People come to stay at Nether Springs for all sorts of reasons, maybe because it’s ‘home’, maybe for some space, maybe to join in one of the retreats, or maybe a mixture of all of these. All are welcome at any time, regardless of the whether you would like to take part in the programmed retreat or not.
Below, you can find the programme of retreats listed by month or you can download the 2019 Nether Springs Programme. All of the retreats (general arrival time being 3pm-5pm) hosted at Nether Springs are held within the rhythm of the day.
If you would like to book onto one of the retreats, or to come just for some space, please contact the Community Office
Please also take some time to read the frequently asked questions about staying at Nether Springs.
As we begin a new year, this is an opportunity to come away and reflect on your intentions and hopes for the time ahead and to pray God’s blessings on it. There will be some guidance and resources offered, but mainly space within the rhythm of the day to connect with the Author of all our days.
A time for those who lead Northumbria Community Groups around the UK and beyond to gather, encourage one another, and be commissioned for their work in the year ahead.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Craft as well as prayer, often thrives with careful, focused attention. Working with felt, in particular, allows for working with rich colours and textures, binding together loose threads to make a whole. On the Friday evening we’ll learn a flat felt technique which can be applied to book covers or hangings. On Saturday we will […]
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
Following the celebration of St. Brigid, known for her welcome to all, we will explore together what a hospitality of home and a hospitality of heart might like look in our own lives. We will reflect on Biblical hospitality and share out of our own experiences.
The gospels tell many stories of encounter – of people who were looking for Jesus and found him and those who found him when they weren’t looking. Whether by choice or by chance, these encounters held surprises – and no one came away from them unchanged. Together we will look at a few of these […]
Growing in knowledge of ourselves goes hand-in-hand with growing in knowledge of God. This retreat offers a well-tested and well-received tool for understanding our ‘motivational gift.’ What is it that motivates our personality, choices, and relationships with others? The teaching draws from a book of the same title and is based on Romans 12:1-8, verses […]
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O […]
*Please note. The house is only open to Trustees of the Northumbria Community this weekend.
This retreat, suitable for all ages, is an opportunity to reflect on the Prodigal story afresh, inspired by writings of Henri Nouwen and rooted in experiential learning in the here-and-now. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life . . . I have failed many times but always tried again, even […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
In the Gospel of John, we find the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper, leaning against Jesus, lying on his breast, reclining… presumably he was near enough to hear his heartbeat, if he chose to listen. This is a time to receive individual support and guidance as you to draw near to Christ as his […]
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
A chance to journey with these three Celtic Saints whose spirituality and witness not only served the renewal of the Church but shaped the culture of the British Isles in their own day and beyond.
A time to explore and deepen some of the many ways The Beloved talks to us and can be found in all things. We will look at creative ways of tuning ourselves into God’s love song that resounds in our hearts, the melody beyond the melodies and the word beyond words, in silence and sharing, […]
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
A retreat exploring your dreams and vocation, centred around a genuine 1970’s VW camper Van! This retreat is an opportunity to explore the person God has made you to be and the dreams (or vocation) that he has placed in you. There will be time to acknowledge the ‘dreamsnatchers’ that frustrate our dreams. And the “Camper Van of Dreams” will provide […]
A led retreat which offers time and space to reflect on your own journey with Christ during this season of Lent.
Come and learn or enjoy again the dances that go with the liturgy in Celtic Daily Prayer, including a new dance for The Lord’s Prayer. Andy Raine will lead us, and Anna Raine will perform a concert on Saturday night. A weekend of music and movement to express and deepen faith.
‘This is what the LORD says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ ~Jeremiah 6:16 A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
Nether Springs is closed in preparation for the Easter workshop.
Easter has always been a special time for the Community to gather. The Easter narrative draws us into Christ’s life, death & resurrection. He gives us ‐ individually and as a Community ‐ our identity, our life and our future. This is a time for all of us to explore our journey of faith and […]
Nether Springs is closed following the Easter workshop.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
Life presents many challenges and this weekend we will explore how to love and nurture our whole selves in the practical, day to day living of it.
There comes a point when we can have a good look at our bodies and say, “Here I am. This is the body-like-no-other that my life has shaped. I live here. This is my soul’s address”, advocates Barbara Brown Taylor. Many of us struggle with wearing our own skin, but what we can miss, in […]
A led retreat that explores embracing of a way of life that is open to finding God in all things and all things in God. We’ll draw on the wisdom of Celtic Spirituality to help us learn to see the simplest of daily tasks as a sacrament. We will explore aspects of contemplative life and […]
No one else can build a relationship for us. If we want to get to know someone, then we have to spend time together, listen to each other and share at least part of our lives with them. The same is true if we want to build a relationship with God. There is no substitute […]
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Spiritual formation is cooperating with the inner work of transformation the Spirit of God is seeking to accomplish in you. The Spirit’s purpose is not to turn you into a different person, but to make you into the best ‘you’ that you can be. An opportunity to explore, with the support of your retreat guide […]
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
This weekend we want to: Encounter and collaborate with our Creator God through the process of making. Explore how this can nurture our awareness of and relationship with Him. All art supplies will be provided to work on a variety of projects. No previous artistic experience needed.
During this workshop we will explore the possibilities of using a random collection of textiles and stitches to build up a collage piece. Sometimes it is useful to work without a clear idea of what you intend to create and discover processes by chance and develop ideas by experimenting with colour, surface, texture and design. […]
*Please note. The house is only open to Trustees of the Northumbria Community this weekend.
We invite you… to take a walk on the wet side(!) with the reluctant prophet Jonah. Bring your wellies; bring your wetsuits; bring your imagination and join us as we dive into this classic fishy tale and have a whale of a time exploring it together. [Editor’s note – okay, so the wellies and wetsuits […]
In this retreat, we will be using the hymns and life of Charles Wesley as a doorway to prayer, as a way to deepen our faith and relationship to God. Charles Wesley (not to be confused with his brother John) was a fine poet and wrote well over 7000 hymns and poems, many of which […]
This retreat will focus on trust as a key aspect of our faith journeys. We’ll be using a creative project to help us consider what trust means for us and in what/whom we put our trust. So, the retreat will combine times of led reflection, creative exploration, and time alone with God.
Join with some seasoned prayer drummers to listen to God’s heartbeat and to one another as we learn to express our praise, prayer and lament through one of the most ancient and universal of instruments. Bring a drum if you have one. No previous drumming experience required.
In the Gospel of John, we find the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper, leaning against Jesus, lying on his breast, reclining… presumably he was near enough to hear his heartbeat, if he chose to listen. This is a time to receive individual support and guidance as you to draw near to Christ as his […]
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Come and explore new ways of praying including the imaginative contemplation of a gospel passage and a way to reflect on our day with the examen prayer. Ignatian spirituality can help us to pay more attention to God, and help us understand and identify His actions in our lives. The weekend will be practical and […]
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O […]
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and […]
Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the centre of meaningful human experiences…. It is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path. ~Brené Brown […]
The monastic tradition, as lived out through its diverse buildings, offers us a lens to glimpse a richer way ‘to be church’ as well as insights into quality community and even the nature of being human. Come and explore what are called The Seven Sacred Spaces in a setting that offers windows into all of them.
‘This is what the LORD says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ ~Jeremiah 6:16 A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the […]
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
An opportunity to explore our long held fascination with trees, woods and forests. Using science, story-telling and a sense of curiosity we will discover together what trees might have to say about God, faith and Community. The retreat may also include an opportunity to explore further afield from Nether Springs.
An opportunity for families to be together, sharing in the life and rhythm of Nether Springs and to use this home as a base for holiday exploration in Northumberland. Retreat ends after lunch on Saturday. Suggested donation for each family: one adult offers full donation, spouse/partner and children under 16 half donation, children under 8 […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
Romano Briton Ninian set aside his Cumbrian royal privileges to follow God’s call. After studies in Rome, on his way homeward he found his way for life in the inspiration of St. Martin in Tours. In Galloway he founded ‘Candida Casa’. From this place the message of Christ reached the known ‘ends of the the […]
Spiritual formation is cooperating with the inner work of transformation the Spirit of God is seeking to accomplish in you. The Spirit’s purpose is not to turn you into a different person, but to make you into the best ‘you’ that you can be. An opportunity to explore, with the support of your retreat guide […]
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
Aidan travelled from the Isle of Iona to Northumberland at the request of King Oswald to bring the light of the Gospel to this land. He was known for speaking out courageously, wisely, and yet also graciously, living with simplicity and giving with extraordinary generosity to those in need. This led retreat will celebrate through […]
An opportunity for Companions, Friends and others to share what ‘Soul Friendship’ means for each of us. Following the example of ‘good ones of old’ (Jesus, Desert Fathers and Mothers, Celtic saints, Medieval mystics), we will reflect on the meaning of spiritual friendship, listening, accompaniment and direction in our own lives and within the Northumbria […]
*Please note. The house is only open to Trustees of the Northumbria Community this weekend.
