Time away with the church family is a very special thing – an opportunity to spend time together and time with God. Next year we are hosting a SJB Church Weekend Away at Cloverley Hall, Shropshire on the 25th to 27th September 2026). Spaces are limited but we still have some places available. Click here for more information and to sign up (if you haven’t already done so)
This year we had two different residential trips to the lovely Parcevall Hall, a lovely 16th Century country mansion with beautiful gardens set in the Yorkshire Dales. The reflections below give you a feel for what happens and the joy of spending time away as a church family.
September 2025
In September over 20 people went along for a mid week trip to Parcevall led by Revd Neil & Margaret Short. This was a wonderful opportunity to get away amongst the presence of friends, and in addition to come into the presence of God.
Lynne Gray reflects on her time away:
“A blackbird in the Malus tree sings praises outside the open leaded windows. The sunshine falling through is cut into golden bars by the stone mullions. There is a heavenly hush inside the chapel as the friends gathered there, in a circle of comfortable blue armchairs, rest in the blessing and peace of The Holy Communion just shared. Closing they sing with gratitude and love “ Jesus strong and Brave”
Peace…………….Beauty…………..Worship
OUTBURST !! from the sublime to the ridiculous. This game on Wednesday evening brought out the best and worst of each competitor. They shouted, bantered , argued, and laughed themselves to bed. Meanwhile at the other end of the lounge more sensible visitors played cards, observed , read ,or talked. The end of a Spirit filled ,fun filled day.
The house, once a 16th century abbey, is set in a Royal Horticultural Society Garden. features rock gardens, springs ponds and, heritage orchards and amazing views of the Yorkshire countryside. In this setting the company enjoyed four days into which was packed: six worship sessions, three Desert Island Disc interviews, one revitalizing exercise class, four walks with different mobility levels, 12 excellent meals freshly prepared and beautifully served, lots of teas and coffees and home made cake, and yet there was time to be still, private and quiet. New friendships were made and old friendships deepened as the guests ministered to each other.
Many thanks to Neil and Marg for all their preparation work and insight.”
July 2025
We had a brilliant weekend at Parcevall Hall back in July 2025. Over 20 people went, had great weather, lovely scenery, excellent food all in idyllic surroundings. Elliot, Dave and Neil led our thinking about going deeper, getting warmer, and reaching out more. Pete and Minnie led our worship. The weather was so nice that we had Sunday morning Holy Communion outside with Simon Seat as a backdrop. We split up for long walks, short walks, spiritual reflections around the gardens, together with games of carpet bowls, scrabble, Kubb and so much more.
Rob Simpson reflects on his time away:
“There’s something quietly powerful about returning home after a weekend away, having spent time with God. Your spirit just a little lighter, your mind uncluttered. Whether it was the hush of nature, laughter over shared meals, or simply the joy of waking up somewhere in the presence of friends, those days away with fellow Christians have reset something deep inside.
You unpack not just your bag, but a renewed sense of clarity, perspective, and calm.
The mundane feels manageable again by passing it to God. That lingering sense of fulfilment isn’t just from what you did—it’s from remembering that you’re allowed to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the Lord and allow Him to take control of the parts of yourself that get lost in the shuffle of everyday life.
If you need a refresh, Parceval Hall is definitely the place to receive it.!”
Here are some photographs from both triops: