We live in challenging days. In recent decades the Christian faith and the church have moved from being central within our communities and national life to being on the edge. As Christians we sometimes feel like strangers in unfamiliar territory. But this is not the first time the church has been through this kind of experience. It can be seen in the life of God’s people in the scriptures and throughout church history. In this retreat, we will dig into the rich legacy of the Celtic Saints and find insights and wisdom for the present day.
When the Celtic Saints came to Scotland’s shores, they carried with them a culture of mission and innovation as a ‘Way of Life’. They were rooted in rhythms of prayer, had a deep reverence for scripture and a profound compassion for others. They worked in teams and lived and communicated the gospel in ways that connected with the pagan peoples they encountered.
Scott Brennan is an experienced church planter who has found his personal faith and mission to be enriched and expanded by learning from our Celtic predecessors. He currently lives on Lindisfarne, where he mentors and coaches many Christian leaders and helps to lead an international ecumenical fellowship whose members seek to live out their Christian faith as a complete way of life within their own contexts.
During this retreat we will consider:
1. Who was the Celtic Church?
2. What do we know about the Celtic Saints?
3. What can we learn from being familiar with their stories?
4. Can the legacy of Celtic Christianity help us connect with our communities today?
As well as teaching from Scott, there will be plenty of time and space for prayer and personal reflection. Participants will be offered optional activities to encourage prayerful contemplation. These might involve being outside in nature, using the art room or finding another quiet space.
Accommodation is in the renovated eighteenth-century hunting lodge with a mixture of comfortable single, twin and family bedrooms. Some rooms have en-suite facilities, while others have shared toilet and shower facilities available. Maximum capacity is 18.
Guests have access to a small library, art room, lounge, chapel, gym and games room – and are free to explore the 3000 acre estate, where otters, seals, butterflies, lichens, ferns, incredible bird life and many other aspects of nature can be enjoyed.
Dates and Times:
Arrive 4-6pm Monday 14th October (free collection from 16:09 train into Fort William available)
Depart 10am Thursday 17th October (free delivery to 11:40 train from Fort William available)
Cost:
£350 Shared Room with Shared Facilities
£430 Single Room with Shared Facilities
£465 Single Room with En-Suite
