Come for a little walk? EVENT CANCELLED

FOR VARIOUS REASONS THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED - POSTPONED FOR A LATER DATE, hopefully.

A DAY of PILGRIMAGE

 Have you ever made a pilgrimage? Spent time out in nature, just walking, reflecting, praying, noticing, and walking some more? Or wished you had but don’t know where to start – literally as well as spiritually? Or haven’t the time or money to go walk-about for an extended period?

Come and join me on a day’s pilgrimage and discover just how beautiful and life-changing it can be. 

-       The walk will be about 10 miles And we’ll have some fun and enjoy ourselves!

-       It will be like a day on a longer pilgrimage, starting and ending in prayer, taking time with the Lord and with one another, making new relationships and deepening others.

-       As we walk, sometimes we’ll chat to each other, sometimes walk in silence with something to reflect on or pray through. 

-       We might sing or do a ‘spiritual exercise.’

-       We’ll learn how to take joy in the journey.

When and where and who

Saturday October 19th  2024.  10.30am – 4.30pm

Dorchester-on-Thames, nr Oxford. Full details of where to meet will provided near the time.

A group of 16 max (including me!)  So do sign up soon.  Invite a friend to come with you or come alone, your choice. It’s open to anyone and everyone!

What you need   - here are some general guidelines for those not too sure. 

-       Good walking boots, walking socks, waterproofs (this IS England!) 

-       a small backpack to carry the day’s needs. 

-       Comfortable clothes for walking (jeans are not recommended!)

-       Your own picnic lunch.

-       Plenty of water to drink. I usually carry 2 bottles of water and a flask of hot coffee!

-       A moderately good level of fitness. This being Bath, there are hills in the area, but we will go slowly when necessary! And pause to look at the view ....

Optional extras

-       Walking poles. I like one, other people prefer two.

-       Spare sweater. 

-       Sun cream (there’s always hoping)

-       Snacks to keep you energized, eg a good low sugar trail mix or energy bar. Or bananas.

Included in the day’s pilgrimage:

-       A fully guided walk of about 10 miles

-       Spiritual input and guidance

-       Resources

-       Basic First aid 

-       Support and guidance as needed before and during the day.

 NB: we turn off our mobile phones, or at least put them in airplane mode for the day.  And we are unable to have pets accompany us this time.

Cost for the day 

The cost for all this is just £20, payable on booking. (see below for details) or £25 if paying on the day.

 Not included:

-       Travel to and from the pilgrimage

-       Insurance/cover for any injuries (we hope and pray there won’t be any!)

-       Food and drink

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”     Jer. 6:16

The beginning/end of The Cotswold Way, just outside Bath Abbey, with the verse from Jeremiah.

 For centuries, Christians have walked to special places, to take time to be with God and allow God the time and space to work in their lives. A pilgrimage is a setting aside of one’s normal routine, and taking time to reflect on what the Lord is saying, and allowing the rhythm of the walk to give mental and spiritual refreshment. It is a physical expression of our spiritual journey with God; it is a time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the company of others; and it is a desire to spend quality time with God in a new way.

It is a walk with a difference.

 To book your place and be sent details of how to book and pay, please email me:  penelope@ministriesbydesign.org 

Looking forward to walking with you!

May you take joy in your  journey as you walk with Him

Do pop over to my website and buy a signed copy of a book. You might especially enjoy ‘Walking Back to Happiness’ - the story of backpacking right across France from the Med to the Atlantic.

Join me for a day of pilgrimage Sat Oct 19th 2024

Have you ever made a pilgrimage? Spent time out in nature, just walking, reflecting, praying, noticing, and walking some more? Or wished you had but don’t know where to start – literally as well as spiritually? Or haven’t the time or money to go walk-about for an extended period?

Join me on a day’s pilgrimage and discover just how beautiful and life changing it can be.

-       The walk will be about 10 miles And we’ll have some fun and enjoy ourselves!

-       It will be like a day on a longer pilgrimage, starting and ending in prayer, taking time with the Lord and with one another, making new relationships and deepening others.

-       As we walk, sometimes we’ll chat to each other, sometimes walk in silence with something to reflect on or pray through.

-       We might sing or do a ‘spiritual exercise.’

-       We’ll learn how to take joy in the journey.

When and where and who

Saturday October 19th 2024. 

10.30am – 4.30pm

Dorchester-on-Thames, just south of Oxford

Full details of where to meet will provided nearer the time. It is a circular walk and there is plenty of parking where we start/end. It’s 10 miles - my mileage in the photo above included a small errand earlier in the day!

There are two or three places en route where you could opt out and call a taxi if needed (but we really hope that won’t be necessary!). You need the security of knowing that, however.

A group of 16 max (including me!)  So do sign up soon.  Invite a friend to come with you or come alone, your choice.

What you need   - here are some general guidelines for those not too sure.

-       Good walking boots or shoes, walking socks, waterproofs (this IS England!)

