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2006
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South
West Conference 2006 at Newquay,
Cornwall
‘Glorify My
Name’
The South West Conference, an
event that moves around the Plymouth Diocese, was this year
held during the first weekend in November at the Sandy
Lodge Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall.
The glory of God was evident in
the wonderful bright sunny weather that prevailed over the
weekend and in the amazing coastal scenery and glorious
beaches situated close to the venue.
As the title of conference
might suggest the focus was on giving glory to God through
extended prayer and praise, recognition of God working in
individual lives and empowering participants in the use of
the charisms through teaching, workshops, and ‘hands on’
experience. Not only was this a time of refreshing people
but one of equipping them in their personal lives and for
service in parishes and prayer groups. Throughout the
weekend the Blessed Sacrament was reserved in a specially
prepared chapel/prayer room and periods of exposition and
times for quiet prayer were well attended.
The principal speakers were
David Wells and Ros Powell, a wonderful combination. David,
with his great gifting of wit and wisdom illustrated how
God is present in the wonders and events that we encounter
in our daily lives. Ros, who held early morning ‘Fresh
Manna’ prayer meetings, taught and encouraged participants
to give Glory to God through the use of the charismatic
gifts that all had been given and led a powerful time of
ministry that blessed many people.
One lady who claimed that ‘her
grief was killing her’ following the death of her husband
received a wonderful healing as a result of ministry during
which she was encouraged to entrust her husband to the Lord
and gave a emotional testimony of the transformation that
had taken place as her overwhelming grief had been turned
to joy.
Workshops included ‘Prayer on
the Beach’, an act of witness, very popular in the
wonderful weather and surroundings, ‘Discerning our
Vocation’ run by the Diocesan Vocations Team which included
a priest, married couple and a single person, ‘Discovering
our own Magnificat’ which encouraged participants to
recognise and respond to the ‘great things’ God had done in
their lives and ‘Interpreting Scripture through Art’ based
upon the current Mass readings, with the artistic creations
forming part of the offertory procession during Sunday
Mass.
Many participants welcomed the
opportunity to socialise during mealtimes and at the
conclusion of the evening programme. Testimony to the
blessings received and appreciation of the conference is
perhaps illustrated by the fact that many of those present
instantly booked for the 2007 conference in Sidmouth,
Devon.