DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
July 8th - 11th 2010 Bristol #8 Weekend
Our next Three Day Weekend to be held at the Marist Centre, Nymsfield, Nr Stroud, Glos. Why not telephone or e-mail Chris Evans or Geoff Wheeler (01249 720074) to find out more. Chris' contact details are on the Home page.
ULTREYAS
Look out for the dates of this year's Ultreyas to be published shortly
NEWS
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting for Bristol Anglican Cursillo will be held on October 15th 2009 at St Samsons Church, Cricklade starting at 7.30pm. All members of our communuty are urged to attend. In fact, everyone is welcome to attend but do remember that non-community members are unable to vote
We raelly need your support this year as there are several vacancies to fill on our management team (known as the Secretariat) including :-
Lay Rector for Bristol#8 Weekend
We are curently looking for a person from our community to fulfil this task. We know that certain people are thinking about this and would ask everyone to pray that God is able to put commitment into their hearts.
Observing Lay Rector needed for Bristol#8
The above position is also available. Please pray about the person who may have a calling for this role. If you are nominationg someone, please seek their permission before submitting his or her name to the Secretariat. Nominations to Chris Newton-Evans
Treasurer
Observing Lay Director
This person will shadow Chris for a year with a view to becoming Lay Director Chairman) in October 2010
Day of Deeper Understanding
This will be held on November 28th and is open to all of our community. Venue to be advised. This day is concerned with obtaining a better understanding of our roles within the Cursillo community and in our Christian environment as a whole. Further details from Geoff Wheeler on 01249 720074 or geoffandchris@waitrose.com
Cricklade Ultreya
Kate Crow, Pauline Rossiter, Mary-Anne Hind, Paul and Avril Fray group monthly in Cricklade. Having been asked to organise an Ultreya in June it was decided that the theme would be “Love” – “God’s love for us and our love for each other”. The Ultreya, held in the beautiful church of St Sampsons, was lead by Paul and Avril with music provided by Geoff Wheeler. Pauline read the familiar Scripture reading 1 Corinthians chapter 13 which we feel sure would have reiterated Paul’s message to us all. Florence offered an insightful response to the reading. Kate gave the witness talk, which she interspersed with verses from the lovely hymn “I cannot tell”. Kate talked about her walk with God and how her Cursillo weekend had such an influence in strengthening her faith. Richard’s response helped to expand Kate’s witness and linked well to the rest of the evening. The last hymn included the refrain “tell the people of Jesus, let His love show”, which echoed the evening’s responses and the theme of the night’s Ultreya..
Canal Cursillistas
Chris and Diana Poore are founder members of Bristol Anglican Cursillo and having faithfully served our community for the past 9 years. These days however you will find them promoting Cursillo in a rather unususal way. Chris and Diana are Narrow Boat enthusiasts and have recently purchased a hull on to which they have built cabins, a galley and all the other requiites necessary to travel some of the most scenis waterways in the country. And what have they named their boat? Ultreya, of course. Chris says 'Lots of people ask about the name of our boat and we are able to tell them what it means, talk about our faith and talk about Cursillo' And for those who do not know 'Ultreya' is spanish for 'Keep going' and we use this to describe our larger get-togethers when we pray, praise, and witness the progress we are making on our individual journeys of faith.
PRAYERS PLEASE
Your prayers are currently needed for :-
- Our next Lay Rector and Observing Lay Rector.
- Joan Slade
- Marian Martin
- Our new pilgrims as they commence grouping
THE CURSILLO WEEKEND EXPERIENCE
Above are the pilgrims and team who attended our Bristol 7 Weekend lead by Sarah Slarke (seated second row from bottom in te centre)
The Three-Day Weekend is when the real introduction to Cursillo takes place. However, a few things should be made clear to would-be attendees.
Firstly Cursillo does not attempt to re-write of re-interpret the Scriptures. As for all Christians they remain the fulcrum of our faith and are used extensively throughout the Weekend. Secondly, the Weekend is not a retreat. On the contrary it is highly participative recognising that everyone's experience of faith is of significant value to others. Thirdly, the Weekend seeks to enable us to be an integral part of the overall diocesan and parish ministry, not to be members of some exclusive Christian club.
The 'tone' of the Weekend seeks to follow that of Easter weekend. We start with a time of introspection but this quickly unfolds through discovery culminating in the euphoria of realisation and expectation.
The Weekend enables us to start answering the the question, 'What does it take to be an effective Christian within our community?' We believe that Cursillo equips us with the tools to answer this question and this is the focus of the Weekend
During the Weekend you will hear the experiences of Cursillo pilgrims as they journey with Christ, together with some insights relating to the Scriptures from our Spiritual Advisers. You will have lots of fun, eat well and there are one or two lovely surprises in store too.
COME AND HAVE A FULFILLING WEEKEND IN THE COMPANY OF OUR FATHER GOD AND SOME OF HIS CHILDREN
REFLECTIONS OF BRISTOL#7 - FROM BOTH NEW AND MATURE CURSILISTAS
'I can't believe it was two weeks ago that I received so much love and friendship. Thank you all so much for making it a truly God filled weekend' - Pam
'As a result of Bristol#7 I have had the courage to :
- initiate a small prayer group to pray with someone after church
- say yes to lead corporate prayers this coming month
- be involved with others in organising meditation service(s) in Holy Week
- take certain steps that has thrown light into a domestic situation
My neighbours have said I looked different when I came back and could tell them why. When is the next Weekend as I have someone who is desperate to come on it!! Thank you one and all who made my weekend so special. Praise You Lord.' Jean
'So many thoughts about Bristol#7 Cursillo. But I think for me it was watching the giving and recieving of God's love move in peoples lives, and the joy and privelage of being part of that. There were so many moments but what really moved me most was at the service on the sunday, when the pilgrims were sharing, and the one statement one of them made, was that she never understood before, how we were made in the image of God, but having taken part on the weekend she now understood, and it isn't that great, the love and grace of God at work,He is a great God''
But here were many moments that were lovely the fun and laughter and the tears and the fellowship it was great.' - Pauline
For me the Bristol 7 Cursillo was an amazing experience, it took me several days to get used to being back in the real world afterwards! I enjoyed the whole weekend, although I felt a bit strange when I first arrived as I didn't know what to expect. I was so warmly welcomed that I soon forgot my apprehension. What a lovely touch to have fresh flowers in the rooms.
There were several highlights for me - all the lovely people I met and the great informal discussions and conversations we had at mealtimes and other times, as well as the informative talks and table discussions (so glad I took notes - I've re-read them since). The Saturday night celebration was very special, the way we were so well looked after, cossetted I would say, throughout the weekend, was wonderful.
I found the worship uplifting and enjoyed the meditations, it was very humbling to know that all those people were praying for me.
However, two events stand out or me. First, the Saturday evening worshipand the final weekend service. I was able to pray about a very difficult situation in my life, and felt a marvellous sense of peace afterwards. Since praying the difficult situation has improved - the Holy Spirit is definitely at work there.
The Bristol 7 Cursillo was a very moving experience for me. I am hoping for the opportunity to join a local group in the near future, and am looking forward to the ultreya.
What more to say other than - THANKYOU!' - Lesley
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