DOCSLIB.ORG

Renewing Our House of Prayer

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Renewing Our House of Prayer Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat Renewing our House of Prayer Registered Charity No: 249505 A division of the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance I fully endorse the proposals and commend this appeal to you BISHOP STEPHEN COTTRELL A life of prayer shapes both the church and us. Pleshey, although today usually referred to as a Retreat House, has for years been called a House of Prayer and plays an important part in the future of the diocese. I see Pleshey as a heartbeat of prayer, a place where people can be taught to pray and learn about a more spiritual life. It is our aim that Pleshey remains a House of Retreat but is also seen as being a House of Advance. As a House of Prayer and part of a movement to encourage people in their prayer life, Pleshey will have an impact on the people and the communities we seek to serve. I fully endorse the proposals for the refurbishment of our Diocesan Retreat House at Pleshey and commend this appeal to you. In 1906 the nuns of the Congregation of the Servants of Christ visited Pleshey looking for new premises. So impressed were they by the peace of A BRIEF HISTORY the place that they bought the Gatehouse with its barn, Parsonage Cottage, Garden Cottage (which stood where the Evelyn Underhill Room now stands) and land for the sum of £6,104. They moved in and were quickly joined by others. The barn proved too difficult to convert, so in 1908 it was pulled down, the new convent built and dedicated on 30th September 1909. 23 nuns lived here with the Gatehouse being reserved for guests. In the years 1912-14 the convent advertised annual retreats in the Diocesan Gazette for women and clergy testing their vocations. The Diocese at this stage was St Albans. Chelmsford had yet to be established. The nuns stayed in Pleshey until 1914 when they moved to Potters Bar and eventually to Burnham. During the 1914-18 war, Belgian soldiers were sent to convalesce in the Gatehouse being cared for by Belgian nuns. The first Diocesan Retreat House… Following the war the House was rented by the Diocese as a Retreat House for the sum of £82 per annum until 1927 when the Diocese Mission Society bought the property with the aid of a loan from the Board of Finance, and the first Diocesan Retreat House in this country was established. The first Warden was Annie Harvey and the Chaplain, who lived in Parsonage Cottage, was Henry Monks. It was through his persistence and vision that the house was established by the Diocese. Under successive Wardens and Chaplains the House flourished and built up a considerable spiritual tradition. Amongst the list of conductors who led retreats was Evelyn Underhill, arguably the most distinguished at that time. In 1933 a new Chapel, dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary, St Nicholas and All Saints, was opened and dedicated by the Bishop of Chelmsford. With this the House finally reached its maturity as a place “fully charged with the spirit of prayer……the silence of eternity interpreted by love.” The House is a haven of peace and prayer, a spiritual power house. It is “the heart beat of the Diocese”, as Bishop John Waine, a past Bishop of Chelmsford, called it in his sermon at the Eucharist in March 1993 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Chapel. Now it is time to improve the facilities offered by the House in order to meet the everyday needs of the 21st Century pilgrim. In his strategy planning paper for the Diocese of Chelmsford, Transforming Presence, Bishop Stephen asks the question – As well as a place of retreat, could Pleshey become a centre for teaching about prayer and spirituality? It is with this in mind that plans have been developed to make the House accessible to all, refurbish rooms to provide en-suite services wherever possible and create additional meeting spaces. All this to be completed whilst retaining the peace and tranquillity that brought the nuns to Pleshey in the first place – a quiet place within the life of the Diocese where through encounter with God we are inspired to holy living. The Retreat House at Pleshey is situated at the edge of a small village in the heart of the Essex countryside and is a place of prayer, space and quiet reflection. The programme of Retreats and Quiet Days, many of which are suitable for people who have never been on a retreat or quiet day before, offers a calm and peaceful place within the life of the Diocese, the wider church and communities where, through encounter with God, we are inspired to holy living. Walk softly in the ways of God Listen gently to the voice of God Sit quietly in the love of God Pray humbly to the heart of God Act boldly in the strength of God Go forth in His name Since its dedication as a house of prayer in 1909 the house has served many thousands of pilgrims with space and peace, time for reflection, sanctuary, hospitality and the richness of abundant creation. It has helped them to be renewed. Now our House of Prayer needs its own renewal as it enters a new century. We will convert most of our bedrooms to en-suite and upgrade other facilities as the project progresses. Making changes, while maintaining the quiet ambience and established character, will be both challenging and costly. The work will cost in excess of £1.5 million. But we have already received a sizeable legacy which has made it possible for us to plan and complete the work under Phase 1 of the redevelopment. A quiet place within the life of the Diocese where through encounter with God we are inspired to holy living Refurbishment proposals Working within the constraints of local planning and the ethos of the House, the plans include; Greatly improved access and facilities in all areas, especially for those with mobility constraints A new Orangery for meetings and relaxation Renovation of the Gatehouse to incorporate five en-suite bedrooms Modernisation of the easy access room on the ground floor, including a fit for purpose wet room An upgrade of the Retreat/Group Leaders suite to include en-suite facilities and private sitting room Provision of en-suite facilities to most bedrooms Improvements to the separate toilets, showers and Building for bathrooms A new Reception area with ramp access the future Lift access to the first floor An enlarged Refectory and the Modernised kitchen area with cold-room, dry store and renewal of delivery area Development of new laundry and housekeeping rooms plus our House of a staff-room Prayer THE HOUSE IS NOW IN NEED OF MAJOR REFURBISHMENT AND UPGRADING The Retreat House, Pleshey has been The Renewal Project will: operating successfully for many years and is Resource the diocese as a centre of teaching prayer the Chelmsford Diocesan retreat house. and deepening spirituality; Throughout its life, people have come to be Meet rising expectations of user base: being fit for nurtured and cared for both physically and purpose: Modest excellence in our facilities rather spiritually. Some to try and discover purpose than luxury; in their life, some to strengthen a faith that Stay true to the vision of being a retreat house not they already have. Members of Alcoholics a commercial centre; Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous and Remain affordable relative to the market and for others groups come for mutual support and those who cannot afford the service but need it most; growth. Many come to take a time of Achieve modern standards of Safety and Accessibility; refreshment and renewal away from the Maximise what can be done in the space available; busy-ness and noise of their daily lives. Financial: cover full costs and generate surplus to We are now in need of major refurbishment allow for continual renewal in the future. and upgrading to meet the demands of the The programme of work consists of a number of sub- 21st century pilgrim. Our vision is to continue projects and activities, all of which have been prioritised being a House of Prayer that is: to use available funds to best effect in provision of much needed new facilities. welcoming to people of all faiths and The first phase consisted of three blocks of work and none in Christian hospitality was completed in December 2014. This has provided equipping individuals and groups for their improvement to the Retreat Leaders suite, including en- life and work in the world, by encountering suite facilities as well as a complete re-fit of the God and one another in a space of Gatehouse which now has 5 en-suite bedrooms and stillness and tranquility refurbished kitchen. The final block of work has seen a resourcing the Church and the world major upgrade to the easy access room (St Francis), the building of the Orangery, a new accessible toilet and through prayer and spirituality. changing the path and corridor levels at the rear of the Through the refurbishment proposals put house to improve wheelchair accessibility. forward, the Retreat House seeks to extend Future phases will be commissioned and developed in further its ministry of hospitality, particularly line with availability of funds. As a priority these will to those who have found accessibility to the include the upgrading of most first floor bedrooms to have ensuite facilities and the provision of a platform House a problem. It is now much more lift. The main entrance, stairs, kitchen and dining convenient and appropriate for wheelchair facilities will be upgraded following on from these.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Evangelicalism and the Church of England in the Twentieth Century
    STUDIES IN MODERN BRITISH RELIGIOUS HISTORY Volume 31 EVANGELICALISM AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY REFORM, RESISTANCE AND RENEWAL Evangelicalism and the Church.indb 1 25/07/2014 10:00 STUDIES IN MODERN BRITISH RELIGIOUS HISTORY ISSN: 1464-6625 General editors Stephen Taylor – Durham University Arthur Burns – King’s College London Kenneth Fincham – University of Kent This series aims to differentiate ‘religious history’ from the narrow confines of church history, investigating not only the social and cultural history of reli- gion, but also theological, political and institutional themes, while remaining sensitive to the wider historical context; it thus advances an understanding of the importance of religion for the history of modern Britain, covering all periods of British history since the Reformation. Previously published volumes in this series are listed at the back of this volume. Evangelicalism and the Church.indb 2 25/07/2014 10:00 EVANGELICALISM AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY REFORM, RESISTANCE AND RENEWAL EDITED BY ANDREW ATHERSTONE AND JOHN MAIDEN THE BOYDELL PRESS Evangelicalism and the Church.indb 3 25/07/2014 10:00 © Contributors 2014 All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under current legislation no part of this work may be photocopied, stored in a retrieval system, published, performed in public, adapted, broadcast, transmitted, recorded or reproduced in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the copyright owner First published 2014 The Boydell Press, Woodbridge ISBN 978-1-84383-911-8 The Boydell Press is an imprint of Boydell & Brewer Ltd PO Box 9, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3DF, UK and of Boydell & Brewer Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • BISHOP's BULLETIN No 32 to the Licensed Clergy of Peterborough
    BISHOP’S BULLETIN No 32 To the Licensed Clergy of Peterborough Diocese 20 December 2020 Dear friends A Sunday bulletin, and a bumper one. These are the times we live in. Under Tier 4 for Peterborough, and Tier 2 for the rest of the diocese, with the Christmas permissions either removed or greatly curtailed, many of us and our people will be on our own or nearly so at Christmas. Then comes the post-Christmas break. For parish clergy, the perennial problem of time off at home, that is, time off in our primary place of work, seems insoluble. Let’s commit to pray for each other – perhaps particularly for those in your neighbouring parishes and in your deanery – that we will find real relaxation and refreshment after Christmas, whatever our context and situation. That is my prayer for you. Thank you for many kind Christmas cards and messages. It is good to be cared and prayed for – and to be made aware of that. This diocese gives great joy to me. Tiers (and Peals) of Christmas Joy I wrote recently about permissions for bellringing. Belay that. No ringing can be permitted in Tier 4, and in Tier 2 it must now be restricted to Christmas Day only, and under the conditions I described last week. People are asking about Christmas services, particularly in Tier 4, but also with the tightened restrictions for Tier 2. The rules for public worship remain unchanged, even in Tier 4, but the context and culture have changed very markedly with the new more infectious and faster spreading variant of the virus.
    [Show full text]
  • GS Misc 1095 GENERAL SYNOD the Dioceses Commission Annual
    GS Misc 1095 GENERAL SYNOD The Dioceses Commission Annual Report 2014 1. The Dioceses Commission is required to report annually to the General Synod. This is its seventh report. 2. It consists of a Chair and Vice-Chair appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York from among the members of the General Synod; four members elected by the Synod; and four members appointed by the Appointments Committee. Membership and Staff 3. The membership and staff of the Commission are as follows: Chair: Canon Prof. Michael Clarke (Worcester) Vice-Chair: The Ven Peter Hill (to July 2014) The Revd P Benfield (from November 2014) Elected Members: The Revd Canon Jonathan Alderton-Ford (St Eds & Ips) The Revd Paul Benfield (Blackburn) (to November 2014) Mr Robert Hammond (Chelmsford) Mr Keith Malcouronne (Guildford) Vacancy from November 2014 Appointed Members: The Rt Revd Christopher Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth (from March 2014) Mrs Lucinda Herklots The Revd Canon Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE Canon Prof. Hilary Russell Secretary: Mr Jonathan Neil-Smith Assistant Secretary: Mr Paul Clarkson (to March 2014) Mrs Diane Griffiths (from April 2014) 4. The Ven Peter Hill stepped down as Vice-Chair of the Commission upon his appointment as Bishop of Barking in July 2014. The Commission wishes to place on record their gratitude to Bishop Peter for his contribution as Vice-Chair to the Commission over the last three years. The Revd Paul Benfield was appointed by the Archbishops as the new Vice-Chair of the Commission in November 2014. 5. Mrs Diane Griffiths succeeded Paul Clarkson as Assistant Secretary to the Commission.
    [Show full text]
  • Episcopacy in the Diocese of Chelmsford: a New Bishop Of
    Episcopacy in the Diocese of Chelmsford: A new Bishop of Bradwell November 2017 DRAFT Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. A Vision for the Diocese of Chelmsford 6 3. Overview of the Diocese of Chelmsford 8 4. The Episcopal Areas and Archdeaconries 9 5. Role description and Person Specification 10 6. The Bradwell Episcopal Area 13 7. Working together 19 Appendix: The diocese and its people 20 1. Introduction What sort of episcopal oversight, leadership and ministry do we need in the diocese of Chelmsford? Since 1984 the answer to this question was the area system. That is, a system of oversight and governance, whereby the diocese was organised into three areas, with virtually all episcopal responsibilities delegated to the Area Bishop. This in turn leaves the diocesan free for strategic oversight within the diocese and for national responsibilities. The diocese of Chelmsford is what you might call, a small province rather than a big diocese. However, for about the same amount of time there has also been a recognition that this model wasn’t working as well as it might. The sheer size of the diocese has always stretched our leadership structures and resources. In 1989 a decision was made to create a fourth episcopal area, but this was never implemented beyond creating a new archdeaconry of Harlow in 1993. The question was raised several times and particularly by Bishop John Gladwin. Stephen Cottrell was enthroned as the tenth Bishop of Chelmsford in November 2010. He was appointed with a clear brief to help the Church in Essex and East London become more intentionally missional and evangelistic in all its ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • Porvoo Prayer Diary 2021
    PORVOO PRAYER DIARY 2021 The Porvoo Declaration commits the churches which have signed it ‘to share a common life’ and ‘to pray for and with one another’. An important way of doing this is to pray through the year for the Porvoo churches and their Dioceses. The Prayer Diary is a list of Porvoo Communion Dioceses or churches covering each Sunday of the year, mindful of the many calls upon compilers of intercessions, and the environmental and production costs of printing a more elaborate list. Those using the calendar are invited to choose one day each week on which they will pray for the Porvoo churches. It is hoped that individuals and parishes, cathedrals and religious orders will make use of the Calendar in their own cycle of prayer week by week. In addition to the churches which have approved the Porvoo Declaration, we continue to pray for churches with observer status. Observers attend all the meetings held under the Agreement. The Calendar may be freely copied or emailed for wider circulation. The Prayer Diary is updated once a year. For corrections and updates, please contact Ecumenical Officer, Maria Bergstrand, Ms., Stockholm Diocese, Church of Sweden, E-mail: [email protected] JANUARY 3/1 Church of England: Diocese of London, Bishop Sarah Mullally, Bishop Graham Tomlin, Bishop Pete Broadbent, Bishop Rob Wickham, Bishop Jonathan Baker, Bishop Ric Thorpe, Bishop Joanne Grenfell. Church of Norway: Diocese of Nidaros/ New see and Trondheim, Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit, Bishop Herborg Oline Finnset 10/1 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Oulu, Bishop Jukka Keskitalo Church of Norway: Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland (Bodø), Bishop Ann-Helen Fjeldstad Jusnes Church of England: Diocese of Coventry, Bishop Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop John Stroyan.
    [Show full text]
  • St Peter's Update #16 (24Th April)
    2021 UPDATE #16 OUR NEW BISHOP OF CHELMSFORD — Bishop Guli The new Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Deqhani, has now officially started her ministry in the diocese. She has sent this message (dated 19th April): Dear Brothers and Sisters It is a great privilege to write to you today, on the frst day of my ministry as Bishop of Chelmsford. I want to start by thanking you again for the warm welcome I’ve received since my appointment in December. In particular, I want to thank Bishop Peter and members of the Bishop’s Staff Team who have done so much to help me prepare for today and the months ahead. I mentioned in my Ad Clerum last month that my ministry will start in two distinct stages. Today I want to share some more detail about my plans for the coming months. My priorities for the frst stage will be to meet with people, to listen, learn and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. At the start of this stage, I will work from Loughborough whilst our two youngest children fnish their GCSE year at school. However, I will visit the Diocese from time to time as the situation allows. Indeed, I am particularly looking forward to joining in some of the activities from the Cathedral as part of this year’s Thy Kingdom Come, the season from Ascension to Pentecost, 13 May to 23 May. During these 10 days we will wait on God in prayer and stillness – a time of renewal in our commitment to our shared mission and a time to pray for the life of our diocese.
