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.

 




Searching for sanity again already?

in ,

You shake the last of the sand from your sandals recall the sun and the sea, the sunburn and the swimming pool,

remember the siestas and the sangria,

empty the last souvenir from the suitcase

and settle back into September sanity.

And the possibility of a clean slate.

 

"January is the official start of the new year, and I always get a burst of renewed zeal at that time, but September also gives the same feeling of an empty calendar and a clean slate. The air seems charged with possibility and renewal.  

Back-to-school is a time of self-evaluation and reflection."

So writes Gretchen Rubin.

Maybe it's the same for you.

September.

A new start, a clean slate, time for something newer and stimulating? Searching for sanity again already?

*  *  *  *  

That need for self-evaluation, for reflection and renewal, can be something which drives us to what is sometimes called spiritual navel gazing.

Or it can be something which stirs us to greater things, to a desire to draw nearer to God and start afresh with renewed vigour in our relationship with him.

Get set for September - shake up your schedule and set a time for intentional seeking of God.

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” (Ps 27:8 ESV)

Set a new schedule - now , while you think about it and before everything else takes over! Set a time for those extra moments to seek his face.

And set a date to come on retreat.

Plan to spend a couple of nights away, time for renewal of the energy which has been sapped over the autumn, summer energy seeping away.

Spend a night or two at The Vine @ Mays Farm.

It's been transformed over the past few weeks! So even if you have already been, it's very different now.

*  *  *  *  

NEW!

WALKING RETREAT FOR OCTOBER

Walking in the autumn colours, it promises to be a very beautiful time to be away, to enjoy the countryside, to be intentional about searching for God. There's something special about walking, allowing the mind to clear of busy-ness and the beauty of creation to speak of the glories of God. And the peace and quiet as one walks is stunning for being able to concentrate on speaking to God and listening to and for him. Book now - limited places available!

Monday October 14  - Friday October 18 2013

Arrive Monday afternoon in time for a cream tea. A light supper followed by compline and an early night in a comfy bed in an ensuite twin bedded room.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we have breakfast followed by a morning devotion, and then leave to walk  for 7 - 8 miles,  pausing for a leisurely lunch break at a local hostelry about half way round. During the walks we may chat or be in silence, take part in a spiritual reflection/exercise or pray. Each day's walk is different:  hilly or wooded, through the prettiest village in England or past a Georgian building used in filming a Jane Austin novel.  We walk approximately from 10.30 -  1.00, stop for lunch and walk again until reaching home about 4.00. Free time until supper, which is followed by compline.

Friday: morning devotion after breakfast, followed by a 3-4 mile circular walk. Departure by noon.

Facilities for guests include: fridge,  washer/dryer,  wi-fi in the house (but you are encouraged not to use it too much and we do not use technology on the walks!) sitting room  and a well-stocked library  (both have wood burner stoves and underfloor heating!)  lovely grounds including a walled garden and a chapel.

The small print:  this fully guided retreat is for 4 nights half board. You will need to buy your own lunch each day at the pub on the way. Dinner, bed & breakfast are provided. Each room is fully ensuite, equipped with a tea/coffee tray and freshly made up beds. (bring your own towels) Accommodation is in twin rooms (bring a friend and share a room, or we can allocate room mates!) COST for the fully guided 4 night retreat half board is just £200 to cover costs; with a suggested donation to MbD of £20 a night which can be gift aided.

There are just 10 places available  - so make sure you book now to be able to come!

Email admin@ministriesbydesign.org to ask for a booking form.

*  *  *  *  

For those who love photos - latest updates!

DONT FORGET TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON THE WALKING RETREAT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last chance to book a Preview (ie free!) Retreat ...

in

THE VINE @ MAYS FARM

There are only a VERY FEW places left for the Preview  (ie FREE !) Retreats  at The Vine this summer. So if you would like to apply to be considered, please contact Ministries by Design very very soon!

  •  Guided Silent Retreat              July 22 - 26                    ONE space still available
  •  Guided Walking Retreat         July 29 – Aug 2            THREE spaces still available   
  •  Guided Silent Retreat             Aug 12 - 16                       fully booked
  •  Guided Walking Retreat        Aug 19 - 23                     fully booked
  • INDIVIDUAL RETREATS:    Weekend of July 19 - 21: ONE room still available.                                                               Mid week of August 5 - 9: fully booked

We have been amazed at the response already, and are praying for the “right” people at the right time. The House will not be quite finished, and the work available will be things such as painting and decorating, gardening, tidying, finishing … and praying! These are all PREVIEW – the House will not be fully finished! So there is no charge, but help around the House should be offered in exchange for full board & lodging & retreat.

A WALKING RETREAT - get fit spiritually AND physically! Arrive on a Monday afternoon, settle in with a cup of tea. First session, then supper. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, after a buffet breakfast, Penelope will lead you on one of several local walks, each of about 6 miles, with opportunities for spiritual reflections and meditations as we walk. Return for lunch and spend the afternoons as you wish to make the most of this time - praying, sitting in the chapel, journalling, sleeping; and helping out manually for a couple of hours. There will be a short session each day before Supper, which will be followed by compline and early nights. Final session on Friday morning, and leave after a light lunch. Maximum of 10 people, in en-suite twin bedded rooms.

A GUIDED SILENT RETREAT - to concentrate on your relationship with God. Arrive on a Monday afternoon, settle in, enjoy tea. First session, then supper, compline and early bed, after which we will move into silence. Breakfast will be served in your room to allow time to rest, reflect, be renewed. Each day there will be individual time with a Spiritual Director, and there will be guidance if required as to how to get the most from this time. There will be opportunity to help manually around the Centre for a couple of hours each day. Meals will be taken in communal silence or you may take your meal to your room if you wish. Leave after a final time with your Director on Friday morning followed by a light lunch if required. Maximum of 5 people, in private en-suite rooms.

PREVIEW INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE RETREAT We are also offering space for you to come on your own private retreat, again Preview A minimum of 2 nights. Maximum of 5 people at any one time, in private en-suite rooms. Spiritual Direction available if required. AVAILABLE: July 18 – 21 August 5 - 9

SMALL GROUPS WEEKENDS:  Bring your small group any weekend Friday night – Sunday afternoon, Preview (free) but help out around the house too.

FROM SEPTEMBER 1st, the House will be fully open 

INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE RETREATS (Paying) The House will be open and fully operating from September 2 for private retreats or group visits. Dates for Walking Retreats and Guided Silent Retreats will be posted very soon!

Italy Pilgrimage on the Via Francigena, Tuscany: September 7 – 14  now fully booked, but there is a waiting list available

If you have any queries and/or would like more information and an application form, please email

penelope@ministriesbydesign.org