The Northumbria Community Newsletter CAIM How Shall We Sing the Lord’S Song in a Strange Land?

Issue 42 Autumn 2007 The Northumbria Community Newsletter CAIM How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee CAIM is the Celtic word meaning O Lord

‘encompassment’ ooking at the history of or ‘encircling’ L monasticism, it’s possible to see how often God raised up such movements as a call to his people to Inside this issue: return to him, to recover something Spiritual 1 that was lost or which had been Formation neglected—and to reorder lives in the light of the gospel. Prague 2 Thinking about the new wave of monasticism Community that is spreading across the world, I am drawn Gatherings 2 to the story in Luke 15 and the image of the ‘watching father’ welcoming home Becoming a his Prodigal Son. His son had been away in a ‘far country’. Companion 4 I believe that one of the reasons we are being called to embrace our new Northern Light monastic vocation and to live missionally in a changing world is to embrace that report 4 call to ‘come home to the Father’. For too long we’ve been away in a ‘far country’ of ‘Senior’ busyness, drivenness, being conformed to the values of a post Christendom, Appointments 5 individualist, consumer culture and creating God in our own image.

Gatherings 6 Our vocation is an intentional Way for Living, rooted in Christ and orientated report towards seeking, loving and serving him and his purposes in the world, which Stories of the will inevitably be counter to the culture. Our mission is to help people like the Meditations 6 Prodigal to come to their senses and return home to the Father.

Creative Arts So what does the Lord require of us? Retreat report 7 Firstly, we need to Repent. The root word for repent is metanoia. It doesn’t carry with it negative and guilt associations, but rather is an invitation to turn around, Cloisters 8 to change direction, to connect and respond to God and to live life differently— to find a way of life that leads us to ‘home’. Phil & Dave 9 Sage Secondly, Discipleship. To be in relationship with God is possible, to Retreats @ experience life as Jesus described, in all its fullness [see John 10:10] is possible— Ballydugan 10 but it doesn’t come automatically. It requires discipline and training. It is a journey of faith that calls us to grow and develop, to deepen and mature. It’s a Community simple formula; where there is no discipleship and no spiritual disciplines there Groups 11 will be no spiritual formation. If we do not embrace the gifts and graces God has given then we will not grow in Christlikeness, imatitio Christi, to which we are all called. The newsy bit! 12 Continued on Page 3

It’s time to start thinking about next year’s holiday perhaps... Northumbrian Week in Prague 08

Building on the success of last year’s Northumbrian week in Prague, and to deepen our partnership Community Gatherings with the Be sure to put the dates in your diary! See Judith community at Maskery’s reflections of her visit to two recent the Gatherings, on Page 6. Here’s the schedule of upcoming International Baptist Theological Seminary, we are Gatherings: returning next year! The dates for the 08 week are: Monday, 31st March to Sunday 6th April, 2008. 2007 2008 Oct 5th – 7th January 12th This is another great opportunity for us to ‘be Community’ Minneapolis, USA York & Leeds area during a week of stimulating and exciting programmed activities at IBTS. The week will consist of lectures, Oct 13th March (date tbc) ‐ seminars and workshops, together with input and sharing Washington DC, USA London with the staff and students. The pattern of each day will be Dec 15th 31st March—6th April built around the monastic rhythm of our offices, with lots of Ireland Prague time to relax and explore the delights of Prague. May 9th—11th Do join us! It promises to be a really good time. The cost Holland for full board accommodation, breakfast and lunch in Hotel Jeneralka, (which is part of the seminary complex,) is £265 per person for twin or double room and £310 per person Speaking of Community Gatherings, it reminds me for a single room. If booked in advance there are some very that at about the time you receive this issue of Caim, the cheap flights from most UK and European airports and it two US Gatherings will be just about underway. will be wonderful if folks from further afield could join us!

It’s very exciting to see the Community growing in the Please respond asap. We look forward to you being with States, and to know that we have some good people there, us. Please email [email protected] helping to facilitate that growth. Do remember Margene or write to Jean at The Northumbria Community, Hetton Vessel, Tonya Toutge and Peter Wohler, who have put the Hall, Chatton, Northumberland, NE66 5SD, marking your MN gathering together, and Sarah Berry and Cyndy envelope ‘Northumbrian Week in Prague’. Geraghty who have worked hard on the DC Gathering. Do pray that both events will go well, and be a helpful step on

the journey for Community in USA.