The idea of the ‘Red Tent’ is being adapted from its ancient use to one that provides a space for women today to come together to rest, replenish and connect. In this retreat, women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to share their lives, share their wisdom, share their laughter and share their sorrow, […]
This course is for people who are interested in making connections between personality and spirituality. There will be an opportunity to complete the MBTI questionnaire, if you haven’t done so before, and to talk it through in an individual session. In the group we will think about themes like: ‘Finding God Within & Without’, ‘Finding […]
Let the Son of God grow in thee, for he is formed in thee, and from thee, and may become to thee a great smile and exultation and perfect joy which no-one can take from thee. How might these ancient words of Isaac of Stella inform and inspire our modern-day discipleship and spiritual formation?
We live in a culture driven by constant activity and business. The thought of resting a whole day every week might even sound scary to us as we all are affected by the pressure to do and achieve. How can we learn to stop? What lies at the heart of God’s commandment and this ancient […]
‘This is what the LORD says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ ~Jeremiah 6:16 A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the […]
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Come and explore what it might mean to permeate our lives, the church and the world with an intentional way for living that seeks to bring awareness of God into all of life and work.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
Come and explore the history and wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, their relevance for today, and the spirituality of desert places. The Desert Monastic tradition was a great inspiration for the Celtic Church and remains foundational for the Northumbria Community today.
Growing in knowledge of ourselves goes hand-in-hand with growing in knowledge of God. This retreat offers a well-tested and well-received tool for understanding our ‘motivational gift.’ What is it that motivates our personality, choices, and relationships with others? The teaching draws from a book of the same title and is based on Romans 12:1-8, verses […]
Spiritual formation is cooperating with the inner work of transformation the Spirit of God is seeking to accomplish in you. The Spirit’s purpose is not to turn you into a different person, but to make you into the best ‘you’ that you can be. An opportunity to explore, with the support of your retreat guide […]
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
In a world of ‘Doing’ – doing for and doing to – this retreat will take a look at the importance and power of ‘Being With’ … through friendship, through having an open table, through being good neighbours. How does ‘Availability and Vulnerability’ lead us to ‘being with’ God and others?
The God of blessing created us to be channels of blessing to people and places. The retreat will explore the means, disciplines and resources that help us to be people of benediction whoever we are and wherever we find ourselves.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
‘The House that John Built’ is the Northumbria Community’s telling of the lineage of the Celtic Saints, tracing the roots of this remarkable expression of the Christian faith. This retreat is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the stories and places of a succession of saints. It will also include insights into the significance of […]
An opportunity to enter imaginatively into the story of this great Northern saint through storytelling, prayer and creativity. In doing so, we may discover inspiration and courage to serve with our own gifts and in our own spheres of influence.
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
Nether Springs is closed for three days every month as part of the resident community’s commitment to a rhythm of life.
A chance to examine how you deal with life’s drama, and to learn from the example of Jesus. We’ll look at the gospels “through conflict lenses”, exploring the tensions that Jesus faced, and what it meant for him to embrace conflict. There will also be plenty of space for personal reflection and prayer. If you […]
The salmon was a Celtic symbol for wisdom and knowledge. This retreat is an opportunity to follow the life cycle of the salmon and discover what wisdom it still holds today to teach us about our journey with God.
As we enter the busy seasons of Advent and Christmas, this retreat offers the opportunity to prepare for the weeks ahead, to separate the trivial from the significant, and to consider again the meaning, relevance and wonder of the Annunciation and the Incarnation of Christ. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll prepare to welcome Christ into […]
*Please note. The house is only open to Trustees of the Northumbria Community this weekend.
