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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260727T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260729T140000
DTSTAMP:20260309T131306Z
CREATED:20251204T225749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T131306Z
UID:10000186-1785168000-1785333600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor 2\,000 years\, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art\, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste\, beautiful\, meek\, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have shaped not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and have contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman. This retreat will offer a time for reflection on the impacts of these tropes on us\, and attempt to create a space to exhale; freeing ourselves from the burden of perfection\, and an opportunity to gain new insight into the person of Mary\, her humanity\, motherhood and what we learn about God through her.  \n\n\n\nChine McDonald \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChine McDonald is Director of Theos\, the religion and society think tank. She was previously Head of Public Engagement at Christian Aid. She has two decades of experience in journalism\, media and communications across faith\, media and international development organisations. She also speaks and writes regularly on issues of race\, faith and gender\, and is the author of ‘God is not a white man: and other revelations’ (Hodder & Stoughton\, May 2021) which was runner-up for the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing\, and Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood (Hodder & Stoughton\, March 2025). Chine is a regular writer\, broadcaster\, panel host and media commentator and has written for the Financial Times\, the Guardian\, The Independent\, The Big Issue\, Prospect\, The Mirror and contributes to TV and radio programmes such as regularly presenting the BBC’s Thought for the Day on Radio 4’s Today programme and appearing on BBC Sunday Morning Live. She regularly speaks in and hosts panels including previously at Cheltenham Festivals and How the Light Gets In. She is vice–chair of Greenbelt Festival and a trustee of Christian Aid and Demos. She is on the Advisory board for Cambridge University Library. Chine studied Theology and Religious Studies at Cambridge University\, and is a Canon Theologian at Chester Cathedral.  \n\n\n\nwww.chinemcdonald.com  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £336 (standard room) or £366 (character room) if booked by 18th May 2026! Retreat price: £356 (standard room) or £386 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/unmaking-mary-shattering-the-myth-of-perfect-motherhood/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices,Wellbeing Retreats
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260804T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260807T140000
DTSTAMP:20260621T071605Z
CREATED:20250924T124817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260621T071605Z
UID:10000159-1785859200-1786111200@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Unlocking the Fountains **1 SPACE REMAINING**
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this retreat (based on the book by the same title)\, we receive challenge and inspiration from the biblical rivers and wells\, revisiting ancient stories and exploring their resonances\, spiritual and ecological. We draw refreshment from ancient springs which renew us for daily living. \n\n\n\nAndrew was formerly a Spirituality Adviser to both the Diocese of Chichester and the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf\, living several years in Jerusalem. He is the author of 17 spirituality books (his new book\, Transfigured Life\, which will be the basis for the retreat\, will be available). He is a Franciscan and Anglican priest and an experienced retreat leader. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 26th May 2026Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\nClick below to book your place now on this retreat: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk 
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/unlocking-the-fountains/
CATEGORIES:Biblical Theme,Launde Abbey Retreats
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260914T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T140000
DTSTAMP:20260526T092503Z
CREATED:20260420T221716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T092503Z
UID:10000227-1789401600-1789653600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:God In Our Struggles
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn human life\, we aspire to keep ourselves healthy in body\, mind and spirit.  But sometimes we struggle\, and sometimes we ask ‘where is God in this?’  In this retreat we will take a prayerful approach to understanding the relationships between Christian spirituality and mental health. We will explore the connections between “head and heart”\, “mind and spirit”\, focusing on the questions that often arise in relation to God and prayer amidst mental health challenges.   \n\n\n\nIf you have experienced mental health challenges in your own life\, or have walked alongside others who do as a friend\, family member or in ministry\, then this retreat is designed to help you reflect prayerfully on those experiences.  \n\n\n\nThe retreat will not be completely silent\, but there will be periods of silence within each day. The programme will involve exercises of lectio divina (meditating prayerfully on chosen passages of scripture) and you will be invited to join Launde Abbey’s praying community in the daily office and the Eucharist.  Retreatants are encouraged to bring a Bible (which can be a hard copy\, or on an electronic device) and a journal or notebook. \n\n\n\nIt is important to emphasise that this retreat is not a therapeutic intervention. Therapy or counselling and individualised professional advice cannot be offered in relation to illness or concerns experienced by retreatants or those they know and care for.  Neither is it a seminar that teaches skills on how best to minister to others struggling with their mental health.   