-       a small backpack to carry the day’s needs.

-       Comfortable clothes for walking (jeans are not recommended!)

-       Your own picnic lunch.

-       Plenty of water to drink. I usually carry 2 bottles of water and a flask of hot coffee!

-       A moderately good level of fitness. There are a couple of gradual climbs /hills, but we will go slowly when necessary! And pause to look at the view ....

Optional extras

-       Walking poles. I like one, other people prefer two.

-       Spare sweater.

-       Sun cream (there’s always hoping)

-       Snacks to keep you energized, eg a good low sugar trail mix or energy bar. Or bananas.

Included in the day’s pilgrimage:

-       A fully guided walk of about 10 miles

-       Spiritual input and guidance

-       Any resources that will be required

-       Basic First aid

-       Support and guidance as needed before and during the day.

NB: we turn off our mobile phones, or at least put them in airplane mode for the day. And apologies, but no pets this time.

Cost for the day

The cost for all this is just £20, payable in advance; or £25 if paid on the day.

Not included:

-       Travel to and from the pilgrimage

-       Insurance/cover for any injuries (we hope and pray there won’t be any!)

-       Food and drink

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”     Jer. 6:16

For centuries, Christians have walked to special places, to take time to be with God and allow God the time and space to work in their lives. A pilgrimage is a setting aside of one’s normal routine, and taking time to reflect on what the Lord is saying, and allowing the rhythm of the walk to give mental and spiritual refreshment. It is a physical expression of our spiritual journey with God; it is a time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the company of others; and it is a desire to spend quality time with God in a new way.

It is a walk with a difference.

Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral, September 2021

I’m used to walking!

The booking form is below.   Copy/paste, to email your completed booking form to me here

To pay: £20    Please quote your name as reference Thank you.

 BACS payment

Sort Code: 09-01-28    A/C name: Rev P J Swithinbank     A/c no: 77218204

Paypal friends and family:  penelope@ministriesbydesign.org

Credit Card: https://penelopeswithinbank.com/orders (please note there is a small admin fee added)

AND - advanced notice and an invitation:

If you enjoy walking on pilgrimage, my husband and I will be leading TWO pilgrimages in 2025.

May - the last week of the Via Francigena into Rome, organised with McCabe Pilgrimages. About 60 miles, plus two days in Rome.

We will be walking from Viterbo to Rome

September - a week walking in the Austrian Alps, in the Pitzal area, organised with McCabe Pilgrimages. About 10 miles each day, returning to a lovely hotel where we stay.

Brochures will be out this September, very soon, so let me know if you’d be interested to see them.

A DAY of PILGRIMAGE

Booking  Form

Name     _________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

City        _________________________________

County   ______________________________________________

Post code ___________     

Home Telephone ___________________   Mobile _______________________

Email     ___________________________________________________

Age          ____________________

Next of kin to contact in case of emergencies

Name _________________  Phone ______________________

Relationship to you ___________________________________

Church you attend          _______________________________

Please briefly describe any other retreats or Pilgrimages you have been on

Please briefly describe why you would like to come on the Day of Pilgrimage

Looking forward to walking with you!

How to walk over 200 miles in 19 days

Day 1: start at Coventry Cathedral with Bishop Christopher. He kindly prayed with me, walked me down the aisle and out into the old ruins to send me on my way!

Days 2-18: walk some 12-15 miles a day along the waterways of England

Coventry Canal, Oxford Canal, The Thames Path from Oxford to Reading, Kennett and Avon Canal.

Day 19: have friends join you to walk the last 11 miles into Bath Abbey.

Be totally surprised and astonished when the Great West Doors are opened specially for you to welcome you home!

Walk another mile and get home to bubbles, broken boots and ceremonially binning of said boots.

VITAL STATISTICS:

- Airbnbs paid for by putting our guest room on Airbnb over the summer to earn the money for the trip

- 209 miles total from Coventry Cathedral to Bath Abbey

- longest day: day 4, when HS2 works added a 5 mile deviation making just over 20 miles total for the day

- 1 bad fall.

- 1 kingfisher spotted (on the Thames Path)

- 2 days of rain

- 19 days total, with 2 days off

- 4 or 5 days of INTENSE heat at the start

- biggest surprise: one Airbnb host couple turned out to be a retired Bishop and his wife!

- next biggest surprise: people I met on the way sponsoring me

- 4 waterways: Coventry Canal. Oxford Canal, Thames Path, Kennet and Avon Canal. Hardly any hills!

- 7 joyous days when family or friends joined me to walk

- 8 nights of staying with family or friends

- worst day: day 4, with bad fall + 5 mile deviation

- best day: day 19, walking with friends to cheer me into Bath Abbey, where the great West Doors were opened specially to welcome me in!

- listen to Lectio365 and The Rabbit Hole Detectives podcasts to spur me on each day!