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
As we begin a new year, this is an opportunity to come away and reflect on your intentions and hopes for the time ahead and to pray God’s blessings on it. There will be some guidance and resources offered, but mainly space within the rhythm of the day to connect with the Author of all our days.
Following the celebration of St. Brigid, known for her welcome to all, we will explore together what a hospitality of home and a hospitality of heart might like look in our own lives. We will reflect on Biblical hospitality and share out of our own experiences.
Growing in knowledge of ourselves goes hand-in-hand with growing in knowledge of God. This retreat offers a well-tested and well-received tool for understanding our ‘motivational gift.’ What is it that motivates our personality, choices, and relationships with others? The teaching draws from a book of the same title and is based on Romans 12:1-8, verses […]
This retreat, suitable for all ages, is an opportunity to reflect on the Prodigal story afresh, inspired by writings of Henri Nouwen and rooted in experiential learning in the here-and-now. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life . . . I have failed many times but always tried again, even […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
A retreat exploring your dreams and vocation, centred around a genuine 1970’s VW camper Van! This retreat is an opportunity to explore the person God has made you to be and the dreams (or vocation) that he has placed in you. There will be time to acknowledge the ‘dreamsnatchers’ that frustrate our dreams. And the “Camper Van of Dreams” will provide […]
Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the centre of meaningful human experiences…. It is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path. ~Brené Brown […]
The idea of the ‘Red Tent’ is being adapted from its ancient use to one that provides a space for women today to come together to rest, replenish and connect. In this retreat, women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to share their lives, share their wisdom, share their laughter and share their sorrow, […]
This course is for people who are interested in making connections between personality and spirituality. There will be an opportunity to complete the MBTI questionnaire, if you haven’t done so before, and to talk it through in an individual session. In the group we will think about themes like: ‘Finding God Within & Without’, ‘Finding […]
We live in a culture driven by constant activity and business. The thought of resting a whole day every week might even sound scary to us as we all are affected by the pressure to do and achieve. How can we learn to stop? What lies at the heart of God’s commandment and this ancient […]
Growing in knowledge of ourselves goes hand-in-hand with growing in knowledge of God. This retreat offers a well-tested and well-received tool for understanding our ‘motivational gift.’ What is it that motivates our personality, choices, and relationships with others? The teaching draws from a book of the same title and is based on Romans 12:1-8, verses […]
In a world of ‘Doing’ – doing for and doing to – this retreat will take a look at the importance and power of ‘Being With’ … through friendship, through having an open table, through being good neighbours. How does ‘Availability and Vulnerability’ lead us to ‘being with’ God and others?
The God of blessing created us to be channels of blessing to people and places. The retreat will explore the means, disciplines and resources that help us to be people of benediction whoever we are and wherever we find ourselves.
A chance to examine how you deal with life’s drama, and to learn from the example of Jesus. We’ll look at the gospels “through conflict lenses”, exploring the tensions that Jesus faced, and what it meant for him to embrace conflict. There will also be plenty of space for personal reflection and prayer. If you […]
As we begin a new year, this is an opportunity to come away and reflect on your intentions and hopes for the time ahead and to pray God’s blessings on it. There will be some guidance and resources offered, but mainly space within the rhythm of the day to connect with the Author of all our days.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
A led retreat that explores embracing of a way of life that is open to finding God in all things and all things in God. We’ll draw on the wisdom of Celtic Spirituality to help us learn to see the simplest of daily tasks as a sacrament. We will explore aspects of contemplative life and […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O […]
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
The idea of the ‘Red Tent’ is being adapted from its ancient use to one that provides a space for women today to come together to rest, replenish and connect. In this retreat, women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to share their lives, share their wisdom, share their laughter and share their sorrow, […]
We live in a culture driven by constant activity and business. The thought of resting a whole day every week might even sound scary to us as we all are affected by the pressure to do and achieve. How can we learn to stop? What lies at the heart of God’s commandment and this ancient […]
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with God within the daily life and rhythm of the community at Nether Springs. No set programme or teaching is provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
In a world of ‘Doing’ – doing for and doing to – this retreat will take a look at the importance and power of ‘Being With’ … through friendship, through having an open table, through being good neighbours. How does ‘Availability and Vulnerability’ lead us to ‘being with’ God and others?