If you are currently suffering from poor mental health\, we encourage you to seek appropriate medical and therapeutic support. \n\n\n\nThe retreat will draw on the themes of mental health and Christian spirituality explored in the book\, Struggling with God\, by Chris Cook\, Isabelle Hamley and John Swinton (SPCK\, 2023). \n\n\n\nLed by Christopher C.H. Cook \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Cook is an Anglican priest and retired consultant psychiatrist who has worked over many years to engage with challenges of mental health in the Church and the importance of spirituality in clinical practice in psychiatry. He has written extensively on spirituality\, psychiatry and mental health and in 2020 was awarded the Canterbury Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury for his work on theology and psychiatry. He is Emeritus Professor in Spirituality\, Theology and Health in the Institute for Medical Humanities at Durham University\, and Honorary Chaplain for Tees\, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. He has served two terms as Chair of the Spirituality & Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and was Co-Chair of the Section on Religion & Spirituality at the World Psychiatric Association from 2022-2023. His book publications include: Hearing Voices\, Demonic and Divine (2018)\, and (together with Isabelle Hamley and John Swinton) Struggling with God (2023). Together with Isabelle Hamley\, he edited The Bible and Mental Health (2020) and\, with Andrew Powell\, Spirituality and Psychiatry\, second edition (2023). \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 6th July 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/god-in-our-struggles/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Silent Retreats,Wellbeing Retreats
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T140000
DTSTAMP:20260515T094840Z
CREATED:20260209T112813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T094840Z
UID:10000223-1790006400-1790258400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Holiness and Social Justice: A Rooted and Grounded Retreat
DESCRIPTION:BOOK NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoliness and Social Justice: A Rooted and Grounded Retreat \n\n\n\nA retreat hosted jointly by Renovaré Britain & Ireland (renovare.org.uk) and the Launde Abbey community (laundeabbey.org.uk)  \n\n\n\nThe spirituality of the holiness tradition emphasises purity of the heart as the source of outward behaviour\, whereas the spirituality of social justice is driven by responding to the needs around us. How do these two spiritual traditions complement and enrich one another\, or do they\, in fact\, pull in different directions? Come and explore in-depth how the wisdom of these two of the six ‘life streams’ of our Rooted & Grounded retreats can nourish your life & work. \n\n\n\nAs always\, we’ll tap into the rich wisdom and experience of a wide variety of thinkers and practitioners\, past and present. We’ll take time to find rest and refreshment in prayer\, worship\, silence and rest. And we’ll explore a wide range of spiritual practices you can take away with you to deepen your life of faith. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is open to anyone who wishes to participate\, but it does assume you have a good understanding of the Renovaré teaching about spiritual formation — either through taking part in a previous Rooted and Grounded retreat\, or in a similar Renovaré event\, or from study of Richard Foster’s Streams of Living Water. If this material is new or unfamiliar\, why not consider coming to our next Rooted and Grounded retreat in November 2026? \n\n\n\nThe team for this retreat has not yet been confirmed\, but will include some or all of the following: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRoy is a Companion and former leader of Northumbria Community. He has served as the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and one of its Pioneer Ambassadors. He is a founding member of Renovaré Britain and Ireland. A popular conference speaker\, writer\, retreat leader\, leadership mentor and spiritual accompanier. Roy is passionate about encouraging people to love God\, listen well\, think deeply\, live authentically and generously. He is an associate with the Northumbrian Collective and The Commons Cooperative. He is married to Shirley and lives in Newcastle. They have four children and eight grandchildren and when not with family and friends or working Roy is very keen sportsman. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlison came to Launde Abbey having been a Team Rector in rural ministry in Cambridgeshire.  She has crafted and led many reflective services and gatherings using spoken word\, music\, silence and creative prayer stations.  She is also an experienced workshop leader and mentor\, combining spirituality and theology with the practical challenges of leadership\, team-working and managing change\, informed by her working life before she was ordained as well as theological study and lifelong faith.  Alison loves praying outdoors\, a good cup of coffee\, noticing the cycle of the seasons and encouraging a wondering faith. She lives with her family on-site at Launde Abbey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Hudson has a background in teaching and youth work which led towards psychotherapy as a second career. She has worked in that field for 25 years\, specialising in work with church ministers of all denominations and in trauma practice. She has led retreats for over 20 years\, usually creative\, active and biblically based\, developing aspects of the spiritual formation Renovare is committed to. Ordained as an Anglican minister late in life ( a third career!) she served for 7 years before retirement and is now enjoying new developments in pastoral supervision and retreats. She still offers training\, and has written material for new books\, alongside being a contributor to Daily Bread Bible reading notes. Rachel is an adoptive parent to 2 adult children with 3 grandchildren living locally to her in Northumberland.  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £483.00 (standard room) or £528.00 (character room) if booked by 13th July 2026! Retreat price: £498.00 (standard room) or £543.00 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nBOOK NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk.