- raise almost £4,000 for the work of International Justice Mission, who are working to help end slavery and human trafficking around the world

- most grateful for: all those who have sponsored me! That’s amazing. Thank you, thank you. Justgiving page open until the end of the month so it’s not too late

- and grateful to the Lord walking with me, guiding and keeping me safe.

Feeling very very fit and totally elated! What an epic journey. Thank you for all your support and encouraging messages.

I’VE DONE IT!

A brief overview of some of the days:

Day 3: Brinklow to Willoughby. 14 miles. Started early to beat the intense heat but was absolutely dripping by mid morning. Good thing it’s a flat path - although I did ‘climb’ up to Hilmorton Locks! A long dank tunnel at Newbold. Rugby commemorated at Rugby.

The landlord at The Barley Mow in Newbold wouldn’t let me pay for my coffee when he discovered I’m walking for charity; Hannah, my host tonight (it’s a little self catering studio) has provided my food for supper and won’t accept payment; and Cher the beagle whom I met on the towpath this morning, has added to my Justgiving page.

All is gift and I feel extremely blessed.

Day Four: on to Claydon. TWENTY plus miles - not what I had intended. It’s been a tough day with 2 unfortunate incidents. Please make it a better day and cheer me up by donating to IJM on my Justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/coventry-bath-pilgrimage

First - such an overgrown tow path, full of nettles, brambles, and a trailing hidden something in which I caught my boot. Fell heavily, fortunately not sideways into canal and fortunately nothing broken or sprained (thank you Lord) but a badly grazed knee that needed my first aid kit.

And then - a closed towpath due to huge HS2 works that sent me on a long detour to get back to the canal. Added 5 or 6 miles.

BUT it did mean I saw an amazing bird (see photo) and went through the pretty village of Wormleighton, 15/16C and the original home of the Spencer family until they’d made a fortune from the wool trade and could buy Althorp!

Lots of hips, sloes, crab apples (slippery under foot when they drop and cover the path) blackberries and autumn colours.. Cooler today, 21-22 max with a breeze, which made a difference.

Still, a tough day! Please cheer me up and donate! Thank you - every little will make a huge difference to someone’s life.

Day 6: Anyho to Shipton-on-Cherwell. An easy day of 13.75 miles, cooler temperatures and lovely sun. Enjoyed my free lunchtime entertainment watching people cope with the lock gates!

But the best thing of all: Jessie, a gorgeous 18 month old black and white springer spaniel, played with me for ages while Mandy, her owner, told me of her husband’s brain tumour and lung cancer; he does better when they’re on their boat. I promised to pray for him as I walked. Later I discovered Mandy & Jessie donated to my Justgiving page! That means so much.

Day Eleven. Thames Path to Streatley, with friends from university days, Roger & Elizabeth Murphy. We were absolutely drenched first thing in torrential rain but later enjoyed a pleasantly sunny autumn day, pausing for a cup of tea at the B&W by the water. The good news is that I’m over 90% of the way to my total for @ijm_uk . The bad news is that there are millions of people in slavery today who need our help to enable @ijm to work for their freedom. Every little helps

Day 13: my fourth and final waterway begins in Reading - the Kennet and Avon Canal, taking me all the way home to Bath! Feels good! The first part is named The Way of St James and there were signs for the Camino to Santiago. Not this time …..

Left Reading in warm sunshine but Nigel was soon making his stormy presence felt. Slightly sheltered by the canal but trees were creaking swaying alarmingly. However, managed today’s 10 miles without any rain. Just reached my accommodation before the heavens opened!

Nearly nearly at my goal for @ijm_uk so please do go to my Justgiving page and let’s help @ijm in their work to help free those trapped in slavery. 12 million children around the world are trapped in slavery. That’s the equivalent of every child in England and Wales. Please help them - every little helps.

Day 15 …. And, if I’m honest, beginning to feel quite tired! Can I go home yet?? Oh no - not quite at Bath yet; 3 more days of walking…. Please please make it worthwhile and cheer me on by contributing to my target (nearly nearly there!) for the work of @ijm_uk @ijm as they work to end slavery.

Day 16 on a bee yew tee full day! Good to be walking! Except currently sitting in a field (by the canal) for a revitalising coffee break You’ve enabled me to beat my target for @ijm_uk ! Yay . They need every Penny to help stop trafficking and slavery so my Justgiving page is still open.

Day 16. A very pretty day! The White Horse Trail on Pewsey Downs, with Adam’s Grave Hill, and The White Horse all up above me to my right. I kept to the Kennet and Avon Canal, all the way to Devizes, where I treated myself to a drink in The Barge Inn and made a new friend in a large chicken. To which my son wrote, Been gone a while, haven’t you Mum

But it’s been worth it - donations to sponsor my walk and help @ijm work to end trafficking and slavery are still flowing in! . Every little helps to release the captives

And now it’s all over! It still seems extraordinary that I’ve walked over 200 miles over these past few days; that Bishop Christopher started me off; that the Great West Doors of Bath Abbey opened to admit me …. And utterly amazing to have raised so much for the work of IJM: total is now almost £4,000. The Justgiving page is open until the end of the month, and every little really does help.

