Caim the Northumbria Community Newsletter

CAIM THE NORTHUMBRIA COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Issue No 10 CAIM is the Celtic word meaning encompassment or encircling. This newsletter goes out to all those who are within Autumn 1999 our circle; our Community Companions and Friends, plus those who have asked to be placed on our mailing list.

Ireland, O Ireland – A Pilgrimage culture. Following in the footsteps of Mo- laise we journeyed west from Clonmac- Roy Searle not (on this occasion) spend any length noise to Galway and then up to Sligo and “Mission starts in the home, continues out- of time in the well-marked pilgrimage onto Mullaghmore harbour where we met side the home with whoever we meet but routes of the South but along unfamiliar with a local writer. He took us out on his may also involve making a journey to be in paths of the North, discovering little boat to Inishmurray Island where Molaise the right place to be used by God at the known Celtic saints along the way. had founded a monastic site in 520 AD, Spirit’s initiative.” From the Community Rule, Dominant themes of community, recon- Availability and Vulnerability – a Way for Living. one of several he established in Ireland ciliation and mission emerged wherever Setting out with little more than a hunch throughout that period. Left alone on the we traveled, along with all the inner is- that it was time to return to a land and its uninhabited island, the silence was broken sues within our own lives that hinder or people, for whom we have continued to only by the call of the seabirds, the buzz of aid such Kingdom of God themes. pray over a number of years, six of us from the harvesting bees and Gordon’s wheez- The Falls Road, Shankill, West and East the Community (from England, Canada ing chest! Gathering around the beehive Belfast, Armagh, Portadown, Drumcree, and America), made our way across the cells and the stone altars in the monastic the Garvaghy Road, Mullaghmore, War- sea to Ireland. With an itinerary sparse on ruins, it was not hard to imagine ourselves renpoint, Rostrevor, Cranfield and Ne- definitive plans, allowing us the freedom back in time on this sacred isle, formed by wry all featured in the North, together and space to go where we felt led, we as- the Creator and founded as a place of with Glendalough, Clonmacnoise, Gal- sembled in Belfast. Three of us spent a community in prayer. way and a delightful evening stopover at delightful evening with friends of the Com- The following day we journeyed to Deven- Christ’s House at Athy in the South, the munity in the Lower Ormeau area of the ish in County Fermanagh to visit another of home of Roddy and Berni Geoghegan. city. Here we witnessed first hand an ex- Molaise’s monastic community sites. Set Seeing the impact that the early Irish ample of those who have embraced the on an island in Lough Erne, just a couple saints made upon the culture of their call to live Availability and Vulnerability in of miles up river from Enniskillen, it is just day, we looked and prayed for signs of an area renowned for its tensions. Living one of a chain of island monasteries hope and the renewal of broken altars for as Protestants in this predominantly Catho- throughout Ireland. [Those who partook or our own lives and contemporary cultures. lic area, and despite being scared by the read about the Shannon Boat pilgrimage Would the same Holy Spirit who inspired troubles, Ken and Claire have chosen to back in 1997 will recall their significance such profound change within the con- live in the Lower Ormeau community, with spiritually]. Many of the foundational de- sciousness of people in times past, touch their young son, Danny. With the Peace crees Molaise laid down for the communi- and transform our lives and those of our Process fragile, the threat of unresolved ties he founded under God, have rele- contemporaries in today’s culture? As issues undermining progress, and the vance for the Northumbria Community to- the gospel brought the fruits of peace, marching season imminent, the atmos- day: Committed at the core and loose justice and community then, would it phere within parts of the Province was around the edges, huge diversity but with a bring hope and healing now? As we tense. Returning to our friend Stephen’s common unity of heart, geographically dis- journeyed, prayed, argued, studied, house near Stormont, a late night phone persed but one community, stability and laughed, ate and drank we were forcibly call began the realisation of why we were spontaneity, disciplined yet reckless and reminded that the problems that were in Ireland. I was invited to share at one of full of adventure. These communities, perceived to be ‘out there’ resonated the churches in the city the following morn- rooted in a diverse monastic spirituality, deep within our own lives. Personal, so- ing. During this time I was privileged to had a profound impact on Irish culture for cial, cultural, ecclesiastical differences speak, share some of our prayers and litur- generations. We value the journey of were evident among our small group and gies, meet, listen and pray with some of those who have gone before us not by rep- we were to find in our being together that the people deeply involved in the Peace licating them but by learning from them. our unity in Christ and our being Commu- Process. I was stirred within by the heart, Again, as at Inishmurray, we were able to nity was something that required much depth of feeling and understanding that the close our eyes and imagine the past. My grace and humility! pastor expressed in his moving sermon to contemplation was however pleasantly in- We drew much inspiration from the life of the congregation. What happened as a terrupted at this point by the sound (and St. Molaise, a 6th Century Irish monk result of that morning service, was to lay whose life and work influenced and (Continued on page 6) the foundations and provide a clear indica- shaped many individuals and the society tor for our time in Ireland. Each conversa- of his day. The monastic communities tion and encounter led us further along a he founded played a significant role in path that was to see us pray and visit peo- the shaping of Irish culture and provides ple and places of historical and contempo- for us a valuable model as we continue rary significance, and engage us inwardly to pioneer a Way for Living as believers and outwardly on a journey that drew us in our changing, transient contemporary closer to God and to one another. We