31 August – 3 September (Monday to Thursday) – Celtic Saints: St. Aidan (Nether Springs)
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 story, liturgy and a Tuesday morning pilgrimage to Holy Island and Bamburgh, the example of St Aidan for missional living today, that we might follow in his footsteps.
4 – 6 September (Friday to Sunday) – The Art of Spiritual Writing: Discovering your most authentic writing… and more about yourself on the way (Nether Springs)
Come and discover the art of spiritual writing, writing about our spiritual lives and writing from that deep reflective place inside each of us. We will explore how to write about our own spiritual journeys, past, present and future, and map those areas of unique individual interest to us. We will discover the value of writing meditative and reflective work, the benefits of writing for therapy and prayer and explore good journaling practices and daily writing.
This retreat will suit the novice as well as existing writers.
7 – 10 September (Monday to Thursday) – Individually Guided Retreat (IGR) Being Who You Are (Nether Springs)
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 such questions as: What helps you to be more the person you believe God has made you to be? What is squeezing you into a mould and hindering you from being who you really are? How well do the roles you play, and the responsibilities you carry, fit with the person you are? You may also, of course, choose to explore other themes with your retreat guide.
11 – 13 September (Friday to Sunday) – Ecology and Habitat Creation Retreat (Nether Springs)
Come with hearts and hands to help us shape and nurture thriving habitats at Nether Springs. Our activities might include: maintaining a wildflower meadow, planting a native hedge or making nest boxes for bats, birds and insects. We aim to increase biodiversity and support our target species conservation goals (native bees and spotted flycatchers) supported by our A Rocha partnership. There will also be space for shared learning and meditating on Creation.
14 – 17 September (Monday to Thursday) – I Still and Quiet My Soul ~ Psalm 131 (Nether Springs)
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 and a final reflection time. It is simply time to come and be yourself.
25 – 27 September (Friday to Sunday) – Lord, I have no idea where I am going…’ *(Nether Springs)
A guided retreat offering time and space for gentle personal reflection on your journey with Christ, featuring opportunities to use creative collage to explore both Celtic spirituality and the insightful wisdom of Thomas Merton.
*Quote by Thomas Merton from the Meditation for Day 23 in Celtic Daily Prayer Book 2
FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE WHOLE RETREAT PROGRAMME CLICK HERE
Event type: Celtic Sites & Saints, Individual Guided Retreats, Rest and Restoration, Retreats at Nether Springs, Spiritual Development