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/holiness-and-social-justice-a-rooted-and-grounded-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Rooted and Grounded
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261012T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261015T140000
DTSTAMP:20260309T132424Z
CREATED:20260113T125345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T132424Z
UID:10000194-1791820800-1792072800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Look at the Birds: An Autumn Birdwatching Retreat
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJesus told his followers to “look at the birds of the air” and Mark Winter as a keen birdwatcher has spent a lifetime following that teaching. Since 2004 Mark has helped others to look at birds on his Even Sparrows retreats on Holy Island\, and he continues to marvel at how birds teach us about God’s love. \n\n\n\nWe welcome Mark back to Launde for the 6th year running to lead another birdwatching retreat. On each retreat people have discovered that we have so many birds locally to see\, hear and learn from; last year’s impressive total of 70 different species included Tawny Owl\, Nuthatch\, Goldcrest\, Treecreeper\, Egyptian Goose and Yellowhammer. Come and see these birds for yourself and enjoy a time of quiet Celtic Christian worship\, biblical reflections and guided birdwatching walks. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark’s book\, Look at the Birds of the Air\, brings to life the role of birds in the Bible. He explores their importance to individuals like Noah\, Moses and Elijah and their frequent mention in prophecy\, wisdom literature and the Psalms. Above all\, Mark considers the significance of birds like the raven\, eagle and dove to Jesus himself\, as well as the lessons we can learn from birds as his followers today. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 3rd August 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/lookatthebirds-october2026/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261019T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261022T140000
DTSTAMP:20260226T125714Z
CREATED:20260115T161640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T125714Z
UID:10000200-1792425600-1792677600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Cry of the Broken - A 'Jesus Prayer' Retreat
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen we are broken\, prayer (and life) can be hard. In times of struggle or loss\, we’re aware that our concentration is scattered\, our energy is depleted\, and our resilience is stretched thin. Finding the time\, the words\, and the motivation for prayer can become extremely challenging. \n\n\n\nThe Jesus Prayer is an ancient Christian devotion perfectly fitted to our brokenness. It’s rooted in Jesus’ encounters with shattered and troubled people and their consistent cries for mercy. Simple but profound\, meditative but physical\, it’s the ideal prayer when the road is dark. \n\n\n\nDuring this retreat\, we’ll spend time exploring the Jesus Prayer and praying it together. There will be opportunities for silence\, reflection\, and prayer\, and also for friendship\, conversation\, and laughter. Held in the gracious and loving presence of Christ\, we’ll help one another rediscover the beauty and joy of prayer. \n\n\n\nAnd all this we’ll share enveloped in the sanctuary and hospitality of Launde Abbey. We’ll share in the prayer of the community\, be surrounded by the beauty of the gardens and countryside\, be held by the caring staff team\, and enjoy the superb food and accommodation for which the Abbey is so celebrated. \n\n\n\nCome and join us for this time of gentle rest\, prayer and retreat! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Webb\, our retreat leader\, is an Anglican priest\, author\, speaker and teacher dedicated to helping people experience a richer walk with God by growing in prayer and the spiritual life. \n\n\n\nChris is currently Priest in Charge of St Cuthbert’s Church\, Blyth\, in the Diocese of Newcastle. He has ministered in a wide variety of contexts: as Deputy Warden of Launde Abbey Retreat House; as president of Renovaré\, a spiritual formation ministry in the USA; as parish priest in Welsh farming communities and steelworking towns; and even in a church for the homeless. \n\n\n\nHe is the author of two books: The Fire of the Word (2011) and God-Soaked Life (2017). He lives in Northumberland with his wife\, Sally\, in a home with excellent views of an old lighthouse and a modern wind turbine. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 10th August 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/cryofthebroken-ajesusprayerretreat/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261023T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261025T140000
DTSTAMP:20260226T125817Z
CREATED:20250925T123654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T125817Z
