Advent Retreat 

Friday 1st December, 4pm - Sunday 3rd December 2pm 
Leader the Revd. Canon Veronica Hydon

In this relaxed and creative Advent Retreat, the Reverend Canon Veronica Hydon will use John Bell's hymn "Who would think that what was needed..." (God's surprise) as the framework for the guided reflections which will be offered at intervals across the weekend.

You can expect periods of silence as well as gentle companionship; the opportunity to explore individually, and to share together (if you wish), the conundrums and questions inherent in any life of faith; and opportunities for those who would like to have private conversations with Canon Veronica.

There will be free time to access the beauty of nature surrounding Foxhill, and to make use of the creative materials provided to explore and express ideas prompted by the Advent season ahead of us.

The programme will be interspersed with collective prayer in the Chapel and we will close our weekend with an Advent Eucharist.

As we approach again the miracle and mystery of Christmas, relax in God's company and enjoy the hospitality of this special place!

£200 - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Click here to book via Eventbrite

Created to Create

arriving after 4pm on Friday 1st March and leaving 2pm on Sunday 3rd March

Led by the Reverend Tom Studman

Created to Create is a visual arts focused retreat for all, regardless of artistic experience, celebrating how we are all made in the image of God to create.

Alistair Gordon writes (in Why Art Matters), “Whether you write, sing, plant, cook, doodle, draw, garden, strum, bake, scribble, wiggle, prance or dance, all these thinges reflect the creative character of God and are part of what it means to be made in his image.”

The visual arts and art making are wonderful ways to encounter God. Through the creative process we listen to the voice of the maker and feel the compassion of God through our creating. The process of artmaking becomes a journey of discovery. We open ourselves up to what God is revealing to us in these beautifully intimate moments, charged with the Holy Spirit.
 

Through our creativity we will explore the theme 'the wisdom of nature' inspired by Job 12:7-10.

Join us for this visual arts focused retreat and take part in a participatory art project and lots of independent art making opportunities.

This retreat will contain: Silence; Arts and crafts; Group discussions; Music; Poetry; Spiritual Direction; and Personal Development.

You will be facilitated by the Reverend Tom Studman who will help you exercise your creative character and encounter our creator God.

£230 - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Icon Painting Retreat

10:30am on Monday 15th to 4pm on Friday 19th April, 2024

with the Reverend Christopher Perrins

Whether you are an accomplished artist or you struggle to draw stick figures, you will find our Icon Painting Retreat a rewarding experience.

In an atmosphere of prayer, Christopher will lead you, step by step, through the process of creating an icon. 

All materials will be provided, including brushes, pigments, eggs, gessoed boards (sanded and ready to be painted), and gold leaf.

Some quotes from the 2023 participants:
'I and others on the course were not really painters but were given encouragement, help and support. Everyone went home with a beautiful icon - even me.'
'The week was over far too quickly.'
'Icon painting was one of the most incredible experiences of my life - spending hours looking into the face of Jesus.'
 

The cost for the course which includes ensuite accommodation, all meals and refreshments, tuition and materials is £645.

Please note, the early bird discount is not available with this retreat.

If you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Bible Art Journaling

An introduction to Bible art journaling, suitable for absolute beginners

Saturday 18th May - 10am to 3:30pm (refreshments from 9:30am)

A day retreat lead by Pam Robinson

This is an opportunity to seek to get closer to God as we work with mixed media and messy art.

Through the day we'll think about blessings - how God has blessed us and how we can be a blessing to others.

You don't need any artistic ability at all and you cannot make mistakes!

Find out more about Bible art journaling, junk journaling, and other ideas, as we use our creativity to draw closer to God.

£30 per person - includes lunch and refreshments.

To find out about our loyalty and bursary scheme, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

a day for clergy and lay leaders with the Reverend Doctor Christopher Landau, author of 'Loving Disagreement' and the 'Unity Course'.

Saturday 22nd June from 10am to 4pm.

Refreshments available from 9:30am

Whether we're thinking about the church at a local level, nationally or internationally, the fact of disagreement among Christians is inescapable - but why is it often so toxic?