did Mission Initiatives also envisage the Community's potential EDITORIAL Roy Searle involvement in a number of arts festivals, Welcome to the Autumn edition of CAIM Then to be available for participation in including the opportunities to share as the newsletter of the Northumbria mission of various kinds according to Christians, at some new age events. Community. Once again we have tried to the calling and initiatives of the Spirit. Glastonbury, both the Festival and the include in this issue as Mission cannot be seen in isolation from Abbey will see teams from the Commu- many contributions as we the Way of Life God has called us to em- nity sharing at the events planned for can from the wider Com- brace and the danger of highlighting spe- next year. Plans are underway to take a munity, as it remains very cific events is to minimise the ongoing mis- Community team on the road to Scotland important to reflect sion being fulfilled in the everyday, ordinary for a week presenting Celtic Fire in vari- through the pages of our journeying of Community Companions and ous places; Edinburgh, Fife, Perthshire, newsletter the fact that we are so wonder- Friends. However there are some planned the Moray Firth and the Black Isle. We fully diverse, so widely dispersed. How- opportunities from praying, to planning and are also in the early stages of preparing ever, we can only include that which is going, where more Community folk can be for a team to go out to Canada and North sent to the Editor and thus far only a small involved. America in the autumn. We also antici- percentage of our Community Companions CELTIC FIRE. pate being involved with the developing have contributed in this way. We realise Telling the story of the Celtic Saints in storytelling network that is growing that as CAIM is primarily a newsletter song, story, dance and music with associ- throughout the country. Greenbelt, back which seeks to provide insight, information ated workshops in schools, arts venues, to its August Bank Holiday weekend will and hopefully inspiration in regard to the cathedrals and churches is moving beyond again see Community folk participating. life and work of the Northumbria Commu- its early embryonic stages to going on the Together with these events, through nity, each issue will always have very simi- road and touring cathedrals in the next workshops, seminars and missions, we lar ingredients but as the following theo- couple of years. have commitments to pilgrimages, logical statement shows, the changing of SPRING HARVEST. churches, conferences, retreat houses, emphasis from time to time is important . The Community will be leading the worship colleges, and other communities. The ‘Heaven is an English home, an American at next year’s Spring Harvest. This will be Community is on the road, carrying the salary, a Chinese cook and a Japanese for weeks 2 and 3 at Minehead which is torch of the gospel wherever the Fa- wife. Hell is a Japanese house, a Chinese entitled A Royal Banquet. The dates are ther leads. salary, an English cook and an American Wednesday 19 – Monday 24 and Monday wife.’ So to keep the balance right we 24 – Friday 28 April, 2000. The theme for need your news snippets, your articles to the weeks focus is on the person of Jesus challenge both head and heart, your reflec- as revealed in John’s gospel, a theme that Report on tions on the journey we share together, has been close to the heart of the Commu- Communities along with relevant book reviews and Com- nity and particularly to those engaged in Conference munity happenings in your area. It will be the research project on the Johannine tra- Noel Bevan good to hear from you! dition. On July 31st the Northumbria Commu- HEARTLAND and ON THE EDGE nity prayed for this event in the Prayer Next year the Community will be involved Guide under the title ‘the Network of specifically in three cities in the North of Christian Communities Conference.' It Journeying with the England, with teams, groups and individu- was the first time that our Community Northumbria als sharing in a variety of ways under the had been represented at this Assembly Community auspices of Heartland and On the Edge. and I was give a very warm welcome. It A booklet with the above title is available Working with believers from different had a very comprehensive composition on request from the Community Office. It church backgrounds in both church and and included representatives from resi- is designed for those wishing to explore cultural settings we will be participating in dential communities, from centres of what it will mean in actual practice to mission in Hull, Doncaster and Bradford in mission , reconciliation, retreat, healing, become a Companion or Friend of the the heart of the cities and on the urban arts and crafts; one sister from a con- Northumbria Community. A brief outline of fringes. It is hoped to have a number of vent: network communities like Northum- the background and formation of the Community folk praying and working with bria; and individuals who give vital per- Community, as well as its vocation and others from the Community in sharing the sonal support. Speakers included vision is followed by an explanation of the life we embrace together in Christ in these Therese Vanier, sister of Jean Vanier process required of those considering urban, city settings, building on the rela- who founded the L’Arche Communities, journeying with the Community. tionships that have been formed with peo- Colin Craig, leader at Corremeala, North- ple over recent years. ern Ireland, and Paddy Lane, Secretary CATHEDRALS and ABBEYS, of The Retreat Association who helped Nether Springs FESTIVALS and us consider the future of NACCAN. At Phyl Blockley TOURS the AGM the various Officers were ap- Keep the laughter bubbling up, Seeking to be obedient to the leading of pointed and several members added to Like Nether Springs in rain the Spirit we are excited at the prospects the co-ordinating team. My wife, Wendy, Keep the love of listening hearts and potential of sharing at a number of was elected to this body and would be Like our Lord’s, remain. cathedrals and abbeys in the coming year glad to receive any concerns from you to throughout Britain. Continue to pray for bring to their meeting on October l9th. Keep the tears in jars of clay Adrian Snell and Murray Watts, together Like oil which soothes the pain. with Bible Society for the requiem, The Cry Keep the hope of heavenly peace; that will be on tour from next autumn. We Till we come again.

2 BOOK REVIEWS James Hawes of Hetton followed by Liz Charles of Lyd- ney review two very important and highly recommended books, the first fairly new, the other reprinted. Christi- Anarchy – Dave Andrews Published by Lion at £6.99 Modernity, Postmodernity, Post- Evangeli- cal and now a book on Post-Christianity, Yes I suppose it had to come! Christianity is past its sell by date, so Dave Andrews asserts in his new book - Christi–Anarchy. The 90's has thrown up many disturbing questions for Christians and the Church; in fact you could say Christianity is facing an identity crisis. One such question is ‘what is Church?’. Instead of painfully embracing the question in a fast moving culture it has generally responded by seeking to be predates the Imperial Christian tradition. the Roman Church. This book would be relevant, trendy and fast moving with new A Centred Set perspective which he valuable whoever wrote it but it carries movements and gimmicks on a regular terms Christi-Anarchy. He doesn't aim to more hope, more significance because of basis. The problem however is that the create another tradition but simply sug- the status of its author. If a cleric (of any seasoned Church consumer has chosen to gests that its not the Church, not charis- denomination) can think like this and still shop elsewhere, desperately wanting matic leaders, not systems, not for- remain in post there is surely hope for the Christ but not the baggage, structures and mula's, not new strategies and projects Church! The book is subtitled ‘Two Jour- subculture that goes with it. or new gimmicks but Christ (who is neys of Spiritual Discovery’. It takes us on This book is heretical, (must be sound!) greater than Christianity), who should be an arduous physical journey on foot from radical and provocatively written by an ac- at the centre. This is a way of life, a way Glasgow to Rome, 1760 kilometers away. tivist who practices what he preaches and of compassion, a way of suffering he The second journey is the one we are has a dream of people living their lives in advocates for all communities of faith more familiar with – the inner journey of the the light of Christ and calls us to a life of and which has huge parallels with our soul. The venture was prompted by a compassion worked out in the whole of our own Community’s ethos. Where comment from a student during his days as lives. Mostly the book is a practical note- boundaries are unclear and messy at the a University Chaplain in the mid ‘70’s: ‘You book of advice, information, illustrations, edges, where love is the central mes- don’t know who you are’. At the end of the and real life examples of how and why we sage, subversion is the method, and liv- journey he does not claim some victory of should live a Christ centred life. ing compassionately is the lifestyle. self-discovery, but rather that the comment Andrews begins his argument by decon- NB Such has been the impact of this book no longer disturbs him. He accepts his structing Church history, illustrating how that Jenni Crisp, a Community Companion ignorance as part of the human condition. from Newcastle, has asked if any other read- the Church and the State through Colonial- ers of Caim would be interested in being part In this book you will find much with which ism and Mission unified to create systems of a reading group to we are familiar as a Community. The spirit that basically abused people, native cul- read and study it of peregrinatio, vulnerability and availabil- tures, traditions and the land. How these together. They ity, doubt and darkness and plenty of the Cultures and Structures that have been would meet from heretical imperative (although I doubt he constructed around the system of Christi- time to time perhaps had ever heard of such jargon!) It is fre- anity has become central rather than at the Nether quently humorous and very easy to read. Christ. He calls this structure 'Closed set’ Springs for this pur- His honesty is compelling and leads me to which creates clear boundaries, a precise pose. If you are feel that this is someone who is travelling interested you can and clear message but often reduces contact Jenni on the same road as I am – a companion on Christ to a formula. (For Evangelicals 'The 0191 2403496. the way. He concludes with this prayer. If Sinners Prayer’ becomes the pass-word to you resonate with this I think that you will enter into this set.) Andrews quotes Gan- In Search of a Way – Gerard Hughes. enjoy the book. ‘Lord save us from every dhi as saying about Jesus “I believe he Published by DLT at £7.95. form of certainty which can rob us of this belongs not to Christianity but to the entire A few months ago I heard a GP give a precious ignorance. Help us to keep world". Thus people asking the question presentation to a conference. It was searching after you, our way, until we ‘What is Church?' are often disillusioned inspirational not only because of his vi- reach the end of our pilgrimage, when with the gap between what is preached sion (which was in no way unique), en- every tear will be wiped away and we shall and what is practised. The Church is full of thusiasm and dedication, but also be- know you, our God, as you are and in you bible believing Christians but do they do cause of who he was – a doctor. That is be at one with ourselves, with all men, and what the Bible says? Is it possible to live what made it so unusual. He could see with all creation’. out the ideals of Christ? There is a real beyond the limits of his own professional longing for authenticity, a deep yearning to boundaries and training. It gave the talk bring belief and behaviour together. An- an added dimension and appeal; the drews answer to these questions is sim- person had not been subsumed by the ple - you need to be prepared to suffer to role. There is a parallel with Gerard live like Christ. He proposes that we need Hughes’ book. Here is a Jesuit priest, an to rediscover the tradition of anarchism that establishment figure, a representative of

3 POETS CORNER PPILGRIMAGESILGRIMAGES RRESEARCHESEARCH Anne Cope of Leeds writes of images remembered from a candlelit compline while at Nether Springs 2000 Over ninety folk from very diverse back- this summer, and also a visit to Holy Island. Pilgrimages and wanderings have al- grounds gathered for a day conference in Candlelit Compline ways featured in the life of the Commu- July at Newcastle University as part of the In the quieting dusk nity. Several folk are currently exploring research project we have been undertak- The compline bell calls; the possibilities of journeying next year to ing on the Johannine Tradition. Stephen I walk in silent meditation a number of places. If you would be in- Barton from Durham was the keynote Towards the single candle terested in joining such a venture or if speaker for the day and several of the re- Flickering at the Chapel door. you are aware of other pilgrimages that search core group members presented Community folk would be interested in and led workshops. Some of the papers Inside the darkening sanctuary please contact us at the Community Of- and research findings will hopefully be Twin rows of tiny night lights fice. We will plan to publish further de- available for publication at a later date. Guide my steps tails of happenings next year in the De- Anne Dyer who has been coordinating the Towards the community of worship, cember issue of Caim. It is envisaged research programme for the last year is Gathered in the warm gentleness that among the places we will be going to going on to do further research, studying Of candle-glow. include Ireland – North and South, Scot- for an MA. Pray for her in the new chal- Your word is a lamp to my feet land, Wales, Cornwall, France and lenges and opportunities ahead. And a light to my path. throughout Northumbria. Drawing me in to meet with You again In the midst of Your people. CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY COUNCIL And as I sit in the after-silence, The Community Council together with the Trustees serve the Community in a variety of I see again the candle path ways and support the leaders in the responsibilities of seeking to be obedient to the call of Leading now towards the open door God upon the Community's life and vision. \reformed this year, the Council meets quar- Where unknown things to come terly for a weekend at Nether Springs. The current Council members are: Wait their time Bob Ainsley, Midlands; Geoff Boston, Teesside; Dave Callow, Cumbria; Liz Charles, In the darkness. Forest of Dean; Norma Charlton, Tyneside; Dave Hay, Weardale; Steve Hartley, Cumbria; Your word is a lamp to my feet Anne Hewson, Cheshire; Amund Karner, Aberdeen; Lesley Killen, South Yorkshire; And a light to my path Trevor Miller, Nether Springs; Paul Moore, Essex; Pam Pott, London; Andy Raine, Drawing me out to meet with You again Lindisfarne; Jonathan Roe, Humberside; Roy Searle, Northumberland; Jeff Sutheran, In the midst of Your world. Northumberland; Bill Whitfield, Northumberland; Anne Wadey, London; Joanna Winston, Midlands; Mike Wright, Manchester. The Way to TRUSTEES Lindisfarne The current Northumbria Community Trustees are;

When the tide recedes Bill Clementson, Newton Aycliffe; Dominic De Saulles, Cardiff; Gordon Joice, Sedbergh; You can follow the road Pete Ross, Manchester and Jackie Urwin, Tyneside. Across the sea To Lindisfarne. Complementary Community Leadership And you'll see the poles As they lead away To mark the path That pilgrims tread.

The road is metalled, Clear and broad Across the bay sands By the grass dunes' edge.

Tall pilgrim poles Will guide you sea-shod Through quicksand, rock, weed Out into the bay.

So travel the road In comfort and ease To arrive with convenience At Lindisfarne car park.

Or walk with the pilgrims, Leave the road behind, Spend time, carry risk Roy on a bad day Trevor on a good day To reach the Holy Island.

4 A WALK WITH of The Cheviot, in retrospect it wasn't the YYouou Are Very GOD highlight of my journey. The highlight Special Rob Kelsey of Newcastle writes of lessons learned on was the fact that God had been with me An anonymous article with an important message a recent retreat. In all the world there is nobody. nobody Clergy are encouraged to go on retreat throughout the journey. This taught me quite like you. Since the beginning of time once a year. A retreat is a period of time that the major incidents and achieve- there has never been another person like spent mostly in silence, which gives the op- ments of our lives are often, in truth, inci- you. Nobody has your smile, your eyes, portunity to reflect on one's spiritual life dental. The main thing is that God is your hands, your hair. Nobody owns your and to give more time and space to God. with us throughout our lives. And a life handwriting, your voice. You're Special. Christ himself often withdrew from the hus- lived in the presence of God is better Nobody can paint your brushstrokes. No- tle and bustle of his earthly ministry. than a life full of achievements. body has exactly your taste for food or mu- This year I decided to go on a walking re- Finally, my walking retreat has 'put flesh sic or dance or art. Nobody in the universe treat. Rather than stay in a retreat house, I on' my journey of faith. I used a form of sees things as you do. spent five days walking, usually for about daily prayer, and the words, 'Bless to us, In all time there has never been anyone ten hours a day. I camped for the first O God, the moon that is above us, the who laughs in exactly your way, and what three nights, with the 'high point' being The earth that is beneath us . . .' (said last makes you laugh or cry or think may have Cheviot on the fourth day. I spent my last thing at night) and, 'O God of love, . . . a totally different response in another. So - night at Hetton Hall, the Mother House, shine into our hearts like the rising you're Special. You're different from any near Wooler, of the Northumbria Commu- sun . . .' (said first thing in the morning) other person who has ever lived in the his- nity. It was a wonderful experience. I was seemed more vital and alive because I tory of the universe. You are the only one very much alone, and yet I know that God was sleeping outdoors. Having twisted in the whole creation who has your particu- was with me, helping me on my way. On my ankle on the first day, I was only too lar set of abilities. There is always some- each of the first three days I felt tired to- glad to say a prayer each morning which one who is better at one thing or another. wards the end of the day, and doubted that included the words, 'May we, this day Every person is your superior in at least I would reach my destination. But I found and all our life, walk without stumbling one way. Nobody in the universe can my strength renewed sufficiently to carry along the way which you have set before reach the quality of the combination of on. The weather was generally on my us.' In the middle of the day I prayed, your talents, your feelings. Like a roomful side, and on several occasions things ‘ . . . guide us on our pilgrimage of faith, of musical instruments some might excel in turned out 'just right' for me. that we may walk with him who is the one way or another but nobody can match I remember sitting on the top of a hill near way, the truth, and the life.' the symphonic sound when all are played The Cheviot, bathed in sunshine, while In future, when I hear phrases such as together. Your symphony. clouds hung in the sky above the hills all 'journey of faith' or 'spiritual pilgrimage', Through all eternity no one will ever walk, around. Did God make the sun shine on they will have a deeper meaning for me. talk, think or do exactly like you. You're me? I rather doubt it. And yet it felt natural Soon after I returned from my walking Special. You're rare and in all rarity there at that moment to thank God for his good- retreat I heard the story of the call of is enormous value and because of your ness. I might have felt a great sense of Abram (Genesis 12): Now the Lord said great value the need for you to imitate any- achievement at the end of it all, but I'm well to Abram, "Go from your country .. to the one else is absolutely wrong. You're Spe- aware that, had the weather turned nasty, land that I will show you." . so Abram . cial and it is no accident you are. Please it might all have ended in failure. Although set forth to go to the land of Canaan. ... realise that God made you for a special I know that God was helping me along, I From there he moved on to the hill coun- purpose. He has a job for you to do that also know that, at the same time, try on the east of Bethel, and pitched his nobody else can do as well as you can. I had to make the journey under my own tent. ... And Abram journeyed on by Out of the billions of applicants only one is steam. There were no angels to carry me. stages.' In my mind's eye I pictured qualified. Only one has the unique and And this teaches me that, in our daily lives, Abram walking in the Cheviot hills. right combination of what it takes and that God works 'with the grain'. He gives us one is You. You're very Special. comfort, not by sitting us down in a comfy See, I have engraved you on the palms chair, but by helping us to keep of my hands. Isaiah 49:16 going. And often the ways in which God helps us can only be recognised with the eyes of faith. AAnnualnnual Retreat Towards the end of the second day I wanted to get to the top of Simonside. At All Community Companions and Friends Charitable Status one point I decided to leave the path and are encouraged to build into their lives in North America walk straight across the moorland. I an Annual private retreat at the Nether Plans are proceeding with a view to incor- thought a direct route would be quicker. Springs. This would be a time of porate the Northumbria Community Trust But it was very hard going underfoot, reflection, of quiet and waiting upon God as a legal body in both the USA and Can- across boggy ground and springy heather. with individual direction. Many of you ada. This is a complex procedure but we This taught me that, although we some- already do this and know its benefits feel one that is worthwhile because of the times learn a great deal by working things and blessing. Also to participate in one growing interest in the Community from out for ourselves, at other times it's simply of the many Led Retreats we are North America. Once complete it will en- hard work. Sometimes it's easier and bet- running in the coming months, details of able those people from the States and ter to follow in the footsteps of those which are in the current programme Canada who wish to contribute to the who've gone before us. This applies, of which is availabable from the Commu- Community’s life and work to have tax ex- course, to the journey of faith, as well as to nity Office. emption. Thanks to Bob Hammond and walking in the countryside. Norman Lea for initial hard work.

