Tag Archives: Christian Retreat

Reforesting The Soul FULLY BOOKED

This retreat is now fully booked. If you’re interested in joining a waitlist (in case places become available) complete the form below.

Launde — de- and re- forested over the centuries — provides a wonderful setting for this retreat exploring pathways to renewal through the powerful metaphor of reforesting desert places. The soul can sometimes be an arid, thirsty place, as exhausted as land ravaged and stripped of its trees. God’s promise is to re-forest the wilderness and renew our fruitfulness. This retreat, resonating with urgent ecological concerns, delights in the rich symbolism of different trees both in the Bible and in the Christian tradition, including hymnody and poetry. As land that is reforested holds the promise of rejuvenation and new beginnings, so this retreat leads us towards spiritual rejuvenation.

Andrew Mayes, author of a new resource “Reforesting the Soul”, invites you to linger and reflect amidst the stunning grounds and woodlands of the Launde Estate. Moving from the Apple to the Cedar, from the Oak to the Willow, from the Olive to the Vine, the Fig to the Yew, we journey through scripture and prayer beneath the canopy of God’s grace.

Andrew D. Mayes

Andrew was formerly Spirituality Adviser both to the diocese of Chichester and the diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. He has worked for some years in Jerusalem, and is the author of 14 spirituality books. A Franciscan and Anglican priest, Andrew delights in imagery and metaphor that takes us into the deeper reaches of prayer.

Retreat price: £425 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £405 if you pay in full before 12th July 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by arriving early or leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

Contemplative Photography

Seeing Through God’s Lens: Contemplative Photography with Morna Simpson

Revd Morna Simpson

During this retreat we’ll be concentrating on noticing where God guides and focusing in macro and out to the landscapes of what God is drawing us deeper into. We will be using photography as a starting point, and will draw on Ignatian spiritual practices to bring together the photographic stance and God’s lens enabling us to see the world in fresh and new ways.

All are welcome: those who have very little experience with cameras or camera phones, and the more competent photographer – the camera is a tool, or a window through which we seek to connect with the Divine light and find those thin places around us.

Morna Simpson has been a contemplative photographer for a number of years now, and has developed tried and tested ways of praying with photographs and photography and using the natural world as God’s sacred text. Her MA dissertation research focused on using contemplative photography as a tool for missional prayer and she continues to be passionate about using photography and spirituality in unique ways to open conversations with those who are not sure about faith and belief. Morna is currently Rector in the Yardley Hastings Benefice in the Diocese of Peterborough.

Retreat price: £425 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £405 if you pay in full before 23rd August 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

The Future of the Celtic Past * FULLY BOOKED *

This retreat is now fully booked. If you wish to be placed on the Waiting List, please complete the form below and the booking team will contact you.

This retreat is an exploration of what, from the Celtic Traditions of previous eras has not just a relevance today, but has a contribution to make to such varied issues as ecology, spirituality, community life, the gifted laity and the identity of God. It is not an academic course but a series of conversations involving poetry, history, music and good humour.

No previous understanding of Britain’s Celtic past is required and good handouts with relevant materials will be shared.

Revd John Bell

John Bell is both a minister of the Church of Scotland and a member of the Iona Community. For most of his life he has been involved in the areas of social justice, spirituality, liturgy and church music. In these contexts he has been responsible with his colleagues for a range of book published in the UK and abroad. In recent years, a fair proportion of his time has been spent in leading retreats, and we’ve been delighted and privileged to welcome him at Launde Abbey several times.

Retreat price: £445 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £425 if you pay in full before 24th May 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

God’s Story, My Story

How familiar are we with the BIG story … God’s story … and our own place within it?

This retreat, led by Paul Rattigan, uses Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses, as a framework for exploring scripture and helping participants to identify where they are personally located within God’s story of salvation.

