Adventist Christian Fellowship
Faith, Fellowship, Friendship …
Helen Lockham
Eat, Pray, Friendship
Having relocated back to the UK earlier this year, we made a booking for our first ACF weekend. The communication informing us about the weekend was excellent, and this was borne out in the organisation of the whole weekend. We had a fantastic and memorable time.
We arrived early on Friday afternoon, and were greeted by many welcoming us to the venue and the weekend. Over drinks at the refreshment station, we refreshed old acquaintances and met and made new friends. Fellowship is obviously an important part of the annual weekends.
The faith-building sessions, led by Adrian Peck, were challenging, thought-provoking and focused on current, spiritual aspects of church. The interactive nature of these sessions enabled every person to be able to discuss and reason around the various topical questions. This impacted us greatly, and the outcomes of our discussions helped us to develop a greater understanding of God’s love and patience. Why can’t ‘church’ be more like this?
Another highlight of the weekend for us was walking in the beautiful, autumnal countryside, pausing at points to take in the idyllic views. We enjoyed catching up and talking with different people along the way, developing friendship. When we reached the end of the track we sang hymns acapella in harmony with the beauty of God’s creation.
Catering for all food choices the hotel provision was outstanding. We had enjoyable and leisurely meals, talking at length around the tables. These times remain in our memories as we enjoyed the food, but more so the interaction and fellowship with fellow believers.
The two book-ends to the weekend were given by outside providers: financial planning and fitness advice. Both of the presentations were excellent and many questions were asked by fellow participants.
The focus of this weekend appears to have been on bringing fellow Christians together to focus on their individual future with God!
Footnote: we have already booked for ACF 2026 weekend!
Andrew Baildam
Reflections on the ACF weekend at Staverton Park Hotel
Well, there it was, a late autumn Friday and a 2–3 hour journey for most people to get to Staverton Park Hotel and Golf club. Last year I said I should bring my golf clubs to play on the Sunday afternoon, and yet again I didn't, but instead used the space to bring a guitar in the hope that someone else might rock up with a guitar or two as well. And so, they did.
The journey was intermittent torrential rain and bright sunlight reflecting off the dappled wet golden trees. The most orange and the most yellow for some years, a measure of the sugar stored in the sap over the dry summer.
What a privilege it was to see so many old friends again-more at this weekend than can be remembered at an ACF weekend before. And so efficiently and beautifully organised and led.
Our speaker and padre for the weekend, Adrian Peck, had us all on our hands and knees searching around for the larger grey pachyderms in our ecclesiastical orbit. And we found them in plenty. We were inspired by his speaking, we were challenged to think in different ways and most especially, outside the straitjacket of a club. Albeit a large international club with now scores of millions of members.
The elephants in the room were so easy to see once they had been pointed out. And for somebody coming into a church environment and unused to the mores, the phraseology, the way of thinking and the way of speaking, the elephants in the churches were the first things they walked straight into, whereas most people already sitting in the pews hadn't even noticed. Mercifully and clearly happily, Adrian gave us a positive view to finish, with the AI generated church image finally swept clear of elephants. And he has written a book about elephant spotting which we must get.
It was so wonderful to see friends again, who share the same values, the same direction, the same challenges, the same successes and for most, some regrets. It made us realise that we are not on this journey alone and whilst we are overwhelmingly grateful for ministering angels, the reality and physicality of fellow travellers we cherish.
The music and singing were great. It brought energy and uplift. Music is something that we haven't concentrated much before in a weekend but hopefully we will get more to enjoy and share next time. Looking forward to that. We had a wonderful walk in brilliant autumnal sunshine through the fields in the afternoon, and in a circle stood and sang hymns of praise.
We discovered that the Malawi women's Adventist group was meeting in the same hotel-and had a far bigger group than we did. It was a privilege to join them in the grand ballroom on Saturday evening to enjoy their wonderful charismatic singing, choirs, and music. Did I mention that they were all dressed in amazing ballgowns to make it a very special event for the evening? Maybe we should do black-tie and evening dress ourselves next year? That would really up the ante.
We remembered loved ones who are no longer with us, particularly dear Ed who left us so recently and so gently. Let us never forget the hope that we have in eternity through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We gave praise for those who joined us even though they face enormous challenges in health. And we enjoyed hearing and sharing so many experiences.
Thank you again for all those who gave time and effort and of their own resources to organise this weekend. Already we look forward to meeting again in a year's time at Burleigh Court in Leicestershire.