Surprised by Joy. Cathedrals, Castles, Great Houses

Transcription

1 Surprised by Joy Ch r i s t i a n Th e m e s i n C. S. L e w i s s w r i t i n g s p lus Cathedrals, Castles, Great Houses a n d H o ly P l a c e s o f S o u t h e r n E n g l a n d June 27 JULY 5, 2014 L ed by t h ro u g h T h e Rev. Reagan W. Co c k e a n d M r s. S t e ph an i e C oc k e w i t h s p e c i a l g u e s t D r. M i c h ae l L l oy d

2 S u r p r i s e d by Joy ; C h r i s t i a n T h e m e s i n C. S. Lewis s writings surprised by joy Christian Themes in C.S. Lewis s writings June 22 through 27, 2014 Highlights of the week include: Expert teaching on C.S. Lewis s works and theological themes; Daily worship and biblical expositions from Wycliffe faculty; A formal banquet in a college of the University of Oxford; Exclusive access to Wycliffe faculty and students; An opportunity to trace the steps of C.S. Lewis and visit The Kilns (C.S. Lewis s home), Magdalen College (C.S. Lewis s workplace); Visit Blenheim Palace (Churchill s Birthplace) Enjoy a walking tour of Christian Oxford and explore its rich history and culture with an expert Wycliffe guide; An opportunity to learn in the context of the University of Oxford. ABOUT THE WEEK The week has been carefully crafted to include five selected writings of C.S. Lewis, each with different, yet interlinking theological themes tracing the broader biblical narrative. Every day will have a bespoke theme which will build upon the previous day. Summer School Themes MONDAY Creation and Out of the Silent Planet (HarperCollins, 1938) Out of the Silent Planet is the first novel in C.S. Lewis s sci-fi trilogy and tells the fantastical adventure of Dr Ransom, an unsuspecting Cambridge academic. Ransom is abducted and taken on a spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra (which we know as Mars). His captors plot to plunder the planet s treasures and offer Ransom as a sacrifice to the creatures who live there. Ransom soon discovers he has come from the silent planet - Earth - whose tragic story is known throughout the universe. TUESDAY The Fall and The Problem of Pain (HarperCollins, 1940) The Problem of Pain was C.S. Lewis s response to the age old question If God is good and all-powerful, why does he allow his creatures to suffer pain?. With his signature wealth of compassion and insight, C.S. Lewis offers answers to these crucial questions and shares his hope and wisdom to help heal a world hungry for a true understanding of human nature. WEDNESDAY Christ and The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe (HarperCollins, 1950) The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe is the second book in C.S. Lewis s classic series The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis expertly crafts the Gospel message of Christ through the tale of four adventurous siblings as they encounter the mystical land of Narnia, the White Witch and the return of the Great Lion, Aslan. THURSDAY Miracles and Miracles (HarperCollins, 1960) Miracles was originally published in 1947 but revised in 1960 after C.S. Lewis received some robust criticism during a Socratic Club debate from a young Irish philosopher, concerning his argument that naturalism was self-refuting. Using his characteristic lucidity and wit to develop his argument, Lewis challenges the rationalists, agnostics and deists on their own grounds and provides a poetic and joyous affirmation that miracles really do occur in our everyday lives. Lewis seeks to show that Christians must not only accept but rejoice in miracles as a testimony of the personal involvement of God in his creation.