A chance to examine how you deal with life’s drama, and to learn from the example of Jesus. We’ll look at the gospels “through conflict lenses”, exploring the tensions that Jesus faced, and what it meant for him to embrace conflict. There will also be plenty of space for personal reflection and prayer. If you […]
As we enter the busy seasons of Advent and Christmas, this retreat offers the opportunity to prepare for the weeks ahead, to separate the trivial from the significant, and to consider again the meaning, relevance and wonder of the Annunciation and the Incarnation of Christ. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll prepare to welcome Christ into […]
As we begin a new year, this is an opportunity to come away and reflect on your intentions and hopes for the time ahead and to pray God’s blessings on it. There will be some guidance and resources offered, but mainly space within the rhythm of the day to connect with the Author of all our days.
Following the celebration of St. Brigid, known for her welcome to all, we will explore together what a hospitality of home and a hospitality of heart might like look in our own lives. We will reflect on Biblical hospitality and share out of our own experiences.
The gospels tell many stories of encounter – of people who were looking for Jesus and found him and those who found him when they weren’t looking. Whether by choice or by chance, these encounters held surprises – and no one came away from them unchanged. Together we will look at a few of these […]
Growing in knowledge of ourselves goes hand-in-hand with growing in knowledge of God. This retreat offers a well-tested and well-received tool for understanding our ‘motivational gift.’ What is it that motivates our personality, choices, and relationships with others? The teaching draws from a book of the same title and is based on Romans 12:1-8, verses […]
This retreat, suitable for all ages, is an opportunity to reflect on the Prodigal story afresh, inspired by writings of Henri Nouwen and rooted in experiential learning in the here-and-now. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life . . . I have failed many times but always tried again, even […]
Join in with the life of the house based on the monastic daily rhythm of prayer, work, study/reflection, solitude and community. No set programme or teaching provided, apart from an introduction on the first night. Just time to come and be yourself.
A time to explore and deepen some of the many ways The Beloved talks to us and can be found in all things. We will look at creative ways of tuning ourselves into God’s love song that resounds in our hearts, the melody beyond the melodies and the word beyond words, in silence and sharing, […]
A retreat exploring your dreams and vocation, centred around a genuine 1970’s VW camper Van! This retreat is an opportunity to explore the person God has made you to be and the dreams (or vocation) that he has placed in you. There will be time to acknowledge the ‘dreamsnatchers’ that frustrate our dreams. And the “Camper Van of Dreams” will provide […]
A led retreat which offers time and space to reflect on your own journey with Christ during this season of Lent.
Easter has always been a special time for the Community to gather. The Easter narrative draws us into Christ’s life, death & resurrection. He gives us ‐ individually and as a Community ‐ our identity, our life and our future. This is a time for all of us to explore our journey of faith and […]
A led retreat that explores embracing of a way of life that is open to finding God in all things and all things in God. We’ll draw on the wisdom of Celtic Spirituality to help us learn to see the simplest of daily tasks as a sacrament. We will explore aspects of contemplative life and […]
In this retreat, we will be using the hymns and life of Charles Wesley as a doorway to prayer, as a way to deepen our faith and relationship to God. Charles Wesley (not to be confused with his brother John) was a fine poet and wrote well over 7000 hymns and poems, many of which […]
This retreat will focus on trust as a key aspect of our faith journeys. We’ll be using a creative project to help us consider what trust means for us and in what/whom we put our trust. So, the retreat will combine times of led reflection, creative exploration, and time alone with God.
Come and explore new ways of praying including the imaginative contemplation of a gospel passage and a way to reflect on our day with the examen prayer. Ignatian spirituality can help us to pay more attention to God, and help us understand and identify His actions in our lives. The weekend will be practical and […]
Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the centre of meaningful human experiences…. It is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path. ~Brené Brown […]
The monastic tradition, as lived out through its diverse buildings, offers us a lens to glimpse a richer way ‘to be church’ as well as insights into quality community and even the nature of being human. Come and explore what are called The Seven Sacred Spaces in a setting that offers windows into all of them.
