Category: Uncategorized

The call to action – Jesus as a prophet: if you recognise Jesus as the Son of God, do you also know him as a prophet demanding action? Jesus did not only comfort and heal – he also challenged injustice, confronted hypocrisy, and spoke truth to power. 

This reflective retreat day explores the radical, prophetic ministry of Jesus and what courageous discipleship looks like today. Through Scripture, prayer, silence, and guided reflection, participants are invited to discern how faith moves beyond belief into lived action, integrity, and hope.

Suitable for those seeking to deepen their discipleship, wrestle thoughtfully with contemporary faith questions, or rediscover the radical edge of Jesus’ call.

Join Sue Rawlings and Pauline Heffernan at Shallowford House for a reflective journey and shared exploration of what faithful action looks like today.

Friday 27^th February / £28 per person / refreshments and 2 course lunch included.

Garden Working Parties Bring New Life to the Retreat Grounds

 

Throughout the year, our Garden Working Parties bring together volunteers who share a heart for service, community, and caring for God’s creation. These special events are a wonderful opportunity to refresh the grounds of our Retreat Centre while building friendships and enjoying time together in a peaceful and welcoming setting.

This year, volunteers will be gathering on the following dates:
March 23 to 26
July 6 to 9
October 12 to 15

During each working party, volunteers help with planting flowers, tidying pathways, maintaining garden beds, and preparing outdoor spaces for guests who come to the centre seeking rest and renewal. Every task, whether large or small, plays an important part in making the Retreat Centre a place of beauty, peace, and hospitality.

All accommodation and meals are provided, allowing volunteers to focus fully on serving and enjoying fellowship. Days are filled with practical work, shared meals, prayer, and meaningful conversations. Many who attend say that these times of working together are just as refreshing for the soul as they are productive for the gardens.

The Garden Working Parties are also part of our wider Helping Hands ministry. Alongside gardening, volunteers often support the centre by baking, preparing refreshments, welcoming guests, decorating indoor spaces, and assisting during events. Everyone is encouraged to use their own skills and talents to help strengthen and grow the ministry.

We are deeply thankful for every person who gives their time and energy to support the Retreat Centre in this way. The impact of these working parties is seen not only in the gardens but in the lives of those who serve and those who later come to enjoy this peaceful place.

If you would like to be part of one of our upcoming Garden Working Parties, we would love to hear from you. Your help truly makes a difference, and together we continue to grow a place of welcome, healing, and hope.

Living with Loss Creative Grief Workshop – February 2026

Have you been struggling since the death of a loved one?

The Living with Loss Creative Grief Workshop, led by Abi May, will be held at Shallowford House this February. This special two-day workshop is designed to help you find a way forward in your changed circumstances following the life-changing loss of bereavement.

Through led sessions, creative activities, crafts, and group discussions, participants will explore:

• Coping with the emotional, psychological, social, practical and spiritual impact of bereavement
• Remembrance of loved ones
• Ways of living a changed life from which a loved one is now absent

Workshop Details
📅 Dates: Two consecutive Saturdays – 21st & 28th February 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 Location: Shallowford House, Staffordshire, ST15 0PB
💷 Cost: £70 for both days (includes lunch, snacks, limitless hot drinks, and all retreat materials). Financial help is available if needed.

Who Can Attend?
Those bereaved of a close friend, spouse or partner, child, or other family member (at least six months since bereavement)

• Open to adults aged 21 and over
• Gentle Christian spiritual content, but open to those of all faiths and none
• Attending this workshop makes you eligible for the Living with Loss follow-on events

About the Leader
The workshop is led by Abi May – author, bereaved mother, retreat leader and educator. You can find more about her work at www.livingwithloss.co.uk
.

Location
Shallowford House is a comfortable property set in its own grounds in rural Staffordshire, near Stone – less than 15 minutes’ drive from Stafford and with easy access from M6 Junction 14. Learn more at www.shallowfordhouse.org
.

Comments from Previous Participants
“The content of the bereavement sessions was excellent and the approach varied, interactive and all very clearly presented.”

“I thought Abi led the sessions with sensitivity and compassion.”

“This was a first-class retreat which I found extremely helpful.”

“I had no idea, really, what to expect this week. I am returning home feeling assured that I will survive and continue to take ‘small steps’ on my journey.”

📞 To reserve your place or for more information, call Shallowford House on 01785 760233.

👉 Visit: www.livingwithloss.co.uk
| www.shallowfordhouse.org

10:00am to 3.30pm

These are led by Rev Evelyn Bone and she leads us through a gentle day of devotion, quiet time and worship. There is the opportunity to meet one to one and engage in a few prayerful activities.

The cost is £28 which includes lunch and refreshments. The day runs from 10:00am to 3.30pm. Please call the office on 01785 760233 to book.

Dates:  

• 9 February
• 9 March
• 13 April
• 18 May
• 8 June
• 13 July
• 17 August
• 14 September
• 12 October
• 9 November
• 7 December