Lay Employees' Day

Poem written during a recent Lay Employees' Day about the tall pine tree outside the chapel at Foxhill Retreat and Conference Centre, Tarvin Road, Frodsham.

How strong the roots of the tree are,
Holding you firm in the ground,
Anchoring you to the source of life,
Supplying living water to sustain you.

How tall, straight, magnificently you stand,
Branches bowing downwards, swaying gently in the breeze,
Waded down with fir cones that fall to the ground.
The wind sweeping through gently, swaying the branches,
Lifting, renewing them as the fir cones fall.

The trunk reaching upwards, heavenly, tall and straight,
Like a straight pathway to heaven.

Reminding me to hold fast to your love,
To walk on your pathway, wherever it may lead.
To stand tall, proud of who you are and what you stand for.
To help others release their struggle and be able to feel your life giving
renewing spirit in their lives.

God’s saying, "Come rest in my branches and find peace, be content in
who you are, knowing God accepts and loves you just as you are."

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker