It was a bright and sunny evening as we left Leeds to drive to Pen-y-ghent. We were filled with the anticipation of the glorious sunsets so tantalisingly described by Gordon. However, this is Yorkshire and as we travelled north an ever thickening band of cloud engulfed the hills. It was therefore an intrepid band, tightly wrapped in waterproofs that embarked on the ascent of the now mist obscured peak.

Nonetheless, spirits were high as we wended our way on a narrow path through fields of sheep and over rocky outcrops. With visibility dropping to around ten metres, it is fair to say that the views were somewhat less impressive than were generally expected.

However, it was with great pride that the merry (if rather soggy) band reached the cairn that marked the summit. Despite the deteriorating weather, picnic boxes and flasks were opened and the contents eagerly consumed.

Based solely on the falling temperatures and the advice of the previous days weather forecasters we decided that the sun had probably set and started our descent. We were joined on our descent by a couple of frogs who were much better suited to the conditions and seemed to be having a particularly good time.

As we reached the car park we all felt glad to have completed the walk but perhaps even more glad to be returning to warm living rooms and hot drinks.

(Click on the photos to enlarge.)

Eight intrepid walkers left the car park at Kirkby Overblow on the latest Monday Morning Meander - they were a few minutes late because the youngest member of the party had to be dug out of bed! It was cool and cloudy but ideal for walking, and spirits were high as they set off. To begin with the route was straightforward, the views magnificent, and the wildlife varied and beautiful. Cries of delight accompanied the sighting of each new bird or flower and the walkers were even treated to the sight of a fawn bounding across the path.

Blind faith in the map was not rewarded however, and before long the expedition leader was wearing a puzzled frown. Did the path go down this side of the fence or the other, and were our lives in danger from the cow valiantly protecting her calf? After several false turns, a hazardous trek across a building site and two knife edge scrambles under an electric fence, we emerged into idyllic woodland and the grounds of a monastery. After a five minute break for water and a sit down we resumed our trudge, while a few people made wistful remarks about lunch, and others commented that it might have been meant to be an eight mile walk but surely we had done ten already!

Worse was to come! The lamentable decline in the nation's walking habits and the abundant growth of early summer (nettles, brambles, weeds, etc) meant that the remaining paths were almost completely overgrown. What had started as a typical country ramble now became a desperate struggle with almost tropical undergrowth, much of it head high - at least for the shorter members of the party! The aforementioned lie-a-bed now became the expedition's hero as he forged a path through the nettles and laid low the brambles for others to pass. As for our noble leader, she wrapped her map around her legs in a vain attempt to protect herself from stinging weeds.

Despite all obstacles, but rather later than intended, we arrived back in Kirby Overblow for a well deserved lunch. And despite all reports to the contrary, you can see from the photos that everyone had a really great time!



(Click on images to enlarge)

On Monday 26th May, we had a church visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Here are some photos from that day...

Here are some more photos from our Monday Morning Meander on the 12th May.

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Here are the first set of photos.

Here are some photos from our Monday Morning Meander on 12th May.

On Friday 16th May we had a 7-string guitar concert with John Featherstone - a professional musician and missionary in France. The event was attended by about 50 people.

Here is a photo from the event...



(Click on the photo to see a bigger image.)

On Monday 12th May we will be having the our second Monday Morning Meander.

This event is a seven mile walk followed by lunch. If you would like to come on the walk, meet at the main Golden Acre Park car park at 9.45am for 10.00am start.
After the walk, we will be having lunch at the cafe in the park.

Please let Kim know if you would like to join us for the walk, for lunch, or for both.

Here is a PDF flyer for this event.

Here are some photos from our previous walk a couple of months ago. (Click on the images to see bigger photos.)

Back in February, some of the men in the church had a Go-Karting night. Here are some pictures from then. Click on the photos for a bigger version.

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Here are some photos of our service on the 23rd December 2007.

We have some photos of one of our Sunday services.

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We have now had our first Sunday morning service. Here are some pictures of the service. Click on the photos to enlarge them.





The recording of the sermon is now online.

You can subscribe to a feed of the sermons (here).

For more on feeds see this post.

4th September 2007
Sue Keir is interviewed in October's edition of "Woman and Home" magazine



She is also taking part in a fashion show in October. Continue to pray for her as she continues her work with Breast Cancer Care.

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21st July 2007
Congratulations to Andy Bellamy and Sophie who got married on Sat 14th July



It was a lovely wedding and reception. We wish them every blessing in the new life together, when they return to their flat on Oakwood Lane.

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19th June 2007
REC Growth Groups

Will be starting on Wednesday 1st August. See the Growth Groups page for details.

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19th June 2007
Cream tea invite

All with a prayerful interest in REC are invited to join us at Gordon and Clare's on Sunday 1st July at 4pm.

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31st May 2007
Photos from curry night

25 of us had a very enjoyable evening at Naawab Khan - plenty of good food and lively conversation.

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25th April 2007
Plant update

Open evening. Give thanks for a good evening, with quite a few from City joining us in the Parochial Hall in Roundhay. It was great to get an idea of what the new church will look like, with people gathered together. Gordon introduced the evening and outlined the current position, Mike commended the work and Dave shared from Joshua and led the prayer time.

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1 April 2007
Open evening - everyone invited

Please join us 8pm Mon 16th April, at St John's Parochial Hall, Fitzroy Drive, Roundhay. Come and look round the venue we shall be using in September, get the latest information, and pray with us.