Winter 2018 In this issue

Winter 2018 In this issue FROM THE EDITOR... 2 COME CLOSER... EXPLORING CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY... 3 THE PRAYER PACK... 4 From the Prayer Pack: Praying with Music... 5 EVENTS... 7 Spiritual Network... 7 Companions of Christ, Chatham... 7 St Benedict's Centre, West Malling, Kent... 9 Sisters of St Andrew, Lewisham... 10 Burrswood Health and Wellbeing, Groomsbridge, Kent... 11 Pilgrimage to Oberammergau, 2020... 13 The Bothy, St James Church, North Cray, Kent... 13 St Georges Church, Beckenham... 13 London Spirituality Centre... 14 RETREAT HOUSES... 14

Chapel window, 65 Mainstone Road, Chatham FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to this Winter issue of the Newsletter of the Rochester Diocese Spiritual Network, which follows in the wake of our very well-attended Prayer Festival on 22 September, and leads us into the period of Advent and Christmas. In this issue we revisit the Closer course, which has now been running successfully for two years, with more dates planned in 2019. There are of course many other events at this time of year, and you will as usual find a selection of these at the end of this newsletter. As always, we encourage you again to please help grow the Spiritual Network by sharing this newsletter with as many people as possible you could simply upload it and link to it from your church website, or leave a few paper copies at the back of your church. If you or anyone you know would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Revd Susanne Carlsson (contact details at the end of this newsletter). Also on behalf of my Stream team colleagues, may you all have a peaceful, prayerful Advent and a very merry Christmas! Karin Dixon 2

COME CLOSER... EXPLORING CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Closer is a one-year experiential course that offers both exploration and experience of the depth of Christian spirituality. Currently in its second year of running, it has proved very popular. As well as learning about the different spiritual traditions within Christianity, participants are encouraged to explore their own relationship with God, to try new ways of praying, and to discern God s will in their decision making both during and after each course session. The course consists of seven sessions run on non-consecutive Saturdays from 10:30 3 pm, and the idea is that participants should endeavour to attend all. The feedback we have received from this course has been very positive. Please take a few minutes to watch the Growing Disciples video to hear a little more from Susanne and one previous participant, by visiting http://www.rochester.anglica n.org/ministry/spirituality/ The dates for 2019 are as follows: 2 February: What is Prayer? 9 February: Images of God and Self 16 March: Different Ways of Praying 13 April: Different Ways of Praying 8 June: Discernment and Decision Making 14 September: Different Spiritualities 3

19 October: Deepening and Review For further information, please contact Revd Susanne Carlsson 07795 167 603 or susannecarlssons@hotmail.co.uk THE PRAYER PACK The Prayer Pack covers different ways of praying that can be used in parishes and in other groups to deepen their prayer life. We have delivered quite a number of presentations already, and the comments we have received about these have been very positive! If you would like the Prayer Pack to be presented in your parish, and/or if you want to learn how to deliver the pack yourself, please contact Revd Susanne Carlsson. We have reproduced one of the leaflets below to give you a taste of what the Prayer Pack is all about. You can download the complete pack from http://www.rochester.anglican.org/ministry/spirituality/the-prayerpack-/ 4

From the Prayer Pack: Praying with Music Praying with Music The person who sings, prays twice. St Augustine Music enhances and enriches our prayerful communication with God: Choose a piece of meditative, reflective music. Still your mind you could use the prayer sheet Listening to God in silence and stillness first. Play the piece of music. When it is finished, sit in silence for a little while. Then: Play the same music again. This time, listen attentively to the tempo, rhythm, patterns and melodies. What thoughts, feelings come to mind? Does the music say anything about what God is like? Is God saying anything to me through this music? Is there anything or anyone I am moved to pray for? 5

