Being in the Living Presence of Christ


Graham and Evelyn Wilson, Jim and Brenda Robinson, Brian Elstob, Winnie Huntsman and I all set out on the 8th March for the Local Preachers Conference at Saltburn

We arrived at Brockley Hall in time for coffee and a quick chat with all our friends from previous years and to pin a name badge on with a coloured spot
We then had time to visit our Bedrooms and leave our belongings before the first session of the weekend.

Our Speaker for the conference was Myrtle Poxon (Vice President of Conference 2004/2005) and she led three sessions on Being in the Living Presence of Christ, The first session was through good quality worship, The second Exploring fresh expressions of church and Finally on Sunday morning Equipping for renewal

We also had a Brockley Bonanza on Saturday night where Geoff Orrock local Preachers secretary arranged us in groups according to our coloured spots and we had a wonderful time of quizzes and brainteasers with lots of laughs and good humour
Early Sunday morning began with an uplifting communion service “New life for all” based on John 11 verses 1-45
The Rev Joan Thornton who talked about the raising of Lazarus led this excellent service of Holy Communion and gave us a lot to think about

The food at Brockley hall is very good the staff old friends and mealtimes are an opportunity to share thoughts and experiences as well as finding out what is happening in other circuits
We have two periods of free time, one on Saturday afternoon and another on Sunday morning

This is a good opportunity to have a brisk walk along the pier and take in some of the wonderful sea air
We are usually blessed in having good weather for this weekend and this year was not an exception
Alternatively there are plenty of places for a shorter stroll or if you prefer it a relaxing sit in the comfortable lounge

I have now attended this conference many times and would not miss it, I really look forward to the weekend

We have had many wonderful Speakers and this year as I have already mentioned we were blessed with Myrtle Poxon
In Micah Ch 6 verse 8
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God
The Local preachers conference allows me to do all these things and certainly at the end of the weekend I know that I have walked humbly with God
As well as learning from formal sessions there is the added benefit of learning through like-minded colleagues, exchanging ideas and finding out what is happening in other circuits
I would encourage all Local Preachers either on note trial or full plan to attend the conference next year
You certainly will not regret it or the numerous benefits you will experience

Margery Gazzani
West End Methodist Church