3 C at h e d r a l s, Castles, Great Houses and Holy Pla c e s o f Southern England FRIDAY Redemption and The Great Divorce (HarperCollins,1946) The Great Divorce is a work of theological fantasy in which C.S. Lewis reflects on the Christian conception of Heaven and Hell. Using his extraordinary descriptive powers, Lewis introduces us to supernatural beings who will change the way we think about good and evil. Interestingly, the working title of this book was Who Goes Home? but the final name was changed at the publisher s insistence. Scheduled Activities include WALKING TOUR OF THE HISTORIC UNIVERSITY CITY OF OXFORD This tour will be lead by one of our knowledgeable Wycliffe experts who will show you the Dreaming Spires of Oxford and offer a unique insight into the city s rich Christian heritage. There is much to learn and discover! GUIDED TOUR OF THE KILNS (C.S. LEWIS S HOUSE) Gain a unique insight into the private life of C.S. Lewis and his unconventional family. The Kilns and its surroundings inspired many characters and books of Lewis including the famed Chronicles of Narnia. VISIT TO MAGDALEN COLLEGE Founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, it is regarded to this day as one of the most beautiful colleges of Oxford. Its impressive grounds include a deer park and Addison s Walk. It is also the college where both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien taught and researched. Both Lewis and Tolkien were especially fond of Addison s Walk and it was the place of many important conversations which lead to Lewis s eventual conversion to Christianity. BLENHEIM PALACE Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house and the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. It is the only non-royal, non-episcopal, country house in England to hold the title of palace. Built in 1705, in the rare and short-lived English Baroque style, the palace is both the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. It is also where Churchill, in 1908, proposed to his future wife. BANQUET IN AN OXFORD COLLEGE DINING HALL Celebrate your final evening with a formal banquet in a beautiful college dining hall of the University of Oxford. This is a great opportunity to recap on a successful week, bid farewell newly made friends and experience a unique Oxford tradition. Core Summer School Costs (incl. teaching, afternoon activities & banquet) * Optional Student Accommodation (5 nights incl. breakfast) * A 25% discount is available for students. The Friends of Wycliffe have reserved a limited number of rooms at The Cotswold Lodge (6 nights, June 21-27, incl. one dinner and breakfast each morning)..$795p.p. double ABOUT WYCLIFFE HALL Wycliffe Hall is an evangelical theological college and a Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford. The Hall equips women and men for future ministry through excellent academic teaching, practical ministry experience, and a vibrant and supportive Christian community. For further details please contact: Stephanie Cocke, U.S. Coordinator T: E: stephanie@friendsofwycliffehall.org

4 S u r p r i s e d by Joy ; C h r i s t i a n T h e m e s i n C. S. Lewis s writings Dear Friends, Stephanie and I want to let you know about the very special tour we will be leading next summer. We would love for you to share the experience of summer school at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, for six days beginning June 22. Immediately after we will depart on a private tour to explore the great cities, castles, cathedrals, gardens and holy places of Southern England (27 June-July 5). The summer school theme is Surprised by Joy Christian Themes in C.S. Lewis s Writings. Join us as we discover the deeper meanings of Lewis s works and consider how relevant they are to the present day. We will enjoy worship and teaching in the mornings followed by afternoon excursions. Highlights of the week include: daily worship and biblical expositions from Wycliffe faculty; a formal banquet in one of Oxford s famed dining halls; an opportunity to trace the steps of C.S. Lewis and visit his home and workplace; a walking tour of Christian Oxford to explore its rich history and culture; and a visit to Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill s birthplace. After our days in Oxford, continue with us as we visit the medieval cities of Salisbury, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Winchester and London. We ll experience spectacular cathedrals such as Salisbury, Winchester, St. Paul s, Westminster, Abbey, and Canterbury, where we will have a very special private candlelight tour. Also planned are visits to great castles, gardens, and stately homes such as Wilton House (the country seat of the Earls of Pembroke), Leeds Castle, Chartwell (Churchills s principal adult home) and a visit, if possible, to Highclere Castle (the location for Downton Abbey). We will enjoy a private dinner at Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens. As we travel through beautiful medieval villages and towns and amidst the breathtaking scenery of Kent and Southern Britain, we will be accompanied by Wycliffe Hall alumni and faculty including the Rev. Dr. Michael Lloyd, the seminary s sixteenth Principal. We will be assisted by Connoisseurs Tours top British guide, Harriet Graham. Harriet s knowledge of art, architecture, church history, and gardens, combined with her innate sensitivity to each person s needs, make her the perfect guide for us. You will appreciate Connoisseurs style of travel which they describe as slow, gracious, and informed. They have given careful attention to finding distinctive and memorable accommodations and dining experiences for us. We feel that a very important component of any tour is the congeniality of the group. We are traveling at the peak time of year and have reserved distinctive historic hotels, but we must limit the tour to 32 participants so please consider this as your invitation! We want you to join us and hope that you ll make your reservation soon by contacting Connoisseurs Tours at In Christ, Reagan W. Cocke

