In February more than 135 people gathered at the Quinta Christian Conference Centre in Shropshire for the annual VCF Weekend. Every year seems to get better than the last one, and this was no exception!
As with previous years, there was a wonderful family feel as vets, vet nurses and students came together and in many cases they were joined by their families.
Those present included a combination of very recent and very long-standing regular members, with an age range from 9 months through to well over 70 years!
Dr. Christianne Glossop FRCVS and former Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales was guest speaker for the weekend and led three very thought-provoking sessions, looking at verses from the Book of Ecclesiastes and Esther. Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 1 says “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Christianne looked at how this applies to our lives today. We all live through different seasons and God walks through every season with us.
She began by looking at Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 10, focusing on the fact that God’s timing is perfect, and that all of time is in His hands. In her second session she looked at how there is a time for everything, and that for each of us, we are in a particular season, be that a time of joy, or sadness, trial or triumph, and that God walks beside each one of us on that journey. Finally, she looked at verses from the Book of Esther, and particularly Chapter 4 verse 14 “Here for such a time as this.” It was a reminder that each one of us is in a unique position to help and support those that we meet.
Numerous delegates brought instruments to the weekend, as large animal vet Pete Duncalfe once again put together an excellent, impromptu worship band. With the theme of “A time for every purpose” Pete had chosen a song by City Alight for this year’s VCF Video song, and it can be viewed on the VCF You Tube channel (www.vcf.org.uk/youtube). As with three previous videos, it features VCF members singing and playing instruments to an amazing worship song and has people joining in from as far away as Australia and New Zealand, as well as those unable to attend the weekends due to many other commitments.
The various small group sessions ensured that everyone had the very best opportunity to connect with a host of people who could best support them, and that they in turn can support on their journey. For some delegates, this just involved getting to know people who were local to them or those with particular interests whom they had never met before. For students it allowed them to meet with young and older vets who understand the challenges of beginning in practice. It exposed them to vets who can provide EMS placements, support, prayer and mentorship and allowed them the time and space to explore with whom they would work best.
The seminars allowed folk in different areas of the veterinary profession to come together to share their individual challenges and stories. Vets who work in government could meet one another and share together, as could those working in small animal practice, or large animal practice, or those considering retirement. For the students, their seminar allowed them to quiz the new and young graduates on thriving rather than just surviving in practice!
It was a blessing to welcome missionaries Sam and Mary Bouix who work overseas, to come and highlight the areas of ministry in which they are involved.
Saturday nights ceilidh, led by Pete’s impromptu band and ‘called’ by Dr Angela Bodey, was excellent and very energetic!! Everyone was able to be involved, from the youngest to the not so young, and it was a wonderful way to break down any barriers that may have remained.
The constant buzz of joyful conversations through the whole weekend, between people who had not known one another a few hours beforehand highlighted the incredible bond that exists between folk who love the profession and who love or are seeking the Lord Jesus.
“We had the most wonderful time, thank you so much. The kids were very sad to go on Sunday and said they wish their new friends could buy the house that is for sale next door to us.”
“What a wonderful time together. Our children had the best time and were so sad to leave their new friends. Giving them a tribe felt like such a gift! The weekend really reignited my passion to serve Jesus through my work.”
“It was particularly great to meet people not framed by a computer monitor!
The kids loved their sessions and the games room and time with the other kids.
Thanks for organising such a great weekend.”
“The VCF Weekend was a really special time of reconnecting with people I had not seen for many, many years, for meeting new people and for spending time focusing on God. The talks based around Ecclesiastes 3 were helpful and applicable for home life and work life, and Christianne spoke with such passion, empathy and joy.
My son’s response to what he thought of the weekend and what he enjoyed was that he loved making friends, playing and running around with them!”
“It was wonderful to be able to meet as a group of nurses (above) and have time together to share and pray for each other in a truly spiritual place. The support and friendships that these weekends strengthen is truly God’s work. Such a warm, loving and peaceful environment really helped feel close to God and safe.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. The complete age range of folk was very valuable and the main subject very challenging. It made me read the whole Esther history several times and marvel at the way the Lord acted!”
“I have been going through some dark times recently and wasn’t going to come to VCF weekend as I wasn’t sure I could face all the socialising to be honest. But my husband gently said I should go as he knew I would be sad if I missed it.
From the moment I arrived I realised it was exactly what I needed. I skipped getting my badge and went straight to the buffet. Suddenly I was very hungry and really didn’t feel I could talk so I sat on a table with a quiet young man and ate. After a while he asked me what my name was and where I had come from and so one of many uplifting conversations started.
I then felt able to get my badge and find my room. I was very appreciative of the lovely, cosy, room and comfy bed all to myself. I went back in time for the first meeting. How wonderful to see the video Pete had put together. Lovely to catch up with old friends. Hugs and smiles. Slept better than I had done in ages a feeling of peace.
The weekend went by so fast. Playing clarinet with the band is always a highlight for me. It is so spontaneous and I do feel like the Holy Spirit moves within us. The teaching was brilliant. Talking about seasons and a time for every purpose. In our small group we talked about time to turn off the wi-fi. Where I live, we have hardly had any phone signal since the last storm and power cut which has absolutely changed my phone habits and made me reflect and think more.
Meeting with the nurses was so good. A time to share a safe space and time to pray. Absolutely invaluable. Such a precious time together. But we did miss Hayley!!
Then there is the ceildh, so good with live band. I danced all night with a big grin on my face. So good meeting everyone and I loved seeing the students having such a fun time together. Some first-time dancers and some old hands. My cheeks hurt from grinning so much.
Thank you to everyone who organises this special weekend. It is absolutely worth going. Can’t believe I nearly missed it.”
“The weekend was such a blessing. I have returned to work with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. It is so wonderful to be with VCF family. Brilliant to see so many children and so many students, new faces and familiar faces. And it is such fun to have the opportunity to play the violin with like-minded musicians.”
“The weekend was such a blessing. I have returned to work with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. It is so wonderful to be with VCF family. Brilliant to see so many children and so many students, new faces and familiar faces. And it is such fun to have the opportunity to play the violin with like-minded musicians.”
“This was my first time at a VCF weekend and it was fantastic to meet so many people, both fellow students and those already practicing.
I’m in a bit of a limbo at the moment so Christianne’s message on the varying seasons of our vet lives was a great encouragement. God willing I’ll be back at a VCF weekend next year and for many more to come!”