Participants will examine scripture to think about some fundamental questions that it raises and to reveal how the questions themselves and the uncertainties that surround them are part of one’s personal walk with God. In doing so, we may ask, “Where does that leave us today and in today’s challenging world?” and, “Why are we sometimes so unaware of God’s presence with us when God is alongside us all the time?”.

During the retreat, participants will have ample time to explore Launde’s many resources, including the serenity of its surrounding estate, and continue their journey alongside God.

Paul will draw the retreat to its conclusion by re-looking at the story of salvation, enabling participants to affirm what they are taking with them as they depart Launde.

Revd Canon Paul Rattigan

The Revd Canon Paul Rattigan is Canon Missioner at Southwell Minster. Paul’s earlier calling in ministry has seen him as Canon for Discipleship at Liverpool Cathedral, and Canon Chancellor at Leicester Cathedral.

Retreat price: £295 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £275 if you pay in full before 24th March 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by arriving early or leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

Come To Me

Further details of this spiritually led retreat will follow shortly. Please check back regularly.

Rt Revd John Stroyan

The Rt Revd John Stroyan was ordained in 1983 and installed as Bishop of Warwick in 2005. He served in inner-city parishes in Coventry and Birmingham and then in a rural benefice in Oxfordshire. Bishop John, who is President of the Association for Promoting Retreats, is an experienced retreat leader and has a keen interest in the Eastern Spiritual Tradition. He has a particular interest in healing and reconciliation. His other interests include rural affairs and inter faith activities. He is the author of Turned by Divine Love: Starting Again with God and with Others.

Retreat price: £425 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £405 if you pay in full before 6th December 2022.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

Beginners Retreat * FULLY BOOKED *

This retreat is now fully booked. Please complete the form on this page if you wish to be placed on the waiting list and our booking team will contact you shortly.

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 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).

Revd Alan Humphrey

Alan Humphrey, Resident Chaplain at Launde Abbey, is an Anglican priest who came to Launde from a new monastic community where they were warden and house manager after being in parish ministry for several years. His enthusiasm for sharing his love of God stems from experiences throughout his varied earlier careers alongside many years of serving on team at New Wine.

Retreat price: £295 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £275 if you pay in full before 17th January 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by arriving early. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

Icon Painting Retreat * FULLY BOOKED *

This retreat is now fully booked. Please complete the form on this page if you wish to be placed on the waiting list and our booking team will contact you shortly.

Join us for this five day icon painting course with experienced iconographer, Peter Murphy.

The course takes place in the prayerful and meditative atmosphere of one of the oldest and most beautiful retreat houses in England, which has its own medieval chapel. Over the course of the week, students will learn to gild and paint on a specially prepared wooden panel using traditional medieval techniques and materials.

This Byzantine Christ Pantocrator Icon, recently completed by Peter himself, will be available for participants to produce for themselves.

All materials, including gold leaf and pigments are included in the fee. Each course starts with an Anglican Eucharist, which all course participants are welcome to attend, and there is an opportunity to join in other services if required.

Peter Murphy

Peter Murphy was born in Leeds and was educated at the University of East London. He trained with iconographer Guillem Ramos Poqui in London. He was Vice Chairman of the Society of Tempera Painters and is a member of the British Association of Iconographers. He has been commissioned by a number of churches in the UK and has also been employed by a number of museums and has recently undertaken three major commissions for Hereford Cathedral. For more information about Peter and his work please visit: petermurphyicons.co.uk

Retreat price: £850 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by arriving early or leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

Please complete this form to express interest in the retreat – we’re fully booked, but we do keep a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Look at the Birds * FULLY BOOKED *

This retreat is now fully booked. Please complete the form on this page if you wish to be placed on the waiting list and our booking team will contact you shortly.