WE DON’T WANT TO LOSE TOUCH WITH YOU! Welcome to the Autumn edition of Caim! If you have not returned the ‘database form’ we sent We’ve been fortunate enough to travel to each you recently, then you will find a separate letter of the recent Community Gatherings (see page enclosed with your copy of Caim. 6), and it’s been an inspiration to meet old friends and new...and to see again the precious THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! gift which God has given us in Community. Many of us experience much more the ‘Alone’ Please take a few moments to complete and return the form than the ‘Together’ of Community (of course, to us, otherwise your name will no longer be on the list of it’s not just about physical presence, yes, we contacts… So WHY NOT DO IT NOW!? know…) so we hope that Caim will bring you just a little bit of togetherness! It should only take a few seconds, and then all manner of Enjoy this issue. Jeff & Ingrid things shall be well…

Continued from Page 1 desire which is a rebuttal to the distractions and the Thirdly, attend to Desire, which addresses the landscape pursuit of all other desires. of our hearts. It’s also a challenge and a call to repent, to turn and move Our lives are driven by desires. Physical desires; e.g. in the right direction as we go on in the Office to profess eating, drinking, exercising, sex, and appearances. Desires our faith; ‘To whom shall we go, You have the words of eternal operate in every realm of life and work; how we spend our life’. money, how we occupy our time. We live in a society that is driven by feeding and consuming desires. They are It is no accident that our Morning powerful forces that, unchecked, can lead to compulsions, obsessions and disorder. Office begins with Psalm 27. It’s a daily reminder of the “one thing Yet we can’t deny desire. God made us to desire and gave necessary” - to seek God. us the capacity to desire. All the best things in life are also the objects of desire, e.g. love, joy, peace, justice, truth, goodness, relationship. To satisfy our desires for such Re‐order our lives, to desire what God desires. things makes life worth living. Whether you call it discipleship or spiritual formation,

living the life and doing what God does is what should be So how do we align our desires to live life as God intends? our desire. So abiding, loving, having a heart for the poor, We can’t suppress them. Any attempt to do so just forces prayer, saturating ourselves in the Scriptures, valuing them underground, and they surface somewhere else, relationships more than reputation, respecting and caring often when we least expect them! Some attempt to control for creation, reaching out, loving justice, living mercifully, their desires by trying to lead a balanced life, so as to not embracing humility and expressing hospitality, these are let desires run riot, e.g. it’s okay to eat and drink but not to all things that God desires. excess. Or is there a better way?

Jesus, in teaching the Sermon on the Mount, (see Matthew “Our hearts are restless until they chapters 5 ‐ 7) addresses issues of the heart and most of find their rest in thee” the human desires that relate to life’s big issues – money, Augustine sex and power.

If we are to be a people exploring ‘a new type of So How then shall we Live? monasticism which only has in common an uncompromising allegiance to the Sermon on the Mount’ then we can find in our own Rule of Life ‐ Availability and Realise that God desires us Vulnerability ‐ a way helping us to realise what God The story of the Prodigal Son and the watching father is a desires. reminder that God wants us. He is love. He created us in love and he wants relationship with us. Here at In embracing our vocation we learn what it is to be bound Ballydugan, I cleared a pathway in the cottage gardens by the love of God, yet to experience the freedom to live this year, which leads to two seats carved out of tree life as he intends. trunks. Several people have had similar experiences when they’ve sat in the seats ‐ communing with God, This is our calling as a Community. responding to his invitation, his desire for us. ‘Come’, my Roy Searle heart says, ‘Seek his face’. ‘Your face Lord do I seek’. Psalm 27:8. God desires us.

Re‐orientate our lives in the light of God’s desire for us Therefore there should be no doubt about what our one great life‐shaping desire should be; ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength’.

This focus should keep all other desires in tune with God’s desire for us. It is no accident that our Morning Office begins with Psalm 27. It’s a daily reminder of the “one thing necessary” ‐ to seek God. A reminder of the primary 3

Trevor Miller writes about a very important Norma Charlton wrote to tell us a little about the development for us in Community: Community’s presence at ‘Northern Light’ this year.

