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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 15h

Welcome to our second new member this week, 'The Gathering Place' in North Yorkshire. Set in beautiful moorland countryside, this self-catering retreat house offers a peaceful place for rest and prayerful refreshment. Find out more, or book your stay, on thegatheringplace.org.uk

The gable end of a yellow sandstone building with a flight of stone steps leading to the door

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 05/10/2026

We welcome our newest member, the Way of the Beloved in the Scottish Highlands. They are a place of rest and renewal, with a daily rhythm of prayer, study, work and hospitality, set in a beautiful location. Find out more on www.thewayofthebeloved.org or our own website promotingretreats.org #retreat

The view of a remote Scottish loch with hills in the background seen through a wooden window frame

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 04/10/2026

Today marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. As we pray for Franciscan communities around the world, we reflect on Francis' love of the natural world, and pray that we might become better stewards of creation too. @monknunanglican.bsky.social #prayer

The 13th century fresco of St Francis preaching to the birds, from the wall of the basilica of S Francesco in Assisi

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 03/10/2026

'Retreat houses provide rest and sustenance, and enable us to hear God’s voice more clearly'. So writes APR President, Bishop Guli, in our autumn newsletter. Read the whole article on promotingretreats.org, or visit our interactive online map for inspiration. Where might you go? #retreat

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 02/10/2026

Learn more about 'Freedom of religion in a secular world' with the Posbury St Francis Trust annual lecture (in Exeter on 5 Oct), or visit their website (psft.org.uk) to find out about their retreat house in beautiful west Cornwall.

A Cornish headland seen through a bed of wild daisies and across a deep aquamarine sea

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 01/10/2026

Are you being called to become a Spiritual Director or SpiritualCompanion? Find out more at an online open evening with the London Centre for Spiritual Direction on 2 Nov, or by visiting www.lcsd.org.uk/encounter #spirituality

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 30/09/2026

Our autumn newsletter is now available on our website - visit promotingretreats.org/wp-content/u... to read our news and learn about upcoming events in 2027… #retreat

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 29/09/2026

We pray for our friends at the Spiritual Direction Forum and for representatives of diocesan spiritual direction networks as they gather together online this evening. If you are a spiritual director, do visit sdforum.uk for support and encouragement in your ministry #retreat #spiritualdirection

A schematic picture of three dancers in a circle

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 29/09/2026

We pray for the Trustees of the Association for Promoting Retreats as they meet with their new president, Bishop Guli (of the Diocese of Chelmsford, @chelmsdio.bsky.social), this morning. Find out more about them all on promotingretreats.org/about #retreat #prayer

Photos of the trustees of APR with Bishop Guli

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 28/09/2026

In our cycle of prayer, we pray this week for Sheila Cotterill (Warden), and for all who live, work or seek refreshment at Llangasty Retreat House in Wales. Their next 'Drop-In Retreat Day' is next week, on Monday 5 October. Find out more on www.llangasty.com/programme.php

The grey stone frontage of Llangasty retreat house, with a lush Green flowerbed in front.

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 27/09/2026

Taking time out to pause, breathe and reset the rhythm of our lives is invaluable. Retreats are a time to trust in God more, and to nourish our souls. You can still access National Retreat Week resources on renewall.org.uk, or visit promotingretreats.org for ideas of where or when to go!

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 26/09/2026

'My retreat brought an unusually deep sense of peace and security, a sense of ease and letting go'. Feedback from a recent APR Bursary recipient. Could we help finance your next retreat too? Or would you like to donate to our Bursary Fund? Find out more on promotingretreats.org/bursary #retreat

The imposing medieval abbey building of Launde Abbey, seen across a green field with blue skies behind

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 25/09/2026

Explore how to become more 'Rooted in God' using the imagery of trees, and 'creative tree-inspired crafting' at Quiet Waters Christian Retreat House in Suffolk from 9-11 October... Book your place by visiting www.quietwaters.org.uk #retreat

An Orange sunset seen across a lake with trees silhouetted on the far side

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 25/09/2026

The next seasonal Quiet Day at The Bield at Blackruthven will be on Wed 21st October. Join them and enjoy some reflective stillness in their beautiful grounds. Find out more on www.bieldatblackruthven.org.uk/new-events-p... #retreat #autumn

A Blue painted door leading into a garden full of pink flowers

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 24/09/2026

There are two quiet days to look forward to at Parcevall Hall in Yorkshire at the end of October - 'Hexagonal Prayer' on 23 Oct, and 'Seeking Stillness' on 30 Oct. Could you join one of these? Find out more on www.parcevallhall.org.uk/events-calen... #retreat

The striking stone frontage of Parcevall Hall, with imposing doors and bay windows

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 23/09/2026

Did you know it's National Retreat Week this week? If you've never been on a quiet day or retreat before, now is the time to try one! Find out more on renewall.org.uk, or visit promotingretreats.org for inspiration...