Although I was mighty glad to reach the top 5 NNEWSEWS FROM publications list. Meanwhile, an updated O Ireland CLOISTERS list of what is currently available is en- (Continued from page 1) Ian Corsie. closed. You will see that we now have with eyes now wide open), at the sight of Celtic Daily Prayer CD the facility to accept payment by Credit the only other visitors to the island, the This has proved amazingly successful with card. Northern Ireland finalists for the coveted over 400 copies sold in two months and Christmas Cards and Calender 2000 Rose of Tralee beauty contest! One of before the main promotion gets under way Once again we are making available many lighter and pleasurable moments on in September. It has nearly paid for its through Cloisters a range of Christmas our pilgrimage. [I hope Ms Antrim won!] costs and will soon be making a real contri- Cards and a Calender for the coming We ended our time, as we’d begun, back in bution to Community funds. We have re- year. Please see the enclosed order Belfast after spending our last evening in ceived many favourable comments on its form. Ireland relaxing with Stephen at his cottage quality and content. If you haven’t yet pur- Cloisters Team in Cranfield by the Mountains of Mourne. chased a copy for yourself, please con- Carey Miller is having to give up the task With two hours before our ferry departed sider doing so. And how about sending of Cloisters general factotum as she now we went to the Petals of Hope exhibition at them as Christmas presents to friends and has her hands full with 13 month old Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. relatives; it’s much easier than trying to Connor and another baby due in Octo- The visit to the exhibition was one of the find a form of words to explain what the ber. She has been an invaluable mem- highlights of our time and left a deep im- Community is all about! Order your copies ber of the team (and we hope she will pression upon me that has further deep- by using the enclosed Cloisters Books and find the time to do some more designs ened my own and I trust the Community's Music Mail Order Form. The RRP in the for us). Ellen Niven will now take on her heart and commitment to Ireland. shops is £12.99, so the mail order price of tasks (in addition to her duties in the After the Omagh bombing in 1998 floral £11.50 repre- Community Office). tributes were left for the people of the town sents a real from all over the world. The flowers had saving. An au- been collected and used in the artwork diotape version exhibition that featured hand made paper will be available decorated with the flowers, petals and later in the year, leaves. Under the guidance of a Christian as will a music Impressions of textile designer many individuals and sheet booklet. An A4 colour leaflet pro- Nether Springs groups worked on the artworks. They are moting the CD is now available. Getting and Upper Springs powerful reflections and tokens of their the CD into individual Christian bookshops Many folk find inspiration and space grieving and care. In some of the exhibits and other outlets up and down the country whilst visiting the Nether Springs at Het- olive leaves sent from Nairobi, could be is a big task for the small Cloisters team; if ton Hall or the heart of Upper Springs on seen. Originating in Italy, children had sent you can take a leaflet and letter into your Holy Island to put down their thoughts, the leaves as a symbol of love, support, local outlet it would ensure it gets into the feelings and impressions in poetry, prose friendship and prayer after the explosion at right hands. Please let us know if you can or pictures. Many others would do so the American Embassy there. A mission- help in this way. given some spur to action! We have it in ary from Nairobi sent some of the leaves to Combined Office Book mind to make a collection of such im- Omagh with the same sentiments echoed. HarperCollins, the publishers of ‘Celtic pressions, Their inclusion in the exhibits stand as a Daily Prayer’ and ‘Celtic Night Prayer’ in- making them lasting testament to the thousands around tend to combine the two books into one available in the world who have stood with the people high quality softback edition later next year some form if of Ireland in their prayers. I pray God, we (giving it the look and feel of a quality they deserve as a Community continue to stand with the prayer book) and a team is currently look- a wider audi- people of Ireland in our prayers and inter- ing hard at all the detail of the present ence to con- cessions. books to see what needs improvement. If vey in out- Seamus Heaney, the poet, dedicated the you have any thoughts or comments, this ward form following words to the people of Omagh. is a good time to send them in (address something of They sum up our prayer and hope for Ire- them to Ian Corsie). Don’t worry that the the inward journey undergone by so land: So hope for a great sea change liturgies and prayers will cease to be avail- many who visit the Nether Springs and on the far side of revenge able in cheaper paperback form; as Daily/ Upper Springs. So you budding poets, Believe that a further shore is reachable from here Night Prayer go out of print in their present authors and artists; brush off those ideas Believe in miracles and cures and form, they will be replaced with a series of and submit them to Ian Corsie c/o the healing wells. paperback extracts from the combined Nether Springs by the end of December. NB For those who wish to have a copy of David book (probably: the liturgies and complines If you have some unusual, arty or highly McMillan’s sermon which addresses some of the issues for daily use plus the meditations; liturgies effective photos (prints or transparen- facing the people of Northern Ireland, please send a and prayers for special occasions; year by cies) which are your own, please let us cheque for £3.50 [payable to: Northumbria Community year collections of daily readings). have a look (but not ‘holiday snaps’ or Trust] to cover all costs. Also those who wish to increase Publications List people shots please). their understanding of the situation in the North of Ire- Thanks to those of you who volunteered land should consider subscribing to The Lion and the your services after seeing the request for Greenhouse Wanted Lamb published quarterly by ECONI. Contact ECONI writing and editorial help in the last Caim. Anyone able to give the above for the Nether Howard House, 1 Brunswick Street, Belfast, BT2 7GE. We now have a team of folk who are work- Springs Garden, please contact the Community Office. Dismantling and collection no problem. ing on various ideas and projects which we hope will form the basis of an expanded 6 BEWARE OF THE ABBOT Reflections on a TThehe Telling Place Community Group at Greenbelt Hugh Barnett Weekend Susie Minto Alun and Mary Brookfield of Swindon write Greenbelt 99. Hot and steamy outside. As a group, we had spent a weekend Great for camping - but who stole the together at Nether Springs the previous breeze? However, of much more import year and everyone was keen to go back. was what was happening inside to capture Not even a 7-hour car journey could put the imagination - and one ‘inside’ in par- us off! The Swindon Community Group ticular: the storytelling tent which, once attended a private led retreat at Nether again, became nominated by those who Springs during March 1999. It was great flocked to it as the most compelling venue, to have fun and fellowship around the not least aesthetically. No doubt, one dining table, and to allow the peaceful could tell stories in a cardboard box or a atmosphere surrounding Hetton Hall to bus shelter and soon have the listeners so

refresh us. The sessions were led by absorbed they would forget where they Trevor Miller under the title "Alone were. But add a few hundred yards of Together - what it means to be part of a flowing fabrics in gentle colours, weave dispersed community". We were them into a roof and walls, drop in a soft reminded that what we believe shows covering of furry carpeting, some ‘peel me itself in how we live; that where you are a grape’ style cushions and a few zany Your wine Father Abbot, is where you belong; that the Christian chairs and you have much more than a is simply out of this world. faith is a journey without maps. space for people to hear and tell a few Knowledge should lead to a teachable stories. It becomes a total experience of hearing, seeing, telling, listening but espe- FINANCE spirit; understanding to responding with Trevor Miller insight; wisdom to seeing with cially BEING. It is impossible to do justice A Companion of our Community has re- discernment; and that we are the here to the artistic creations of Pam Pott cently told me that she will soon be able to Northumbria Community, seeking to live and her team - so you will have to take my give the Community a substantial cash gift the Rule even though we live 340 miles word for it or ask to see the photos! It is following an insurance pay out. She had away. It was affirming to us to know that also well nigh impossible to describe or been greatly taken by a leaflet she had just it doesn't matter whether or not anyone received from the Courage Trust which comes to the Mother House of the reported that an individual person had Community - we exist to seek God pledged a sum of money with one condi- wherever we are. We were very pleased tion. It was that they would match the giv- that the tides that weekend made it ing of others and more. So that for every possible for us to worship at St Mary's on £10 given by others this person would give Holy Island on the Sunday morning, and a further £50. She asked whether or not that was an added bonus to our time critique the spectrum of thought-provoking we could do that with the wider Commu- there. We thoroughly recommend this discussions, awesome telling extravagan- nity. It was and is very tempting but my type of weekend to all Community zas - for example all of Esther and most of reply was that those who have a heart to Groups - it really strengthens the bonds Mark - and inspiring workshops and oppor- give, be it £5, £50 or 50p will already have between the group itself, and between tunities for both tellers and listeners which given without such an incentive. Perhaps I the group and the Mother House. were brought together into three days of am wrong! In some ways it would be good On April 15th we celebrated our 3rd stimulating activity under the Bible Soci- to be wrong because what is abundantly birthday as a Community Group (with ety’s partnership with the Northumbria clear is that we urgently need to increase plenty of wine and pizza!) and are glad to Community in the Open Book project. our regular covenanted giving simply to have one another's continual support on There is something eternally compelling live week by week, as well as receive the the journey. If any Caim readers live in about sitting next to another human being necessary resources to begin to pay off or around the Swindon area, we would and sharing a story and, as the millennium debts that have been with us since the be very pleased to see you at our group turns and many people ask many ques- early days of the Community’s life. Her meetings. They're always on the 15th of tions about how far information technology generosity will help us to begin to do this, the month, whatever day of the week that will take over our lives, my vote is securely but it remains our hope and dream to see falls on, at 7.30pm at 16 Fairholm Way, in the camp of the storyteller. I want to this year as a year of Jubilee, so that we Upper Stratton, Swindon (01793 825658). retain all that is real and naturally creative can begin a new year, a new decade, a in me and in you so that, together, we can new millennium debt free. If you can help listen and tell, teach and heal, encourage in any way please contact the Finance and excite through the power of story. Office at the Nether Springs. If you haven’t had a chance to experience this yet, find out from the Telling Place BOOK AMNESTY office at the Nether Springs or ask at your As we have many library books particularly from the reference section at Nether Springs local library or arts centre where storytel- currently unreturned, would it be possible for ling may be happening near you. Each one should give what they have you to check whether or not you have Hearing is believing! decided in their heart to give, not reluc- overlooked any such books, and if so could tantly or under compulsion, for God you please return them. We would be very loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7 grateful.