After she’d taken her wellies off… ver several months now, we have been Northern Light 2007 O looking again at the whole area of Companionship in Community. For the third year running, it was a joy to Our concern has been that in seeking to practice open‐ establish a Sacred Space at the Northern Light hearted hospitality and welcome to all, we have let drift family camp. an important distinction between Companions and This entails transforming a 20’ x 40’ marquee into a place Friends. While we welcome both alike and both are very of light and colour, where we offer an opportunity to much part of Community we have been concerned to draw aside from the busyness of camp life—in order to understand better what it means to be a Companion in experience meeting with God in a quiet way. the Northumbria Community in terms of vocation. We realized afresh that the whole process of becoming a We enjoyed brilliant sunshine during the setting up ‘Companion in Community’ needed greater significance, time. However, the next morning, on opening the tent, meaning and understanding so as to be able to clearly we stepped into 4 inches of water that had seeped up differentiate between those ‘committed at the core’ and through the carpet! The whole site had been badly those ‘loose at the edges’ in order to help people explore affected by heavy rain. Within half an hour the whether or not our ‘Way for Living’ is indeed their magnificent site team had speedily dug channels to calling. drain the worst away and we were back in business (minus the ‘comfy cushions’ areas!) We want the novitiate to be a clear season in someone’s life Once again most of our visitors were children and young people. On coming out of the Poustinia one teenage boy told me that the words that spoke to him As a consequence, one of the significant things that we are were Jesus asking “Do you love me?” “I told him I do.” now going to pursue is re‐establishing a clear novitiate Praise God! process. This simply means that people who want to explore whether they are called to be a Companion will I had a lovely letter from Cathy Wheatcroft in be given time and help to do this. We want the novitiate France. Here’s some of it: to be a clear season in someone’s life; it would start at a I had to write to tell you what a wonderful encouragement Community Weekend, continue over a period of CAIM was to us today. I'll tell you what happened. instruction and accompaniment through distance Our friend Madeleine has a half-hour slot on the local learning, and come to fruition at a point where a novice is French radio as a Christian outreach to English speaking welcomed into Companionship with a ‘liturgy of blessing’ people in the area. She is a Reader-in-training in the Chaplaincy and a Community enthusiast! Each month she amongst other Companions. invites people to come onto the programme to talk about their own faith journey. Today, Madeleine was due to Companions…. challenged to record the broadcast for July, but her guest dropped out at the last minute. She phoned me and asked if I would join think, as best we can, about faith her for an impromptu chat. (Brian and I have been in before, when we talked about what the Northumbria Community has meant to us). It was all a bit 'last minute' but fortunately Madeline had a copy of Nouwen's 'The The recent General Chapter in early September Prodigal Son' and Nick & Anita Haigh's 'Homecoming' considered this important development, and so now we CD to hand. hope to begin the new process with the Community As we parted after the broadcast, we decided to pray Weekend in December of this year. There is still a lot of particularly for confirmation and inspiration for the work to do in preparation, but of course the new process outreach. will continue to reflect our core values as a new monastic As I arrived home, Madeleine phoned me. She was very excited, and told me that I should look at page 9 of Caim, Community with flexible, adaptable guidelines to suit all which had just arrived in her mailbox. Imagine our who desire to seek God with us. amazement at finding not only the very book we had As far as possible it will be simple, uncomplicated and talked about on the radio, but also that the review was by non‐academic ‐ but it will not be mindless! A significant Anita! part of our mission as Companions is to be challenged to We have taken this as our first confirmation! Thank you think, as best we can, about faith and how to live it out in so much for CAIM! today’s world. Trevor Miller Blessings to all love Cathy

Some ‘Senior’ appointments… Since first travelling to the Nether Back in Issue 39 of Caim, Trevor Miller set out the Springs with my detail of the Leadership Structure of Community. The family in 2001, I’ve Seniors team has recently been strengthened by the often made the addition of two new members, and so we asked both I’m Pete Askew and Sarah Pillar to introduce themselves: journey by train. never sure which type seat I prefer — forward Recently facing or rearward, each married this has its advantages. summer to Catherine, a Rearward seat: Edward and I moved to Tennessee lass, Evesham in 1995, and living in leaving a difficult Harrogate, I church-planting situation in London. I held onto God’s promise to bring us to ‘a wide and spacious land’ and in serve as an the Vale of Evesham itself and in the Baptist Church we Anglican priest found room to grow. Our family grew physically - in – chaplain to St 1996, Zoe was born and in 1998, Isaac was born, Aidan’s High bringing much ‘Life’ and ‘Laughter’. School and Pioneer My imagination began to grow too. Strolling through Minister town on a beautiful summer evening with Zoe in her developing a cell pushchair, I heard the bell-ringers practicing. The sound church for young people. beckoned me to ask questions about Evesham’s hidden story; of its Abbey, the community that grew around I came across the Northumbria Community about nine God’s chosen place and with it an understanding of how years ago. I’d only recently come to faith, and those we could be a part of His unfolding story. With the nice folks John and Vanessa Pearson from Saltburn abbey building itself merely a few ruins, somehow its remaining bell-tower still called the town to worship. invited me round for something to eat ‐ and we ended Our vision grew to see a restoration of the spiritual heart up praying evening prayer together. There was of the town. something about the simplicity and depth of the words that spoke to me, and I was interested to find out more Forward facing: I began to dig a little deeper into the about the community that had crafted them. history of this place finding that I was digging around in the landscape of my heart too: finding inspiration in the Over the next few years I visited Nether Springs and stories of the Northern Saints; learning more about Holy Island on a number of occasions and started to myself; seeking to understand what it ‘feels’ like to be part of a monastic community. Then I unexpectedly hit a explore the Community’s rule of life and spirituality. I seam of gold … recognized a sense of ‘heart at home’ and my journey with the Community grew closer through the In the late 11th century, three monks from Evesham commitment of becoming a Companion with a bunch yearned to visit the holy places of the Northumbrian of folks who were walking a similar path together. Angels. Their obedience saw the refounding of the monasteries of Jarrow, Whitby, Lastingham, Hackness, The last couple of years have been a particular time of York, Durham and Lindisfarne. ‘The lamp of monastic life, which had been quenched for so many years in change and looking for the ‘right seat’. The most these districts, was once more enkindled by their significant part of this was meeting my wife Catherine exertions’ (Simeon of Durham). The leaning of my heart at Hetton, and another part has been the mutual to interpret what is happening to our culture, our church, process of discernment about my becoming part of the our local community through the ‘old ways’ had been Seniors team. I look forward to serving the Community revisited before. Amidst huge cultural upheaval, these in this way, in what looks to be an exciting and monks sought the old paths and their obedience and challenging chapter of our story as we continue to ask humility to ‘follow wherever the Father leads’, remains an inspiration. the questions, ‘Who is it that we seek? How then shall we live? How shall we sing the Lord’s song In Northumbria, I find myself thinking of Evesham. In in a strange land?’ Evesham, of Northumbria. Both views are good. I thank God for both of them. 5

I‘m not sure that there has ever been a more ’hot- We asked Andy Raine to tell us some of the off-the-press’ article than this one from Judith Stories behind the Meditations Maskery about the recent Community Gatherings. It was being inserted into Caim just 16 hours after the Midlands gathering ended! We need more Day 9: The Fast (Isaiah 58) contributions from this roving reporter! This particular scripture could almost be called a “test of vocation”! It had been unusually strong I have been lucky enough over the summer to for me, especially the promise about being a well‐ get to two community gatherings: Little watered garden, but also the words “your people Gidding in June and Polesworth Abbey in shall re‐build the ruined places” which had September. associations for me with the old centres for We were training and mission, prayer and pilgrimage on blessed with wonderful Iona and Lindisfarne. On Iona some of the ruined venues on places had been literally re‐built, but here in both North Northumberland it seemed our destiny occasions, was linked with caring for the old holy places and beautiful thin the people God would draw here for his places where the spirit can purposes. breathe and where we In 1978 I shared a house with John and Linda experienced the precious gift of hospitality from our Skinner in Berwick – God had impressed on both hosts for the day. of them the scripture, Isaiah 58, and the word

Living at a distance from Northumbria, geographically ‘community’. With John’s story about ‘Rocky’ the speaking, I can’t tell you how encouraging it was that image also began to widen, as we realised that Jeff, Jill and Brenda took the time and trouble to make the individual lives can be ‘houses’ the Master long journey south to meet with us. I will remember Builder can take apart and re‐build. It seemed to these days as times when Alone was balanced by be His favourite project to build beautiful houses Together, when faces were put to names and relationships begun or strengthened by sharing, laughter in the City of Ruins, and with far more variety and chocolate cake. and distinctive features than you would ever find on the respectable streets of Holy Hill. Our teaching times and workshops gave us the chance to retell the story that is distinctively ours, to revisit our When I started seeing Anna, she shared with me memory stones and reflect again on our key questions. They were a safe place to look at challenging aspects of that Isaiah 58 was an important scripture for her, our spiritual journey including what it means to go to and soon we had IS58 carved on the inside of an your cell. We had the chance to explore our communal engagement ring. identity in the fields of music, dance and mission and consider why we identify with some songs and not A familiar setting of the scripture is on a others and what characteristics of mission we have inherited from the Celtic saints who have inspired us. recording by Francis Anfuso. Students on a discipleship school with the Sion Community, in We had a lot of fun but we also had the chance to live as Brentwood, choreographed it, and at the Easter community for a few hours and even in such a short Workshop in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, many time, learn something from each other about how it years ago the young people danced it. The works in practice. I know I learnt something about hospitality watching Sarah welcome some bemused stunning conclusion of the dance is when the Abbey visitors who wandered in on us! Lord himself touches the shoulder of the person praying, and says, “Here I am!” It is as if he says, If you were there, it was good to see you. If not, come “You did call me, I’m listening. Now, what is it and join us next time if you can – the more the merrier! that you want?” Andy Raine Judith Maskery