This day will be rooted in the reality of local church life, seeking to apply a theology of disagreement to the varied challenges faced in churches today.

Reflecting on his experiences as a religion journalist, student of ethics and an Anglican priest, the day will be based around Christopher Landau's book, 'Loving Disagreement'. Biblical reflections will focus on applying the Fruit of the Spirit to the ways in which we handle our inevitable disagreements; the other key texts are the image of the vine, and the instance of footwashing, in John's Gospel.

Come and explore the challenge of facing disagreements in the life of the church in ways that reflect the love to which Christ calls his followers: ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35).

£30 per person - includes lunch and refreshments.

To find out about our loyalty scheme, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

The Woman at the Well

Saturday 6th July - 10am to 3:30pm

refreshments from 9:30am 

£27 per person - includes lunch and refreshments.

To find out about our loyalty scheme, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

The Quiet Path
Discovering a presence beyond words.

4pm on Friday 27th to 3:30pm Sunday 29th September, 2024

The quiet path begins exactly where you are, here and now. This retreat will invite you to pause, and take a deep breath. There will be led sessions and opportunities for quiet. We will engage with art, poetry, scripture, music, and the outdoor areas surrounding the house. 

Each part of this weekend will be a tiny pilgrimage, a journey of the heart, a way into still places to discover the presence of God.

This retreat is likely to contain: Silence; Art Space; Music; Poetry; and Individual Listening.

Retreat Leaders: Wendy & Andrew Rudd

Andrew Rudd is passionate about finding wonder in the ordinary. In this he is helped particularly by poetry, music, nature and two wonderful grandchildren. He lives in Frodsham, Cheshire, where he is a Reader at St Laurence Church. Andrew is a poet and spiritual companion and leads retreats and quiet days. In 2006 he was Cheshire Poet Laureate, and recently Poet in Residence at Manchester Cathedral. 

Wendy Rudd is a listener and an artist. She is interested in how we can glimpse God in the ordinary: nature, creativity or encounter with others. Often in unexpected places. She has spent a lifetime working with children who have additional needs, and their families. These days, she offers others a safe space in listening and spiritual accompaniment.

£225 - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Individually Guided Retreat

Monday 11th to Thursday 14th November, 2024

led by the Chester Diocesan Spirituality Group

An Individually Guided Retreat is an opportunity to set aside time and space to listen to God. It is also a space where someone will listen to you.

After an introduction on Monday evening, the other days until Thursday morning will be in silence including meals. This silence is our gift to one another.

Each day you will meet with a prayer guide to help you structure and make the most of your time, so there’s no need to worry if you haven’t experienced this type of retreat before.

Your prayer guide will suggest ways to slow down and listen – to yourself and God.

Listening

There are many ways of listening:

with suggested bible passages

by walking in the beautiful grounds of Foxhill or beyond

in the designated art space where materials and suggestions are provided

Space

There will be opportunity to meet in the chapel daily for morning prayer and communion.

Rooms in Foxhill will be adapted to provide spaces for reflection and creativity.

This is an opportunity to discern what God may be saying and doing in our lives. We recommend that you resist the temptation to bring tasks or books with you, but have the courage to set them aside for a couple of days so that you can rest.

Prayer Guides

This retreat is organised by Chester Diocese Spirituality Group. The prayer guides are all experienced and trained in spiritual accompaniment.

Please note: A silent retreat may not be helpful if you are going through a time of recent bereavement or particular stress. Other support may be more appropriate.

£290 - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Advent Retreat 2024

Longing for Light

Friday 29th November, 4pm - Sunday 1st December 2pm 

Leader the Right Reverend Sam Corley, Bishop of Stockport 

 Ahead of all the busyness of Christmas, a chance to step aside in order to be renewed in hope as we reflect on how the coming of God in Christ is good news for all the world.

As we reflect on the traditional themes of Advent we will explore together how the coming of God into the world fulfills both the promises of scripture and the deepest needs and desires of the world.

£220 - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org