HUGE thanks to all who’ve donated; to all who’ve supported me, walked with me, given me a bed. Couldn’t have done it without you all.

Walking Back to Happiness indeed.

PREPARING TO PREPARE

Christmas is excitingly on the horizon! I’m always excited at Christmas but this year, aren’t we all even more excited than ever? The thought of celebrations, family, get-togethers, after it was all just about cancelled last year, is worth looking forward to! Whether there’s shortages - No Turkey! Not The Most Wanted Gifts! - we all want to be together, to celebrate, and to have some wonderful times. We want to sing carols again; wonder at the crib; light lots of candles; remember and recall again the wonderful (full of wonder) story of the birth of Emmanuel.

However you celebrate, whatever you hope to do, I wonder whether you’re looking forward to Advent as well?

Are you ready and prepared for Advent?

Actually - isn’t Advent the time of preparing for Christmas?

Well, yes - but ARE you prepared to prepare?

Advent is the four weeks that lead to Christmas Day, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It's a popular misconception that Advent always begins on December 1st; this year it begins on the 28th November, the first Sunday in Advent. It was traditionally a time of fasting and penitence, to prepare us for the coming of Emmanuel, God with us. These days it’s more a time of feasting and indulgence as we open our daily little doors and consume the chocolate - or gin or whisky, or whatever is hidden in your Advent Calendar.

Advent is all about anticipation. The word even comes from the Latin word for “arrival,” signifying that all-exciting Christmas count-down. Are you ready for the anticipation and excitement to begin?

I like to have something special to read each day during Advent and I usually look for a new book that will whet my appetite for Christmas - spiritually that is; the food appetite is already raring to go! And this year is no exception. With either appetite.

So I was delighted to be invited a few weeks ago to the book launch of Jo Swinney’s Advent book, THE WHOLE CHRISTMAS STORY.

Top: Jo (left) being interviewed by her editor, Olivia (right)

Bottom: Me clutching my own copy of the book! Happy early Christmas indeed!

Jo answered a few questions for us.

Jo - you said this book was born out of adversity; and that you drew some of the pictures. Tell us more about the journey to write the book.

BRF invited me to write a daily devotional book for Advent and Christmas a few years ago. I love worming my way into the Bible and finding out what it really means so I was very happy to be asked to write this one.

But shortly afterwards, my parents Peter and Miranda Harris, the founders of A Rocha (a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world and the environment) were involved in a devastating car accident in South Africa, in which my mother died. The writing was put on hold; and then Covid came and one thing led to another, so it truly has been a time of adversity and trauma for me and my family.

And yes, I did do some of the drawings! The crib on the front cover is mine, and I’ve done some of the inside illustrations too. My friend Dan drew the large golden thread into a circle and I did the crib to show that the Baby is sitting inside something much larger.

Who did you have in mind when writing this Advent book?

Well anyone really. I’ve tried to use language that isn’t alienating for non-believers, although of course it IS about the Bible and about a Christian religious festival. I think about a friendly person and the sort of questions they might have and then I want to answer those questions. I don’t assume too much, but I don’t want to be patronising either.

Can you sum up the thread of the book for us to give us an idea?

I think the advantage of this being an Advent book is that it is focused on Jesus and intentional about that; but I wanted to do the lead up to Christmas a bit differently. I wanted to broaden it out into what I like to call ‘Shalom Wholeness.’ I don’t want to force Christmas into where it isn’t, but I DID want to go from Genesis to Revelation - on a journey, an adventure, really, from a garden to a garden city. But it’s not a heavy Bible commentary or heavy, theological Bible study! So each day, from December 1st to January 6th (Twelfth Night, the twelfth day of Christmas - ed) there’s a short Bible passage, which I then chat about briefly, followed by a question for the reader to ponder and a little prayer. I’ve deliberately tried to keep it simple and short so that it’s easy to read and to use.

What’s your favourite part about writing and what do you not like about the writing process, Jo?

My favourite part is actually starting to put words down! I start with a spider gram and it goes out in all directions, then I group the ideas and from that I get the structure. I do sometimes panic that I’ll get bored with the story or the writing though! Generally I enjoy the actual writing, but I dread the public launch and then how it’s received. Oh, and I hate the editing; I get bored if I read anything more than once - except the Bible of course!

Finally, who is your favourite author?

Definitely Eugene Peterson.

Thank you, Jo. And thank you for helping us to prepare to be prepared!

There are 4 copies of THE WHOLE CHRISTMAS STORY in a giveaway in my email fortnightly newsletter that will be coming out on Sunday November 14th.

To find out how to enter, you’ll need to be on the list to have it slip into your inbox that afternoon. Simply fill in the annoying popup menu on here and not only will you get that email, you’ll be sent my downloadable ebook, ‘5 Ways to Experience God,’ PLUS some other special offers too. You can always unsubscribe at any time. I’d love to have you join me in this wild amazing adventure with God!