together for the week ahead. It was lovely to have Erin (4) Creative Arts Retreat and Lizzie (10) with us. They certainly showed the adults a thing or two about creativity and by the end of the week, We asked some folk who had been part of the recent the walls were covered in their handiwork. Creative Arts Retreat at Ballydugan to write a few words. Peta Craven, who has long associations with the After stimulating morning sessions it was time for personal Community writes: reflection before Midday office. A time to meander down the road or sit quietly in the gardens. I loved the trees that he wonderful view from Roy and Shirley's had been carved into chairs — there was a smaller one and a window of Ballydugan Lake, the gently larger one together that spoke to me of the invitation to “just T be” with God. rolling hills and the Mourne Mountains was our introduction. Nor were we disappointed when we were For me the highlights were our two visits to Saul; one to taken to the cottages that would be our homes for the week, hear about St Patrick, the other to join with the newly they are delightful and welcoming. Some of us rose early forming Community of Prayer at Saul for Evening Office. each morning to walk to the Mill before breakfast, followed Sue Noble, one of our group, drew a magnificent Celtic by the daily rhythm of Morning, Midday and Evening Prayer cross on the floor of the hall, which was used as focus for and very often our worship, using the four parts of the circle for our ending with intercessions. Driving to Saul that evening, it was raining Compline. and the sky was dark, but there was the most beautiful rainbow arched right over Saul making this a special Each morning evening and a sacred place for everyone. we explored the theme of Another notable memory was the walk along the beach to creativity. I Newcastle. I had been reflecting most of the week on ‘what soon began to mean these stones to me’ when I noticed a stone larger than realise that it is the others shaped just like the Isle of Man - my home - no use sitting which God had placed under my feet. back and waiting for Annie Candeland wrote this reflection: creativity to happen (although it sometimes does), but we Nendrum have to be purposeful in finding time and making an effort. A warm lee,

a safe haven, In the afternoons we explored in small groups or worked out of the swell of the sea. alone on music, art or creative writing. Having played Nick and Anita's "Nendrum" at a church service the previous Stark stone walls, cracked, Sunday, I was hoping we would visit the site of this early with lichen and spilling monastery built on land by Strangford Lough. blackberries, ripe and ready and some

still in flower yet. We explored the ruins and exhibition and learnt of its sad end when the Vikings arrived. We picnicked and danced Such warm to hand touch, "Christ as a light" in the ruins of the church. such heart’ning stone;

touchstone, Another afternoon we walked through a nature reserve back in time stone, at Murlough and down to the shore which was covered with here and now stone. beautiful stones and many cockle shells. We walked along the shore to Newcastle, nestled under the Mourne Safe and protected, here: Mountains and indulged ourselves with mouth watering ice the stones, the hawthorn, creams from the famous Maud’s ice cream parlour. the wind in the trees behind

but not touching me Some of the happiest and most memorable times were spent as I sit in this warm unbuffeted lee. in sharing with one with another and we particularly enjoyed singing one evening, "God Remembers" a song A butterfly, introduced to us by Lina from Lithuania. We all enjoyed flutters by having Erin aged 4 and Elizabeth aged 10 with us and loved and distant gulls’ cry. their art work. Our thanks go to Roy and Shirley for their hospitality and to Nick and Anita for catering and lots Warm bathed am I, of inspiration. blanket wrapped around in God’s secure timelessness Karen Garrett, someone new to Community and and ache of heart and mind without. exploring Companionship, shares her experience: Along with Anita and Nick Haigh, assorted personalities arrived in Ballydugan to share our lives and faith journeys

DAILY READING MATERIAL Cloisters News Many Community folk have commented that CDP POWERPOINT PRESENTATION CD they would like to be pointed to suitable material for use as daily readings (having got what This new CD they can out of the 3 sets of the Community’s own contains material: the Aidan and Colman series in Celtic Daily PowerPoint Prayer; and the Finan series in Celtic Daily Readings).

presentations of Cloisters now has available 6 books by Charles Ringma Daily Office to aid which we commend for this purpose. Ringma is the its use in churches, Professor of Missions and Evangelism at Regent College in homes ‐ anywhere Vancouver and his way of thinking and writing is very that folk gather to ʹsay much in tune with the Community’s. These books are set officeʹ. out in a way that makes them ideal for daily readings/ meditations. Some have a Scripture reference (though There are folders for Morning, Midday and Evening usually only one) though most do not: so you would have Prayer and each of the seven Complines, plus folders for to find another way to cover this. The books are listed in each of the elements within Morning, Midday and the panel to the right, and are available though the Evening Prayer (so that they can also be used separately if Cloisters website www.cloistersonline.com. required). Writing new Daily Reading material For users who do not project from PowerPoint but use We are beginning to give some thought to producing a other software, all the slides are also provided as jpg files new series of daily readings. If you have ideas about so that they can be imported. subjects/themes/books/writers that would be a suitable basis for a month’s worth of readings, please let Roy Searle The words are presented (using Papyrus typeface) on each know in the first instance; slide in a pale yellow colour on a black background; with a [email protected] or write to him simple presentation to ensure that it works on as many c/o the Community Office. different software packages and versions as possible (but note that this CD will not run on a Mac computer). Finan series of Daily Readings Celtic Daily Readings, in which this series of readings is A folder of 17 possible background pictures has been published, is currently not available: HarperCollins are not provided on the disc should you wish to create your own reprinting it. We are looking at ways of making these slides using them (or you could use your own pictures of available in book form again. But meanwhile, if anybody course). The words of the prayers and liturgies are particularly wants to obtain them, each month’s readings supplied in rtf files for this purpose. are available as a digital file (strictly for personal use only) at £3.00 each. Contact Brenda at Cloisters Ref Code: PWPCD Price: £5.00 ([email protected] or 01289 388235). Ian Corsie

