Season of Awakening

MAKE AN ANGEL
Have fun creating an angel, discover the story of our angels stained glass window and learn why it needs repairing. Free drop-in family workshop suitable for children 4-12 years (accompanied by an adult).

Donations welcome to help restore our Angels Window

Ash Wednesday 18 February

Sessions: 10.30 - 12.30; 13.30 - 15.30

ASHING CEREMONY
A simple ritual with fire and ash in the garden (North Churchyard).
Facing our mortality.

Ash Wednesday 18 February

Doors open 17.00, Session 17.30 - 18.30

SACRED AWAKENING: Reclaiming Christ Consciousness
What if Jesus didn’t start a religion, but sparked a revolution of consciousness? The Sacred Awakening by Sami Awad invites us to embody Christ’s path of radical love. This extraordinary book reveals a hidden power of love and presence that can awaken our true humanity.

Introductory evening with Clay Sinclair, Neesa Copple & Rachel Freeth

Thursday 19 February.

Doors open with refreshments 18.45, Session 19.45 - 20.45

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Witnessing Jesus’ Passion
This ancient devotional practice involves walking around the church stopping at fourteen points, which represent Jesus’ walk from Pilate’s court to Golgotha and his crucifixion and burial. At each station we will pause to contemplate an image, read Scripture and specially chosen poetry and texts, as we hold the suffering of the world in our hearts, in reflection, prayer and repentance.
Open to all.
With François Pinteaux-Jones.

Fridays in Lent: 20 February, 27 February, 6 March, 13 March,
20 March, 27 March

Sessions: 11.00 - 12.00

SPIRITUALITY OF THE DESERT
As we step-aside and reflect during Lent it is natural that we should look back to the spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, dating
from the 4th and 5th centuries CE. Commencing with withdrawal into solitude & silence, we encounter God. In humility and constant prayer we approach purity of heart. By loving our neighbour, and being non-judgemental, we offer radical hospitality to others, on our inner journey towards union with God. With Peter Ruxton.

Thursdays 26 February, 5 March, 12 March
Doors open with refreshments 19.00
Session 19.30 - 21.00

LISTENING CONVERSATIONS
Everyone is welcome to this gathering of all faiths and none. We welcome and honour difference and diversity, and meet with the intention of listening attentively and learning from each other. Conversation is spontaneous and can be wide-ranging, but we aim to always respect the perspectives and beliefs of others, however unlike our own they may be. Do join us .
With Neesa Copple. In partnership with Spirit of Peace.

Wednesday 11 March and monthly throughout the year (at different venues)
Doors open with refreshments 19.00
Session 19.30 - 21.00

SACRED AWAKENING: Through the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes, also known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’, are some of the most well-known sayings of Jesus. But what if this wasn’t just a sermon, or even a sermon at all? What if the Beatitudes can be seen and heard as some of the most powerful teachings of sacred wisdom, and as a pathway to the transformation of our consciousness?
In this series of gatherings, come and discover how the Beatitudes can speak to our hearts, lead to a new way of seeing, and connect to a larger and deeper reality. An opportunity to journey together through the Beatitudes with talks, discussion, and a variety of creative and spiritual practices.
Sources: The Sacred Awakening book by Palestinian Christian, Sami Awad, and an introduction to some phrases and meanings of the Beatitudes through the Aramaic language that Jesus spoke.
With Clay Sinclair, Neesa Copple & Rachel Freeth.

Thursdays 19 March, 26 March, 2 April.
Doors open with refreshments 18:45
Session 19.15 - 20.45
Continuing fortnightly after Easter.

SPRING EQUINOX RITUAL
We will gather in the Church at 12.30pm for light snacks and an informal talk about the relationship between Easter and the Spring Equinox. Then, weather permitting, we'll go to the lovely garden (North churchyard) at the back of the church, and hold a simple ritual to celebrate spring. There'll be silence, story, song, dancing and more! Everyone is welcome. Do bring children. You may like to wear colourful spring clothes and to bring a hard-boiled egg, according to tradition, and a mat to sit on (chairs provided).
With Neesa Copple & Friends.

Friday 20 March
12.30 - 14.00

SILENT RETREAT
At Hill House, Amberley for Silent Sitting group. With Avril Evans and Judy Howard. Booking required.

Sunday 22 March 08.30 – 12.30