READERS from across our diocese came together for a weekend conference at the Meon Valley Hotel near Wickham.

The main speaker was our diocese's Lead for Revive, the Rev Neil Smart, and they also enjoyed worship, fellowship and discussion together.

The theme of the conference was 'Light and Life and Love', looking deeply at these aspects of John’s gospel. On the Friday evening after dinner, there was a relaxed session looking at the differences between the four gospels and asking the Readers to pick one gospel to take with them to a desert island. Eighty per cent of those present said that they would take the gospel of John.

On Saturday morning, they looked in more detail at the origins and purpose of John’s message. Then each theme of light and life and love was covered in detail, drawing out what this gospel reveals to us as we seek to see Jesus more clearly. There was plenty of time for discussion between the delegates and stories to back up each theme.

The Readers enjoyed a light-hearted quiz on Saturday evening that was won by a very high scoring team who shared a box of well deserved chocolates.

The Rev Neil Smart said: "It was a joy to be part of this conference, and to see the Readers engaged in developing discipleship and building relationships that will enable and equip their individual ministries."