Over the years, I have taken part in many retreats and each has given me something spiritually different to bring away with me. One of the nicest things is meeting up with new people who quickly become friends as we share the days together. Also, cementing closer relationships with those we have previously met perhaps in different situations. The Retreat I joined this year was held at The Briery Retreat and Conference Centre in Ilkley and it was a time for reflection on a variety of topics.
Each day our morning and evening prayers/compline were led by our Mothers’ Union chaplain, Rev. Michelle Petch. On our first afternoon together, our Diocesan President, Julia Tum, outlined her priorities for the triennium which stimulated and encouraged us all. Our session topics were:- Building on solid Foundations; Celebrating our Resources; Sharing prayers and ways of praying; Stepping out in Faith and a time for Personal Reflection. These topics stimulated small group discussions and we brought back the comments made, to our larger group.
All the above Subjects opened our minds to each other’s comments and gave us food for thought when on our own in our rooms each evening. Perhaps these subjects could be brought to our local MU meetings occasionally.
An extra bonus from Retreats is sharing food together and The Briery did us proud. In the relaxed atmosphere of their spacious dining room, light-hearted banter could be heard and each meal time we were encouraged to sit with different people which enabled easy conversations with previous strangers!
As we came into the chapel for our final service together on the seat was the name of a person we were encouraged to think about in our prayers when we left. I feel privileged when I include someone who was a stranger when our Retreat began, but is in my prayers each day!