Residential and Day Retreats

Icon Painting Retreat

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

Led by 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, you will be guided, step by step, through the process of creating an icon. 

Christopher is keen to ensure that his retreats are accessible to people who have never painted before, as well as the more experienced. In the article ‘Made in his image: the popularity of icon retreats’  from the 11th May 2018 edition of the Church Times, Christopher said, ‘We tend to start with the easiest method, the proplasmos technique, which is more associated with the Greek tradition, where you begin with the darker colours, layering the paint until you get to the lightest colours…’ His retreats are… ‘certainly not just for artists, and, in fact, non-artists almost find it easier, because they don’t have to unlearn anything.“ 

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.'

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

Christopher was ordained deacon in 2003 and priest in 2004. He served in a number of parishes in the Diocese of Liverpool. He has a Diploma in Icon and Wall Painting from the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts. Having always enjoyed art in one form or another, he first painted an icon in 2005 at a course given by Christi Paslaru.”
 

£645 - Includes ensuite accommodation, all meals and refreshments, tuition and icon materials.

Please note, the early bird discount is not available with this retreat.
To book, to find out about our bursary scheme, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Click here to book on Eventbrite.

Bricktivity:

A Fans of Lego Symposium

Saturday 27th Apirl, 10am - 4pm

A day for practioners and families interested in using bricks to build worshipping communities.

Sessions include:
LEGO® and LET GOD facilitated by Harriet Roberts and Ben Thomson

My LEGO® Journey: introducing Steve Guinness, The Brick Consultant, Channel 4 LEGO®Master

Building a church with LEGO® in St Helens with Phil Thornton, Operations Manager at The Mount, Diocese of Liverpool

Bible Builds led by Steve Guinness exploring 2 Bible story resource sessions with multi-ability level builds.

LEGO®with Neurodiverse families led by Rev Emma SpeakeDiscussion and Questions to the Panel: Phil Thornton, Emma Speake, Steve Guinness. Facilitated by Harriet Roberts and Ben Thomson.

This free event includes lunch and refreshments.

For more information and to book go to Eventbrite.

Watercolours and nature

Saturday 4th May

10am to 5pm (refreshments from 9:30am)

A day retreat led by Trevor and Jane Mottram

A day to express our awe and wonder at God’s creation through led reflections and exploring watercolour painting.

The morning and afternoon sessions will begin with worship and reflections followed by a guided workshop exploring watercolour techniques to help us express the wonder of creation. In the morning we will focusing on the majesty of hills and trees and in the afternoon, the intricacy of plants and leaves. 

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created," Psalm 148:5

Watercolour techniques for beginners will be taught and space will be given for more experienced painters to get creative and pick up some tips along the way.
 

Jane and Trevor are married with 3 children (well, 17, 20 and 22 year olds! ) Jane is ordained and in her first year of curacy at St Mary's, Partington and Trevor, who has an art and design background, is learning the ropes of a clergy spouse. They both love camping and generally being outdoors, especially in the sun as Jane is known for being solar-powered.

 

£32 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

ReSource ~ Individually Guided Retreat

From 3:30pm on Monday 13th (introductory session at 5pm) to 11am on Thursday 16th May

Led by the Revd Stephen Dinsmore and the Reverend Pauline Shepherd.

Space to listen, receive, pray and enjoy God's presence.

The retreat offers you the opportunity and time to pay attention to God and God's work in your life, for you to pray and reflect, and to renew, rest, restore and repair.
Step away from the immediacy and noise of life to focus on your relationship with God, the eternal, as a time of refreshment and renewal or, if you choose, to wrestle with an issue of the moment. 

Each retreatant will be accompanied by their own spiritual guide who will help them both to focus, and experience a personal encounter and deepening relationship with God.

The retreat includes corporate time of silence, two short daily services with a helpful reflection, and a one to one meeting each day with your spiritual guide. 

This is a retreat both for those for whom this will be their first silent individually guided retreat and for those for whom it is not - all will be most welcome.

Responses from participants in ReSource's 2023 Foxhill Retreat.

'I have turned a corner spiritually', ' A milestone - and what a God-filled experience', 'Helped filter God's calling and voice to me', 'An opportunity to rest in God's love'

£325pp - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount or Bursary Scheme, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org
For more information and to book go to Eventbrite.

Bible Art Journaling

Saturday 18th May

10am to 3:30pm (refreshments from 9:30am)

A day retreat led by Pam Robinson

An introduction to Bible art journaling, suitable for absolute beginners

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

Loving Disagreement - The Problem is the Solution

Saturday 22nd June

10am to 4pm (refreshments available from 9:30am)

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


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 and bursary schemes, or if you have any other 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)

A day retreat led by the Revd. Lucy Brewster – Director of Foxhill


In September 2023 we gained a new stained glass window at Foxhill, created by acclaimed designer Deborah Lowe in memory of local artist, Lesley Pangburn.
Come and spend a day with the new window, exploring together how scripture and art can combine to speak to us of the things of God and how we live out our discipleship.

 

£27 per person - includes lunch and refreshments.

