64th Annual MWI Weekend

Connie hALL REFLECTS ON HER TIME AT THE 64TH ANNUAL MWI WEEKEND IN KILLARNEY

What a wonderful weekend!

On the 4th April a group of us met in Heuston Station and headed off together by train to Killarney, enjoying a lovely catch-up on the way.  We arrived on a beautiful day and were eager to get settled into the Castlerosse Hotel and meet with each other.  After some free time and dinner Heidi Hogan introduced the weekend and led us in some praise songs.  Then it was time for our main speaker Gillian Sloan to address us.

Gillian and her husband Barry have been missionaries in Chemnitz, eastern Germany for 25 years and she gave us an interesting talk on setting up the church there and the many problems they encountered.  She spoke of the importance of getting out of our churches and meeting with people, including neighbours and colleagues.  As a church we can help others come to know God outside of the church building.

A worship service followed then Gillian addressed us again.  This time she spoke on Inspire, a Fresh Expression of church in Germany which involved serving neighbours in the community, enabling God’s love to cross all borders.

Afterwards there was time for relaxation.  Some of us swam in the hotel pool, others went for a walk and some just relaxed in the beautiful surroundings of the Castlerosse Hotel, with a lake and mountains nearby.

There were several activities to choose from that afternoon, including a historical walk, a talk about street pastoring or a knitting session.  Then it was time for dinner, with time to admire our surroundings as we enjoyed our meal, followed by fun and games in the evening.

The following morning we went to Killarney Methodist Church, where we received a warm welcome from the members. Barry Sloan led the service and gave a spiritually moving talk.  Afterwards we were all invited to join the church for coffee before returning to the hotel for lunch and to get ready to leave.

For those who couldn’t make it we can only hope we will see you next year as it is a relaxing, non-judgmental weekend with plenty of fun in a spiritual environment.  Thanks to everyone who organised it and hopefully there will be more of us next year.

- Connie Hall

Gillian Sloan (left) with Joan Strong (right), MWI Representative to Women’s Forum