Weekend Away 2025
Welcome to Weekend Away 2025. A time for our parish to come together to spend time loving Jesus, growing in our love for one another and being challenged in how we can love Gymea and beyond.
When: 6pm Friday 25th - Sunday 27th July
Where: Waterlsea Conference Centre, Nowra
Who: All are welcome, young, old and everyone in between.
Why: To spend time with each other, under God's word and in friendship so we might spur one another in our Christian lives.
What: We'll be studying Daniel and what it means to be 'Living in challenging times'.
Speaker: Archie Poulos is Head of Ministry at Moore Theological College and Director of the Centre for Ministry Development.
Registration
Please complete the information below filling in the detaills for yourself and any other family members.
If you are a registering a family with children please select the family ticket and put your discount code in at check out. Text or email Julia on 0425356243 or juliamirwin@gmail.com to recive your code.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Weekend Away happening?: Friday the 25th of July through to Sunday 27th July. Arrive from 6pm on Friday and depart after lunch on Sunday.
We're headed to Youthworks Waterlsea Centre, situated along the picturesque Shoalhaven River near Nowra, just 2 hours south of the Shire. We have sole use of the centre for the weekend. Its on flat and level ground, accessible to all and is family friendly,
What is our theme?: Living in Challenging times.
Who is our Guest Speaker?: Archie Poulos is an experienced cross cultural church-planter, with a passion for reaching the many micro-cultures that make up Sydney. He is currently researching theologically appropriate ways to build clergy competency . He is Head of Ministry at Moore Theological College and Director of the Centre for Ministry Development. Archie is married to Ainsley and togther they have three children.
What can I expect?:
Friday Night: A relaxed evening. Grab a bite to eat on your way down. We'll share dessert at Waterslea as we connect during some free time and settle into the weekend.
Saturday: Two morning sessions. An afternoon of free time with an optional workshop with Archie. A talent show after dinner, before a night of board games and puzzles.
Sunday: A morning session with some time to spend discussing all that we've learnt together. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading home.
Is there a children's program?: Yes! Yolande and Yannick along with a team from Gymea will be running a program for the kids during the adult sessions.
Why should I come full-time?: We encourage all members to consider staying full-time. Gift yourself time to meet others and enjoy developing deeper friendships in a fun and relaxed environment. Weekend Away is more than sitting under God's word and learning together. Our aim is to build a community of God's people in loving friendship and fellowship together, connecting people from all services in our Parish.
What is the centre like and where will i sleep?: The centre is a comfy space, well heated with a beautiful view. All bedrooms have an ensuite, air conditioning/heating, single and double beds, doonas, pillows and blankets.
Click here to see photos of the centre, the grounds, and the bedrooms.
Click here to see the centre map.
Click here to see directions from GAC to Waterslea on google maps. The address is 439 Koloona Dr, West Cambewarra NSW.
What do we need to bring?: A list will be emailed to you upon registration.
What about meals?: Meals are fully catered from supper on Friday evening through to lunch on Sunday. Please BYO dinner on Friday night or grab a bite with your mates on the way.
I have a food allergy: If you have food allergies or special food requirements please let us know when you register so we can ensure you are catered for.
What if I need help with transport?: Please dont let transport stop you from coming! Let us know if you need a lift.
Day Tripper Bus: We are hoping to hire a day tripper bus for the Saturday program. Please indicate your interest with a team member or when registering.
What is the cost and what if it's too much?: We try to keep costs as low as possible but understand it is a considerable expense. Please talk with Craig or Scott if you would like assistance with the cost, there are funds available for this.
Donations: If you would like to contribute towards the ticket of someone who needs a little help to come, or to help pay for our kids program helpers then please add the donation ticket when you register.
What is a linen pack? If you would like all linen to be provided for your stay then please select the number of linen packs you would like to hire at check out.
What are the Registration Options?: There are three ways to enjoy Weekend Away:
Full-Time
Friday Evening to Sunday lunch, including 4 sessions. First meal is supper on Friday and final meal is Sunday lunch. The committee recommends you come full-time in order to enjoy all the aspects of the weekend as a community.
Part-Time
Saturday morning until Sunday lunch, including 4 sessions.The first meal is morning tea on Saturday and the final meal is Sunday lunch. The committee recommends this for members who have previously visited for the day and would like to try the overnight option.
Day Tripper
Option 1- Saturday Day Tripper (morning Tea - afternoon tea)
Saturday morning until Saturday afternoon, includes 2 sessions and an optional workshop with Archie during the afternoon. The first meal is morning tea and the final meal is afternoon tea.
Option 2 - Saturday Day Tripper (morning Tea - supper)
Saturday morning until Saturday evening, includes 2 sessions and an optional workshop with Archie during the afternoon. The first meal is morning tea and the final meal is supper. Join in the fun at our Talent Show
Option 3- Sunday Day Tripper
Sunday morning until Sunday afternoon, including 2 sessions. The first meal is morning tea and the final meal is lunch.
What if I have more questions?: If your question isn't answered here please reach out to a Weekend Away committee member and they will help you! The committee: Margaret and Bruce Merrick, Chris and Julia Harrison, Renae and Ian Bone, Matthew Robson along with Scott and Dave.