We are looking forward to hosting a new retreat in next year’s programme:
Mindfulness as Mission Gift.
Friday November 3rd to Sunday November 5th 2023
(4pm Friday to Lunchtime Sunday)
The exciting theme of this late autumn weekend is how we make connections between the ‘secular’ practice of mindfulness, and the church’s call to mission.
After introducing the concept of mindfulness, we will explore what it means that God is first mindful of us. Our journey continues into the rich Christian heritage of contemplation and mysticism, along with an exploration of Old and New Testament ‘mindful’ scriptures. Drawing on both, we believe can enable us to live more mindful lives. Hopefully by the close of the weekend, you might share our conviction that mindfulness can truly be a mission gift to the world, for these challenging times.
There will be mindfulness practice and meditation weaved into the weekend, along with space for personal prayer, quiet time and reflection.
The weekend will be led by Karen Openshaw and Bishop Chris Edmondson
Karen, a former board member for Fresh Expressions Ltd, runs a consultancy where part of her offer includes workshops introducing the concept of mindfulness, in both Christian and ‘secular’ organisations. Chris, formerly Bishop of Bolton prior to retirement, currently serves as an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leeds, and chairs the Council of Scargill House. Their ‘Mindfulness as Mission Gift’ (ISBN: 9798406110003) was published in January 2022, and their ‘Mindful Devotions : a 40 day journey through the Bible’ (ISBN: 9798361652129) in November 2022, both by Fresh Expressions.