29 June – 2 July (Monday to Thursday) – An Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines (Nether Springs)
An opportunity to learn about and experience some of the spiritual practices such as centring prayer, lectio divina, simplicity and walking the labyrinth. Together we will explore how they might bring a freshness and a depth to our daily lives as has been found by Christians throughout the centuries in their walk with God.
3 – 5 July (Friday to Sunday) – Music with the Northumbria Community (Nether Springs)
A joyful gathering to sing/ play Northumbria Community songs and liturgy with others. Some songs may be well-known, and others may be new to you.
(It would be helpful to know in advance if you sing or what instrument you play and whether you need music/chords or play/sing by learning through listening, and also if you have written any songs within Community ethos which you would like to share. Please put this info in the ‘Anything else you would like us to know about you?’ section of the booking form
6 – 8 July (Monday to Wednesday) – Prayer Drumming (Nether Springs)
Are you looking for a retreat that will open up a new experience of prayer and worship?
Then the prayer drumming retreat at Nether Springs may be just for you.
The retreat will be hosted by an experienced prayer drummer and will be a mixture of facilitated sessions to lead you into making the most of the weekend, and plenty of time to explore rhythm creatively.
You don’t need to have previous experience or regard yourself as a natural drummer or percussionist. The week will help you discover your rhythm. Whether you come out of curiosity, a desire to explore a new language for prayer and worship, or just for the time away, the weekend will be fun, surprising and enriching.
All equipment will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself and an openness to seek God within the context of the Community’s rhythm of the day.
10 – 12 July (Friday to Sunday) – Creative Retreat (Nether Springs)
If you are someone who loves making, creating and spending whole days making something or painting then this retreat is for you. If you love creating and in doing so, think deeply about faith and God, then this retreat is for you.
Following the rhythm of Nether Springs of prayer and worship, we will reflect on the readings for the week, explore creative activities that link with the themes as we delight in God’s presence, with like-minded people in beautiful surroundings. All materials will be provided.
Samantha Tredwell, our retreat leader, is a Companion of the Northumbria Community, loves making and creating and has led retreats at Cliff College, Scargill House and online.
13 – 16 July (Monday to Thursday) – Elements of Prayer: praying with nature (Nether Springs)
A guided retreat that explores ways to pray with nature, inspired by Celtic spirituality and the Christian contemplative practice of the Nether Springs labyrinth. An invitation to revive the soul and quiet the mind through heartfelt approaches that embody the rhythm of praying with our whole bodies, especially our fingers and feet, in sole to soul prayer.
17 – 19 July (Friday to Sunday) – Intercessory Listening Prayer (Nether Springs)
Listening. We need so badly to listen to other people, and not be so full of telling them whatever our good ideas or how right we are. When we come to God it’s the same problem… We can’t get the inner quiet to hear what He wants to show us. But there are really practical skills to learn about how to hear together. These are principles for finding what’s on God’s heart, so we can be directed in prayer and action and understanding. Beyond our fixed ideas.
It’s so crucial now to confidently lean in to listen, and receive sealed orders. Let’s explore this together.
Practical help, principles, and how to keep a record of this urgent adventure.
20 – 23 July (Monday to Thursday) – Individually Guided Retreat (IGR) Listening to the Heartbeat of God (Nether Springs)
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 daily individual support and guidance as you to draw near to Christ as his Beloved One. You may also, of course, choose to explore other themes with your retreat guide.
27 – 30 July (Monday to Thursday) – Inner/Outer Pilgrimage (Nether Springs)
This retreat involves both inner pilgrimage – a journey of inner work, silence, study, peace and rest and an opportunity for the ‘Heart alone with God’ staying full-board in an ensuite room – and outer pilgrimage. We have been working on resources to help those on retreat with their own transportation to explore the rich Christian heritage of Northumbria through outer, physical pilgrimage to nearby Celtic Sites. The Nether Springs Chapel, Poustinia, Labyrinth, gardens and woods and local country and coastal walks are available to all guests and provide time with God in Creation and space for the inner-outer pilgrimage as well.
FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE WHOLE RETREAT PROGRAMME CLICK HERE
Event type: Creativity & Interests, Exploring the Northumbria Community, Individual Guided Retreats, Rest and Restoration, Retreats at Nether Springs, Spiritual Development