Walking with God

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Some of the group that came together for the week

When we decided to run a residential Study Week at Bassenthwaite in the Lake District, we really had little idea of just how it would work out. In the end it proved to be most worthwhile for all involved, so much so that we are making plans for another, similar event in 2018.

Though we hold regular Study Weekends in various locations around the country each year, we had not held a residential Study Week before. Being familiar with the venue from having held our annual winter Family Retreat there, we were confident that it would be ideal for the event and so made plans accordingly.

Arriving on the Monday afternoon, classes were held all day from Tuesday to Thursday, with a final session before departure on Friday. It was deliberately an intensive few days of study, covering an entire module, whilst at the same time allowing for plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company and to share together in ways God is working in our lives.

Walking with God was our module for the week – one of our practical modules in which we consider what it might mean to live in fellowship with God on a daily basis. We examined some principles of discipleship as we explored what it can mean to deny ourselves and die daily for Christ. Far from seeing ourselves as being simply members of a group, we were challenged to contemplate the demands of being a disciple of Jesus in our contemporary contexts.

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Our classroom at Bassenfell Manor

Each day began with our morning devotions together in the lounge. A good selection of food was served at mealtimes, and all attendees took their turn helping with setting up, clearing away and washing up. The tea/coffee bar proved a popular venue for congregating between classes and at other free times, and evenings were spent in a relaxing manner. We had a games evening, enjoyed a quiz and watched a film together.

As had been planned, the afternoon programme was altered on the Thursday to accommodate a brief walk in the surrounding area. Half of the group enjoyed a three mile level stroll, past the village and towards Bassenthwaite Lake. The underlying ground proved to be a bit muddy at one point, but all made it through unscathed.

We’re making plans for our 2018 Study Week – look out for details and we look forward to seeing you there.