Christmas is coming…! CLOISTERS CHRISTMAS CARD ..won’t be long now…! PROMOTION ...so remember to browse the Cloisters ʹBuy two Christmas card packs and get one freeʹ ‐ catalogue when choosing your Christmas thatʹs what Cloisters is offering this Christmas. So gifts. you can buy 30 cards for £8. If you have a computer, go to the Cloisters website www.cloistersonline.com This is a great way to support the and click on ʹNew Products and Special Offersʹ for Community! The ‘new’ Cloisters website is full details. If you want the human touch, just give at www.cloistersonline.com and now Brenda a ring on 01289 388235 and she will tell you provides secure online ordering. It’s so all about it (she would love to talk to you anyway!). simple!

Here’s the collection of Charles Ringma books which The Seeking Heart: A Journey with Henri Nouwen Ian refers to in his ‘Daily Readings’ article on the In the 84 reflections in this book, Ringma recognizes the previous page: human quest for transendence, beauty, peace and inner well‐being. He focuses, with Henri Nouwen as his guide, Seize the Day with Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the most basic human needs, using the human heart In this collection of 365 meditations, Ringma allows us to as a recurring metaphor: experience Bonhoeffer’s words in a way that challenges Ref code: SH Price: £9.00 us to live out our discipleship daily, combining spirituality with an active concern for those around us. If Life in Full Stride: Faith‐stretching Reflections for you are willing to wrestle, you’ll be empowered to seize Christians in the Real World. each day. Each of the 110 reflections in this book is an Ref code: STD Price: £7.00 encouragement to live life realistically, proactively and with hope. Ringma invites us to consider that spirituality Dare to Journey with Henri Nouwen cannot be an escape from reality; that Jesus Christ Each of the 180 reflections in this book contains a empowers us to live in the world in ways that glorify quotation from the writings of Henri Nouwen, the great God, enhance the well‐being of others, and transform our writer on Christian spirituality. From them Ringma leads world. And he encourages us to take life seriously in all the way to a place of intimacy with the God who loves its dimensions: personal, social, economic, cultural, and sustains; here you will find the courage to continue political and spiritual. your journey and the strength to serve our world. Ref code: LIFS Price: £10.00 Ref code: DTJ Price: £7.00 Whispers from the Edge of Eternity: Reflections on life Seek the Silences with Thomas Merton and faith in a precarious world These are reflections on identity, community and In this meditational reader, Ringma seeks to reflect transformative action, linked to Merton’s thinking as a something of the multiple textures of life on the Christian ‘conversational partner’. This book is packed with journey. This journey is far more complex than an teaching of rare spiritual depth and is a goldmine of evolutionary upward movement: there are strange insight and wisdom. contours in the road; faith has its uncertainties; and our Ref code: MSS Price: £10.00 healing is far from complete. Ref code: WEE Price: £11.00

Vacation or Vocation? • The routine set in place for living. To be able to live (work, rest, play, seek God) under a coherent structure Dave and I had the pleasure of spending a whole meant we were able to very quickly focus on which elements of our lives were a little out of balance, and then week up at Hetton Hall with the team and other take action to restore the balance. For me, that action was various visitors this August — in fact, we enjoyed it so sleeping — for Dave, it was chopping wood! much we wanted to let everyone else know about it! We had • The routine given by the daily office. Something with the planned to come for the Community Weekend, but decided office just ‘clicked’ for both of us at a different level — we to ‘add on’ the previous week (My Soul Finds Rest in God really appreciated the patient regularity of it and found it Alone) to spend more time in the rhythm of the day being spiritually refreshing and engaging. We’ve both managed to part of the community. We arrived late and tired on the keep elements of it going in our lives back home, too. Monday but then were fully into the (very gentle) swing of • The welcome of strangers (and those who are not so things by the following morning. We had a wonderful time strange). We found that just spending time working and during the week, with a real mixture of ‘vacation’ — being resting with others, familiar and unfamiliar, brought us a tourists on Holy Island, pottering and shopping, going for sense of Christ shared amongst us. This was both reassuring walks, and ‘vocation’ — living the routine of Nether Springs, and stable and not something that you would always helping out as needed (and directed!) with the lengthy jobs encounter on a led retreat, which usually focuses inward on list, catching up with conversations and sharing in life our own spiritual struggles. together with everyone and anyone who was around. By the time we got to the weekend, we felt refreshed, settled and In short, we had a great time on vacation and vocation, able to take in, think and talk about some of the bigger found a great deal of rest and can’t wait to come back for themes of the community. One of those themes that another week (at least!) appeared for us during our stay was that of ‘Stability’. You can find that stability in many different ways at Hetton, but Phil and Dave Sage for us, who are continually confronted by busyness in our work places, our church life, our family life…, we found it in three main places: 9

