Vital Link no. 69 - Summer 2017 | Page 3

Time to Explore Accessible retreats offer time to reflect for all This year eighteen people (and Ollie the assistance dog) gathered at High Leigh Conference Centre to spend time together exploring the names of Jesus. Paula Smith and Jenny Edwards started the sessions with a short talk on the subject and then we had time to think, pray and get closer to God whilst we either did craft, read, or simply spent time alone in the beautiful grounds of High Leigh. The weather was good for our short stay, and the fellowship amazing. We’re all looking forward to the next ‘Time Out With God’, running on the 25th and 26th August 2018. There’s also a new, four day ‘refreshment week’ next year, led by Jenny from the 9th to 13th April at Brunel Manor near Torquay. There’ll be more details on both events soon, but if you’re interested in taking a few days to relax and seek God, please get in touch with Jenny at the office. Create a Welcoming Place ‘A Welcoming Place: Autistic Young People in Church’ is Through the Roof’s latest publication, designed to help you create an environment in your youth and children’s work which includes everyone, particularly those with autistic spectrum conditions. The book gives a snapshot of the world through the eyes of the autistic child, helping to understand their behaviours and what we can do to minimise their distress and capitalise on their gifts and strengths. It includes practical strategies and proven approaches, as well as a section on a Biblical theology of disability to help your young people appreciate God’s heart for people with additional needs, and their place within the Body of Christ. It’s available now for £5 A Welcoming Place, Available from the Through the Roof Now! shop, or by calling the office. Giving Thanks Thuy Mallalieu led worship at last year's Enabling Church conference, and he's back for the TTR celebration As a charity we give thanks to God for His faithfulness, goodness and provision throughout twenty years of the charity, and we’d like to invite you to join us at a special Celebration Service on Saturday 9th September 2017. We are blessed to welcome Rev Jonathan Edwards as our main speaker. Jonathan will share his wisdom and experience as a former leader of the Baptist Union, church minister and Dad to an adult son with autism. He’ll inspire, encourage and challenge us to see the value of every person created by God, while blind worship leader, Thuy Mallalieu, will sensitively lead us into God’s presence through times of sung worship. After the service everyone will be able to catch up with old friends and meet new ones over light refreshments and a TTR Anniversary cake. Everyone who attends will also receive a 20th Anniversary souvenir booklet and pen. The service takes place at St George’s Christian Centre, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, KT21 2DA and starts at 3.00pm with refreshments served from 4.30. Contact us to find out more, or to register your interest on [email protected] or 01372 749955. Revd. Jonathan Edwards will bring encouragement and inspiration www.throughtheroof.org