When the music has finished, be still for a while and then gently bring yourself back to the room. End your prayer by saying thank you or using words that are familiar, such as the Lord s Prayer (Our Father) whichever feels right and comfortable. All of us pray in different ways at different stages in our lives. Sometimes our way of praying changes as we grow in our relationship with God. Listening to a piece of music can be especially helpful when settling into prayer. It can calm us down and help to rid ourselves of some of the day s distractions, allowing us to focus more on our relationship with God. Obviously, not all types of music are conducive to entering into prayer. Instrumental music, sung prayer in the Monastic setting and repetitive chants are probably the best choices. Some may prefer well-known hymns. Being open to experiencing and entering into this different approach to prayer will certainly affect the way we pray and how we experience God. Book suggestions You will find reflection on the use of music in prayer and contemplation in the following composers publications: Songs and prayers from Taize see also Taize website Music from the Iona Community see also Iona website Fountain of Life Music for Contemplative Worship Margaret Rizza. Has a good introduction How can music bring us into deeper prayer. Celtic Hymn Book Ray Simpson (pub). Kevin Mayhew. Good introduction to the place of Celtic music/hymn in prayer. CDs Taize Instrumental music - for Guitar. Naïve-Auvidis. Paris. Margaret Rizza Fire of Love music for contemplative worship /Kevin Mayhew Sacred music of John Rutter and Taverner (various) Instrumental music of Karl Jenkins (Various) In search of peace - Teresa Brown (Violin) Divine Music Websites www.taizecommunity.com www.iona.org.uk Front cover image: www.pixabay.com 6 The Prayer Pack

EVENTS Spiritual Network SPACE FOR GOD IN MY DAY (EXAMEN), 3 Nov, 10.00-12.45pm With Revd Susanne Carlsson. Prayer lies at the heart of the church and our lives and the Christian tradition offers a treasure of many different way of exploring prayer. Pray as you can, not as you cannot. Venue: Christ Church, Orpington - Charterhouse Rd, Orpington BR6 9EP. To book: phone 07795 167 603 or email susannecarlssons@hotmail.co.uk DISCERNMENT IN THE IGNATIAN TRADITION: HOW DO I RECOGNISE GOD'S PRESENCE IN MY EVERYDAY LIFE? Sat 17 Nov, 10:30-3:30pm. With Revd Susanne Carlsson. This workshop will look at how to discern the movement of God in our lives, drawing from the insights of Ignatius of Loyola and his Spiritual Exercises. The day will include both theoretical input and practice. Course fee 30, refreshments included, but please bring own lunch. Venue: Malling Abbey - St. Mary's Abbey, 52 Swan Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6JX. To book please contact 01732 252656 or office@staugustinescollege.ac.uk. Companions of Christ, Chatham 65 Maidstone Road Chatham, Kent ME4 6DP United Kingdom 7

SHARING BREAD AND LIFE, 22 Nov and 27 Dec, 6.30pm One Thursday evening every month we invite you to a meditative Eucharist followed by a shared meal. You are welcome to come for the whole evening or only for the Eucharist. 6.30 pm Eucharist; 7.15 pm we cook together and share a meal. ADVENT QUIET DAY "O COME, O COME EMMANUEL" - Saturday 8th December, 10am-4pm. Led by Madeleine Dahl & Sue Smith. Advent is a time when we are invited to prepare ourselves to receive the great mystery of God being made man for our sake. During this Quiet day we will ask ourselves, through different meditations, what it means that God became one of us. There will be an opportunity to receive one to one spiritual direction. The day will end with a Eucharist. YOUNG PEOPLE S QUIET DAY TIME FOR GOD - Sunday 9th December, 3-5.30 pm. Led by Susanne Carlsson & Madeleine Dahl. This shorter Quiet Day is an opportunity for young people to come and explore how God talks to us through silence. In a busy world, where there is a constant danger of getting too occupied, we invite you to a couple of hours to tune in with God. We will end the day with a Eucharist followed by S mores. CHRISTMAS QUIET DAY MARY DID YOU KNOW? - Saturday 22nd December, 1-4 pm. Led by Susanne Carlsson During one of the most hectic days before Christmas we will pause for a few hours to be with Mary as she awaits the birth of Jesus. Practicalities & how to book quiet days Contact: Madeleine Dahl, 07469 246443 madeleine.dahl@outlook.com Light refreshments will be provided during all Quiet Days; please bring your own packed lunch. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. 8

You are advised to book as soon as possible, at least by one week before, as there are a limited number of places. OPEN DAY ADVENT SUNDAY, 2nd of December, 2-5pm There will be Advent fika (originally a Swedish word, meaning tea, coffee + different kinds of cakes) from different parts of the world. You can also join in a craft workshop i.e. candle making with Rosie Ambrose. (There will be a small charge to cover the cost of the materials). Tours of the house will be available. For more information on the Companions of Christ please visit: http://www.rochester.anglican.org/ministry/religiouscommunities/companions-of-christ/ St Benedict's Centre, West Malling, Kent 52 Swan Street West Malling, Kent ME19 6JX Phone 01732 252650 / bookings@stbenedictscentre.org UNLOCKING THE BIBLE SERIES: the Beatitudes 6-27 Nov, 4 Tues evenings. Led by Rev Nathan Ward. The Beatitudes are radical statements about the Kingdom of God and we will be exploring how they can transform us and the world around us. Cost: 40 incl refreshments. SILENT NIGHT- PREPARATION FOR ADVENT QUIET DAY 28 Nov, 10-3pm Offering clergy, church leaders and those in ministry the opportunity to withdraw for a day to rest, refresh and recharge ahead of the busy and oftentimes draining Advent period. This quiet day will be led by the newly appointed Bishop of Tonbridge, Simon Burton-Jones. Cost: 20 incl refreshments. 9

BLESSED IS SHE WHO BELIEVED- ADVENT QUIET DAY 13 Dec, 10-3pm Led by St Benedict's Centre Manager Tracey Jones. Exploring Mary's journey and the promises of God in Mary's life and our own. Cost: 20 incl refreshments. For further information and to book: bookings@stbenedictscentre.org / Ph 01732 252 651 For individuals: freshly refurbished study rooms with WiFi, desk and comfortable chairs for you to write, read, rest, retreat or recharge. Enjoy some of the beautiful grounds and gardens; you are also welcome to attend services in the Community Chapel. Tea and coffee is available as required and you can bring your own lunch or buy something in West Malling. Rooms available from 9 6 pm Monday to Saturday for a daily charge of 12. For groups: a variety of rooms available for groups from 2 to 45 people. Sisters of St Andrew: an Urban Oasis 99 Belmont Hill SE13 5DY Lewisham Phone: 0208 852 1662 email: welcome@sisters-of-st-andrew.com www.sisters-of-st-andrew.com A SABBATH DAY - 'ON THE SEVENTH DAY GOD RESTED' 7 - November, 10.30-4pm. Led by Sr. Christiane. Come for the morning, afternoon or both: short input, a time to pause, rest, reflect in silence, available tools include music, image and word. Booking essential. A QUIET PAUSE IN ADVENT 1 December 10-4pm. Led by Sr. Regula. AN ADVENT QUIET EVENING 12 December 7.30pm -9pm Input and reflection in silence, finishing with prayer with the community. No booking required. 10

MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH THE COMMUNITY Wednesday evenings 31 Oct; 28 Nov; 26 Dec, 7.30-8.30pm. Including Taize chants - no booking required. MASS WITH THE COMMUNITY Every Friday evening 6.30-7.15pm (Please check the previous day). COME AWAY Thursday morning 8 Nov; 13 Dec, 10.30am-12.30pm Sr Regula For those who care for a loved one suffering from ill-health. A time to come away, pause, be, reflect, pray, listen, share with others the joys and difficulties on this journey of daily caring. ANY TIME FOR INDIVIDUALS: Oasis days: A time to chill out for a couple of hours/half a day/a day or an overnight. To pause, rest, reflect in our urban oasis. Come before or after a programme event. Own room, use of the chapel and gardens, with the possibility to talk with one of the sisters (please check availability at time of booking). Booking in advance essential. Spiritual direction, individually guided retreats, private retreats and supervision of spiritual direction are possible at St Andrew s. Please contact us for information. For groups: Venue for meetings up to 25-30 people. For more information and bookings please contact: Sisters of St Andrew Ph: 0208 852 1662 / welcome@sisters-of-st-andrew.com website: www.sisters-of-st-andrew.com Burrswood Health and Wellbeing, Groomsbridge, Kent Bird in Hand Lane, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9PY. Reservations: 01892 865988. 11

IGNATIAN RETREAT FOR ADVENT with Jo Eaton Saturday 8th Wednesday 12th December 10.00 am Saturday 4.00pm Wednesday Take time in the busyness that can so often fill Advent, to make an individually accompanied retreat. 575 per person includes accommodation, all meals, and daily Ignatian accompaniment. QUIET DAYS Lay aside everyday pressures and enjoy God s presence in the beauty and peace of Burrswood, 10am 4pm 13th Nov - Sarah Williams: Prayer Painting: Connecting with God visually. 11th Dec - Revd Carol Morrison: God s care for our wellbeing 15 per person suggested donation. SILENT SPACE 23rd Nov,10am to 4pm. An opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds and to explore lectio, sensio and visio divina. 15 per person suggested donation CHRISTIAN MINDFULNESS every Thursday 3.00pm 4.00pm Drop-in sessions; Workshops on the last Saturday of the month, 10.00am 12.30pm. Everyone welcome. Suggested donation on Saturdays is 15. We do not ask for any specific donation on Thursdays. SEEING THE BIBLE WHOLE Sat 17 Sun 18 November, 10am 4pm each day. With Revd Dr Steven Underdown. We will look at the shape of the story of Jesus and learn how we can take the Bible seriously, without always taking it literally. 165 per person includes all tuition, meals and one night s accommodation. For information and bookings: the Reservations Team 01892 865988 or reservations@burrswood.org.uk 12

Pilgrimage to Oberammergau, 2020 A pilgrimage is being planned and led by Jan Thompson (licensed Reader), who was there in 2000 and 2010. She intends to take a small group of people on a quiet, prayerful pilgrimage to the Passion Play at Oberammergau in 2020. The tour will be with McCabe Pilgrimages between 2-9 September, at a cost of 1515 (plus 195 for a single room). It includes one overnight stay in Oberammergau with a first class ticket for the performance, and in a lovely hotel in the Tyrol in the village of Imst the other nights. Please contact Jan for full details or to discuss: 01322 683062 or holysmoke@talktalk.net The Bothy, St James Church, North Cray, Kent North Cray, Kent, DA14 5EQ, Enquiries: Wilma Ingleson-Cook 0208 3025524 or Revd Ren Harding 01322 528923 The Bothy is situated in historic and idyllic surroundings in the Churchyard of St James Church, North Cray, North-West Kent, in easy reach of the A2/ A20. Adjacent to Footscray Meadows, and close to the lovely Five Arches Bridge. Facilities: Kitchen; meeting room for 30 people; enclosed garden area; off-road parking; access to the church if required. St Georges Church, Beckenham High St, Beckenham BR3 1AX Parish Office - Ph 020 8663 6996 Email: office@stgeorgesbeckenham.co.uk 13

HEALING & WHOLENESS EUCHARISTS - First Tuesday of each month 7.30 pm These services are set within the context of our broken world and belief in God s promise of eternal life. Through the laying on of hands and anointing, they are times set apart for us to experience and receive God s gifts of wholeness and peace, for ourselves, for those we are concerned for and for the world. CONTEMPLATIVE EUCHARIST Third Tuesday of each month 7.30 pm Contemplation is an ancient form of prayer, often called the prayer of the heart. It is about finding an awareness of God in everyday life. Anyone can engage with contemplative prayer, it is just a matter of listening. These quiet services include music, candles and times of silence. JULIAN GROUP MEETINGS Fourth Friday of each month at 3.30 pm Julian meetings begin with 30 minutes of silent prayer followed by refreshments and fellowship. London Spirituality Centre Lombard Street, London EC3V 9EA Tel: 020 7621 1391 info@spiritualitycentre.org Website http://www.spiritualitycentre.org List of events: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-londonspirituality-centre-3655596295. RETREAT HOUSES A list of retreat facilities in London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and the North of France can be found on the Rochester Diocese website: http://www.rochester.anglican.org/ministry/spirituality/retreats 14

For any enquiries about this newsletter and the Spiritual Network, please contact: The Revd Susanne Carlsson Adviser for Spirituality in Rochester Diocese Phone 07795 167 603 susannecarlssons@hotmail.co.uk This newsletter is produced by STREAM, the steering group of the Rochester Diocese spirituality network. Members: Susanne Carlsson (Adviser for the Spiritual Network), Anne Critchley, Karin Dixon, Pat Percival, Paul Prentice, Sue Robertson, Margaret Seakens, Sue Smith, Paul Stevens and Elaine Wilkins. Back to Contents 15