5 C at h e d r a l s, Castles, Great Houses and Holy Pla c e s o f Southern England ITINERARY Friday, June Oxford to Salisbury Today, we will travel from Oxford southwest to Salisbury. Enroute to Salisbury we will stop and view one of Britain s Great Houses; Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). We have requested tickets to visit Downton Abbey, our visit depends on the filming schedule and other events planned at the Castle. We will either tour the Castle grounds or the Castle itself. We will continue to The White Hart Hotel in Salisbury, our home for the next three nights. (D) Saturday, June 28 Old Sarum and Wilton House This morning we depart Salisbury to visit near by, Old Sarum. Old Sarum is one of the most enthralling and historically important sites in southern England. Uniquely, it combines a royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification, and for 150 years was a major centre of both secular and ecclesiastical government. We then continue to another Great House; Wilton House. Wilton House stands on the site of a ninth century nunnery founded by King Alfred. This, in turn, was replaced by a twelfth century Benedictine abbey which, with its surrounding lands, was surrendered at the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries, to King Henry V111, who gave them to William Herbert around Wilton House has remained in the family since that time and is the home of the Earl of Pembroke. We return to Salisbury, where we are free to explore the wonderful Taverns and Pubs for dinner. (B) Sunday, June 29 Pillars of the Earth Salisbury Cathedral We will worship this morning in a Cathedral, many believe to be the single most beautiful structure in England, and the Close around it the most beautiful space. The architecture of Salisbury Cathedral is undoubtedly beautiful, but it is also a place rich in history: the world s oldest working clock, the Magna Carta, and Handel s recital room are all to be found within its medieval walls. This afternoon we will have time to relax, rest and explore the medieval city of Salisbury and perhaps return for evensong before we enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

6 Surprised by J oy ; C h r i s t i a n T h e m e s Monday, June 30 Winchester, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens This morning we travel to the charming city of Winchester and Winchester Cathedral. Fifteen centuries of English history lie behind the massive Cathedral we will visit. It stands at the heart of historic Winchester, once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, on the site of an early Christian church. It s been a place of worship ever since. After our visit to Winchester we will continue to Royal Tunbridge Wells and The Spa Hotel. This evening we will enjoy a private tour and dinner in Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. Sissinghurst is considered by many to the most beautiful garden in Kent. (B,D) The Spa Hotel Tuesday, July 1 - Chartwell, Canterbury and a private candlelight tour of Canterbury Cathedral We will drive to the Cathedral City of Canterbury. Enroute we will visit Chartwell; Chartwell was the much-loved Churchill family home and the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration from 1924 until the end of his life. The rooms remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and wide-ranging interests of a great statesman, writer, painter and family man. in C. S. Lewis s writings We will arrive in Canterbury in the afternoon. This evening we will have a special cathedral guide and a private candlelight tour of the Cathedral. (B,D) The Abode Hotel Wednesday, July 2 -- Canterbury and Leeds Castle This morning we will embark on a walking tour of Canterbury, beginning with St. Martin s Parish Church, the oldest church in continual use in the British Isles and then following the route of the Canterbury pilgrims down the hill to the ruins of St. Augustine Abbey. After lunch we will depart for Leeds Castle. A former royal palace C onnoisseurs T ours (912) onnoisseurs T ours. com

