Synod Spring Retreat 2008The annual retreat was held again at Shepherds Dene Retreat House at the end of February, and attracted a record number of eighteen participants.
We began on what was one of the windiest days of the year, and several participants on arrival reported having seen overturned vehicles on the main roads. But we were still unprepared for what happened at lunchtime: the falling of a vast branch from the cedar opposite the front door of the House, which crushed the car of one of the group who had arrived ahead of ours.
And this was only hours before The Great Earthquake - which admittedly was not felt by anyone at Riding Mill, but which had woken loved ones left at home not so many miles away.
Earthquake, wind, and possibly fire: but where was the Lord to be found?
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Retreat Leader Michael Kitchener (back, left) and Retreat participants |
Certainly in the calm and thoughtful sessions presented by retreat leader Michael Kitchener, whose talks were given under the intriguing title Seeing the Back of God.
And the Lord was to be found too within the calm of the House, in the shared worship, the beauty of the countryside, and in one another's company and conversation.
Thanks to the Silence & Retreats Group and to Ruth Crofton for organising this retreat - and being ready to organise next year's too!