A good introduction indeed to a fruitful day when subject, leader, beautiful surroundings and sunny weather all came together to give us a sense of hopeful revival and a fresh understanding of the love of God.

In four short addresses Timothy used the imagery of water, talking first about baptism the most important fact of Christian life when water refreshes, cleanses, renews and supports. Baptism admits us to the ministiy both of others and ourselves - it gives us the strength when life becomes difficult, always to find occasions of thankfulness if we look hard enough. Next he mused on the miracle of Cana, Jesus’ “mission statement”, moving from the ordinary to the special. He stressed that this miracle took place at a joyous party where happy relationships were being celebrated. Jesus, he said, “put the bubbles in the water” when he changed it into wine.

After lunch came thoughts about Nicodemus the new birth of water and spirit - a fresh start is always possible especially given the power of the Holy Spirit, the “go between”, who makes us present to God. Sin, Timothy suggested, is the falling short of ideals, behaviour, hopes, but God always renews within us resources for wholeness. He can met our deepest needs to ensure that “what will survive of us is here”. Remember that the past is history, the future is mystery, but the present is a gift from God who “smiles at us, takes us in his hands and turns us round to smile at him”.

Thank you to Timothy for his inspirational leadership and thanks also to Freda for arranging a thought provoking, happy and much enjoyed day.

Lord God you come to us through the humblest gifts of water and of bread, and reach out to us through the gifts offriends hip and love. Help us to enjoy the mystery of your abiding presence and to know that whenever we look for you, you have aiready found us, and whenever we seek your peace it is already in our hearts."

Source: Margaret Taylor, The Spire Magazine - 2001 April

"Brook Place is a delightful haven, a mile from Chobham, and about 10 minutes from exit 3 of the M3. The setting is quite beautiful. There has been a house there since 1302 and the present Dutch gabled building was rebuilt in 1656 on the site of an earlier Elizabethan residence. Set in 23 acres of grounds, there are formal gardens around the buildings leading to open fields with a lake and a hidden, charming poustinia - a little wooden hut set apart for individual prayer. The Chapel, which was built as a granary, provides a simple prayer space, in the garden close by the house. The tithe barn, used by larger groups, is at the far end of the garden.

Led quiet days are held each month (apart from January and August) from 10am to 4pm and if the numbers are small, they are held in the main house. The layout of the rooms is such that there is usually space to be on your own. You need to take a packed lunch and coffee/tea are provided. It's a wonderful way to unwind and read a book of your choice or to just quietly reflect on a short biblical reading. A donation of around £5 is normally made to cover overhead costs."

Source: The Spire Magazine - 2001 February