UID:10000162-1792771200-1792936800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Praying with Our Bodies and the Bible: Reconnecting Our Whole Selves to God
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Amy Boucher Pye to explore\, through Scripture stories and passages\, how God has designed us to be fully integrated beings – soul\, spirit\, mind and body. We’ll encounter God with our embodied beings as we\, for example\, see God breathing life into us at creation while we expand our lungs and receive the Holy Spirit through breath prayers. Or as we witness Mary’s act of love as she knelt at Jesus’ feet while we adopt postures of anointing. All are welcome\, and we’ll work within the limitations of our individual bodies. Come and worship the Lord in spirit\, soul\, mind and body! \n\n\n\nAmy Boucher Pye is an author\, speaker and spiritual director. The author of six books\, she also enjoys writing devotional thoughts for publications such as Our Daily Bread and New Daylight. Her MA in Christian spirituality comes from Heythrop College\, University of London. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £336 (standard room) or £366 (character room) if booked by 14th August 2026! Retreat price: £356 (standard room) or £386 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/praying-with-our-bodies-and-the-bible-reconnecting-our-whole-selves-to-god/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices,Wellbeing Retreats
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T140000
DTSTAMP:20260428T154418Z
CREATED:20250917T163752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T154418Z
UID:10000156-1793030400-1793282400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bereavement Challenges: Living With Loss Follow On Retreat ***FULLY BOOKED***
DESCRIPTION:This event is a follow on\, and only for those who have already been to a Living with Loss retreat or workshop online or in person\, no matter when or where.  \n\n\n\nIn this retreat we build on the topics we began in Living with Loss Part 1 by delving deeper into what may be challenges in the onward journey following life-changing loss through bereavement. We will look at secondary losses that can be a consequence\, such as loss of companionship\, loss of dreams\, loss of purpose\, loss of identity\, and so on. We will also explore topics that could hold you back\, such as guilt and anger. We hope that each participant will leave this retreat with at least some answers of their own to the question\, “How do I live the best life I can in my current circumstances?” The retreat will include creative activities\, a time of remembrance and an opportunity to develop friendships. There are gentle Christian elements.  \n\n\n\nIf you are unsure whether this event will be suitable for you\, please contact Abi.  \n\n\n\n(Places are limited. For those attending a Part 1 course in 2025 or early 2026\, you may want to go ahead and reserve your place at this Part 2 course. It does not repeat but builds on the Part 1 course.) \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked byRetreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk 
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/bereavement-challenges-living-with-loss-follow-on-retreat/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Wellbeing Retreats
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T140000
DTSTAMP:20260618T090656Z
CREATED:20260210T091336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T090656Z
UID:10000220-1793030400-1793282400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Patterns of Light and Truth: A Photography Retreat
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis retreat encourages a mindful approach to Photography that deepens our appreciation of God and Creation and our place in it. \n\n\n\nTruth and Light are at the heart of both Photography and Christian Faith. The word “Photography” literally means drawing with light (Greek phos light graphein to draw or write). The relationship of photography to Truth is under more strain than ever before with the emergence of “deep fake” and AI images.  \n\n\n\nTruth and Light are definitive expressions of the life of God in Jesus. We will use exercises in taking and examining photographs\, worship\, prayer and reflection on Biblical material to explore these themes and reflect on our experience and practice. As we attend slowly and deeply to the images we create\, so we can journey more deeply with God. \n\n\n\nThe retreat should work for any level of photographer. Whether you use your phone or more sophisticated equipment to create images\, this retreat should improve your craft and deepen your faith. Please also bring a Bible and a notebook. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLed by Revd Dale Hanson. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReverend Dale Hanson is a recently retired Anglican priest\, having served in ministry for nearly 40 years. His vocation has taken him across the UK and internationally\, including two periods in Hong Kong\, time in France\, and most recently to the Falkland Islands\, where he served as locum chaplain at Port Stanley Cathedral. Dale is well known in the North East from his time as vicar of St Nicholas Church in Durham – often called “the church in the marketplace.” He is passionate about his faith\, an experienced retreat leader and has been an enthusiastic bird watcher and wildlife photographer for most of his life. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 17th August 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\nClick here to book your place on this retreat now: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\n For any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk.
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/patternsoflightandtruth-photographyretreat/
CATEGORIES:Biblical Theme,Launde Abbey Retreats,Nature
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T160000
DTSTAMP:20260330T094232Z
CREATED:20260105T142817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T094232Z
UID:10000191-1793980800-1794153600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Resting in God: A Weekend Meditation Retreat
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn returning and rest\, in quietness and trust\, God draws us to the silent depths of who we are in him (Isaiah 30:15) \n\n\n\nThe essence of prayer is radically simple. As prayer deepens\, it becomes less and less a matter of what we think about\, what we do\, and increasingly a matter of simply being\, of resting within what God is doing.  \n\n\n\nBut it can be difficult for us to release ourselves into its welcoming simplicity. \n\n\n\nWith help from the teachings of Julian of Norwich\, Martin Laird and others\, we will explore the path of interior surrender\, of releasing into and resting in God through our deepening stillness and shared silence.  \n\n\n\n“Prayer is not content to stay up in the branches of our minds with all the other things we think about\,” writes Martin Laird OSA\, “it works its way down through the branches and trunk\, into our roots where it is one with the Ground of all.”  \n\n\n\nThe central focus of this experiential retreat will be silent meditation practice. We will consider such things as the subtle challenges we meet in something so simple as being still\, the interior skills that develop as our practice develops\, and how silence and self-forgetfulness help us to become places of peace in the world.  \n\n\n\nSurrendering our resistances\, letting go of all that gives rise to the sense of separateness\, we come into the open pastures of belonging where we are one with each other and all creation in the oneness of God. “When it is truly seen\,” says Julian\, “no person can separate themselves from another.” \n\n\n\nIn the stillness of prayer\, we discover that the One we seek has never been elsewhere — only waiting to be known in the depth of our heart. \n\n\n\nWho is this for? \n\n\n\nThis retreat has been carefully crafted to be relevant and accessible to anyone searching for truth and peace\, regardless of their faith\, beliefs or previous experience of meditation. \n\n\n\nTimetable \n\n\n\nA detailed timetable for the retreat will be sent to everyone attending a week or two before it begins. The retreat starts on Friday at 4:30pm with an orientation talk\, followed by a period of silent meditation before dinner. Short talks across the weekend will be balanced with periods of sitting meditation\, walking meditation\, time for private reflection and enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings. The retreat will finish at 3pm after lunch and a closing conversation on Sunday. \n\n\n\nEarly morning practice \n\n\n\nSaturday and Sunday begin at 6:30am with meditation practice. Early morning meditation is a wonderful way to greet the day together. While we very much encourage everyone to attend this session\, if this is difficult for you for any reason please don’t worry. It is always enough to do what we can – or what our life allows. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nBeing on retreat is a precious opportunity to be still and to be silent — to step back from conversation and distraction\, and to practice living simply and peacefully.  It allows us to cultivate the gift of peaceful awareness as we devote ourselves more fully to the depth-dimension of faith and life. \n\n\n\nThe core focus of the retreat is silent meditation practice. \n\n\n\n\nWe will practice bringing peaceful awareness to all our daily activities – while sitting\, while walking or eating\, when we are simply enjoying a glass of water. We will practice living each moment deeply.\n\n\n\nThe practice of silence will commence when the retreat begins at 4:30pm on the Friday and continue until just before lunch on the Sunday\, with a few structured opportunities for conversation and shared reflection as described below.