From Voices February 2012

BLESSINGS FROM RETREATS - Jean Potter and Sue Sheldon share their experiences...
JEAN: As a teenager I used to cycle out from Melton Mowbray where I was born through several villages until we looked down on Launde Abbey, then a big private house in the middle of a dip in the landscape of fields full of sheep. It became our turning point. By the time I came to Milton Keynes it had become a Diocesan Retreat House and it has become the scene of spiritual turning points for me.
My first retreat there, almost twenty years ago, made a tremendous impact on me as it introduced me to Ignatian spirituality which has played a major part in my spiritual life ever since. My awareness of Creation was immeasurably deepened through awareness walks, and has remained with me ever since. I also learnt to read the Bible far more imagina-tively by putting myself in the scene and letting God speak to me. Above all I dis-covered the Review of the day. In its simplest form you have only to ask yourself, 'In how many people have you seen Christ today? And, 'In how many ways have you been Christlike today?‘

Since that memorable weekend I have been on numerous retreats elsewhere which have deepened that initial experience — retreats led by Margaret Silf whose books I often turn to, and one led by Gerard Hughes who wrote "God of Surprises" More recently I have returned on several occasions to Launde Abbey which remains a very special place for me. Each occasion has been inspirational, none more so than my last two visits with Sue. The first occasion was at the end of 2008, the year in which I had two operations and I certainly needed refreshment and renewal. The Warden, the Reverend Tim Blewett, took us through a series of reflections on prayer and meditation.
My most recent visit to the Abbey with Sue was to hear John Bell, the hymn writer rooted in the Iona Community. He is such an inspirational speaker that he kept me fully engaged for four days despite the fact that we were a very large group.

SUE: Last October, Jean and I stayed for a week, along with about 35 others, in a beautiful Leicestershire country house (Launde Abbey), nestled comfortably in vast grounds. John Bell of the Iona Community, a well known songwriter, author and speaker, led the retreat and challenged many of our preconceived ideas by addressing a wide range of generally avoided subjects, such as God‘s silence, homosexuality, money, child abuse and the false notion of an unchanging God.
After each day‘s teaching, discussions, walking and eating delicious food, we re-convened for a final teaching session followed by Compline in the chapel and off to our comfy ensuite rooms to read, think, pray and sleep.
I returned home enriched in spirit and body, keen to deepen and share my journey with those whose lives I touch. It‘s a practice of letting go and turning around – as the Shakers‘ song goes, "To turn, turn, will be our de-light, till by turning, turning we come 'round right" – away from my smallness toward an unspeakable greatness.
Ten years ago Jean invited me to go along to a weekend retreat at Loyola Hall, Liverpool, led by teacher and writer Margaret Silf. It was my first ever experience of the uninterrupted luxury of learning and reflecting on how God is present in my life and the world. As a result, I sought out a trained spiritual companion back in Milton Keynes to support and challenge me. This is a gift I give myself, along with what has now become an annual activity – seeking out a retreat which speaks to my spiritual longing.
In September 2010 I set up a month of accompanied prayer to offer a taste of retreat to the Watling Valley. If there‘s sufficient interest, I would like to offer another such experience as a preparation for Advent during November 2012. Perhaps this might appeal to YOU?

There are three Kitcheners named on All Saints‘ War memorial, Herbert, Arthur and Harold. For the three families of Kitcheners who lived in Lough-ton at the start of the 1900‘s, life was to change dramatically. Charles and Ester Mary are the parents of Herbert Kitchener. George and Susanna, they are the parents of Arthur Kitchener. George and Alice are the parents of Harold Kitchener. All these parents are described the Census as bakers.

George and Alice in 1911 are living in Loughton, they have five of their children living at home, including Harold also Grace, Kathleen, Leonard and Gwendolene. In 1911, Harold is 14. This is an influential year for Harold.

On the 19th July 1911, Harold signs a five year apprenticeship as a wheelright and carpenter with Frederick James Lay of Turvey in Bedfordshire. The document is witnessed amongst others by John Athawes, the Rector of All Saints‘, and Harold‘s father, George Kitchener.

However, war breaks out in 1914, Harold was never to complete his apprenticeship. He volunteers in 1914, at the age of 17, enlisting in Bedford. Records show how him initially in the Bedfordshire Regt, and the Northamptonshire Regt. 6th Battalion, regimental number 43723. He is described as being one of the first of the young men of the village to volunteer. He rises through the ranks, and goes to France in 1916 at the age of 19.

He is clearly a talented leader, qualities that shone unmistakably amongst his peers. In August 1916 he is promoted to Sergeant on the battle field.

But more was still to come for Harold. He is awarded the DCM, the Distinguished Conduct Medal. His citation in the London Gazette of the 5th December 1918 describes the events some time between the dates 22-25 August 1918 that led to the award. Harold takes a patrol to gain contact with a division, en-route he moves with one man through gun fire from machine gunners. He locates the division, then passes back though various enemy posts and later guides two platoons forward to the line.

Harold dies of wounds on the 30th August 1918. Harold is buried at Daours Communal Cemetry Extension, The Somme, France.

Dave Bell

On Sunday 16 October the Partnership organised another ‘Messy Sunday’, held at Servant King. It was an action packed and fun filled afternoon, which was very well attended. We had 18 children and 18 adults and it was great to see both familiar and new faces.  

The theme for the afternoon was ‘Jesus the light of the World’ and we started off with a host of different activities led by including lantern and star making, stained glass window pic-tures to colour and create, biscuit decorating and painting of a large banner based on the afternoon's theme. Hats off to Yvonne, Mary, Nick, Anne, Alison and Mike, who were more than willing to get glittery, sticky, and generally messy in the interests of creativity as they guided all the children through the art and crafts. The activities were great fun and both children and parents all got involved. My 17 month old son had a delightful time helping with the painting of the banner and de-spite wearing an old over sized shirt, still managed to get covered in paint from head to toe!  Despite Mike’s best efforts to keep the paint contained to a covered area I have no doubt we managed to leave a few ghostly footprints on the floor! 

The afternoon came to a close with us all joining together in one large circle and saying the parting grace with actions, something well known by those that attend Children’s Church at St. Giles. Everyone then had the opportunity to light a candle for people that we wanted to show our love for in the coming week. The candles were placed on a poster which had been created by children from Christ the Sower school on which they had stuck cut out footprints with different messages. The final part of the afternoon was dedicated to a worship session led by Nick and Alison. This started with a story which explained how we spread the light of God. We then sang several songs, which, aided by lively accompaniment from Phil got everyone out of their chairs, including ‘Our God is a great big God’, ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ and ‘Give me joy in my heart’.  We then adjourned for refreshments and were well looked after by Lynne and Jo. We were truly spoiled by the wonderful range of tasty biscuits and cakes offered by very talented people and Jo’s cupcakes lived up to their usual high standards!

A massive applause to all those involved, too numerous to mention, in making the day so special and enjoyable. If you feel inspired to get involved with future ‘Messy Sundays’, whether as a leader/helper or by coming along and joining in the fun, Dave (564434) or any member of the team would be delighted to hear from you!

Nicki Bond