Linda Ginn reports:
The MU Belsey Bridge Retreat, led by the Rev Kathy Bishop, 15th-17th May 2018
It all began with the duck-billed platypus – to which tribe do we belong? What is our real identity? Twenty six members (including three from the Norwich Diocese and 5 day visitors) came together to be still, to reflect, and deepen their faith. Through poetry our prayer life was likened to the elusiveness of the kingfisher; we pondered on what Jesus might have done on his day off; and who mended the little girl’s rabbit cage after the storm, and why? Through the mediums of story-telling, poetry, music and Scripture (Lectio Divina: The little boy with the loaves and fishes), the Greater Silence and meditation, discussion and creativity, Kathy skilfully led us to re-discover the child within us and encounter God in a more light-hearted way. The balance between silence and conversation was perfect. Along with opportunities for one-to-one encounters and spiritual direction, we also had fun and laughter, imagination and creativity. We practised listening to others - to their stories and experiences, and gained in confidence as we spoke up and shared our own thoughts and ideas, particularly around the MULOA project. We laughed, we cried, we encouraged and inspired one another. At the final Eucharist the prayers from the Prayer Tree, our gifts, our hopes and fears were brought before God in a very moving and special service. A huge thank you to Kathy, to the Faith and Policy team, and everyone involved in all the practical ways, especially fellow members and friends who have been so faithful in supporting us prayer – we have indeed been truly blessed.
Kathy Blair, one of the attendees, reflects on her experience of the Retreat:
"The Retreat at Ditchingham was inspiring, gently and practically led by Kathy Bishop, a skilled spiritual director. I went there clutching a beautiful quote from Mother Julian of Norwich on which to meditate. It was a comfort to me, and I tried to share it with the group. It was about Jesus great love for us... 'In his love he clothes us, enfolds us, and embraces us; that tender love completely surrounds us - never to leave us.' Amazingly Kathy also gave us more of these Revelations of Divine Love. It was so enriching.
At the end of one of our worship times I felt prompted to ask if we could sing 'Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, and lighten with celestial fire.' We all stood up to sing together in unison. It was beautiful, like a plainsong chant, inspiring and guiding us.
Later, we were led in a meditation on Psalm 23, to rest like a lamb in a beautiful meadow with a river running by. In the quietness that followed these lovely words of encouragement dropped into my mind. They are not a poem. I cannot take any credit for them. The Holy Spirit was at work among us, and I believe they are a prophetic word for me, and for us as a group, which I have already been able to share with my home group, prayer group and Cafe Church. Linda kindly asked me to share them with you...
'Surely, surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He anoints us for his service - equipping us for whatever he calls us to do. We need to rest to be restored in his image and grow more like him - Christlike. In his presence is comfort, healing and joy for evermore.'
So this has encouraged me to prepare for two pieces of active service I feel called to undertake. It was so good to walk in the bluebell woods there. It is a 'thin' place where we can feel close to God in the quietness. Praise the Lord.! Thank you so much to all who made it happen. "