Saturday 24 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Love

  Our last #Advent #oneword. It has to be Love, because God's last word to us is always love. A blessed Christmas to all, from me and from Seal Church.

 St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Love: Love God’s love was revealed among us in this way; God sent his only son in to the world so that we might live through him. 1 John 4.9 ...

Friday 23 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Gift

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Gift: Gift A child has been born for us, a son given to us. Isaiah 9.6 God so loved the world that he gave his only son. John 3.16 How ...

Thursday 22 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Light

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Light: Light The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1.5 The true light which enlightens everyone was co...

Wednesday 21 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Favoured

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Favoured: Favoured The angel said to Mary, “Greetings favoured one, the Lord is with you.” Luke 1.28 “Favoured” can also be translated as “...

Tuesday 20 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Disgrace

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Disgrace: Disgrace Mary’s husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. ...

Sunday 18 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Flesh

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Flesh: Flesh The Word became flesh and lived among us. John 1.14 It was really important for the early church to proclaim theat God ha...

Friday 16 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Emmanuel

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Emmanuel: Emmanuel Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel. Matthew 1.23, quoting Isaiah 7.14 Emm...

Thursday 15 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Message

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Message: Message In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. Luke 1.26 The nativity story...

Wednesday 14 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Joy

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Joy: Joy The angel said to the shepherds, “I am bringing you good news of great joy.” Luke 2.10 The angels announced Jesus’ birth to t...

Tuesday 13 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: King

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: King: King The wise men asked Herod, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” Matthew 2.2 The wise men’s question to ...

Monday 12 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Chosen

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Chosen: Chosen Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness ...

Sunday 11 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Room

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Room: Room ..there was no room for them at the inn. Luke 2.7 Biblical commentators argue about why there was “no room”, and what exac...

Saturday 10 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Journey

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Journey: Journey All went to their own towns to be registered.Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of Dav...

Friday 9 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Born

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Born: Born …to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2.11 Have you given birth or bee...

Thursday 8 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Manger

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Manger: Manger And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger… Luke 2.7 Where do you ...

Wednesday 7 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Fear

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Fear: Fear Then an angel of the Lord stood before the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the...

Tuesday 6 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Peace

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Peace: Peace And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest hea...

Monday 5 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Danger

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Danger: Danger  Now after the Magi had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mothe...

Sunday 4 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Child

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Child: Child The wolf shall live with the lamb,    the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together...

Saturday 3 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Hope

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Hope: Hope For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope...

Friday 2 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Silence

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word: Silence: Silence When Zechariah came out, he could not speak to the people, and they realised that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kep...

Thursday 1 December 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word : Expect

Thenfirst of Seal Church's Advent reflectioons is here. St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word : Expect: Expect Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. Luke 2.5: When did you l...



There's a colouring sheet here to go with the reflections.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/59103132/One%20Word%20colouring%20sheet.docx

Thursday 24 November 2016

St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word - Watch this space!


St Peter and St Paul, Seal: One Word - Watch this space!: Coming soon here....Our Advent daily meditations and colouring sheet ... (Starting Dec 1) Less is more, so they say, and that’s es...

Thursday 3 November 2016

Quiet Day for Remembrance at St Paul's, Parkwood.

Come, Holy Spirit, and Meet Us at our Crossroads

You are invited to a
 Quiet Day for Remembrance
with prayer stations and a labyrinth
at St Paul’s Church
Long Catlis Drive, Parkwood ME8 9PN
on Saturday 12 November, 2016
from 11.00am – 4.00pm

Come and go as you are able
to light a candle, pray with poppies, the Prayer Stations
and experience the Labyrinth

We will aim to keep silence within the main church.

Coffee, tea, juice and biscuits
 will be available in the small room behind the kitchen and talking is allowed!
There will be leaflets available to guide you
and people on hand to offer help with using the labyrinth and for prayer support.

·         You may wish to bring a packed lunch, if you plan to stay for the day.
·         You may find it helpful to bring your Bible and notebook/journal
(for jotting down thoughts that come to you as you pray).

   There is no charge, donations welcome.

We hope to see you there.                                         Ann Bodimeade - George Hulme - Jill Lovell



Monday 17 October 2016

Advent Retreat

BURRSWOOD ADVENT RETREAT
Monday 28th November to Thursday 1st December 2016
‘EXPECTANCY’
INTRODUCTION TO SILENCE
CONDUCTED BY DAVID FLAGG

The Advent retreat (Mon November 28th to Thursday Dec 1st) on the theme of “Expectancy” will be conducted by the Rev David Flagg. It will include six reflections on key Advent themes, and it will also serve as an ideal introduction to making a silent retreat. Experiencing group silence as a beginner is best done in a relatively short time frame, so the silent period will extend from Tuesday at 10am till Wednesday at 9pm.  How to make use of a time of extended silence will be addressed on Monday evening. There will be a short daily eucharist (holy communion), a time of silent adoration in the evenings, and a healing service to finish on Thursday morning. David will be available for retreatants should they wish to have a short discussion with him during the retreat.