    [Show full text]
  • Stephen Cottrell Is the Bishop of Chelmsford and Was Formerly the Bishop of Reading
    Stephen Cottrell is the Bishop of Chelmsford and was formerly the Bishop of Reading. He has worked in parishes in London and Chichester, as Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral, as Missioner in the Wakefield diocese and as part of Springboard, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s evangelism team. He has written widely about evangelism, spirituality and discipleship. Among his recent books are a book of Lent and Holy Week meditations, The Things He Carried (SPCK 2008), and a follow-up of reflections for Easter Day, The Things He Said (SPCK 2009). The Nail Being part of the Passion STephen COTTRELL First published in Great Britain in 2011 Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge 36 Causton Street London SW1P 4ST www.spckpublishing.co.uk Copyright © Stephen Cottrell 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. SPCK does not necessarily endorse the individual views contained in its publications. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The extract from New Patterns for Worship is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council, 2002, and is reproduced by permission. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication
    [Show full text]
  • Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Bradwell Job Description
    Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Bradwell Job Description Employer: The Bishop of Chelmsford in his corporate capacity Job Title: Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Bradwell Location: Bishop’s House, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex SS17 8NS Accountable to: The Bishop of Chelmsford Reports to: The Bishop of Bradwell Key Relationships: Diocesan Bishop, Area Bishops, Archdeacons, Diocesan Registrar, other members of the Bishop’s Staff team. Date: February 2019 Grade: SENIOR PERSONAL SECRETARY Point 4 Purpose Statement The Bishop’s Personal Assistant holds a key and vital role in the support of the Bishop in his ministry. The efficient, contented and collaborative running of the Bishop’s Office is pivotal to success in his ministry. The Bishop’s PA is responsible for the running of the Bishop’s office, its administration and finances. Nature and Scope The Diocese of Chelmsford is the second largest in the Church of England. It covers the whole of the County of Essex and the five East London Boroughs. It has a population of over 3 million. It is served by 460 ordained ministers and nearly 300 Readers and other lay workers. The Diocese is divided into three Episcopal Areas, each one led by an Area Bishop. The Bradwell Area serves mid and south Essex including the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock and has a population of just under 1m people. There are 183 churches in 137 parishes and 50 church schools in the Area. The Area Bishop’s responsibilities include the care of the clergy (and their families) and other ministers in this Area; the sponsoring of ordination candidates; the ongoing oversight of the parishes and their clergy; and the maintenance of links with a range of secular organisations in his Area.
    [Show full text]
  • GENERAL SYNOD February 2014 QUESTIONS of Which Notice Has Been Given Under Standing Orders 105-109
    GENERAL SYNOD February 2014 QUESTIONS of which notice has been given under Standing Orders 105-109. Questions for written reply are marked with an asterisk. INDEX QUESTIONS 1-8 BATH & WELLS SEE HOUSE Housing for Bishop of Bath & Wells: timing of announcement Q1 Housing for Bishop of Bath & Wells: publication of relevant minutes Q2 Housing for Bishop of Bath & Wells: Commissioners‟ statement Q3 Housing for Bishop of Bath & Wells: suitability of current housing Q4-5 Housing for Bishop of Bath & Wells: Board consideration Q6 Housing for Bishop of Bath & Wells: financial implications Q7 Review of Church Commissioners‟ decisions Q8 QUESTIONS 9-20 HOUSE OF BISHOPS Theos report on mission of cathedrals Q9 Status of ACNA Q10 Pastoral care and support of homosexual people Q11 Sexuality: facilitated conversations Q12-14 Status of same-sex marriages Q15 Guidance re Reparative or Conversion therapies Q16 Common Awards: alternative validation route Q17 Showing of potentially blasphemous cinematic material Q18 Linkage between clergy skills and church growth Q19 Communicating Christian Faith to under 30s Q20 QUESTION 21 SECRETARY GENERAL PCCs & Chancel Repair Liability Q21 QUESTIONS 22-29 BOARD OF EDUCATION Homophobic bullying in schools: availability of materials to combat it Q22 Data on bullying in schools: role for DBEs Q23 Homophobic bullying in schools Q24 C of E Youth Council: 10th anniversary Q25 Review of RE Council Report on religious education Q26 Provision for children, young people and families Q27 Checks on appointments in Church Schools
    [Show full text]
  • Bishops Chaplain Rol