Jesus told his followers to “look at the birds of the air” and Mark Winter as a keen birdwatcher has spent a lifetime following that teaching. Since 2004 Mark has helped others to look at birds on his Even Sparrows retreats on Holy Island, and he continues to marvel how birds teach us about God’s love. This May we welcome Mark back to Launde for a second birdwatching retreat; last year retreatants discovered that there were many exciting birds to see, hear and learn from. Come and enjoy a time of quiet Celtic Christian worship, biblical reflections and guided birdwatching walks.

Mark’s recent book, Look at the Birds of the Air, brings to life the role of birds in the Bible. He explores their importance to individuals like Noah, Moses and Elijah and their frequent mention in prophecy, wisdom literature and the psalms. Above all, Mark considers the significance of birds like the raven, dove and hen to Jesus himself.

Retreat price: £425 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ (!) price of £405 if you pay in full before 9th March 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by arriving early. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

Lent Retreat: Images of Grace

We often hear the story of God’s relationship with us told in big abstract words: sin, repentance, forgiveness, atonement, grace. But the Bible describes each of these concepts with poetry, metaphor and images that link with our human senses, giving us a deeper understanding. On this retreat, led by author Amy Scott Robinson, we will be unpacking the boxes of those big abstracts to find the treats inside: real experiences of God’s love and of his plans for us.

Why have I always been wrong about Jonah? What happens when we forget that sin is a noun and not an adjective? What’s God hiding behind his back? What do two sticks have in common with the song of the angels? Find out the answers to all these and more as we encounter God in the tastes and touch, sights and sounds of life through the rich metaphors in scripture.

(The retreat will follow the structure of Amy’s Lent book, Images of Grace, but there is no need to have read the book, or to intend to read it – everything will be covered in the sessions.)

Amy Scott Robinson

Amy Scott Robinson is an author, poet and performance storyteller. She studied English at Christ’s College, Cambridge, trained as a primary school teacher and then founded a business for storytelling in education. She has written devotionals and liturgical resources, as well as five children’s books, and also works freelance as an editor. Amy is married to a vicar in Suffolk and they have two children.

“In Images of Grace, Amy opens the door for us to understand abstract concepts in concrete ways, ushering us into the presence of God.” – Amy Boucher Pye, author

“Images of Grace invites us into a refreshing journey of restoration and transformation…a warm and soothing welcome into God’s story of love over us, with fresh and enticing insights that take us to new places of intimacy and purpose with God.” – Liz Carter, author

Retreat price: £425 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £405 if you pay in full before 6th January 2023.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by leaving later. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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

Living with Loss FULLY BOOKED

HAVE YOU BEEN STRUGGLING SINCE THE DEATH OF YOUR LOVED ONE?

Come and join with others who have also experienced life-changing loss through bereavement. The aim of this supported retreat is to help you cope with your life-changing loss. Through a creative variety of activities, including led sessions, discussions and quiet reflection, we explore the journey of grief, with a focus on finding a way forward in the changed circumstances that are the result of bereavement. It includes a special time of candlelighting remembrance. This is a gentle retreat with a Christian perspective, sensitively led by Abi and John May, suitable for those who have lost a husband or wife, children or other close family members, or who have suffered multiple losses.

Abi May

Abi runs the ‘Living with Loss’ project, which is a member of the National Bereavement Alliance. She is an experienced retreat leader, bereavement author and educator, as well as being a bereaved mother. Her grief support retreats and training courses are held in locations throughout the UK as well as online.

Quotes from previous retreats run by Abi:

“The content of the bereavement sessions was excellent and the approach varied, interactive and all very clearly presented.”
“I thought Abi led the sessions with sensitivity and compassion.”
“This was a first class retreat which I found extremely helpful.”
“I had no idea, really, what to expect this week. I am returning home feeling assured that I will survive and continue to take ‘small steps’ on my journey.”

Retreat price: £325 includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources.
We offer an ‘Early Bird’ price of £305 if you pay in full before 16th November 2022.
It may be possible for you to extend your stay by arriving early. Why not check on availability and ask for a quote when you contact us.

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