Wyn writes:
Once again our healing team from Kirkby came together for another day retreat, and this year decided to stay a little closer to home and pay a visit to Loyola Hall in Rainford. The hall, which is run by Jesuit Order, has beautiful gardens and an air of peace and quietness.
After a very welcome cup of tea or coffee, we were introduced to the Rev. John Roberts who had so kindly come along to co-ordinate the day for us, which began with a short service of worship before getting down to the real business of the day.
We were then spilt into small groups of 4 or 5 people and each group were given a passage from the Bible to read, discuss and discover what we had learnt about the Ministry of Healing from the one we had read. Food for thought as we had to report back!! We then separated and were left to find a quiet lonely spot out in the beautiful gardens in which we had to think and pray about what we really wanted the lord to do for us as an individual! Not a difficult task as one could almost feel his presence and know he was listening in such peaceful surroundings.
However, the body as well as the soul had to be fed! Back to the house for a shared lunch or a visit to the book shop to either read, buy or just browse. Lunch over we settled down once more to listen to what the Rev. Roberts had to tell us about the true meaning of a Healing Ministry. After which we wandered out into the gardens once more to enjoy the lovely sunshine with which the Lord had blessed us.
Our thoughts and prayers for this session was to ask ourselves “where does our own individual church need healing” a question of many aspects and many varied answers. Returning to ‘base’ once again we came together as a team for our closing service of worship and as we joined in communion at the end of our retreat we were left with an inner peace and tranquility.
The fellowship we had shared and what we had learned as a healing team will go with us on our homeward journey and will, hopefully extend into our work as a Healing Ministry.
Our thanks to both Rev. Andy and to Rev. John for their input and organisation and for such a peaceful day of retreat.
During the day Jill Ridgeway was also inspired to write the following:
How can I forgive?
For the wrong I feel you’ve done.
How can I forgive?
For the hurt taht still goes on.
How can I forgive?
When my heart’s still filled with pain.
How can I forgive?
While my tears still fall like rain.
How can I forgive?
Tho time has long since gone.
How can I forgive?
I don’t want this to go on.
How can I forgive?
And mean it from my heart.
How can I forgive?
We’ve drifted miles apart.
How can I forgive?
If you are not still there.
How can I forgive?
Just take it to God in prayer!