7 What's on? Some happenings Sat Oct 9th – Celtic Spirituality Day NOTICE at St Bede's Centre York. Sat Oct 16th – Youth Worship Day with BOARD Leicester Diocese Sat Oct 23rd - Storytelling Workshop at Manchester. Nazarene college. The notice board is more about persons than about ideas. It is an opportunity for Sat Oct 23rd Community Gathering at Companions and Friends to write in to the Editor, with news snippets, prayer Manchester (Venue to be confirmed) requests and updates of happenings across the Community family. Sun 7th 14th 21st Nov – Community Team at Stocksfield. Sat 13th Nov – Celtic Fire at Hexham John Hopper of Dunfermline became for 20 years, was able to represent Sat 20th Nov- Storytelling workshop at the proud Grandfather of Aaron John the Community at a Conference on Bath. in July. Iona in late August. The conference Sat 8th January 2000, Community Gath- considered Base Christian Commu- Natasha Rumientseva, a Community ering at Bradford. St Christophers C of E, Companion from St Petersburg, who is nities in Eastern Europe (and what Holmewood. 11am to 4pm. spending a second period of time at the we can learn from them) with repre- For further information about these and Nether Springs until the end of Sep- sentatives from 8 countries as well as other events please contact the Commu- tember, is hoping to extend her stay in the UK. Those interested in the out- nity office. On 01289 388235. the UK until mid November. She has put from the Conference can write to Norman c/o the Community Office. applied to the Simon Community in London which specialises in working PRAYER CORNER Community with the young homeless and addicted. Robin and Karen Noad of Hetton Groups This will give Natasha invaluable ex- Hall have had to fly back to the If you would like more information about perience of working in the inner city States in early September having re- Community Groups; please contact: with people whose problems are simi- ceived news of the sudden death of Norma Charlton at 84, Kells Lane, lar to those of the many young people Karen’s younger sister Sheri in tragic Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 5XY. in St Petersburg. circumstances. Pray for much wisdom in this situation, especially Ken and Norma Wise of Newton GGIFTIFT OF BOOKS Aycliffe have been able to arrange the about the future of Sheri’s children aged 14 and 10. We are delighted to have received the gift gift of a car to the Nether Springs. Al- of some excellent books for the library at though it is very old (X registration, Pray for God’s peace and comfort for Nether Springs from Community Compan- yes that old) it has a very low mileage Justin and Joy Dunne of Wakefield ion Iain Collins of York. Good books are and is generally in decent condition. It who are grieving the loss of their always gratefully received for the library is very timely because the Mother first baby Hannah who was still and for the research work we are currently House is in desperate need of reliable born. undertaking. Pray for Iain and his family transport. Living in such an isolated Pray for those known to you who are as he prepares to go home to be with the place with no public transport at all, having to undergo intensive tests, ra- Lord following his battle with cancer over necessitates reliability above all. A diotherapy and other long term treat- the last few years. good example of this is the fact that ment. We think especially of Bill (often 2 or 3 times each week) people Whitfield of Wooler and Sally coming on retreat have to be picked up Pringle of Farnham and thank God MAILING LIST from and taken to Berwick Railway for positive results. Pray also for REVIEW We now send CAIM to 1300 people, all of station, a double round trip of 64 miles Kitty Hay of Andover at this time. each time. This is only one of the whom have taken the initiative over the many transport tasks required each years to ask to be placed on our mailing week. We could really do with a mini list. We realise that it is a fact of life that bus or a bigger car as well. Can you for many an initial interest is not help? maintained, largely because of commitments to other aspects of the David and Corinne Pearson and their Lord‘s work. If you are in this category it family have felt it right to remain in INTERCESSORS the States a further two years, to con- would greatly help us in so many ways, if If you wish to know more about how you you asked to be taken off the mailing list. tinue David‘s employment. They live can be part of this vital ministry, please in Cincinnati, Ohio. A note or a phone call to the Community telephone:-Norma Wise of Newton Office would suffice. Thanks to all who Norman Lea of Toronto, who has Aycliffe on: 01325 312930. been studying Christian Communities have taken the time to do this.

Nether Springs, Hetton Hall, Chatton, Northumberland, NE66 5SD DESIGN & LAYOUT Tel: 01289 388235 Fax:01289 388510 E-mail: [email protected] Ruth Miller