An opportunity for Companions, Friends and others to share what ‘Soul Friendship’ means for each of us. Following the example of ‘good ones of old’ (Jesus, Desert Fathers and Mothers, Celtic saints, Medieval mystics), we will reflect on the meaning of spiritual friendship, listening, accompaniment and direction in our own lives and within the Northumbria […]
The idea of the ‘Red Tent’ is being adapted from its ancient use to one that provides a space for women today to come together to rest, replenish and connect. In this retreat, women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to share their lives, share their wisdom, share their laughter and share their sorrow, […]
This course is for people who are interested in making connections between personality and spirituality. There will be an opportunity to complete the MBTI questionnaire, if you haven’t done so before, and to talk it through in an individual session. In the group we will think about themes like: ‘Finding God Within & Without’, ‘Finding […]
Let the Son of God grow in thee, for he is formed in thee, and from thee, and may become to thee a great smile and exultation and perfect joy which no-one can take from thee. How might these ancient words of Isaac of Stella inform and inspire our modern-day discipleship and spiritual formation?
We live in a culture driven by constant activity and business. The thought of resting a whole day every week might even sound scary to us as we all are affected by the pressure to do and achieve. How can we learn to stop? What lies at the heart of God’s commandment and this ancient […]
Come and explore what it might mean to permeate our lives, the church and the world with an intentional way for living that seeks to bring awareness of God into all of life and work.
Come and explore the history and wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, their relevance for today, and the spirituality of desert places. The Desert Monastic tradition was a great inspiration for the Celtic Church and remains foundational for the Northumbria Community today.
Growing in knowledge of ourselves goes hand-in-hand with growing in knowledge of God. This retreat offers a well-tested and well-received tool for understanding our ‘motivational gift.’ What is it that motivates our personality, choices, and relationships with others? The teaching draws from a book of the same title and is based on Romans 12:1-8, verses […]
In a world of ‘Doing’ – doing for and doing to – this retreat will take a look at the importance and power of ‘Being With’ … through friendship, through having an open table, through being good neighbours. How does ‘Availability and Vulnerability’ lead us to ‘being with’ God and others?
The God of blessing created us to be channels of blessing to people and places. The retreat will explore the means, disciplines and resources that help us to be people of benediction whoever we are and wherever we find ourselves.
‘The House that John Built’ is the Northumbria Community’s telling of the lineage of the Celtic Saints, tracing the roots of this remarkable expression of the Christian faith. This retreat is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the stories and places of a succession of saints. It will also include insights into the significance of […]
An opportunity to enter imaginatively into the story of this great Northern saint through storytelling, prayer and creativity. In doing so, we may discover inspiration and courage to serve with our own gifts and in our own spheres of influence.
A chance to examine how you deal with life’s drama, and to learn from the example of Jesus. We’ll look at the gospels “through conflict lenses”, exploring the tensions that Jesus faced, and what it meant for him to embrace conflict. There will also be plenty of space for personal reflection and prayer. If you […]
The salmon was a Celtic symbol for wisdom and knowledge. This retreat is an opportunity to follow the life cycle of the salmon and discover what wisdom it still holds today to teach us about our journey with God.
As we enter the busy seasons of Advent and Christmas, this retreat offers the opportunity to prepare for the weeks ahead, to separate the trivial from the significant, and to consider again the meaning, relevance and wonder of the Annunciation and the Incarnation of Christ. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll prepare to welcome Christ into […]
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Come and learn or enjoy again the dances that go with the liturgy in Celtic Daily Prayer, including a new dance for The Lord’s Prayer. Andy Raine will lead us, and Anna Raine will perform a concert on Saturday night. A weekend of music and movement to express and deepen faith.
Easter has always been a special time for the Community to gather. The Easter narrative draws us into Christ’s life, death & resurrection. He gives us ‐ individually and as a Community ‐ our identity, our life and our future. This is a time for all of us to explore our journey of faith and […]
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
Join with some seasoned prayer drummers to listen to God’s heartbeat and to one another as we learn to express our praise, prayer and lament through one of the most ancient and universal of instruments. Bring a drum if you have one. No previous drumming experience required.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
In a world of ‘Doing’ – doing for and doing to – this retreat will take a look at the importance and power of ‘Being With’ … through friendship, through having an open table, through being good neighbours. How does ‘Availability and Vulnerability’ lead us to ‘being with’ God and others?
