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Church Holiday

Sizewell Christian Conference Centre, 1–5 June 2026

At the beginning of June, 30 intrepid explorers from Cornerstone and Rev Gareth, a presbyter from Hexham, joined Deacon Sarah to share a four-night stay at Sizewell Hall in Suffolk, and yes, it was not that far from the famous power station. Some of the group even went for a tour on the last day.

Sizewell Hall has been a Christian conference venue for almost 50 years, and has a very special ambience about it, which made it a hospitable and welcoming venue for the group: the exclusive use of the Hall and the friendliness of the staff and caterers made it feel like an extended house-party. Its position right by the sea, with views across the sea from the library, gave the group a wonderful opportunity to reflect on creation and the majesty and power of God. Many have reflected on the beauty of the vast skies. It is a place to exhale deeply and relax!

A member of staff opened the Hall shop up each day for about half an hour, and people were able to buy Christian books, as well as a wide range of other Christian items, from t-shirts to mugs, journals to coasters, as well as gifts and postcards. Chocolate was also available – important for some!

The first evening was a very good ice-breaker, sitting around a fire-pit on the patio singing together and enjoying a couple of sketches. David’s Scout songs were entertaining and we finished the session with some rousing hymns accompanied by Gareth on the guitar. For many of those attending, this evening was one of the highlights of the stay.

Each morning, Deacon Sarah led a morning prayer and reflection session for about 20 minutes, and then another group took turns to lead an evening session just before dinner for about 15 minutes. This was a helpful way to punctuate the day, and Deacon Sarah also offered spiritual activities to do each day individually if people wanted to participate. Lunch and dinner were provided by Stephen and Samantha from Caterers Etc, and they were filling, tasty and varied, managing to accommodate a range of dietary needs. There was plenty of cake, which was a definite bonus for some.

On Tuesday there was an opportunity to go on a group walk along the coastal path to Thorpeness, led by Ann and John, and the weather was suitably dry and sunny for that, and the evening saw much hilarity as David and Jane organised about 12 of us into teams to play some retro games – pegs and human Ludo were involved, as well as stacking paper cups and much laughter.

Most of the group went out on Wednesday morning as there were trips to RSPB Minsmere and to a church with a stunning painted ceiling. Others pottered off to Saxmundham.

There were activities to do, or not, as one wished – Deacon Sarah repeatedly reminded everyone that “nothing is obligatory and everything is optional,” which was good as there were a lot of things to choose between.

Many were fascinated by the construction challenges that Martin put together and there were some very interesting towers and bridges for crocodiles constructed over the time.

There was a very enjoyable presentation of the “awards” on the final evening which was hilarious with Martin’s witty comments. Helen and Jacki guided many through making a decorated square on calico as a permanent reminder of the holiday and many of these were works of art. Rob provided a “driftwood sculpture” opportunity, which gave everyone the chance to create temporary pictures with items scavenged from the grounds and the beach.

There was a beautiful jigsaw made during the week. which will be exhibited around the three chapels once it has been glued together.

Gareth brought a selection of unusual board games. which brought much hilarity and a very memorable comment. which in turn has appeared in many feedback forms: someone asked him to explain the game clearly for the seniors to which he apparently responded, “I’m a Methodist minister so I am used to old people!” Luckily for him, this brought about much chuckling!

One evening, Martin gave a fascinating lecture about roads, and one afternoon the manager of the Hall, Matt, shared a short presentation about the history of the venue and the dreams and hopes for its future.

On the final evening, Rev Gareth and Deacon Sarah led a Communion service in which Gareth’s sermon reminded the group that “rest is holy,” which was very appropriate given that the theme of the week had been “Rest and Refreshment.” He also challenged everyone to consider whether, if rest is holy, being overly busy is a sin….it gave much food for thought. 

As Deacon Sarah announced the first hymn, a beautiful rainbow appeared over the sea which was a fitting end to the week together.

The most repeated comment has been that it was a great way to get to know people, especially those from other chapels, in a relaxed and informal setting, away from the business of church meetings and responsibilities. The opportunity to chat over meals, to walk together along the coastal path or to do the construction challenges with new people – it has all contributed to deeper relationships and strengthening bonds.

This was Cornerstone’s first church holiday, and hopefully just the first of many. It is acknowledged that there are things that might be done differently next time, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Deacon Sarah wants to thank everyone who came, who trusted her with what she was telling them about this venue and how well it would work – it did! She also wants to thank everyone who contributed by providing activities and ideas for the week, of whatever kind, including those who led prayer sessions and contributed music. Thank you to Helen and Jacki and the breakfast teams who were brilliant. The cooperation amongst everyone was fantastic – and no one ever queued for a loo or a shower the whole week!!

Wesley Weekend: revisiting our roots

To help celebrate the 250th anniversary of Methodism in Horsham, Cornerstone MC London Road ran a Wesley Weekend of events over 16th and 17th May 2026 that took everyone right back to the very beginnings of Methodism in the 18th century.

On Saturday afternoon, we performed a radio play painstakingly developed, written and narrated by Ann Williams and Sue Randell, immaculately voiced by our cast of volunteer actors (Mandy Bradley, Paul Bradley, Trefor Little, David Casey, David Randell and Helen Currington) and children (Jacob, Elijah, Nancy and Bethany), with sound effects inventively engineered by John Williams and organ music played by Christine Lawley.

The play begins when John and Charles are very young. Their mother Susanna Wesley is pregnant and the family is living in Epworth, Lincolnshire where Revd Samuel Wesley is the Rector. The family manages to escape a fire at the Rectory when John is only 6 and the very last to be rescued just before the building collapses. 

As an educated woman, Susanna teaches all of her children following a strict regime – the Method of Susanna. While Samuel is in London, she holds regular Sunday meetings in the Wesley home.

John and Charles go to Oxford University and meet regularly in what becomes known as The Holy Club. 

They make a difficult journey to America to become missionaries, but their mission is a failure. They return home to Epworth and their mother’s wise words save them from despair. They feel the presence of God again and it transforms them. 

When Susanna dies four years later in London in 1742, she has set the way ahead for the global growth of Methodism.

After the performance, our audience and guests joined together to discuss the play over an excellent meal beautifully prepared by Teresa Thomson.

At our Wesleyan Service on Sunday morning, we were blessed to be led by ‘John Wesley’ (aka Peter Bramhill, who is picture above), who delivered one of his original (although much shortened) sermons smartly bedecked in a white wig and the period costume of the day. We were also moved by a selection of traditional hymns powerfully accompanied by Philip Duffin playing the church organ.

After the service, our congregation shared fellowship together over tea and coffee before sitting down to enjoy a shared lunch.

According to Deacon Sarah Eastol: “What a weekend we have had! From the radio play and the meal, to the Sunday service and all that flowed in between – it was fabulous.”
 

Easter Sunday

Cornerstone London Road and the Easter Cross.

Craft Fair

This was a great success and we have had very positive feedback.  A good sum of money was made for the church from all the handicrafts members had made over the months before.

Christmas gifts to the Y centre

These are the gifts that are going to be distributed to all the guests at the Y centre this Christmas.  The gift includes a mug, a pair socks, a small bar of chocolate, a sachet of hot chocolate, a small string of battery operated lights, shower gel and a partridge in a pear tree. [Only joking! - no partridge]. Thanks to members of the church for covering the cost of this with their generous donations.