7 C at h e d r a l s, Castles, Great Houses and Holy Pla c e s o f Southern England begun in the 12th century, Leeds Castle has to be one of the most beautifully situated medieval castles in England, projecting into its natural lake, and surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. Leeds has been owned by a succession of monarchs, and no less than six queens of England. We will return to Canterbury for dinner and overnight. (B,L) The Abode Hotel Thursday, July 3 - London, St. Paul s, Bateaux lunch cruise on the Thames and The London Eye This morning we will drive to London where we will begin our tour of London. We will start with a visit to St. Paul s Cathedral. We will then board our London River Batuex for lunch cruise on the Thames followed by a birds eye view of London on the London Eye. We will end the tour at our hotel this afternoon. This evening we are free to enjoy London! Current London theater and concert listings are available through Connoisseurs Tours. (B,L) The Rembrandt Hotel Friday, July 4 - morning free Evensong at Westminster Abbey and a farewell dinner at The Oxford and Cambridge Club This morning you are free for personal exploration in London, whether it is the Churchill War Rooms, The British Museum, The Tower of London or the Houses of Parliament. We will gather at our hotel late this afternoon for evensong at Westminster Abbey and dinner at the Oxford and Cambridge Club. (B,D) The Rembrandt Hotel Saturday, July 5 Depart London Today you are free to return home or extend your stay in London.Additional nights are available at our special tour rate. STUDY LEADER HOSTS Stephanie and Reagan are eager to share their experience and love of Wycliffe and England s historic architecture and landscapes with you. They have been traveling together for thirty years since studying architecture and architectural history at the University of Pennsylvania. They consider their two years living and studying in Oxford pure joy. Reagan, a former architect, and Stephanie, an architectural historian, transitioned into ministry and studied at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford from The two live in Houston, Texas, where Reagan is Associate Rector at St. John the Divine and Stephanie is Coordinator for U.S. Friends of Wycliffe Hall. Rev. Dr. Michael Lloyd is the new Principal of the Wycliffe Hall. Dr. Lloyd was formerly Chaplain of Queen s College, Oxford. He is the author of a popular-level systematic theology entitled Café Theology, and is one of the regular voices on Godpod, a theological podcast. Dr. Lloyd holds degrees in English from Cambridge University, Theology from St John s College, Durham and a DPhil in Theology from Oxford University.

8 S u r p r i s e d by Joy ; C h r i s t i a n T h e m e s i n C. S. Lewis s writings T O U R C O N D I T I O N S AIR TRANSPORTATION The price of the tour is land only.connoisseurs Tours Travelers come from many different parts of the country. Therefore we have found that most travelers prefer to have flexibility in their air transportation. We will provide a suggested air schedule that includes the group s international flights coordinated with flights from your home city to suit your particular preference. After you have placed a deposit on this tour we will contact you regarding your air schedule. PRICE OF TOUR $ per person double occupancy land only. $ for sole occupancy in hotels. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT DEPOSITS SHOULD BE SENT TO CONNOISSEURS TOURS IN THE AMOUNT OF $ PER PERSON. The balance of the payment is due March 24, Payment can be made via personal checks or any major credit card. CANCELLATIONS A $ per person cancellation fee is charged for any cancellations after the deposit has been paid. All deposits are non-refundable 180 days prior to departure, 91 days to 60 days up to the departure date 50% of the of tour price is non-refundable, 59 days up to the date of departure and later 100% of the tour price is non-refundable. Connoisseurs Tours prepays all hotels, cruise lines, transportation, meals, guides, etc. in advance. Connoisseurs Tours strongly advises passengers to purchase Trip Cancellation interruption insurance, which is available through Connoisseurs Tours. RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility of the operators, CONNOISSEURS TOURS is limited. They act only as agents for the passengers in regard to travel whether by railroad, motor coach, private car, boat, aircraft or any other conveyances, and assume no obligation for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or through the acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. Connoisseurs Tours can accept no responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or other causes. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour or to change or withdraw the tour as circumstances demand. All rates are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Final payment by the passenger to Connoisseurs Tours shall be deemed to be consent to the above. All carriers, steamship lines, and other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours, are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use by the companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. CONNOISSEURS TOURS reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or superior quality. TRAVEL INSURANCE We highly recommend that you purchase trip protection for your trip since we know that many unforeseen events may occur in the planning process or even while on your trip. Passengers who purchase trip protection insurance qualify for trip cancellation for medical reason at any time during the planning or traveling dates. The policy will protect your investment for any out of pocket losses due to your cancellation. The Connoisseurs Tours Protection Plan will protect you against unforeseen circumstances that can result in trip cancellation and additional expenses such as costs related to medical emergencies. The Connoisseurs Protection Plan is specifically designed to provide you with peace of mind knowing you are protected against the financial impact of unexpected events while on your trip. You are protected against the financial impact of unexpected events: Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and Delay; Baggage Loss or Damage or Delay; Emergency Sickness or Accident; Medical evacuation and Repatriation. $ per person. VALIDITY October 2013 through March 2015

9 C at h e d r a l s, Castles, Great Houses and Holy Pla c e s o f Southern England RESERVATION FORM Cathedrals, Castles, Great Houses and Holy Places of Southern England June 27 through July 5, 2014 Name: Address: q I wish to purchase single accommodations q Please contact me about airline reservations City: State: Zip: Telephone: Rooming with: Please reserve place(s) for this tour. A deposit in the amount of $ per person is required for a reservation. q Yes, I would like to purchase Optional Insurance * $ per person q Yes, I would like to participate in a group transfer from London to Oxford on June 21st. q Yes, I would like accommodations at the Cotswold Lodge Hotel, Oxford, during the Wycliffe Hall summer conference. An additional deposit of $ is due to reserve a room at the Cotswold Lodge. Enclosed is a deposit of for people. Check Credit Card: Visa Mastercard Amex Discover Card #: Exp Date: / Security Code: Signature: Date: / / 2013 Please mail your reservation form and deposit to: Connoisseurs Tours One Tiffany Place Savannah, GA (912) q I have read and understand the Terms and Conditions of this tour. Signature:

10 C O N N O I S S E U R S T O U R S Hotel Accommodations during the Wycliffe Hall Summer Program June 21 through 27, 2014 Hotel Accommodations during the Surprised by Joy Summer Program are available at the Cotswold Lodge. The Cotswold Lodge is an elegant Victorian hotel that combines period features such as bay windows, high ceilings and open fireplaces, private bathrooms, with all the facilities required by today s business and leisure travelers, including free secure wireless broadband internet access. The Cotswold Lodge is located across the street from Wycliffe Hall. The Friends of Wycliffe have reserved a limited number of rooms from June 21st through June 27, Dinner is included the first evening we arrive, June 21st. June 22 through 27, 2014, Breakfast and VAT are included each day throughout our stay in Oxford. $ per person double occupancy. A limited number of single accommodations are available upon request. A B O U T C O N N O I S S E U R S T O U R S Connoisseurs Tours, and its parent agency, Harcourtours, were created in The founder, the late Rev. Harcourt E. Waller, Jr., a retired Episcopal Minister, believed that group travel ought to be able to combine the best of individual travel with lower group costs. To that end, he pioneered in designing tours for small groups Harcourt Waller Egypt 1988 who shared similar passions, including university professors, landscape architects, clergymen, and historians. By having time-honored working relationships with hotels, guides, select cruise lines, motor coach operators and tour providers in each destination country, we are able to eliminate commissions to middle men and offer highquality tours at lower costs. Every Connoisseurs Traveler receives our concierge service to assist you in every way: from the moment you pick up the phone to call us, virtually all travel details are handled for you! We are available year-round, with offices and representatives in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Savannah. To every member of our team you are always a name and not a number. We pride ourselves in building lasting relationships with our clients. Kathryn Waller, II I am pleased to invite you to join one (or more) of our culturally rich travel experiences. As always we are standing by and looking forward to speaking with you to answer any questions you may have.