The aim of the event was to explore the church's vision statement, “making Jesus known” in order to build upon the work of the church in spreading the good news as well as living individually for Jesus. It kicked off on Friday with a night of worship with the Youth for Christ band. The Saturday programme took the form of talks and seminars.

 

The sessions were led by Pastor Mark Fairweather-Tall who said, “Our vision as a church is to make Jesus known. We had some great discussions around how we can be more effective in serving our local community and share our passion for spreading the good news.”

The Saturday afternoon activities were a chance for people to get to know each other better during fun sessions organised by church members including muffin making, silk painting, gospel singing and a historical tour of Norwich.

The format of the weekend worked especially well because people could opt in and out of the activities to fit around their schedules. Some people stayed for the whole programme – from breakfast in the morning right through to the quiz and chips evening. Others joined in for the worship sessions or spent time in the creative prayer room which was assembled specially for the event.

The weekend culminated on Sunday with a baptism service where six people came forward to be baptised. Pastor James East said, “We usually go on a bi-annual residential retreat as a church but this is the first time we have held a weekend like this at church. It was a fantastic opportunity to grow together as a church family and we really felt God's wonderful blessing throughout the weekend.”