Cost: residential full board: £297; discount of 10 %  if booked 2 months before, i.e.by 28 Sept
                                                          

Residential retreatants may leave early (e.g. Wed lunch) but cannot arrive late

 Cost: non-residential : £99 ; includes 3 lunches

Non-resident retreatants are ideally required to attend on Monday at 8pm for introduction to using silence, and then as a minimum from 10am to 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday

To ask more detail: contact David : david.flagg@burrswood.org.uk 07910 141862
To book a place: contact Burrswood Admissions : admissions@burrswood.org.uk 01892 865988




PROGRAMME


Monday

From 2pm arrivals
4pm tea in Drawing Room

4.30pm Eucharist (Lady Chapel) ‘Birthday of Dorothy Kerin’

6.30pm Supper (Jacobean)

8 pm Introductions (Study)
           Preparing for a silent retreat




Tuesday

Breakfast (Jacobean) 8.30- 9.15 am

10am FIRST REFLECTION (Lady Chapel): “ADVENT”

Silence begins

1pm Lunch

2.15pm SECOND REFLECTION : “DUST AND ASHES”

4.30pm EUCHARIST and THIRD REFLECTION : “SISTER DEATH”

6.3O pm Supper

8pm Silent Adoration (Lady Chapel)


Wednesday

Breakfast

10am FOURTH REFLECTION : “JUDGEMENT”

1pm Lunch

2.15pm FIFTH REFLECTION : “LIVE EACH DAY AS IF THY LAST”

4.30pm EUCHARIST and SIXTH REFLECTION : “EXAMEN”

6.30pm Supper

8pm Silent Adoration (Lady Chapel)

 silence ends

Thursday

Breakfast

9am Eucharist (with Community Communion): ‘St.Andrew’

10am Endings (Study)

11.30am Healing Service (Church)

1pm Lunch and depart



Wednesday 5 October 2016

Developing Direction at the London Centre for Spirituality




The ongoing Developing Direction programme resumes in February 2017 with a very rich series of days led by experienced and inspired practitioners. As spiritual directors it’s easy to feel isolated and somewhat depleted. This is a good chance to both find community and be nourished in the vital ministry you offer.  All the sessions described below can be booked individually but booking as a whole course entitles you to a discount of £45.00.  Read more and book your place on the entire Developing Direction series.



Friday, Feb 10th, 11 - 4pm
THE LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL
Metaphor and Spiritual Direction
Dr Andrew Mayes


How can we describe to others what is happening to us on our spiritual journey? How can we depict the spiritual road that we are taking-experiences of prayer, transitions that we travel through, impediments that we face-and externalize into words the interior experiences? Based on his latest book, Learning the Language of the Soul, Andrew will help us to explore creative and inspirational metaphors for use in spiritual direction.

Dr. Andrew Mayes is currently Spirituality Adviser to the Anglican Diocese of Chichester, where he has also served as director of clergy training. He is the author of six previous books, including the widely-acclaimed Beyond the Edge: Spiritual Transitions for Adventurous Souls. Read more and book


Friday 10th March, 11 - 4pm
AT THE STILL POINT
Accompanying The Contemplative
Liz Watson


In a busy and active society and church, contemplative prayer and living is a radical call and challenge. Are there particular needs in spiritual direction for those who are on this path? Based on years of accompanying others on this journey, Liz will help us to explore this area of our work and be better equipped to support those responding to this calling.

As a member of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) for 20 years, Liz has served in various capacities including WCCM UK School Coordinator and UK National Coordinator. She now focuses on teaching meditation, leading retreats, and offering spiritual direction. She recently contributed two chapters to the book on the Christian mystics, Journey to the Heart. Read more and book


Friday 7 April, 11 - 4pm
THE GIFT OF THE CROSS
Suffering and The Truer Self
David Cherry

God does not send us suffering; or even desire it. But often it is in suffering that we, and our directees, find a deeper confidence and trust in God. Is this a kind of death and resurrection? By reflecting on our own experience, what we need in times of suffering and difficulty, we can find both inspiration and courage to be with others in theirs.

