Tag Archives: Christian Retreat House

Labyrinth Retreat

Labyrinth Retreat: Ask for the Ancient Paths, and find rest for your Soul.

For centuries, followers of ‘The Way’ have used floor and finger labyrinths as a symbol of pilgrimage and embodied prayer. Labyrinths are found in parks, gardens, hospitals, hospices, retreat centres, health facilities, churches, cathedrals, universities, and schools. We will look at the fascinating history of labyrinths as sacred spaces, their shapes, symbolism, stories, spirituality and significance in our personal journeys as a way to ‘slow down to catch up with your soul’.

We will explore how to create and use temporary pop-up labyrinths, make and draw finger labyrinths, discover their mental and physical health benefits and help others incorporate them into their prayer and spiritual practices. There will be indoor and outdoor labyrinths, including Launde Abbey’s labyrinth in the garden and a candle-lit labyrinth walk, as well as time to enjoy a great selection of different finger labyrinths.

Throughout history, labyrinths have thrived during times of change and growth. In our world today, where there is so much uncertainty and confusion, we, too, can find clarity and direction by practising meditative prayer and contemplation. This is a time for quietness and reflection. Come experience the surprise, synchronicity, and sacredness in a breathing space that invites you to take much-needed time to rest and explore.

This retreat will also act as a Veriditas qualifying workshop for those who want to go on to seek training in labyrinth facilitation.

Jim Bailey

Jim Bailey was in ordained ministry for 30 years and is an experienced Labyrinth and SoulCollage therapeutic art facilitator, spiritual director, songwriter and member of the Northumbria Community.

“Although God is right with us
and in us and out of us and all
through us, we have to embark on
Journeys that lead us to the unexpected wonders of the
the divine… Go gently on the pilgrim paths.”

👣🌀

Retreat price: £480 (standard room) or £525 (character room)
EARLY BIRD RATE: £450 (standard room) or £495 (character room) if booked by 15th July 2024!
Price includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay.

Click here to book your place on this retreat now:

For any questions, or queries or if you’d like to know more, please call 01572 717254 or alternatively email us: [email protected]

Beginners’ Retreat (September)

Are you someone who has been away on a parish weekend, perhaps been to a quiet day or two, but never experienced a residential retreat? Are you unsure how you might cope with a retreat, what you might do with your time, or whether you can cope with the silence? Then this is the retreat for you!

The aim of this semi-silent retreat weekend is to help you enter the world of silent retreats gently and with plenty of support. There will be guidance on how to use the time; periods on your own and with the other retreatants, and the opportunity to share your experience with others if you wish to do so. During you stay at Launde you can join in with the community’s rhythm of prayer and worship; walk, paint, potter or simply rest, as the spirit takes you.

Revd Alison Myers

Alison Myers is the new warden of Launde Abbey. Most recently a Team Rector in rural ministry in Cambridgeshire, she has crafted and led many reflective services and gatherings using spoken word, music, silence and creative prayer stations. She is also an experienced workshop leader and mentor, combining spirituality and theology with the practical challenges of leadership, team-working and managing change, informed by her working life before she was ordained as well as theological study and lifelong faith. She loves praying outdoors, a good cup of coffee, noticing the cycle of the seasons and encouraging a wondering faith. She lives with her family onsite at Launde Abbey.

Revd Chris Webb

Chris Webb, Deputy Warden of Launde Abbey and Diocesan Spirituality Adviser, is an Anglican priest who has ministered as president of a spiritual formation ministry in the USA, as a parish priest in Wales and in a church for the homeless. He is the author of two books: The Fire of the Word (2011) and God-Soaked Life (2017).

Early bird price: £280 if booked before 16th July 2022. Full price £300.

Please complete this form to request a place on the retreat.

Labyrinth Retreat

Labyrinths have supported the prayer life of Christians since the 4^th century. Following a labyrinth path can help us unwind and offer the restless mind an opportunity to be inwardly observant, to pay attention to feelings, to explore challenges and to be open to new thoughts and ideas. So come and unwind with God and explore the labyrinth path as a support for your spiritual journey.

During your retreat there will be some gentle input of the history and variety of labyrinths, plenty of time to walk and pray on the beautiful outdoor and indoor labyrinths at Launde Abbey. We will pray with the Scriptures so that God’s word will always be a light for our feet. Finger labyrinths will also be available for you to pray with.

Our five day ‘Walk the Labyrinth’ retreat at Launde Abbeywill be led by Chris Webb, Deputy Warden of Launde Abbey. Chris is an Anglican priest and Benedictine new monastic community member. He has ministered as president of a spiritual formation ministry in the USA, as a parish priest in Wales and in a church for the homeless. He is the author of two books: The Fire of the Word (2011) and God-Soaked Life (2017).

Early bird price: £395 if booked before 1st June 2022. Full price £415.

Please complete this form to request a place on the retreat.