Where do I begin to tell you about the Christian Women’s Fellowship‘s
recent weekend away at Swanwick?
The theme for our conference was Transforming Lives and
started off on the Friday evening with a PowerPoint presentation about the
Global Women’s conference in Brazil which 2 of our friends attended.
On Saturday morning, our guest speaker was Loretta
Minghella, director of Christian Aid who talked to us about unconditional love and
how we are all uniquely beautiful reflecting Christ in our person. She told us
that love takes you so far and then hard work has to kick in.
Loretta went on to explain that poverty is not just about money but also about dignity, allowing people to have a voice, empowering them and providing equality. She asked’ What can we do to show solidarity?’
Loretta went on to explain that poverty is not just about money but also about dignity, allowing people to have a voice, empowering them and providing equality. She asked’ What can we do to show solidarity?’
Give
- act – pray
Give
- during
Christian Aid week and at other times! Remember Christian Aid in wills and
memorial gifts. Raise funds through challenge and community events, URC commitment
for life, EU funding and Government match funding. The Money that Christian Aid
gets helps them to raise money through other sources.
Pray – There are 41different sponsoring denominations - so differing styles of worship materials and prayers are available on their website. www.christianaid.org.uk There is also a Christian Aid app.
Pray – There are 41different sponsoring denominations - so differing styles of worship materials and prayers are available on their website. www.christianaid.org.uk There is also a Christian Aid app.
Act –
Let our politicians know what you think. They need to know what you believe in
and care about if they are to represent you.
0.7% global aid budget money for poverty is ring-fenced by the Government. Encourage your MP to support this.
Sign up at enoughfoodif.org or through Christian aid's website.
0.7% global aid budget money for poverty is ring-fenced by the Government. Encourage your MP to support this.
Sign up at enoughfoodif.org or through Christian aid's website.
On Saturday afternoon there was free time available or
leisure activities including a 5 mile walk, singing, dance worship, creative -
mosaics - card making – beadwork, a visit to St Andrews Church and a Commitment
for Life workshop
As usual the Saturday night concert entertained us all,
featuring some of our Bulwell friends in a potted pantomime retelling the story
of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Sunday morning Bible Study showed in drama, verse and
narration how 5 women’s lives had been transformed -
Mary young, unmarried, expecting a child and living in an
occupied land, but whose life was transformed by becoming the mother of
Jesus.
Mary of Magdala, a woman possessed by demons, yet she was
healed by Jesus and was the first to see him after his resurrection.
The woman at the well, she of many husbands, mostly
likely avoided by others but astounded that a Jewish man would talk to her a
Samaritan and then she was able to share Jesus with her neighbours.
The woman with the haemorrhage, who was ritually unclean,
but whose faith made her well. What a transformation!
And our final woman was one of our cwf friends who gave a
frank testimony of how Jesus had transformed her life. From an unbeliever who
dabbled in drugs she is now a committed Christian undergoing training in Church
community work. Transformed indeed!
All had an encounter with Jesus. All received a
transformation.
Loretta had told us that love is replicated. When you
have you love to give then love comes back to you. This was echoed in our
Communion service based on the story of the loaves and fishes, when we were
challenged to go out and give to others. Let’s see how we could transform
lives.
A very thought provoking weekend, with lots to ponder on.
Plus a chance to renew friendships and meet new Christian friends.
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