And there’s a regular (most days but not Every. Single. Day!) Thought For the Day to help us too, on my closed Facebook page, SPARKLE AND GO DEEPER. You can ask to join it here and then you’ll be part of this lovely group of women from all across the world as we learn and discover ways to help, inspire, encourage and strengthen our daily walk with the Lord. Do join us, we’d love to see you there! 💛

And one more way to be prepared - start your Christmas gift shopping NOW!

WALKING BACK TO HAPPINESS is ideal for anyone who loves walking, anyone who loves travel, anyone who loves France, food, coffee, ice cream …. or just a good story really! So that’s most people. It’s available on sale from my website, or as an audio book, or on Kindle. Full details here. NOVEMBER OFFER: use code FIFTEEN at check out for 15% off anything purchased on the website.

SCENT OF WATER is a beautiful hardback gift book to give to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It has poems, pictures, thoughts, daily meditations, to dip in and out of; plus a special section for those particularly difficult occasions such as the first Christmas or New Year without the loved one. It has been endorsed by Debbie Thrower for the Anna Chaplaincy; it is dyslexic-friendly; and it is already proving to be a blessing to many. Available as a hardback from the website or as an ebook. Full details here. NOVEMBER OFFER: use code FIFTEEN at check out for 15% off anything purchased on the website.

Hardback available as a signed copy from the website

Why August is the new January.

Could July 31st have been the official last day of 2020? 

Could today, August 1st, be the new beginning  - a sort of 2020 2.0?

Don’t we all want to move from a life of this pandemically-induced burnout to a powerful life of purpose and peace. To live as God intended. To be the best YOU that you can be…. more of this below. Because haven’t we all earned a do-over, a second chance at what 2020 might be? It began so well, so hopefully -  roaring into the twenties again, excited at the thought of a new decade, a new opportunity, a new beginning. And before long, it slid out of all recognition. As did we all. 

Who am I now?  aren’t we all wondering?  What am I, without so much that defined me, with all that I’ve lost over these past few months? What’s the point of me?

So maybe this is the only time we get a second chance at a New Year right in the middle of the old one. A chance to restart and reboot; to renew and refresh. To re-activate.

Because don’t we all need re-activating? As the world changes right before our eyes, as we mourn all that we’ve lost over the past weeks, as we long for what used to be normal, it’s so easy to become de-moralised and lost and lethargic. Because this isn’t any year that we recognise. It’s not the world as we’ve known it. We’re not ourselves as we’ve known us to be.

And we wonder where God is in all of this and how knowing him truly makes a difference in the middle of all the mess and chaos and uncertainty. Who am I now needs to be who has God made me to be? 

In the midst of the uncertainty and longing for normal, one thing is certain: God is still God.  God is still a God of love, a God of steadfastness, a God of creativity.  

A God who created you to be YOU. And then threw the template away. You are uniquely made, the only one of you that there is. And you are a gift to the rest of us. You are so worth-while.

Maybe it’s time to remember – or to learn for the first time perhaps -  who God made you to be. To remember how very special you are, how much you are made in God’s image.

To move from a life of this pandemically-induced burnout to a powerful life of purpose and peace. To live as God intended. To be the best YOU that you can be. 

Here’s one way to do that: THE SPICE RETREAT.

THE SPICE RETREAT: becoming the YOU God intended

Many of us are hesitating to travel. For whatever reason. So a destination retreat isn’t possible right now.

Let’s retreat TOGETHER for the SPICE RETREAT online.  

By the end of this new online retreat, you’ll know how God made you, you’ll know your best YOU, and you’ll be able to be your best you in everyday life, work and relationships. No matter what is going on around you in this crazy world of ours. 

We’ve all been told that it’s OK not to be OK – and that’s true. But I believe it’s not OK to stay there. When your well-being is stretched to breaking, you need to know who and how God created you, so that you can take the right steps to be OK once again. To be better than just OK. To be your best you.

The SPICE RETREAT is a proven 5-step way of discovering your best you and enabling you to live your best life as God intended for you. It’s based on what I’ve learned in my own life, on what I’ve used in mentoring and counselling others, and on Biblical research and reading.

What better time to do it than now – as we re-set 2020!  Maybe August is a quieter time for you; maybe it’s a good time for reflection and re-evaluation; for going deeper and preparing for the September feeling of re-starting, beginning a new term, going back into the office for the first time since lockdown, or simply gearing up for this new normal. 

So, as promised over the past few weeks, and following the wonderful answers to the survey you kindly answered for me, I’m thrilled and excited to be working with you and offering you the first opportunity to take the SPICE RETREAT.

To sign up and join the RETREAT, click here.

The SPICE RETREAT will:

-       Enable you to be your best you in everyday life, work and relationships.

