and drinking tea!

After our evening session, we had a concert. This was full of what my cousin calls "Tena Lady Moments" - with normally respectable women, wives of Baptist Pastors, rolling on the floor in hysterics. I am not posting pictures of these indignities! but...

...the bellringers rang beautifully...

...and the puppeteers performed ...

 

Afterwards we sat round till almost midnight talking and laughing.

I ought to explain that Connexion is for Pastor's spouses - so we do have a few husbands in membership. Just one came to this year's conference [brave man!] As he lived locally he just came for the day. His wife had come over to the Concert, and then they planned to go home. But then we realised at 211.45 when they came to leave that the door was locked, and alarmed and the Centre Staff were in bed!

As my bedroom was on the ground floor, I suggested they could climb out of my bedroom window. But the window had a security thing on it and would open far enough to let them climb through! [Minister's wife from Leicester caught in the act of pushing another woman's husband thru bedroom window... they might throw Bob out of the Baptist Union!] But mercifully we found a Conference Delegate who went for early morning runs, who'd managed to acquire a key - so we let them out in a respectable manner [with much giggling] via the Front Door after all.

 

Sunday was lovely - here is our Cross of Prayers.

Val had started us off on sewing a technicolor cloth which was placed on the communion table. She has taken it home to sew more patches on it.

 

Our speakers on Sunday were Alex and Dorcas Afriye

They are from Acton in London and talked about the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis.

We finished at 1pm with lunch and then Elisabeth and I drove back to Leicester. Looking forward to October 2011 and our next Connexion Conference.

 

When I got home, I went with Bob to a Churches Together United Service at a nearby Chapel. The Pastor, Ian, gave a great word, and his wife led worship - it was all really inspiring. We finished with one of my favourite songs

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

It was a lovely end to a brilliant weekend! So grateful to all the Connexion Committee for their hard work in making it all possible [having spent so many years involved in the organising of Conference myself, I know what is involved!]