An introductory retreat outlining the history, vocation and novitiate process of the Northumbria Community. An essential retreat for all who want to explore their relationship with the Community. Please note: Participation in the first evening session is essential.
‘The House that John Built’ is the Northumbria Community’s telling of the lineage of the Celtic Saints, tracing the roots of this remarkable expression of the Christian faith. This retreat is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the stories and places of a succession of saints. It will also include insights into the significance of […]
An opportunity to enter imaginatively into the story of this great Northern saint through storytelling, prayer and creativity. In doing so, we may discover inspiration and courage to serve with our own gifts and in our own spheres of influence.
Craft as well as prayer, often thrives with careful, focused attention. Working with felt, in particular, allows for working with rich colours and textures, binding together loose threads to make a whole. On the Friday evening we’ll learn a flat felt technique which can be applied to book covers or hangings. On Saturday we will […]
A retreat exploring your dreams and vocation, centred around a genuine 1970’s VW camper Van! This retreat is an opportunity to explore the person God has made you to be and the dreams (or vocation) that he has placed in you. There will be time to acknowledge the ‘dreamsnatchers’ that frustrate our dreams. And the “Camper Van of Dreams” will provide […]
Come and learn or enjoy again the dances that go with the liturgy in Celtic Daily Prayer, including a new dance for The Lord’s Prayer. Andy Raine will lead us, and Anna Raine will perform a concert on Saturday night. A weekend of music and movement to express and deepen faith.
This weekend we want to: Encounter and collaborate with our Creator God through the process of making. Explore how this can nurture our awareness of and relationship with Him. All art supplies will be provided to work on a variety of projects. No previous artistic experience needed.
During this workshop we will explore the possibilities of using a random collection of textiles and stitches to build up a collage piece. Sometimes it is useful to work without a clear idea of what you intend to create and discover processes by chance and develop ideas by experimenting with colour, surface, texture and design. […]
We invite you… to take a walk on the wet side(!) with the reluctant prophet Jonah. Bring your wellies; bring your wetsuits; bring your imagination and join us as we dive into this classic fishy tale and have a whale of a time exploring it together. [Editor’s note – okay, so the wellies and wetsuits […]
In this retreat, we will be using the hymns and life of Charles Wesley as a doorway to prayer, as a way to deepen our faith and relationship to God. Charles Wesley (not to be confused with his brother John) was a fine poet and wrote well over 7000 hymns and poems, many of which […]
This retreat will focus on trust as a key aspect of our faith journeys. We’ll be using a creative project to help us consider what trust means for us and in what/whom we put our trust. So, the retreat will combine times of led reflection, creative exploration, and time alone with God.
Join with some seasoned prayer drummers to listen to God’s heartbeat and to one another as we learn to express our praise, prayer and lament through one of the most ancient and universal of instruments. Bring a drum if you have one. No previous drumming experience required.
Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the centre of meaningful human experiences…. It is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path. ~Brené Brown […]
The monastic tradition, as lived out through its diverse buildings, offers us a lens to glimpse a richer way ‘to be church’ as well as insights into quality community and even the nature of being human. Come and explore what are called The Seven Sacred Spaces in a setting that offers windows into all of them.
An opportunity to explore our long held fascination with trees, woods and forests. Using science, story-telling and a sense of curiosity we will discover together what trees might have to say about God, faith and Community. The retreat may also include an opportunity to explore further afield from Nether Springs.
The salmon was a Celtic symbol for wisdom and knowledge. This retreat is an opportunity to follow the life cycle of the salmon and discover what wisdom it still holds today to teach us about our journey with God.
