Autumn Meeting 2009: Hoddesdon

Report by Beverley Joseph

From the 13th-15th of November 2009, CEYC was happy to hold its annual residential meeting at High Leigh Conference Centre.

The theme for the weekend was focused on ‘Mind, Body and Soul’, inspired by Jesus’ words; 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (Matthew 22:37)

Friday evening opened the event with a beautifully conducted Worship service led by Caitlin Thomson (Core Group).

Saturday morning saw a lively and engaging discussion on Christian Life and Ethics.

The afternoon was divided into a choice of workshops. There was a very impressive and well constructed Labyrinth by Anna Smith (Core Group), which invited worshippers to experience different forms of prayer and reflection as they listened to contemporary Christian music tracks, each of which was intended for a different prayer station. This was followed with a talk by Rev. Jan Ainsworth on Liturgy and an imaginative and artistic role-play in preparation for Eucharist.

In the evening we had our debate on assisted suicide, the motion being "The Church of England Youth Council supports the position taken by the Church of England, that any change in the law to make assisted suicide permissible or acceptable should be opposed". Members debated sensibly and composed themselves eloquently throughout the debate, with the majority vote being for the motion. This was followed by a beautiful Eucharist service conducted by Rev'd Jan Ainsworth. November 2009, being the 5th birthday of CEYC, a party was held to celebrate this momentous occasion complete with games, music and cake.

The day ended with the nightly compline held by Candle light and on the theme of Celtic prayer, bringing a feeling of safety and peace for a restful night.

Sunday morning began with Elections, bringing forth 4 new members on the Core group; Leah Wagstaff as Secretary, Beverley Joseph as Education Representative and Sam Magorrian and Jayne Trickett on Core group.

This was followed by an interesting and thought provoking discussion on Radical Faith. The weekend was concluded by a worship session encouraging us to take with us what we had learned and the passion that was stern within us to live life as true Disciples of Christ.