NATIONAL ULTREYA---SOUTHWARK 1996

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Our cell group decided to attend the National Ultreya, "letting the train take the strain" and making a weekend of it. After a tense weekend and many telephone calls because the train drivers threatened to be on strike, we arrived at Euston Station on Saturday Morning, excited and looking forward to the Ultreya.

It is always a great feeling of love and fellowship which greets everyone on these occasions and Southwark was no exception. To see so many friendly Christian smiles on what are now becoming familiar faces after five years in Cursillo, was wonderful and even more so when Sue and Peter Lane (#15 & #17), late of Macclesfield and now living in Tunbridge Wells, appeared. They send their love and hugs to everyone in Chester.

The Ultreya itself was a little disappointing, but it is always a support to meet with others in groups and realise that your problems aren't confined to just you, we as Christians suffer the same temptations and irritations in our lives as everyone else.

The afternoon Eucharist, led by our National Spiritual Director, Canon Christopher Lewis, made up for the mornings disappointments. The preacher was the Bishop of Dover, Richard Llwellin, who introduced himself as one of an increasing body of men, Cursillista Bishops. He spoke to us of people who have drastically changed our lives and compared our lives to St. Matthew who had his life style turned upside down when he met and decided to follow Jesus, and how our lives are changed because as followers of Christ we have to be in the world and out of the world. We must work for Christ and not retreat into foxholes. The Lords presence during the Communion was tangible. To take communion with two to three hundred committed Christians is always a spiritual experience.

We left the Cathedral refreshed and renewed. Ready to return to our own environments to carry on our given tasks. We returned on Sunday evening to Congleton exhausted, but exhilarated after our weekend break (but that's another story).

It is hoped that the National Ultreya in 2000 will be in Canterbury and the Archbishop will be present.

Sylvia & Keith Craddock, June & Jerry Tickner, Joan Proctor
--- Congleton Cell Group

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