Autumn Meeting 2010: Hoddesdon

Report by Beverley Joseph

From the 19th-21st of November 2010, CEYC held its 6th annual Residential meeting at Hertfordshire’s High Leigh Conference Centre. The turnout was good, with first time representatives from Brighton, London, Rochester, Derby and Portsmouth.

Friday evening kick started with Dinner and Welcome by the Chair, Rebecca Swinson. We were then led in Opening Worship by Caitlin Thomson (Core Group) along with her infamous Bongo drums. Afterwards, Ed Keene (Synod Rep.) hosted the evening’s entertainment -a Church quiz, which took the Youth Council back to the Church’s earliest roots by exploring topics like Church History, liturgy and Bible Knowledge. In the feedback of the event this particular section was described as both “amusing” and “hard” but “fun”.

The Evening finished with a reflective Compline by candlelight led by Catlin in the beautiful Barclay room. Here’s an interesting fact, the High Leigh Estate was once owned by the Barclays (ring any bells?) Yes, the same people who launched Barclay’s bank! The room is a memorial to them and has a truly Victorian feel to it. The planned activities for the evening ended here, but of course, most of us stayed up talking until late into the night.

Saturday morning began with Morning Prayer led by Charlotte Cook, one of our synod reps. After breakfast, there was a refreshing start to the morning’s activities with Morning Worship led by Caitlin Thomson, with Samuel Magorrian (Core Group) on the Piano, Lauren (Derby Diocese) and Hannah Page (Core Group) on vocals.

We were then introduced to the subject Spirituality in the National Curriculum. Since spirituality in the National Curriculum has been a “hot topic” at the board of Education and is being reviewed by the new coalition government, core group thought it would be good to get a young Christian perspective on it. Jan Ainsworth Chief Officer of the Church of England board of Education joined us for this section and helped introduce the topic.

After a short coffee break we broke into our debate, Hannah Page (Core group) did a fine job of chairing for us. (Feedback comments:“Well structured… Presented and chaired fantastically”). Many individuals found that getting into a healthy debate about a current topic that we all could relate to was useful in promoting a good exchange of views.

It was soon time for Lunch which was followed by a choice of activities - a workshop on Sacred Space led by Charlotte Cook, a Bible Study on Vocations by Beverley Joseph (Board of Education rep.) and a Drama workshop which prepared a sketch for the evening’s Eucharist service. (Feedback comments from members:“...The Bible study was really good and helpful, Encountered new concepts such as sacred space…interactive and creative.”)

Evening Eucharist was led by our guest for the debate Jan Ainsworth, worship was lead by Caitlin Thomson and members of the Core Group, and there was a great sketch by those who took part in the Drama Workshop. It was a Sunday school skit based on the Parable of the Seeds in Mark’s gospel.

After the service we broke for Dinner, which was followed by evening discussions on discipleship. (Feedback comments:“Good to discuss our futures from a Christian point of view…Good to be reminded that it’s God in control… Gave space for people to discuss the topic without obligation…Was varied in Biblical examples...”)

We then broke into small groups for Bible study, Hannah Page was very kind to prepare these for us. They had some excellent lessons behind them - such as being patient and obeying God even when we don’t understand His well. Hannah used the example of John the Baptist baptising Jesus even though he didn’t think himself worthy or that Jesus needed it - but because Jesus asked him to, he did it anyway. (Feedback comments:“It was a privilege to open the Bible together…Pretty good…Content appropriate for the theme of weekend…Hit the nail on the head - to the point.”)

Again, the Evening finished with a reflective Compline by candlelight led by Catlin in the beautiful Barclay room... and of course the night didn’t just end here. When asked what they enjoyed most, some people commented:“The chats until 3am.”

Sunday morning stated with an optional BCP morning worship led by Rob Hurley (Synod Rep). Rob even incorporated a traditional BCP chorus via Youtube - 21st century meets 18th century - only at CEYC! After breakfast it was time for the much anticipated elections. There were lots of places up for grabs, four Core Group positions, and three Synod rep positions as well as the highly sought after place of Chair.

Whilst the votes were being counted, Lauren De Pomerai and Leah Wagstaff from Derby diocese gave us a report on their trip to Canada as leaders on a Christian Summer Camp. This was most entertaining and helped pressured minds relax a little, they taught us the dance moves to Camp songs with lyrics such as - “Jesus put that joy down in my heart, deep, deep, down in my heart…and no one can destroy, destroy, destroy it!” Ed Keene also reported back from the Summer Synod in York.

After the elections Ed Keene gave an interesting presentation on Church Architecture with an extensive commentary on the Churches he has visited, along with their history. Rebecca Swinson was then presented with a Bouquet of flowers and scrap-book of her time with us as Chair. The weekend’s events officially ended with closing worship led by Catlin Thomson and open prayer. It was then time for Lunch and we said our Goodbyes, especially to Rebecca Swinson, Ed Keene, Rob Hurley and Beth Carter who had helped serve as active members of Core group.

So how was the event over all? This comment from our feedback sums it up well, “… Loved it! It re-ignited my passion and belief in the Church of England.”