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
In the Gospel of John, we find the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper, leaning against Jesus, lying on his breast, reclining… presumably he was near enough to hear his heartbeat, if he chose to listen. This is a time to receive individual support and guidance as you to draw near to Christ as his […]
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
‘This is what the LORD says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ ~Jeremiah 6:16 A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the […]
Spiritual formation is cooperating with the inner work of transformation the Spirit of God is seeking to accomplish in you. The Spirit’s purpose is not to turn you into a different person, but to make you into the best ‘you’ that you can be. An opportunity to explore, with the support of your retreat guide […]
In the Gospel of John, we find the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper, leaning against Jesus, lying on his breast, reclining… presumably he was near enough to hear his heartbeat, if he chose to listen. This is a time to receive individual support and guidance as you to draw near to Christ as his […]
‘This is what the LORD says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ ~Jeremiah 6:16 A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the […]
Spiritual formation is cooperating with the inner work of transformation the Spirit of God is seeking to accomplish in you. The Spirit’s purpose is not to turn you into a different person, but to make you into the best ‘you’ that you can be. An opportunity to explore, with the support of your retreat guide […]
‘This is what the LORD says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”’ ~Jeremiah 6:16 A chance to reflect on life-transitions with someone who will listen with you to God’s work at the […]
Spiritual formation is cooperating with the inner work of transformation the Spirit of God is seeking to accomplish in you. The Spirit’s purpose is not to turn you into a different person, but to make you into the best ‘you’ that you can be. An opportunity to explore, with the support of your retreat guide […]
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
This silent retreat is a time to seek God in the cell of your own heart, in a community of fellow seekers. Each retreatant will be paired with a companion on the journey from whom they can receive individual support and guidance. Apart from the session of spiritual accompaniment each morning, we will seek God in silence from Monday after Night Prayers until lunch on Thursday.
This retreat, suitable for all ages, is an opportunity to reflect on the Prodigal story afresh, inspired by writings of Henri Nouwen and rooted in experiential learning in the here-and-now. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life . . . I have failed many times but always tried again, even […]
An opportunity for families to be together, sharing in the life and rhythm of Nether Springs and to use this home as a base for holiday exploration in Northumberland. Retreat ends after lunch on Saturday. Suggested donation for each family: one adult offers full donation, spouse/partner and children under 16 half donation, children under 8 […]
A chance to journey with these three Celtic Saints whose spirituality and witness not only served the renewal of the Church but shaped the culture of the British Isles in their own day and beyond.
Romano Briton Ninian set aside his Cumbrian royal privileges to follow God’s call. After studies in Rome, on his way homeward he found his way for life in the inspiration of St. Martin in Tours. In Galloway he founded ‘Candida Casa’. From this place the message of Christ reached the known ‘ends of the the […]
Aidan travelled from the Isle of Iona to Northumberland at the request of King Oswald to bring the light of the Gospel to this land. He was known for speaking out courageously, wisely, and yet also graciously, living with simplicity and giving with extraordinary generosity to those in need. This led retreat will celebrate through […]
‘The House that John Built’ is the Northumbria Community’s telling of the lineage of the Celtic Saints, tracing the roots of this remarkable expression of the Christian faith. This retreat is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the stories and places of a succession of saints. It will also include insights into the significance of […]
An opportunity to enter imaginatively into the story of this great Northern saint through storytelling, prayer and creativity. In doing so, we may discover inspiration and courage to serve with our own gifts and in our own spheres of influence.
A led retreat which offers time and space to reflect on your own journey with Christ during this season of Lent.
Easter has always been a special time for the Community to gather. The Easter narrative draws us into Christ’s life, death & resurrection. He gives us ‐ individually and as a Community ‐ our identity, our life and our future. This is a time for all of us to explore our journey of faith and […]
As we enter the busy seasons of Advent and Christmas, this retreat offers the opportunity to prepare for the weeks ahead, to separate the trivial from the significant, and to consider again the meaning, relevance and wonder of the Annunciation and the Incarnation of Christ. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll prepare to welcome Christ into […]
*Please note. The house is only open to Trustees of the Northumbria Community this weekend.
This retreat will focus on trust as a key aspect of our faith journeys. We’ll be using a creative project to help us consider what trust means for us and in what/whom we put our trust. So, the retreat will combine times of led reflection, creative exploration, and time alone with God.
*Please note. The house is only open to Trustees of the Northumbria Community this weekend.
An opportunity to enter imaginatively into the story of this great Northern saint through storytelling, prayer and creativity. In doing so, we may discover inspiration and courage to serve with our own gifts and in our own spheres of influence.
A chance to examine how you deal with life’s drama, and to learn from the example of Jesus. We’ll look at the gospels “through conflict lenses”, exploring the tensions that Jesus faced, and what it meant for him to embrace conflict. There will also be plenty of space for personal reflection and prayer. If you […]