Bethlehem is a 90 mile walk from Nazareth but for Mary and Joseph the journey was measured in months not miles. Since the Angel’s visit many weeks have passed and shortly the baby will be born. These months of questioning and prayer have prepared them to accept and understand enough to set out on their journey to Bethlehem.

As we prepare for Advent on our own pilgrim journey of acceptance and trust we will linger alongside Mary and Joseph during these months. With a combination of scripture, paintings, poetry, music and stillness Bishop Bob will encourage us to sit with Mary and Joseph and listen to their responses. In this silent retreat there will be space for prayerful reflection and loving response. The House will be in silence from Tuesday morning until Wednesday evening so we can focus without distraction on what God is showing us.

Silent retreat
Silent retreat

Silent retreats contain periods of silence, when we are encouraged not to speak to one another but focus instead on our thoughts and on God. The programme starts and ends normally, with times of silence in between.

Speaker

Bishop Bob Evens

Bob Evens lives in Cheltenham and was Bishop of Crediton in Devon until 2012. He leads Retreats at Lee Abbey and Scargill and loves to open the Bible alongside pictures, poetry and music.

Back to the programme