Monday 28th November 2022

A retreat day led by Rev'd Gill Alexander was held in the peaceful surroundings of Shepherds Dene. This was attended by parishioners from 'Parishes by the Wall' including the Parishes of Hatlwhistle,Beltingham with Henshaw, Haydon Bridge and Newbrough. It was good to welcome a number of new faces as well as welcoming back those who had attended previous retreat days.

Following opening prayer, Gill spoke about the meaning of Advent, The Journey of the Magi, and introduced a resource booklet she had prepared covering the four weeks of Advent. This includes scripture readings, prayers, poems and quotations.

As the early morning mist cleared we were able to meander in the beautiful grounds, in warm sunshine, and ponder the question 'How has the pandemic changed you'? which generated an interesting after lunch discussion.

The group very successfully, in a short space of time,made Advent Wreaths using greenery cut for us from the gardens. These were placed on the altar in the Chapel for our closing worship..

The day concluded with tea and a very delicious cake!

What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God..

Hans Urs von Balthasar