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The Parish of All Hallows, North Greenford |
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Come in! Taste and see how good the Lord is. |
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Reflecting with Pamela |
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In last month’s edition of Reach Out I shared a story with you about taking a ‘walk with God’ along the footpath of our local open green space here in North Greenford.
I am going to take you further afield in this month’s edition and share with you the ‘walk with God’ in open spaces, times of activity and spiritual refreshment at St. Non’s Retreat Centre in Pembrokeshire. I start with my arrival at St. David’s.
Living off site from the Retreat Centre where the All Hallows Pilgrims were staying, was a new experience for me. In previous years we all shared living and recreation space but owing to a good number of Pilgrims attending there was not quite enough space for the Retreat Leaders so alternative arrangements needed to be organised.
Alternative lodging took place at the annex of the TYF (Twr Y Felin) adventure hostel at the top end of St. David’s City. The annex turned out to be a lovingly restored rustic property which in its past days might have been the store rooms/out buildings for the mill which TYF in Welch stands for. It was a very peaceful place to stay and the wood burning stove gave great comfort on one of the evenings after a walk back from the centre in the rain.
Setting off for the Retreat Centre at St. Non’s the morning after our arrival was a very gentle experience. I left the annex and passed by bungalows with no other human being in sight. Turning right at the end of the road I soon spotted the pathway which would cut off road or pavement walking. The sun was shining and the clear fresh air awakened my senses to the new day.
Two beautiful horses were grazing in the field and took no notice of the ‘stranger’ in their midst. Soon the path turned left and headed in the direction of the sea. There was a natural arbour of tree branches to walk under as I made my way to the first of 8 gates. The arbour provided cooling shade which was necessary on this particular morning with the sun out in full force.
As is the case when venturing to ones destination the first time, you never know just how long it will take. By the time I had done the journey over the weeks stay I managed to get the timing down to around 22 minutes of determined walking.
Having opened and shut the first 4 farm yard gates, I turned the corner and could see the roof tops of the Retreat Centre and the ancient chapel of St. Non. It was just after 8am and I knew that my pilgrim friends would be sharing breakfast together before we gathered for the Eucharist at @ 9am.
Clambering down the last few feet, of by now, a narrow rugged pathway, the beautiful calm sea was right in front of me. Some early morning walkers were out and about and we greeted each other before going our separate ways.
Eventually I arrived at the pathway which took me through the gate into the grounds of the Centre. I could see some of the pilgrims in the dining room and got greeted with waves and smiles as I passed en route to the entrance. Apart from breakfast all other meals were shared together as a group.
Following breakfast each morning we gathered around the Lords table; sharing fellowship through Scripture, prayer, broken bread and wine outpoured. Different pilgrims read the passage of Scripture each morning and from one pilgrim to another we passed the bread and wine embracing our sacred journey together. Sometimes we sang a hymn or two which enhanced our time of celebration.
Each of our days was structured in such a way that our spiritual, intellectual and bodily needs could be met. There was organised creative learning, stops for tea/coffee breaks and main meals, fellowship as we shared stories of our activities in the day, rest & times for sleeping, walks near and far, reading, needlework, crossword puzzles, photography, boat journeys, shopping in the city of St. David’s, quiet prayer time in the Cathedral.
On Sunday, the night before we left, we held our celebration of Holy Communion in the ancient chapel of St. Non. It is not a very large chapel to gather in but there is always enough room for whatever numbers come together. This particular Sunday was the celebration of the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit – one God in three persons - three persons in one God.
In the unity of the Trinity, we shared God’s presence with us. Again we blessed one another as we shared bread and wine from person to person. A little bird was resting in the rafters of the chapel joining this great celebration of God’s goodness. The ending, was very poignant for two reasons.
First, we gathered outside the Chapel facing towards the sea singing and praising God for the wonders of his creation. Second, this was the last Eucharist and evening that we would be spending with one of our fellow pilgrims, Brenda, who would be returning early in the morning to Yorkshire.
There will be other aspects of this Retreat which you will read about from a further contributor to this magazine. I have not set out to cover another Pilgrims journey for them.
For me it was good to return ‘home’ to the loving and generous Community at St. Non’s who embrace each Pilgrim for their uniqueness; providing time and space to just ‘be’ according to God’s will and purpose for us.
For those who have thought that going on Retreat was a pious and zealous attempt at religious fervour, I need to dispel your thoughts and perhaps, fears. On the contrary, wherever and however, we find ourselves at home and at peace with God; away from the rat race – we are on retreat. This place of retreat happened to be away in Pembrokeshire but can equally be an elected ‘time out moment’ in your home or garden.
I want to close with what is on my heart for two special people who do so much to beautify the gardens at All Hallows for our community: ‘Mr. and Mrs. G ‘you would have loved the place of pilgrimage; being appreciative people of God’s creation that you are. I hope this article will tempt you to come away one year and enjoy time with many who give thanks for your generosity of time and spirit’.
To all the pilgrims who partook of what was on offer for you at St. Non’s, I hope you will be blessed with the lasting effect such times away leave us with.
To the Community at St. Non’s, thank you for your unending love, support and generosity.
Until we meet again, Blessings from Pamela |
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July 2009 |