Saturday 18th February 2012
Discovering the Gospel of Thomas
New insights into the teaching of Jesus
10.00 am - 4.30 pm
St Ethelwold House, 30 East St Helen Street, Abingdon OX14 5EB
The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, many of which are not found in the traditional Bible and may predate the better-known gospels. For 1,600 years it was thought lost. Now rediscovered, it gives us a picture of Jesus the Mystic, a teacher of the inner path to union with God. It uses a mixture of simple parables, enigmatic images and Zen-like statements to break open the mind to the divine presence.
This day will be an introduction to the Gospel. Whilst touching on its history and place in the Christian tradition, the main focus will be on working with the sayings so that they become a living experience of prayer.
Cost: tbc
Book direct with St Ethelwold House:
Tel. 01235 555486
Wednesday 22nd - Monday (a.m.) 27th February 2012
The Buddha's Four Noble Truths
and the Way of Jesus
(Five Day Retreat)
Othona Community, Coast Road, Burton Bradstock,
Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RN
"The truth of suffering; The truth of the origin of suffering;
The truth of the cessation of suffering;The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering"
The Four Noble Truths lie at the heart of Buddhism. They are often called the Buddha's first teaching.
They are a wonderful, contemplative tool for penetrating the mystery of the human experience.
One great Buddhist teacher has said that the Truths are not specifically Buddhist, but are merely one way of describing the universal spiritual journey at the heart of all religions.
Simon Small is an Anglican Priest who before ordination spent many years exploring different spiritualities. It was during this period that he encountered the Four Noble Truths, which left a lasting impression.
Over the course of the retreat he will reflect on the Four Noble Truths and how they have deepened his journey as a follower of Jesus.
A gentle combination of talks, discussion, silence and prayer will shape the exploration of the Buddha's teaching, but in a restful atmosphere with plenty of free time to relax.
The retreat will hopefully be a resource for any spiritual seeker, whatever their path. It will be of particular relevance to those from a Christ-centred background who are interested in the way of the Buddha.
Cost: see Othona website
Book directly with the Othona Community
tel 01308 897130
Friday 13th - Sunday 15th April 2012
Churches Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies
Spring Conference; Hotel Royale, Bournemouth
Simon will be one of the speakers at this conference, which will explore the theme: "The Psychic Dimension - for good or ill?"
For booking and further details go to the CFPSS website
Thursday 26th April 2012
Christian Contemplation
The spiritual experience that was at the heart of the
life of the medieval abbey of Glastonbury
Where is this practice today?
Small Town Hall, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury
7.00 pm - 9.30 pm
£5.00 admission (inc light refreshments)
Public talk organised by the Pilgrim Reception Centre
Saturday 2nd June 2012
"The Way of Unknowing"
exploring Christian contemplative consciousness
The Bleddfa Centre, Bleddfa, Near Knighton, Powys LD7
10.30 am - 4.30 pm
This is a day exploring an ancient, but neglected Christian spiritual practice, combining talks, discussion and exercises.
Contemplation is the art giving profound attention to the present moment, the only reality there has ever been and so the only place where God may be found. It is therefore prayer.
Contemplation offers a Christianity humbled by the mystery and majesty of existence. It does not share the lust for certainty that dominates so many modern expressions of the faith.Instead, it teaches a way of exploration and discovery, through nuturing a new and deeper experience of consciousness.
And through being utterly aware of how much it does not know, it can live with generosity and openness alongside other insights into the wonder of existence.
It is an expression of the Christian tradition that speaks powerfully to the age in which we live.
Simon will draw upon both "From the Bottom of the Pond" and "Star Pilgrim" in leading this day.
Cost: tbc
For booking and further details contact the Bleddfa Centre (or tel 01547 550377)
Monday 30th July 2012
Quiet Day
"The Living Experience of Prayer"
Abbey House Retreat, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury
Somerset BA6 8DH
10.00 am - 3.30 pm
In three short talks through the day, Simon will share a simple 3-fold structure of prayer that many have found helpful. He will also address common problems that people experience in prayer, based on his many years' experience as a spiritual companion/director. He will be available for private individual conversations.
The day will have an open Christian ethos, but anyone (whatever their background) who wishes to learn about prayer in the Jesus Tradition will be most welcome.
Cost: £30.00 (includes light lunch)
To book, or for more information, contact Abbey House (tel 01458 831112)
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th December 2012
Advent Retreat
"The Four Last Things … and Beyond"
a contemplative journey
Launde Abbey East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB
Cost: £330.00
To book, or for more information, contact Launde Abbey (tel 01572 717254)
Monday 17th December 2012
Quiet Day
"The Majesty of Christmas"
Abbey House Retreat, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury
Somerset BA6 8DH
10.00 am - 3.30 pm
Cost: £30.00 (includes light lunch)
To book, or for more information, contact Abbey House (tel 01458 831112)