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 22/09/2026

Leaving the Association for Promoting Retreats a legacy will help us continue to promote and finance retreats for future generations. It could save you tax, and will help us immeasurably. Find out more on promotingretreats.org/membership

A hand holding a fountain pen and writing in loopy calligraphy

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 21/09/2026

In our cycle of prayer, we pray for Nigel Evans (Warden), and for all who live, work or seek refreshment at the Franciscan Centre Ladywell, in Surrey. Why not join one of their many retreats this autumn? Find out more on franciscancentre.org.uk/upcoming-eve...

The imposing stone gable end of the Franciscan centre, seen across a neat garden in bright sunshine

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 20/09/2026

Do you have a space in your diary for a retreat, but don't know what's on offer on those dates? Check our online calendar - on promotingretreats.org - for retreats and quiet days near you... there are hundreds of events listed this autumn!

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 20/09/2026

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19.1) Celebrate the glory of God in creation at one of our beautiful retreat centres... there are dozens to choose from on promotingretreats.org/where, including here at The Othona Community, West Dorset

A pink and orange sunrise seen over the tops of pine trees, with a mauve sea on the horizon

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 19/09/2026

National Retreat Week starts today! Find out more on renewall.org.uk, or why not visit promotingretreats.org to find a retreat or quiet day happening near you?

National retreat week runs from 19-26 September

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 18/09/2026

Celebrate a floral harvest with a creative Quiet Day at The Living Well - Nonington on 3 October. Find out more on the-living-well.org.uk/programme-ev...

A pile of brightly coloured autumn vegetables

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 17/09/2026

What is reverberating in your life right now? Make time to reflect on this with a Quiet Day at St Antony's Priory in Durham on 15 October. Find out more on ssm.org.uk/spiritualdev...

A drop of water bouncing upwards from a still pool

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 16/09/2026

Do you work in a Church of England school? Did you see our offer in this week's Church Times? Could we help finance your next retreat? Find out more on promotingretreats.org/bursary

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 15/09/2026

Are you a spiritual director/accompanier? Have you considered joining the National Spiritual Direction Forum, to connect with others, and be resourced and encouraged in your own ministry? Find out more on sdforum.uk

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 14/09/2026

In our cycle of prayer, we pray this week for Jane Weedon (retreat leader), and for all who seek refreshment with her Kairos Days retreats in Lincolnshire. Find out more on www.kairosdaysretreat.uk

A sky-blue shepherd hut seen across a green field and nesting by some trees

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 13/09/2026

So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation (Gen. 2.3) In Creationtide, we thank God for the beauty of our world and pray for better stewardship of the earth's resources. Where might you go this autumn? promotingretreats.org

An orangey-brown wooden bench set against a hedge which is covered in red and Orange autumn leaves

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 12/09/2026

'In a retreat house, you are effectively protected from everything that makes life noisy and exhausting... for a few days you can relax into its delicious silence...' (APR archive 1965). Where might you go? Visit Promotingretreats.org to find your perfect retreat…

A comfortable sitting room with large sofa, and a view out of a window to a peaceful garden

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 11/09/2026

Thank you to the wardens and staff at The Othona Community, West Dorset for a very comfortable and enjoyable stay for our recent Trustee residential. We look forward to sharing some exciting new developments soon...

A collage of photos of the retreat house, including one of a beautiful pink sunrise over the roof of the building, and a comfortable sitting room with blue armchairs

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 10/09/2026

If you've never been on a retreat before, why not book a place on a Beginners' Retreat at the Community of St Mary the Virgin in Wantage from 14-15 November and experience your first retreat in a gentle and welcoming way? Find out more on csmv.co.uk/calendar-of-... @monknunanglican.bsky.social

A small stone chapel with a tiled roof, seen across a sunny bed of purple irises

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 09/09/2026

Some feedback from a recent Retreat Bursary recipient: 'I left [my retreat] with a deep feeling of replenishment and renewal; my deepest gratitude to The Royal Foundation of St. Katharine for a memorable stay'. Could we help finance your next retreat too? promotingretreats.org/bursary

A brick building in dappled sunlight and a green lawn

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 09/09/2026

'On retreat, people begin to see life as a whole, and their own life in a truer perspective. They discover that the life of their inner self is more real than they ever imagined, and that an experience of God's presence and love is not reserved for a privileged few' (APR 1965). promotingretreats.org

A small whitewashed chapel with a large wooden cross behind the altar

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 08/09/2026

Have you listened to our September podcast yet? It's presented by APR Chair, Cameron Butland, and reflects on the central teaching of St Francis of Assisi, that we should be people of peace. Listen now on promotingretreats.org/news-events-blog