-       Help you to make a lasting transformation to live your life as God intended, as he created you to be

-       Give you proven tools to become your best you, that you can use in any situation

-       Show you how God has put you together in the 5 areas that are the wells of contentment: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional

-       Show you how to arrange your days so that you are experiencing deep contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God (as Dallas Willard said)

-       Give you the freedom and power to be yourself and help you to let go of who you think you’re supposed to be or who you think others expect you to be

-       Help you to come alive and be your best YOU in ways you might not even have imagined and that will last a lifetime

The SPICE RETREAT is for:

-       Anyone who wants to go deeper with God and discover how he created you to be

-       The person who feels lost and uncertain in life, especially in these uncertain times

-       Someone who needs to re-set and start-over, to be re-activated with a new purpose

-       Those who are created by God

The SPICE RETREAT consists of:

-       5 weekly live evening sessions, of 45-50 minutes each, that will also be recorded and available to be accessed at any time. These will include input, guided times for reflection, and other specials such as led meditations, contemplative prayer, imaginative prayer, lectio divina, and various ways to hear God speak into your life. You will have forever access to these 

-       Downloadable weekly journals, that you can keep, personalise and use at any time

-       Suggestions for how to use SPICE to create your own individual retreat at a time to suit you

-       Access to a closed Facebook group with optional discussion and feedback

-       A retreat handbook of things that will enhance the SPICE RETREAT

-       Optional One-on-one Spiritual Direction/mentoring sessions. These will be online with me via Facetime/Whatsapp/Zoom. (your preference)

The live sessions are at 6pm on Sundays August 9th,  August 16th,  August 23th,  August 30th,  September 6th  As they will be recorded,  you will have forever access, so even if you can’t do the live sessions you can have them available for a time that suits you.

Space is limited and is on a first-come basis. There is also an early bird special rate available for the first 10 people who sign up. UPDATE - SOLD OUT

The cost for the SPICE RETREAT: 

Choose one of the following options

BRONZE

-       5 weekly live evening sessions, of 45-50 minutes each, that will also be recorded and available to be accessed at any time. These will include input, guided times for reflection, and other specials such as led meditations, contemplative prayer, imaginative prayer, lectio divina, and various ways to hear God speak into your life. You will have forever access to these 

-       Downloadable weekly journals, that you can keep, personalise and use at any time

-       Suggestions for how to use SPICE to create your own individual retreat at a time to suit you

-       Access to a closed Facebook group with optional discussion and feedback

-       A retreat handbook of things that will enhance the SPICE RETREAT             

Bronze normal price £85   

SILVER

-       everything in Bronze plus   1 x 60 minutes session of one-to-one Spiritual Direction at the end of the course to help you personalise your main takeaways                        

SILVER normal price £135  

GOLD (ONLY 6 GOLD places available) UPDATE: 3 still available

-       everything in Bronze,  PLUS  3 x once-a-month 60 minute sessions of one-to-one Spiritual Direction to help you process and personalise what you learn on the course, turning it into a lasting practical life change, with support and encouragement on your journey.  

Normal price £225   

PLATINUM (ONLY 6 PLATINUM places available)

-       everything in Bronze, PLUS

-       6 x once-a-month 60 minute sessions of one-to-one Spiritual Direction to help you process and personalise what you learn on the course, turning it into a lasting practical life change, with support and encouragement on your journey and  see you through the first 6 months of the new YOU

Normal price £375  

To sign up for the SPICE RETREAT click here 

The links for the first Sunday evening session and downloadable journal will be sent to your inbox on Saturday ready for you to be ready!

 

AND  - as of August 3rd, there are only 3 spaces still available on the Celtic Pilgrimage in Cornwall,  May 2021. CLICK HERE for the full details to make sure you are booked to come -  

- take time to reset your soul and be refreshed and renewed

- get away from everyday hurry and anxiety

-  learn from the Celtic saints

- meet with the Lord in daily reflections and meditations

** ** ** ** ** **

The Revd Penelope Swithinbank is an experienced pilgrimage and retreat leader, conference speaker and Spiritual Director/Therapist.  She has been leading retreats and pilgrimages for nearly 20 years, regularly leads pilgrimages in the UK and on the Via Francigena in Italy, has had an international ministry, including churches in America and the UK, and speaking on Women's Retreats and leading conferences. Her most special memory is of opening the US Senate in prayer and being guest chaplain there for a day. Penelope was the first ordained woman on the staff of The Falls Church, Virginia, where she headed up the Connections and Communications Ministry in a church of nearly 4,000. Later, she was the first chaplain at St Mellitus College, London, and then ran The Vine at Mays Farm, a Christian Retreat House providing sanctuary mostly to burned-out clergy, although normal people came too, for retreats and time out.  She now works partly as a Chaplain at Bath Abbey and partly mentoring, supporting and pastoring clergy.  Author of two books, she is a wife, mother and grandmother and says of the 6 grandchildren that they are so wonderful she should have had them first. 

