Welcome to the Autumn Westwood Newsletter. It’s a bit late coming, but our computer blew away in Storm Brian.
It’s now a year since the current team started working together, and we’re all still here and joyfully trudging on. Our summer festival, Westival, was brilliant and well-attended, and the Week of Prayer in September proved to be fun and reviving for the various people who came.
The centre continues to be well used by visiting groups and individuals, and we are starting to host more local groups and events. The Bolster Moor Community Choir meets here once a week, and we’re hoping to rope them into our Comedians + Carols event next month. The West Yorkshire Secretive Society also meets here regularly, but I’m afraid we can’t give you any more details on that. In January we have a huge gaggle of comedians descending on the place for a week of comedy writing and training, so Andy is already excited about that.
Project Treasure (our fund for providing short breaks for people in need of them who might struggle for resources) is being well-used, but is currently underfunded. Through Project Treasure we’ve so far managed to offer much-needed emotional respite to struggling individuals and families facing a range of issues, and we’ve also been privileged to provide short-term emergency accommodation to people in the midst of housing crises. If you felt able to donate to Project Treasure in any way, I can guarantee that the office would love to hear from you.
We’re also looking for volunteers to come and help with some practical stuff from time to time. If you have a passion for old buildings, gardens, sustainability and building community, there are always plenty of jobs to do on-site that are much more fun when done together. Enjoy fellowship with others and bless this place as a sacred space for the visitors to come. If that’s you, why not call or pop in for a chat. We can’t pay you, but we’ve recently been contacted by a Nigerian prince who says we’re due a gazillion pounds from an unexpected inheritance.
Here’s what’s coming up. Contact the office for more info, or to book onto any of the below.
Comedy and Carols – Friday 15th December 2017 This was a storming success last year, and it will sell out quickly – so get your tickets fast. £8 including mulled wine and mince pies, plus some great carols and greater comedy. 7:30pm start.
Spiritual Spa – Friday 2nd- Sunday 4th February 2018 Our Spiritual Spa is becoming very popular, and so we’re hosting another weekend. Come and refresh mind, body and soul with a weekend of both programmed and opt-in activities, including Mindful Movement, Indian Head Massage, One-on-One Listening, Contemplative Prayer, Reflexology and Relaxation to music following the Alexander Technique method of relaxation – all set within the peaceful beauty of the Westwood grounds. It will be a treat for the senses, a chance to connect with and rest in the presence of Peace. The cost of the weekend is £100. This includes one 30 minute massage or facial, 2 night’s accommodation, refreshments and lunch. Bedding can be provided at an extra cost of £5. Please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies. How about purchasing a voucher for a friend to come as a Valentines gift?
Missionary to the Arts – Saturday 3rd March 2018 Do you see the Arts as your mission field? This is a day for Christians wanting to be encouraged in their creative gifts and calling. Whether you’re already involved in the Arts, feel led to explore a career there, or are simply feeling stifled or discouraged in your creativity, this will be a great chance to come and be encouraged, and equipped. We’ll eat together, pray and worship together, listen to insights and teaching from people working within the Arts, and be sent out with purpose to go and use our artistic talents to impact the world. The cost is £25, which includes lunch and treats. Accommodation is also available for those travelling some distance.
Excited to Share the Gospel – 6th – 8th April This weekend has been designed to help equip Christians (of any age) in better sharing their faith with excitement and expectation. Including food, fellowship, practical teaching and some outreach opportunities, this weekend will help to renew your mind about how easy it is to share God’s love with people. Leading the weekend will be pioneer evangelist and church planter, Nick Duffy, with other guest speakers yet to be booked in. The cost of the weekend is only £99, which includes 2 night’s accommodation. Day bookings are also available at a reduced rate.
To book onto something, or for more information, simply contact the office:
info@westwood-centre.org.uk 01484 845042
That’s all for now… Love, Andy, Jake, Ellie, Becca