A reflective tray of tealights, all alight

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 08/09/2026

Please pray for our Trustees as they gather for their annual residential at The Othona Community, West Dorset, and as they plan for events and increased outreach in the year ahead

Photos of the ten trustees of the association for promoting retreats

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 07/09/2026

In our cycle of prayer, we pray for Hilary Garraway and her team as they prepare for the opening of the Hummingbird Retreat in Grenada. Find out more, or plan your stay, by visiting www.hummingbirdretreat.org.uk

A large white building with a verandah on the upper floor, with a palm tree and bush with vibrant pink flowers in the foreground

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 06/09/2026

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace (Isaiah 55.12). Celebrate the new festival of 'Creation in Christ' with a retreat or quiet day at one of our beautiful retreat houses - such as here at Llangasty Retreat House in Wales - or visit promotingretreats.org for other options!

A church tower seen across a cornfield and bed of vibrant red flowers

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 05/09/2026

An IGR (Individually Guided Retreat) gives you space to rest, reflect and listen to God, with daily one-to-one meetings with a trained prayer guide. There are dozens on offer at retreat houses across the UK - simply search 'IGR' in our online calendar on promotingretreats.org to find the one for you

Two ladies having a prayerful conversation in a quiet chapel

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 04/09/2026

National Retreat Week (renew:all) starts soon! There will be lots of new resources for your own spiritual growth on their website from 19 Sept (renewall.org.uk), or why not book yourself a retreat or quiet day? Visit promotingretreats.org for inspiration!

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 03/09/2026

'Retreats can give one an inner quietness and a new-found source of strength. As with all God's gifts, one receives all and more than one asks' (APR archive 1965). Where might you go? promotingretreats.org

A large wooden cross against a vibrant orange sunset

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 03/09/2026

Learn more about the spirituality, music and art of Hildegard of Bingen with a quiet day at the Same Roots Collective in Somerset on 17 Sept. Find out more on www.samerootscollective.org.uk/events

A stone statue of an angel on a lawn in front of a lilac-covered building

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 01/09/2026

Our September podcast reflects on the central teaching of St Francis of Assisi, that we should be people of peace. Listen to it now on promotingretreats.org/news-events-blog

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 31/08/2026

In our cycle of prayer, we pray for Jane Franklin and her ministry of leading online 'Oasis Day' retreats. Why not join the next one on Tuesday 8 September? Find out more on oasisdays.org.uk #retreat #prayeroftheweek #quietday

A still oasis of water surrounded by palm trees set in a Sandy desert

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 30/08/2026

'Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer' (Romans 12.12). Where is your favourite place to pray? Find yours on promotingretreats.org

A simple cross made of branches hung on the whitewashed wall of a medieval chapel

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 29/08/2026

What is a retreat? Are retreats for everyone? How might you benefit from taking a retreat? Find out more on promotingretreats.org/what-is-retreat - and then book one for yourself on promotingretreats.org/where

A simple wooden bench in a grassy field on the edge of a still grey lake

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 28/08/2026

Our online calendar has been updated with dozens of new retreats and quiet days this autumn - when can you take your next retreat? Visit promotingretreats.org for inspiration!

A photo of a still lake with mountains in the background, and an inset of a calendar with dates circled

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 27/08/2026

There is still time to book your place at the APR autumn retreat from 20-22 October at Holy Rood House in Thirsk. Come and 'Rediscover how to find God in the world around us and within us, the God who meets us in the everyday and ordinary’. Find out more on promotingretreats.org/apr-autumn-r...

A photo of a Sandy beach with wooden poles stretching into the distance

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 26/08/2026

The Trustees of @retreatparmoor.bsky.social are still looking for a new Kitchen Manager/chef. Could this be you? Visit www.srpf.org.uk/vacancies-vo... to find out more...

Two pictures - an oak-panelled dining room and an Arian view of a walled kitchen garden

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 25/08/2026

'[My retreat] has been a blessed time of peace, rest and renewal. Everything was perfect, the staff were kind and lovely, and the food delicious and healthy’. Feedback from someone who received an APR bursary to support her retreat - could we help you? Find out more on promotingretreats.org/bursary

The red brick retreat house at Pleshey seen across a patio area of garden Under some trees

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 24/08/2026

In our cycle of prayer, we pray this week for Heidi and Hermann Kuschke, and for all who live, work or seek refreshment at IDwala Retreat Centre in South Africa. Find out more on idwalaretreat.co.za

A low-lying modern stone building with large windows, seen across a lawn in the orange evening sunlight

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Association for Promoting Retreats @promotingretreats.org · 23/08/2026

'Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and there find rest for your souls' (Jeremiah 6.16). Where might your path lead? Take time to think about it with a retreat - visit promotingretreats.org for inspiration!

A wooden signpost in a grassy moorland hill

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