  **   **   **   **

What others have said:

From someone who has regular Spiritual Direction: 

“Thank you for that very useful and in-depth session. I feel in a much better place now and am determined to press in to Christ more.” C.B.

From the leader of a women’s day retreat:

“We loved having you with us – you ‘fit’ us very well, if you know what I mean! We’ve had lots of great positive feedback and stories on Sunday of what God had been doing –   all were inspired to spend more time with the Lord.  One commented that it was great to not only have the buzz of being at a day like that but then also to have practical things to take away and do day-to-day.  You spoke brilliantly – very clear, great structure which I always appreciate! Very easy to relate to and connect with your material.  You have a lovely relaxed manner too...... it was great to have lots of practical stuff to mix things up and practise.  It made the day go incredibly quickly and didn’t feel at all like hard work!” C.H.

From an Anglican Bishop:

“Penelope is one of the finest priests I know—not “female” priest, but just “priest”. God has seen fit to combine in her high character, deep piety and a broad gift-mix. This combination makes her a wonderful guide and retreat leader for both current leaders and those who feel called to ministry. I sincerely commend Penelope and her work.”  T.H

From a grateful husband: 

“Whatever happened there this year has really lit B’s walk with Christ on fire again.  She is showing so much of the fruit of the spirit, plus she can’t get enough of ministering to people, and she feels alive in Christ too.  Really good stuff!”  A.G. 

From a previous pilgrim:

 “I will ALWAYS think of it as one of the top experiences, and it was the catalyst to begin this whole other chapter of my life — truly amazing! It was formative for me in so many ways, Penelope…thank you for providing this catalyst for transformation in my life.” M.S.

CELEBRATING SUMMER

Some midsummer madness going on here …….

Summer is here -  some days! In my part of the UK we've had days of torrential downpours, days of heatwaves (over 83F in my garden last Wednesday!) and days of just grey cloud. But most days have been clear blue sunny warmth. I love it! And I love summer. You?

But I'm also so over this lockdown thing. No, I don't want to go back to how it was before;  I'm longing to move forward into the new normal. 

So I thought it was just the time to celebrate summer and the new normal with a little midsummer madness.  There are some things in this blogpost I'm sure you'll love.

      - a new box-set of books  (Surprise!)  The third and last set.

      - booking now open for a Celtic Pilgrimage, May 2021

      - a new SPICE course. 

       - an audio book recording

1     SUMMER SURPRISE BOX SET

The first box set at the beginning of lockdown (wow, that seems a long time ago!) had 4 books and we sold all 20 sets in just 10 days! Everyone was wanting to read during those long hours at home. Now we're all planning our holidays - YAY!  I’ve been asked by lots of people for another set, as they are excellent value. So -

For the third and final offer, I've put together a wonderful summer surprise box set ready for your summer holiday reading.

You get 3 different new books, several signed by the authors, but you won’t know which 3 until you open your parcel! The total retail value of your set is usually over £25,  but you pay only £16.50

BOOK 1:   EITHER "The Making of US" by Sheridan Voysey 

                  OR "Taking my God for a Walk" by Tony Collins 

BOOK 2:   "Walking Back to Happiness" by Penelope Swithinbank

BOOK 3:  1 FREE copy of one of the other books in the photo above

To order your set  - and there are only a limited number, so do this NOW!

CLICK HERE to go to the order page. You will enter your credit card info, your address info and then the box set will be winging its way to you! 

There are also just 8 sets of the Virtual Pilgrimage box set still available so if you're not able to go away right now, why not travel the paths of other pilgrims and read their stories? All from the comfort of your armchair.  

CLICK HERE to order either box set - SUMMER SURPRISE or VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE

If you’ve already got a copy of one of them, why not give the new copy to someone for a birthday or Christmas gift? Or order a set to be delivered to a family member or friend with a birthday over the summer as a lovely surprise parcel. We can add a gift card if you email your message to penelope@ministriesbydesign.org when you order.

If you live outside the UK mainland, please note there is a surcharge for postage. 

2         CELTIC PILGRIMAGE

Are you feeling the need for time out?     

Needing to reset your soul? 

Thinking of 2021 for a real restorative time away? 



With restrictions being lifted, we can begin to plan for next year, God willing. 

the old Celtic coastal pathways in Cornwall

​​​​​​​BOOKING IS NOW OPEN for the Cornish Celtic Pilgrimage, walking from the furthest west of England to the furthest south - Lands End to the Lizard, along the coastal pathways often travelled by pilgrims and celts - and by the authorities trying to catch smugglers! 

​​​​​​​MAY 21-28, 2021 (Friday to Friday) 



PILGRIMAGE: the old/new way to wander, walk, think, pray - and reset your soul. To saunter along ancient paths. 

