2023 Retreat Theme: 'Shades of Green- Aspects of Godly Gardening'
(The seven Gardens can bw found in the Prayer & Resources Section here)
In the peaceful green-ness of Shepherd’s Dene we shared in two Eucharists, Evening Prayer, Morning Prayer, excellent meals and space to ‘do our own thing’. And in our study sessions Revd Anne Marr led us through a series of Gardens, beginning in the Garden of Eden, our ‘Garden of Intention’, into our Garden of Life, then from a Wilderness Garden to Gardens of Hope and of Renewal, from a Garden of Tears to a Garden of New Life and ending in the Garden of Joy. In each garden we had a reflection, a prayer and a photograph to give a focus to our thoughts during our quiet times. The final prayer began “Lord, whatever our story, wherever we find ourselves today, help us remember your story …” and ended “Eden restored, the earth redeemed, and we are truly at home with you.” It was a fitting conclusion.
