What happens when two church families decide to deepen their friendship, step away from the busyness of everyday life, and spend a weekend together? You get something truly special.
Over the weekend of 25 to 27 March , members of CSMC and Histon Methodist Church gathered for our first ever joint weekend away: a time of retreat, reflection, fun, and friendship. It was the natural fruit of a relationship that’s been growing steadily over the past few years. During the lockdowns of the COVID pandemic, our two churches began sharing online worship services and what started as a practical solution in a difficult time became the beginning of a lasting bond. Since then, we’ve grown closer, worshipping, learning, and serving together in all sorts of ways. We’ve become like siblings.
This weekend was a chance to celebrate and deepen that connection. Set in peaceful surroundings, away from the demands of our regular routines, we made space for what really matters: time with God and with one another.
We were blessed to be led throughout the weekend by Rev Dr Mark Wakelin, Rev Dr Sam McBratney, and Judith Wakelin. Their wisdom, warmth, and creativity shaped a varied and thoughtful programme, with something for everyone. There were times of quiet retreat and reflection, thoughtful Bible studies that sparked deep conversation, and opportunities to express ourselves through craft and creativity. The leadership was gentle and generous: never rushed, always invitational.
But it wasn’t all study and silence. There was plenty of old fashioned fun too. Board games, shared meals, late night laughter, and even some friendly silliness helped to build friendships across the generations. There was a real sense of joy and playfulness throughout the weekend, as well as moments of deep connection and insight. Children and adults alike were part of it all, and it felt like church at its best – intergenerational, honest, joyful, and real.
And of course, there was food; plenty of it! From hearty meals to tea and cake, we shared more than just spiritual nourishment. The shared table became a place of welcome and conversation, where stories were swapped and new friendships were formed.
By the end of the weekend, many of us commented on how much we’d learned—not just in terms of theology or Bible knowledge, but about one another. We came away with a stronger sense of who we are as a shared community of faith, and with fresh energy for the journey ahead.
We are deeply grateful to all those who planned, prepared, and prayed for the weekend, and especially to our leaders who gave so generously of their time and gifts. It was a weekend that left us refreshed, renewed, and reconnected with God and with each other.
Here’s to more weekends like this—and to continuing to walk together, side by side, as we follow the way of Christ.