"Hiking - I don't like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike! Do you know the origin of that word 'saunter?' It's a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, "A la sainte terre,' 'To the Holy Land.' And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them."
~ John Muir

If you would like the full details of this 8 day holiday, walking with just 12 women, talking, praying, having time to reflect and to be with God, email me here: penelope@ministriesbydesign.org

It will be a special week, with plenty of time for resetting your soul. The walk is only 45 miles (although there are a few steep ups and downs occasionally, as it's a coastal path) and there is a day off mid week to cross to St Michael's Mount with its pilgrim chapel.  It can be seen from the house where we will be staying.

St Michael’s Mount crowned with the pilgrim chapel. Visit on our midweek day off from walking!

This really is a vacation with a difference, as we walk, pilgrim, pray; and set aside time for the things of God. 

There are daily devotionals, based on Cornish Celtic saints and we visit ancient churches, old villages and walk along ancient pathways.

It can be hot and sunny or cold and blustery … no matter what time of year!  

May 2018 was (mostly!) sunny

The total is 12 women (including me) from any stage or walk of life, as long as you can walk 45 miles in a week! But you'll get info in advance on how to be as fit as possible in readiness.  So, with only 11 places bookable, email now for your full information and booking form.  penelope@ministriesbydesign.org   

Why not come with a friend?

Ancient Celtic cross tombstone in a Cornish churchyard

Sea views from the house where we will be staying

3.   THE SPICE COURSE : becoming your best you. 

helping you make a lasting transformation to live your life as God intended. 

I am so excited about this new course I am putting together ! Based on years of experience both in my own life and in helping those I mentor, it's a simple yet profound way to discover your best you, the YOU God made you to be. 

Many thanks to all those (97 ! THANK YOU! ) who filled in the survey for me about SPICE. 

I bit the bullet and complained to the host company who then allowed the option of paying a month's fee,  so that I could see more than the free 40 replies! And it was well worth it for all your comments and suggestions. 

Almost 70% would prefer a downloadable ebook/course with some online input.

85% would prefer 3 one hour (max) online sessions, over 3 weeks.

45% wanted most of the content to be input/speaking/teaching, with the rest spread evenly between reflections, readings, and online participation from attendees.

And then your lovely comments! People praying for me as I plan and write it; people wanting to sign up immediately; suggestions about formats; pleas for personal sessions with me to follow up. 

Having read the survey, prayed and thought carefully, and reflected, I feel the course will be a package  with options: 

• a downloadable ebook and access to a closed Facebook group

• 3 sessions (one a week) live on the closed Facebook group, but able to be accessed at any time after they're posted. 

• the option of 1, 3 or 6  (spread out over a few weeks or even months) one-to-one 45 minute sessions with me afterwards via FaceTime or Skype or Zoom. 

SPICE will be available in just a few weeks,  so that you can do it over the summer.

Details about how to sign up will be coming soon.

AND FINALLY - not just a paperback, not just on Kindle …..

AVAILABLE SOON AS AN AUDIO BOOK

Finally, some great news - 'Walking Back To Happiness' is being professionally recorded June 29 & 30 as an audio book and will soon be available for you to download and listen to. Please pray for me as I read it aloud over the 2 days and for the technology to work! 

If you skimmed through to the end, you missed

• the Summer Surprise Box Set  - click here to order it

• the Celtic Pilgrimage in Cornwall - email for full info

• info about SPICE. Full details coming soon!​​​​​​​

• ​​​​​​​the audio book of Walking Back to Happiness 

Enjoy your summer - may your days be filled with the surprising blessings God sends us. He's a God who loves you and delights in you and just enjoys being with you. I hope you enjoy being with him, too.  How do you best do that?  

Me? I'm off for a walk, of course!

- Penelope

WHAT DO YOU SEE? HOW DO YOU SEE?

I took a walk today - one of my usual, quick 4.5 miles in a circle around the local lanes. It’s quick (1 hour 10mins). It’s familiar.

There are pretty places, panoramas, rarely a person. And usually I take a few photos of the beauty to post on social media. I get feed back about the lovely place I live, the glorious walks I can take, how fabulous England is.

I never take photos of the not-so-lovely places I pass. I see the beauty and ignore the bleakness.

Today, it crossed my mind that in nature I only notice the glory. Yet in my life I only notice the gore.

You too?

I look at myself and I see all the faults, all the failures, all the falls.

So today I took photos of the not-so-lovely places I pass, to show you.

As I paused to wield my phone, I reminded myself that yes, there are ugly things in life. I have had times of failure and fall.

AND I have survived, AND I am stronger, AND I am still breathing, AND AND AND

AND … not BUT, AND….

What do you see when you look at yourself? The faults and the failures and the falls? Or the times you picked yourself up, the times you trusted God, the times you helped someone else, how loved you are - by God and by others.

Perhaps it’s not WHAT you see but HOW you see.

See yourself as a beautiful, as loved by God, as AMAZING.

Which direction are you looking - at the gore or the glorious?

Don't forget to sign up and get the free download of 5 ways to have a retreat with God.

And a few of the posts others have found helpful during these pandemically challenging times

• Thriving in online meetings

• heroic, disillusioned or hopeful at the moment?