Here’s an excerpt from some publicity which is being Roy Searle sent this, after reading prepared for an upcoming event: On the Move by Bono New Habits for a New Era? Exploring New Monasticism W Publishing Group The Northumbria Community and the ISBN 10:0-8499-0192-8

Anabaptist Network will be exploring ‘new I became a more committed U2 fan not by choice but monasticism’ in a one‐day conference in Coventry on circumstance. Driving around Europe three years ago 3rd May 2008. Through plenary sessions, discussion, with three Community Companions, one of whom was worship, workshops and conversations with a wide Ed Pillar (who is both a huge admirer and great U2 range of resource people, we will assess its potential for advocate), we had no choice but to listen to their music the church in exile. and Ed’s trivia on all things U2. Having worked hard

during my Presidency of the Baptist Union on the ‘Make Anabaptism has been described as a ‘lay monastic Poverty History’ Campaign, I came to appreciate Bono’s movement’. The Northumbria Community draws on the work, like a prophet calling out for justice for the poor. Desert Fathers and Mothers and the Celtic monastic

tradition. Both groups have links with emerging churches and with old and new monastic communities. This brilliant little book ‘On the Move’ is an amazing We invite you to join us, to share your experiences and presentation of his message to the National Prayer questions and to learn from others. Breakfast in America in 2006. The speech alone makes the book worth purchasing, but what adds to the words The venue is Warwick Road United Reformed Church is the very moving and powerful collection of images in Coventry, within walking distance of Coventry rail and photographs that come with it. The photos were station (details will be sent on receipt of the booking taken during his first trip to Ethiopia in 1986 together form). The event will run from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The with the creative use of type, font and colour, they cost is £15 (£12 if unwaged). Hot drinks will be provided perfectly complement the theme of his message. Read and participants can bring their own lunch or purchase the book and you will be moved. it nearby. It’s a hardback and available at very good prices on Amazon. Please email Sarah Pillar for more details and a booking Roy Searle form: [email protected] or contact the office.

Retreats at Bullydugan, Northern Ireland

‘My Soul Waits for the Lord’ Work & Prayer Week at Ballydugan Cottages An Advent Retreat at Ballydugan Sunday 24th to Friday 29th February, 2008 14th to 16th December, 2007 Following the pattern of a monastic day, the mornings Join Roy Searle and will be spent others for a working in the weekend in the cottages, delightful cottages gardens and and surroundings at grounds at Ballydugan as we Ballydugan. prepare to celebrate The afternoons Christmas. The will be spent weekend will pottering and include some time venturing to explore the area and the evenings relaxing at Saul where Patrick first planted the gospel in Ireland. together. The week will include an opportunity to join Cost excluding travel is £60. Please send a deposit of £25 the Community of Prayer at Saul. Cost excluding travel made payable to The Northumbria Community and send to is £100. Please send a cheque deposit of £25 made Jean Watson, at the Community Office address. payable to The Northumbria Community and send to Jean Watson, at the Community Office address. 10

Community Groups in Focus The next weekend geared specifically for existing and prospective Community Group Bradford Community Group th th Leaders will be 18 — 20 Jan 2008. The Bradford Group has been going for about 12 years Put the date in your diary, and book early to make sure now. In the beginning, we used to meet in Bradford of a place. Cathedral, and over the years have met in different Do try to have someone represent your group! places, with different people being part of the group as folk have come and moved away. New Community Groups However, for the past 6 years, our more permanent venue has been the home of Sue and Paul McWhinney, Wyvern in Harden — a village a few miles out of Bradford, to Duncan MacLean writes:”We had 27 at our inaugural overcome having to find ‘baby-sitters’ for their two then Community Group meeting. It was meant to be a BBQ, young children, who join us in some of our activities. We but the weather obviously didn’t know!! There are 15 - meet about every 6 weeks, on a Friday evening, at 18 who want us to meet again soon. Geography means around 7.30 pm. We average about 9, though other that we may decide to meet all together two or three friends may join us as and when other commitments and times a year, including Easter, whilst two 'cells' meet interests permit. monthly - one on Worcestershire and one in Herefordshire.” All of us who belong to the group are very much Contact Duncan & Lesley: 01544 230961 involved in our own Churches, so the group gives us a [email protected] : place and space to meet together and be ourselves without feeling that we are ‘on duty’. Staffordshire Meetings are fairly unstructured. Two or three of us meet A small group will meet for the first time in early up from time to time to plan some sort of a programme, October. Anyone interested can contact Annie though we remain flexible, and may change what had Candeland for more information: 01785 614035 originally been planned depending on who is there, and [email protected] if there are particular circumstances, or someone has something that needs to be shared. Surrey A small group has begun meeting in Woking and plan to We do a variety of things, and food features prominently meet monthly, probably on a Friday evening. If you — about every third meeting if possible! ‘Food’ evenings would like to be put in touch please contact: have included ‘Puddings and Blessings’ — sharing with Norma Charlton 0191 487 8065 each other how God had blessed us over the previous [email protected] few weeks as we enjoyed a rich variety of favourite puddings!; a Curry Evening, which came at the end of a day during Lent when we had all agreed to fast; and during this summer, a Barbeque which we used as an opportunity to invite folk who don’t usually meet with us.

