Timothy Raphael, our former Archdeacon, came from Cheltenham to lead our
reflections on our Quiet Day at Brook Place on 17th February. In his
introductory notes he wrote “Prayer is moving through fantasy
to reality and gathering the courage to act.”
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