David is a tutor on the Ignatian Spirituality Course, a Spiritual Director and Anglican Priest.  Read more and book


Friday 5 May, 11 - 4pm
ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Desire in Spiritual Direction 
Susanne Carlsson
After a long period in Christian history when desire was frowned upon as suspect, we return at last to the joy of finding God in our deepest desire. Although familiar to many, this is still a ground-breaking insight for so many of the people we accompany. Susanne will help us to explore desire in spiritual direction and increase our confidence in drawing upon this in our work with others.
Susanne is the Advisor for Spirituality in the Rochester Diocese. She is responsible for spirituality events and formations, organising and allocating spiritual directors for the diocese. She is also trained in Ignatian Spirituality and very experienced in giving the Exercises. Read more and book


Friday 2 June, 11 - 4pm 
HELD IN LOVE
Identity and Rule of Life
Rachel Overton


We’re still far too inclined to equate rules with oppressive structures. Instead, it can be the boundaries within which we find our deepest identity and fullest life. Sr Rachel will help us to explore this reality for ourselves and for those we accompany.

Sr Rachel was a member of a religious community for 23 years before being called to live as a solitary religious. She has been actively involved in the ministry of spiritual direction and retreat leading since 1989. She now lives in the Centre of Peterborough, working within the areas of spirituality and spiritual direction. Read more and book


Friday 14 July, 11 - 4pm
KNOWING ME KNOWING YOU
Introduction to the Enneagram 
Jill Foulger

Personality typologies have assisted many people over the years to understand themselves better and to appreciate the differences in others. The Enneagram is a special typology providing not just descriptors of different types of people but wisdom for the journey to wholeness. As spiritual directors, it can be a helpful lens through which to better see and support the people we accompany.

Jill is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and an Enneagram teacher. A graduate of the Enneagram Professional Training Profile with Helen Palmer, she runs workshops at all stages of the Enneagram, monthly study groups and work with teams in business and faith groups. Read more and book

One Day Workshops and
Network Day



The Spirituality of Jesus : the Centrality of the Heart in Jewish Prayer
Saturday 15th October, 11 - 4pm, led by Paul Stevens  Cost: £45

The spirituality of Jesus drew its inspiration entirely from Jewish sources. This day workshop aims to introduce the fundamentals of Jewish spirituality and show how Jesus’ spiritual practice and teaching is informed by his Jewish roots and its profound understanding of the heart. . The day sets out to examine the distinctive Jewish features that characterise the spiritual expression of Jesus and will focus particularly on the ‘Shema Israel’ (Hear, O Israel’) which is still regarded as the foundational prayer of Judaism. Read more and book


Meeting the Darkness: Reflective Day, Led by Nicola Mason and Jane Booth
10:30 - 4pm Saturday 5th November, Cost: £45

At this season of dwindling daylight, we will take time to reflect on the experience of darkness in our lives: does it hold gifts as well as challenges, and is there is a way in which we can meet and embrace it, rather than simply endure it? We will consider what light some of the saints, writers and poets who journeyed through their own darkness can offer to guide us on our way. There will be some input and opportunities for sharing within the group, balanced by time for individual reflection and exploration, and an invitation to participate in two simple group meditations.  Read more and book


Preparing for Advent with Flowers with Ken Browne, Friday 25th November, 10 - 1pm Cost: £25  (£20 for those also booking on the Network Day on Saturday 26th Nov)

Flowers have been, and are, an inspiration for many and the Holy Spirit makes itself known in the secret redolence of flowers. Flowers give joy and happiness and are an outer expression of inner emotions, including loss and love. At this time of advent Kenneth will use the experience of ‘being’ with flowers to enhance the theme of waiting. The morning will include the ‘waiting’ as flower arrangements unfold .We will also examine the symbolism of the Advent wreath together with poetry and storytelling about flowers. There will be time for silence and a flower meditation to help cultivate the Divine within ourselves and deepen our sense of waiting.  Read more and book

THE COURAGE TO CONNECT
News, Nourishment and Networking
The London Spirituality Centre Network Day
Saturday, 26th November 2016

10.30 for an 11.00 start – 4.30  Cost: £30 Full Price; £25 for Members of the Community of Spiritual Directors
A time to:
o Connect with other spiritual directors
o Hear the latest news from the Centre;
o Find out about the growing Community of Spiritual Directors;
o Pray together and bless one another in our ministry;
o Be inspired for the work.
Read more and book your place

And a reminder that giving to the Centre is effortless - and free - if you route your online shopping through easyfundraising. 



The Church of St Edmund, the home to the Spirituality Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 3.00pm offering a peaceful and contemplative resource.

There are quiet areas for reading and prayer. Fresh coffee is available for a small donation.

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