We have also had more ‘serious’ evenings, when we have looked at aspects of The Rule, practised Intercession, and spent the evening in quiet meditation as we have listened to music and occupied our hands doing Celtic Artwork (i.e. colouring in Celtic designs — very therapeutic!). We also enjoy having ‘Caedmon Evenings’ — with or without food!

On Easter Sunday, those of us who are companions and are unable to join the rest of the Community on Holy Island, will meet together, go out to a quiet spot in the lovely countryside around Bradford, and renew our vows together — this is always very special for us.

We thank God for the companionship that we enjoy, and feel very much to be a family — while also thanking Him for the wider Community of which we are a part. Co-ordinator: Joan Parker tel: 01274 607944. Email: [email protected]

The newsy bit

Do please send your contributions to ‘the newsy bit’! Send them to the office, or by email: [email protected]

Received this news from Roy Searle...OK, so the Heather Ponting’s (nee Innes) husband Al died in hospital details are a little sketchy just yet, but at least in Dundee on Sept 2nd. Please remember Heather in her you’ll be able to put it in your diary! loss. A European Community Gathering is being

planned in Holland, from 9th to 11th May, 2008. Phil Cumming and Mandy Game were married by

Norman (Phil’s Dad) in July in Snow Hill, NC, USA; they Exact venue to be confirmed, but it will be in Holland! will be living in the USA for the time being. Cheap flights are available from many airports to Amsterdam. More details to follow... Mel Rogers (the dancer!) was married to Ric on 28th July in Wakefield Roy & Shirley Searle are returning to Northumberland

at the end of October to their new home in the High Jo Dowd and Andy Simpson were recently married in Street, Wooler. If you would like a copy of Roy’s Chirnside reflections through their year in Ireland, please contact

[email protected] or send a SAE Catherine Clasen and Pete size A4 with 60p in stamps attached to cover postage. Askew celebrated their wedding with a service in North Carolina Joshua Searle has commenced his study for a Masters in on 11 August, and then followed Applied Theology at the International Baptist Theological it with several more celebrations Seminary in Prague. in various parts of two continents!

They included one at Hetton on Colin Symes from Edinburgh is doing the same Masters 1st September. Those party in Applied Theology course at IBTS, part‐time’ animals!

Ann Brown has recently joined the team at Nether Marcus Purnell has been Springs. recommended for Ordination Training. He and Jane, and their children Rory, Isaac and Christopher have moved Nick Haigh has recently taken up his Ordination nearer to Cambridge to commence training this month. Training. Pray for Nick, Anita and Erin as they are apart They are extremely happy and have settled in quickly. during the week.

Helen Bone has recently left A JOURNEY WITH CUTHBERT Nether Springs after almost a year A chance to explore the story of Cuthbert and make a guided on the monastery team – she will pilgrimage along Cuthbert’s Way next Easter (28th March to be greatly missed, but we wish 4th April). It will be based on two centres, firstly at Melrose her well in her career as a speech and then at Hetton Hall. (Ability to walk about 13 miles a and language therapist. Her first day is essential.) The cost is £300 including board and interview brought her the job she lodging, packed lunches, transportation at start and finish points, knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery. This is wanted, in Chichester! So the blue not an ordinary walking holiday, but an opportunity to make hair faded just in time then... an inner journey whilst walking the outer journey. Please contact the office for further details and a booking form.

© CAIM is the official newsletter of the Northumbria Community. Northumbria Community Trust, Registered Charity No: 1099503 Nether Springs, Hetton Hall, Chatton, Northumberland NE66 5SD Tel or Fax: 01289 388235 email: [email protected]

Caim Editors: Jeff Sutheran & Ingrid Cumming email: [email protected]