To find out about our loyalty and bursary schemes, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Drawing Near

4pm Thursday 1st - 4pm Friday 2nd August

A 24 hour reatreat led by Hannah and Timothy Hupfield

 

An opportunity, for anyone, to explore how we pray, and what prayer means for, and to, each of us.

Over the 24 hours, we’ll hope to deepen our lives of prayer, drawing near, in faith, to that invitation from in Psalm 46 to ‘be still, and know that I am God’. 

The retreat will include time to study and discuss, as well as time to be silent as we delve into prayer and different prayer methods.

We will consider the differences between methods of prayer, as well as why we might want - and need - to pray in different ways at different times, and during different circumstances in our journey of life and faith.

There will be the opportunity to engage in prayer methods such as silence, beads, the Examen, Lectio Divina, art, music, wandering, and work – as we seek to uncover afresh how each can deepen and enhance our prayer lives.

We'll seek to bring heart and mind together, when thinking about and engaged in prayer.
 

Hannah and Timothy are both vicars in the east of the diocese. Previously Timothy was curate in a group of six churches in Worcester diocese. Hannah has been in university chaplaincy at two Cambridge colleges, and has spent some time in hospital chaplaincy.

Hannah enjoys rosary making and other crafts, playing the clarinet, and exploring churchyards and all the fascinating memorials that can be found (memorial making was the subject of her MPhil).

Timothy loves the colour pink, enjoys crocheting, plays the oboe, and has recently started doctoral research about the theology of tattoos.

Together with their two children and dog, Tallis, they love escaping into the hills for long walks.

 

£130pp - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount or Bursary Scheme, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org

The Quiet Path
Discovering a presence beyond words.

4pm on Friday 27th - 3:30pm Sunday 29th September

Leb by Wendy & Andrew Rudd

 

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.

 

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 Bursary Scheme, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Finding God in Music

4pm on Friday 18th  October to 4pm on Saturday 19th October 2024

A 24 hour retreat led by Catherine Cleghorn and Jill Elston

How do you feel when you sing?

Using music to help us think about how we experience time with God.

This retreat will be practical, participative, theological and worshipful and will include silence and discussion.

No singing experience is needed. Everyone is welcome.

 

Catherine came to faith after being dragged into a church choir rehearsal as a student. It took a while.
The church family to which she now belongs is St. Martin’s, Ashton upon Mersey, where she is the Rector.
In her free time she likes to sing in choirs, read books, watch not too challening TV, and grow vegetables.

When she was a child, she wanted to be a vet, but soon realised that she was far too squeamish and sentimental. Now she loves spending  time with her increasingly large number of animals.

The person that has had the greatest influence on her life is Christ. The last thing she would ‘give up’ is prayer. She would like to be remembered for trying to love the best that she can.


Jill feels closest to Jesus when she stops for a moment, when she's outdoors especially near trees, when singing as if no one is listening, and when seeing a Bible passage afresh and having an 'ah-ha' moment.
She'd like to be locked in a church with a choir, an orchestra and a supplier of blankets, obviously, God would already be there!
She would like to be remembered for seeing God reflected in the arts and all living things.
At the moment she is reading - 'Green Theology: An eco-feminist and ecumenical perspective' by (the aptly named)Trees Van Montfoort, and 'Church Beyond Walls' by Martin Poole.

 

£150 - Includes en-suite accommodation, all meals and refreshments.

To find out about our Early Bird Discount or Bursary Scheme, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org

I am the way

10am till 3:30pm on Tuesday 5th November

A day retreat led by the Revd. Dr Joe Kennedy

 Jesus said to his friends, ‘Who do you say that I am?’

To help us think about how we would respond if Jesus asked us that question, in this day retreat we will explore what Jesus meant when he said, ‘I am the way’ (John 14:6).

Joe was born in Edinburgh in the late 1960s, and spent his early life in Scotland. In his twenties he moved to England, where he trained for the ordained ministry. As a priest he has served in parish ministry, higher education chaplaincy, and in the formation of future clergy. Since 2011, he has been Vicar of Oxton in the Diocese of Chester. Joe is married to Emily, and they have one son. He enjoys travelling in Europe, and maintains a strong interest in modern doctrinal theology. 

£27 per person - includes lunch and refreshments.

To find out about our loyalty and bursary schemes, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Individually Guided Retreat

Monday 11th - Thursday 14th November 

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 Bursary Scheme, or if you have any questions, please contact the Foxhill team:

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org

Longing for Light 

Advent Retreat 2024

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

Led by the Right Reverend Sam Corley, Bishop of Stockport 

* Very limited places remaining *

 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 Bursary Scheme, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Foxhill team:
01928 733777
foxhill@chester.anglican.org

 

To keep up to date with the latest info and events at Foxhill House -
please like us on Facebook @FoxhillCD http://www.facebook.com/FoxhillCD
or follow us on Twitter @ FoxhillCD http://www.twitter.com/foxhillcd

 

Upcoming Events

Monday 15th April
Tuesday 16th April
Wednesday 17th April
Thursday 18th April
Friday 19th April
Powered by Business Edit