Annual Gathering 2025: A Weekend of Unity and Spirit!
What an incredible weekend we had at Cleeve House in Wiltshire for this year’s FFWPU UK Annual Gathering! Over 200 of us came together to celebrate faith, friendship, and community in a truly unforgettable way.
The whole event was brought to life by an amazing team of volunteers, whose energy and care made everything run so smoothly. From setting up sports tournaments — football, volleyball, frisbee, and even spike ball — to helping with kids’ activities, they poured their hearts into creating a fantastic experience for everyone.
Saturday’s weather was classic British summer — with blazing sun above 30°C, then sudden rain — but that didn’t stop anyone! People stayed outside playing, chatting, and enjoying the moment. Over 50 members even camped under the midsummer sky, sharing picnics and catching up with friends they hadn’t seen in years.
There was so much for young families and children too, from a bouncy castle and arts and crafts to a splash zone, all run by enthusiastic volunteers. It was heartwarming to see everyone so included and cared for.
Music really brought the gathering to life. Resonance Worship led heartfelt worship throughout the weekend, and Sunday’s open mic was packed with talent and community spirit. We were also so happy to celebrate Simon Jaupi, who received the Grace Miller Hyojeong Award for his incredible dedication.
Sunday’s National Worship Service, led by Bogdan Pammer, focused on the theme of “National Trust,” with everyone gathering under the marquee just in time to shelter from a surprise 10-minute downpour! It was a moment of togetherness and hope. Later, Vice President Umberto Angelucci, just back from Korea, led a moving Holy Sacrament service to close the weekend on a deeply spiritual note.
And of course, there was amazing food! Chieko and her brilliant kitchen team kept us all fed and happy with dishes from bibimbap to fish and chips — delicious!
All in all, it was a weekend full of laughter, worship, sunshine (and a little rain), and, most importantly, love. It reminded us of the beauty of our community, the power of reconnecting, and the joy of sharing time together.
Here’s to many more weekends like this — see you next year!
Rewatch your favourite parts of the service here!