- What is the basic format for the weekend?
- Where is the North Shore Great Banquet held?
- What time do I need to arrive?
- What is the cost?
- What makes the weekend special?
- Where will I sleep and take showers?
- What should I bring to the weekend?
- I don’t have much background reading the Bible or engaging in church activities. Is this for me?
- What if my family needs me during the weekend?
- Can I sleep at home?
- I am on a special diet or need to take medication. Can I still attend the weekend?
- I have additional questions. Who can I talk to?
- I can’t make it this time. When is the next weekend?
What is the basic format for the weekend?
The weekend consists of a series of talks given by clergy and fellow Christians. The talks focus on faith issues and personal testimony. Guests meet in small groups to discuss the talks and summarize key points. The team running the weekend and guests live as a self-contained Christian community, away from commitments, distractions and responsibilities we all face in the outside world. [Top]
Where is the North Shore Great Banquet held?
The weekend is held at the First Church Congregational Boxford, located at 4 Georgetown Road, Boxford, MA 01921. [Top]
What time do I need to arrive?
You should arrive no later than 7 PM on Thursday evening. Activities conclude on Sunday at 7 PM. [Top]
What is the cost?
The North Shore Great Banquet is free to attend, but the experience is priceless. [Top]
What makes the weekend special?
Ask someone who has attended a banquet! It is hard to put into words as to how inspiring the experience can be! When Christians have the opportunity to spend 3 days concentrating on their faith and personal relationship with God, many truly wonderful things can happen. From seekers who are new to their faith, to Pastors, everyone seems to be moved by the experience. The best advice we can give is to ask someone who has attended the banquet. The description provided above (in response to the basic format question) might not seem dynamic, but the weekend certainly is dynamic. [Top]
Where will I sleep and take showers?
Accommodations are provided in First Church Boxford. We turn several rooms into sleeping areas, using Aero mattresses for bedding (they are comfortable, really!). Showers are available during the weekend. [Top]
What should I bring to the weekend?
Your sponsor will have more information on what to bring. In general, though, pack casual clothing, as layers are often the best choice. You will also need to bring bed clothes, toiletries, single bed sheets, a pillow, towels and any medication you need to take during the weekend. Bringing a Bible is not necessary, but many guests do so to mark passages discussed in the talks. [Top]
I don’t have much background reading the Bible or engaging in church activities. Is this for me?
Definitely. Please don’t feel shy or intimidated at all. The weekend is not a formal educational experience, but instead an opportunity to focus on your faith journey and personal relationship with God. [Top]
What if my family needs me during the weekend?
A sponsor is assigned to every guest (typically, it is the person who has introduced you to the banquet) who helps transport you to and from the weekend activities and makes sure any needs that your family faces while you are away are met. We hope this will free you from any worries you have concerning your family so you can focus exclusively on your faith and personal relationship with God. If you need to be reached in case of emergency, calls can be made to 978-219-7125. [Top]
Can I sleep at home?
No. Everyone, the team running the events and guests, spend the entire weekend together as a Christian community isolated from the outside world. This includes sleeping at the church. However, if you require special sleeping arrangements, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. [Top]
I am on a special diet or need to take medication. Can I still attend the weekend?
Most likely. We haven’t turned anyone away yet! Your registration has sections for you to indicate any food allergies, special diet or medication needs. Please provide this information and we’ll contact you to make sure we understand your needs and can accommodate them during the weekend. [Top]
I have additional questions. Who can I talk to? Can I talk to someone who has recently attended a weekend?
Please feel free to contact us at info@northshoregb.org or call us at 978-219-7125 to leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible. [Top]
I can’t make it this time. When is the next weekend?
The next men’s weekend is October 17-20, 2019. The next women’s weekend is October 24-27, 2019. Registration opens May 20th.[Top]