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.
‘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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
*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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]