\n\n\n\nAlthough the practice of silence may be new to some\, most people find this a powerful experience. Maintaining a peaceful environment – walking\, moving\, and doing things quietly – is important for our practice and a gift we can offer to each other.\n\n\n\n\nWhen are there opportunities for conversation for people who’d like them? \n\n\n\nThere will be conversation during Sunday lunch. Also\, you’re warmly invited to arrive early for lunch on Friday or stay after the retreat to connect with fellow retreatants. \n\n\n\nSmall discussion groups interspersed throughout the weekend\, hosted by Chris\, provide an opportunity for up to seven people to meet and explore together a question or two about their meditation practice\, or how practice relates to what they have heard during a talk or to daily life. We can learn so much sharing with and listening to others. \n\n\n\nThe last session of each day will be an opportunity for conversation together – to reflect on the content of the talks and what we have experienced through the day. \n\n\n\nRetreat Leader \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Whittington is the Founder of The School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to contemplative practice during several years of formation when he lived at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey. Chris’ monastic teachers\, including Sylvester Houedard OSB\, taught meditation as a universal wisdom found within all the great spiritual traditions\, a pathway to peace and solidarity with people of all faiths and none. Following an introduction by the Abbot of the Prinknash community\, Chris subsequently studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamshala\, India. Chris regularly delivers talks\, workshops and retreats and has introduced the practice of meditation in the Christian tradition to thousands of people in the UK and abroad. \n\n\n\nFor information about the School of Contemplative Life\, please visit: www.schoolofcontemplativelife.com or https://www.youtube.com/@schoolofcontemplativelife  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £350 (standard room) or £380 (character room) if booked by 28th August 2026! Retreat price: £370 (standard room) or £400 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\nClick here to book your place on this retreat now: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/restingingod-weekendmeditation/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Silent Retreats,Spiritual Practices
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261109T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261112T140000
DTSTAMP:20260313T105645Z
CREATED:20260209T104725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T105645Z
UID:10000222-1794240000-1794492000@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Rooted and Grounded: Going Deeper Into Spiritual Practice
DESCRIPTION:BOOK NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRooted and Grounded: Going Deeper Into Spiritual Practice. \n\n\n\nA retreat hosted jointly by Renovaré Britain & Ireland (renovare.org.uk) and the Launde Abbey community (laundeabbey.org.uk)  \n\n\n\nPaul shared with the Ephesians his yearning “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith as you are being rooted and grounded in love“ (Ephesians 3.17). Do you want to develop those same deeper spiritual roots? Would you like to be able to cultivate a listening heart? Do you long to be transformed to become more like Christ?  \n\n\n\nRooted and Grounded is a retreat for those who want to tap into the rich wisdom and experience of the various Christian spiritual traditions: contemplative and charismatic\, catholic and evangelical\, political and personal. We’ll take time to find rest and refreshment in prayer\, worship\, silence and rest. And we’ll explore a wide range of spiritual practices you can take away with you to deepen your life of faith. You might want to be more resilient in the face of exhausting demands. You might be looking for a deeper foundation for your ministry. You might be wrestling with the question: how do I live a flourishing life? If so\, this retreat is for you.  \n\n\n\nThe team for this retreat has not yet been confirmed\, but will include some or all of the following: \n\n\n\nRevd Roy Searle\n\n\n\nRoy is a Companion and former leader of Northumbria Community. He has served as the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and one of its Pioneer Ambassadors. He is a founding member of Renovaré Britain and Ireland. A popular conference speaker\, writer\, retreat leader\, leadership mentor and spiritual accompanier. Roy is passionate about encouraging people to love God\, listen well\, think deeply\, live authentically and generously. He is an associate with the Northumbrian Collective and The Commons Cooperative. He is married to Shirley and lives in Newcastle. They have four children and eight grandchildren and when not with family and friends or working Roy is very keen sportsman. \n\n\n\nRachel Hudson\n\n\n\nRachel Hudson has a background in teaching and youth work which led towards psychotherapy as a second career. She has worked in that field for 25 years\, specialising in work with church ministers of all denominations and in trauma practice. She has led retreats for over 20 years\, usually creative\, active and biblically based\, developing aspects of the spiritual formation Renovare is committed to. Ordained as an Anglican minister late in life ( a third career!) she served for 7 years before retirement and is now enjoying new developments in pastoral supervision and retreats. She still offers training\, and has written material for new books\, alongside being a contributor to Daily Bread Bible reading notes. Rachel is an adoptive parent to 2 adult children with 3 grandchildren living locally to her in Northumberland.  \n\n\n\nRevd Alison Myers\n\n\n\nAlison came to Launde Abbey having been a Team Rector in rural ministry in Cambridgeshire.  She has crafted and led many reflective services and gatherings using spoken word\, music\, silence and creative prayer stations.  She is also an experienced workshop leader and mentor\, combining spirituality and theology with the practical challenges of leadership\, team-working and managing change\, informed by her working life before she was ordained as well as theological study and lifelong faith.  Alison loves praying outdoors\, a good cup of coffee\, noticing the cycle of the seasons and encouraging a wondering faith. She lives with her family on-site at Launde Abbey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £483.00 (standard room) or £528.00 (character room) if booked by 31st August 2026! Retreat price: £498.00 (standard room) or £543.00 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nBOOK NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk.
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/rootedandgrounded-2026/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Rooted and Grounded
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261207T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261211T163000
DTSTAMP:20260309T114159Z
CREATED:20260106T211713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T114159Z
UID:10000196-1796635800-1797006600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Icon Painting Retreat
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese five-day courses with professional iconographer Peter Murphy are suitable for all levels including beginners. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will learn the traditional techniques and ancient methods for producing their own hand-painted icon in the Byzantine style. Each course will concentrate on reproducing either a half-length or head and shoulders icon from a number of prototypes\, including Christ\, The Mother of God and various different saints such as St Francis and St Nicholas. \n\n\n\nOver the week the course members will learn traditional gilding techniques with 24-carat gold leaf for backgrounds and halos and how to make and use egg tempera paint fresh each day from free-range egg yolks and organic mineral pigments.  \n\n\n\nAs the course unfolds and participants settle into the gentle and prayerful daily rhythm of painting and gilding Peter will introduce course members to the fundamental theological principles involved in the creation of an icon\, its spiritual meaning and symbolism. \n\n\n\nAll materials\, including a handmade gessoed Serbian lime wood icon panel\, gold leaf and organic mineral pigments\, stage-by-stage worksheets and the use of specialist gilding tools and professional quality paint brushes are included in the price of the course. \n\n\n\nAll participants need to bring to the course is themselves\, an apron\, a good pair of scissors\, and an open mind. \n\n\n\nPeter Murphy\n\n\n\nPeter Murphy was born in Leeds and was educated at the University of East London. He trained with iconographer Guillem Ramos Poqui in London. He was Vice Chairman of the Society of Tempera Painters and is a member of the British Association of Iconographers. He has been commissioned by a number of churches in the UK and has also been employed by a number of museums and has recently undertaken three major commissions for Hereford Cathedral. For more information about Peter and his work please visit: petermurphyicons.co.uk \n\n\n\nRetreat price: £920 (standard room) or £992 (character room). Additional (Sunday) night: £99.00 |  Includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\nSome of Peter’s work\, and photos from previous retreats at Launde Abbey: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/icon-painting-retreat-2026/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats
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