    The Bishop’s Chaplain The Bishop of Chelmsford seeks to appoint an Anglican priest to act as Chaplain to assist him in his diocesan role. The Post The role of Bishop’s Chaplain encompasses spiritual, liturgical, executive, pastoral, research and communication responsibilities. The role requires someone with clarity of thought, ability to work on complex issues with tact and diplomacy, an eye for detail as well as an appreciation of wider issues, excellent administrative and interpersonal skills and the capacity to manage and prioritise their workload according to the Bishop’s work agenda. The Chaplain will advise and be a sounding board to the Bishop and work collaboratively with other members of the team. The person appointed will need to be resilient and dependable, impartial and good humoured and have emotional and spiritual intelligence to navigate a varied, challenging and fulfilling ministry. The Chaplain will be paid a salary which will be the equivalent of an incumbent status stipend, be in receipt of a non-contributory Clergy Pension and be provided with a house free of rent and Council Tax in close proximity to Bishopscourt in order to carry out their duties more effectively. There is a national Bishop’s Chaplains’ network which provides peer support. The post is subject to Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Clearance. The Bishop of Chelmsford, his Senior Staff and Office The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell is the Bishop of Chelmsford. Alongside his primary work as chief pastor and leader in mission for the Chelmsford diocese, Bishop Stephen is a passionate speaker and writer on evangelism, spiritualty and catechesis.
    [Show full text]
  • New Bishop of Colchester Says These Are Exciting Times for the Church
    Friday 2nd May 2014 NEW BISHOP OF COLCHESTER SAYS THESE ARE EXCITING TIMES FOR THE CHURCH The Venerable Roger Morris, Archdeacon of Worcester, has been nominated by Her Majesty the Queen as the new Bishop of Colchester in succession to The Rt Revd Christopher Morgan. Roger Morris said: “I am really thrilled to have been asked to come and serve the churches and people of this wonderfully varied part of Essex. Everyone I’ve met has been incredibly warm and friendly and generous – so much so that they have made coming here feel a lot like coming home. “These are exciting times for the Church as we live out and celebrate our faith in new, engaging and transformative ways. This is a time in which we are called to re-imagine a vision for the church in the 21st Century which is authentic and relevant and helps us become all we are called to be. “As Bishop, I believe that it is important to make a priority of being available, being approachable and being known. Bishops are often talked about as being shepherds and Pope Francis talks of the importance of the shepherd ‘smelling of the sheep’. That means spending time with and knowing and identifying with the people we are privileged to serve. I am really looking forward to getting out and about and getting to know the people of the Colchester Area.” The Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, added: “It is a joy to welcome Roger Morris as the next Bishop of Colchester. This is a time of great opportunity for the church in north Essex.
    [Show full text]
  • Prayer Diary
    PRAYER DIARY APRIL –JUNE 2021 Launde Abbey is a retreat house in the heart of the country with God at its centre April – June 2021 at Launde Abbey Retreats FOREWORD FROM For more information and to book Please note that due to ongoing restrictions, THE BISHOP OF LEICESTER please call or see our website these retreats may not go ahead or may require reduced numbers – please contact Launde In response to all adults in the UK pray, and even among Launde Abbey, East Norton Abbey for more information. Leicestershire, LE7 9XB the closure of those who say they are not religious, one LOOK AT THE BIRDS: A BIRDWATCHING RETREAT our churches in five admit that they still pray. Prayer is Led by Mark Winter 24th-27th May for public a common practice – involving far more worship, much than those who take part in regular sport, LAUNDE CYCLING RETREAT of the critical are members of political parties, or even Led by Dr Alastair Jones 7th-9th June response has those who go to church. been to stress BELOVED OF GOD: PRAYING WITH the benefits Millions of people in our own nation and JULIAN OF NORWICH of prayer across the world believe that prayer not Led by Chris Webb 21st-24th June for mental only makes us feel better but can also health, for make a difference. Christians pray not SUNRISE OF WONDER: A CONTEMPLATIVE peace of mind only because it brings peace of mind, but PRAYER INTENSIVE Led by Martin Laird 27th-30th June and wellbeing, for inspiration for because we believe that, in ways beyond volunteering, and perhaps even to our capacity to understand or predict, ICON PAINTING RETREAT change things for the better.
    [Show full text]