What’s it all about?
As a highlight of the year, our weekend away is a fantastic opportunity to make and strengthen friendships, to relax together and to come to know God better. Young or old, newcomer or old-timer, regular or occasional in attendance, this weekend is for you! Many have found the weekend away to be a great help in really feeling part of the church family. To help in our planning, please book by Sunday 23rd February 2025.
What will we be studying?
We are delighted to welcome John Paul (JP) Aranzulla as our speaker for the weekend, along with his wife Sue. JP and Sue are former members of the church and SJDH mission partners serving with Crosslinks at Forte Torre in Bologna, Italy.
The title for the weekend is “Elijah: A Man Like Us” and the talks will be looking at 1 Kings 17-19. JP writes, “Even as long-established Christians, we can still struggle to believe in the ongoing power of God’s Word, and in the value and effectiveness of prayer, when circumstances of life are tough, and signs of God’s work seem few. The prophet Elijah is a powerful example of a man ‘just like us’ (James 5:17), who seems a solitary voice, in dark times, whilst he continues to hold out the Word of life, accompanied by heartfelt prayer. Our study of 1 Kings chaps. 17-19 promises to be a time of great encouragement for us all.”
What about children?
There will be a separate programme of activities for children during the main sessions, allowing everyone to make the most of the weekend. If you would be willing to help with one of the sessions, please indicate on the application form.
Where?
De Vere Wakefield Estate is in a peaceful countryside setting near to Reading with easy access to major roads. It’s a great place to relax with an indoor pool, gym, tennis courts and football pitches. There is also a beautiful walk in its grounds.
How much?
The prices are as follows:
- Single room – £205 per person
- Double room (single beds) – £165 per person
- Double room (shared bed) – £165 per person
- Children (aged 4-18) – £75 per child
- Children (under 4s) – free
- Day rate (including lunch only on Saturday or Sunday) – £50 per adult, £30 per child (per day)
There is an initial deposit of £50 per adult. Full payment will be required by Sunday 23rd February 2025.
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone coming to the weekend. If you do not feel able to pay the full price for any reason at all, please either indicate on the form below or speak in confidence to one of the staff team. If you feel able to make a donation over the cost cited to enable others to come, please also indicate this below. Any donations made in this way will be eligible for gift aid.
CAN I COME FOR PART OF THE WEEKEND?
Unlike previous years, there is unfortunately no discount available for staying just one night, as the hotel has given us a package deal for the weekend. Those who are unable to come for both nights are still welcome to come for just one night, but it will cost the same as the whole weekend.
It is also possible to attend just for lunch only on Saturday or Sunday (or both), along with the sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon, or Sunday morning. The cost of this is £50 per adult, £30 per child, per day. There is no accommodation, evening meal or breakfast included in this option.
How do I pay?
After filling in the form below, please pay a deposit of £50 per adult. Full payment will be required by Sunday 23rd February. You can pay by cash, cheque (payable to St. John’s Downshire Hill) or by bank transfer to the following account:
Account name: St John’s Downshire Hill
Account number: 33945391
Sort Code: 20-36-16
Reference: Weekend Away 2025
Your presence is much more precious than your money, so please indicate on the form if you would like some financial help. As above, if you feel that you are in a position to pay a little extra to help others out, please indicate likewise on the form.
What now?
If you would like any more information before booking, please contact Kerry Jones in the church office. When you are ready to book, please do so using the form below: