God in the Wilderness March 2014

 


GOD  in the Wilderness, March 2014


All Saints Quiet Day at Parcevall Hall

On Saturday March 1st a group of 25 people from our congregation came together to take communion and partake of a spiritual infilling as we spent the day in a most beautiful tranquil setting in upper Wharfedale at Parcevall Hall. A sixteenth century building which was restored, rebuilt and extended between the wars to create a most beautiful building and gardens.

This haven was the perfect setting chosen by Revd Beverley Mason for our group.

Our day was led by Revd Beverley as a prelude to Eastertide and the theme was
"God in the Wilderness".

Our morning talk was about the "wilderness - memory and hope" then we had our own quiet space until lunchtime. The wilderness can invoke visions of barrenness or loneliness. Of loss, negativism, sadness, confusion, wrestling with God, and, or oneself. But for myself, in the tranquility and the beauty of the gardens and surrounding countryside I was transported into "the beauty of the wilderness". I found it was the place God inhabits and beckons us to see. To search, and discern. To find peace, beauty, and love. A time of reflection, or just to "be" to listen and learn and to discover the beauty within oneself and without. In others, and in our surroundings.

In the afternoon Bev spoke of the "wilderness- a refuge and meaning".
As Moses led the Israelites out of the land of plenty and slavery into the promised land, to safety and freedom, but they
ventured into their allegorical wilderness, and according to the scriptures remained there for forty years. So I ponder. Did they loose their way, and became lost in their wanderings because they were irresponsible, lacked discernment, wisdom and responsibility. The gift of freedom comes at a price. Responsibility, accountability, questioning, and  listening, learning and change.

Bev encouraged us to seek and listen.......to find a place with God. To be attentive, to bring God into our lives and discover what He wished to impart to us.
"The beauty in the wilderness". The wilderness as a refuge spoke to my heart. Withdrawal into solitude was refreshing,
peaceful and challenging. To find courage and let go of fear.

The day ended happily, sharing and ministering communion to each other. We affirmed our positive experiences of the day, and for some wishing it could continue.
It was a truly meaningful beginning to Lent and Easter, and amazingly tied in with the Gospel readings, and the sermon
delivered by Sue about the transformation the following Sunday. I think we were all transformed by our spiritual exercise the previous day.

I write this to encourage others to attend a future quiet day with Revd Beverley and our church members.

LOGGED IN MEMBERS CAN SEE THE PHOTO ALBUM HERE                                              Christine Henderson

 

 

 

 

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