Last weekend, Stephen and Carla (and Willow!) attended the RP Young Adults' Weekend in Annalong, where they were joined by brothers and sisters in Christ from Scotland, Ireland, America and Mexico.
In total, there were 75 of us (limited by space constraints), with a quarter of that being made up of friends from other denominations.
The talks from the weekend are available to download here, and the accompanying video is from the time of psalm singing on the Lord's Day afternoon.
A number of those who attended from Scotland shared their thoughts about it on the RPCS website. Here's what they had to say:
“The weekend was filled with excitement, new friends, but most importantly great talks and seminars on God’s Word. The seminars were centred around Christian friendship and the transgender movements effect on the church. We had great talks where we dissected the book of Haggai. This message was targeted to our younger generation of people and what seems to be their laid back approach. It reminded us to not say “not yet” in our approach to God’s purpose for us.” – Jordan King – Semester in Scotland Student, Airdrie RPCS
“At YAW I enjoyed getting to know other young Christians, the activities, and the seminars. The talks were delivered by Philip Dunwoody on the book of Haggai. It was helpful to learn about a minor prophet who had such an important role in Israel’s repentance and realisation of their priorities.” – Lydia – Glasgow RPCS
“The Young Adults Weekend was a new experience for all 4 of us who attended from Glasgow, and it turned out to be a great weekend of fun and learning. We were really encouraged by the talks Mr Dunwoody gave on the book of Haggai, where he showed the book in its context. I benefited a lot from the talk where he spoke on God’s response to Israel’s repentance. I had a lovely weekend and am thankful to have met so many nice Christians who I hope to see again soon.” – Allyson Stewart – Glasgow RPCS
“I found the talks on Haggai at YAW to be very challenging and applicable to us as young people; at a time when we are making big life decisions it is imperative that we continually consider our ways and ensure that our priorities are in order. I also valued the opportunity to spend a weekend with so many brothers and sisters in Christ; it was great to meet them all and hear about their various congregations in Ireland and further afield. I would encourage all young adults to think about applying to YAW next year for a weekend of spiritual nourishment and fellowship.” – Gemma Macdonald – Stornoway RPCS
“I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know so many young Christians, and studying and singing God’s Word together. The talks I found challenging and encouraging, and I learnt a lot about Haggai that I hadn’t picked up on before. Also we got really good ice cream on Saturday.” – Shona MacLeod – Glasgow RPCS
“My highlight of YAW was meeting people who have recently discovered the Reformed faith and joined (or are in the process of joining) the RP Church – it was great to hear their stories and talk through some of the questions they had. Another highlight was being able to spend time with others from the RPCS. In Stranraer, we don’t have much opportunity to spend time with others in our own denomination, so to be able to spend a weekend with some of them was something I really enjoyed.” – Rev. Stephen Steele – Stranraer RPCS
“I don’t think I’ve ever answered “the talks” when being asked what I enjoyed at a weekend before! (Talk about cheesy!) but I actually really did enjoyed Philips talks on Haggai. It’s a book I admittedly didn’t know much about before this weekend. Philip reminded us that the promises that were true in the days of Haggai are still true for Gods people today. The promises of His Word, and the power of His Spirit are still at our disposal. He urged us to live for the kingdom that cannot be shaken, to seize every opportunity we have to contribute to this kingdom and encouraged us to do what Haggai told these people to do, and even when we are tired or discouraged “in faith pick up another brick and build a little more in the corner of the kingdom where God has sent you” with the knowledge that a greater, more glorious kingdom is coming. What an encouragement to keep going with our work, where God has placed us here in Stranraer!! (It was also great to meet so many other Reformed Christians (from various denominations), many of whom I’d never met before and be able to worship and sing the psalms with them.)” – Carla Steele – Stranraer RPCS
