Stanley and Elizabeth write…. The glory of Summer is something we all look forward to at Holy Rood House and Hexthorpe Manor. At Holy Rood we take advantage of sitting around the pond or in the Summer Houses and at Hexthorpe we enjoy eating our meals on the terrace and walking round the corner to see the chipmunks in the park. Summer brings us out to play – it may be croquet at Holy Rood or cycling at Hexthorpe. Summer not only warms us – but warms the earth too enabling the gardens to pour out all their loveliness. There have been many different people working hard in all the gardens in preparation for this season, and we will be celebrating at the Open Gardens at Holy Rood, and the Summer Fayre at Hexthorpe – both being held in July. This will be our 14th Summer here at Holy Rood House and our 2nd Summer at Hexthorpe Manor, and therefore a good time to consolidate and share what we are about and what the Centre for Health and Pastoral Care is committed to. First we are here to explore further and build on the churches’ ministry of healing. As an Ecumenical Trust we have the privilege of seeking to work out in practice the prayer of Jesus – that we may be one. We think this becomes possible through our vulnerability rather than through any sense of power – or thought that any part of the community has the truth. We are committed to ‘Inclusive Church’ and ‘Fresh Expressions’ of the church, learning from one another and celebrating the multi - faceted image of the Trinity. In all these things we are committed to working closely with the Medical Profession and other professional bodies such as The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Our vulnerabilities demand that we live and work in a professional manner, whilst enabling a gentle space of friendship and love. Our commitment to the arts as primary in the healing process is ongoing, as are the importance of body therapies. This holistic approach takes into account the Christian spirituality of the work which is not separate from any of the things we do, rather it is integral and acts as ‘back-bone’ to all we are. As well as the day to day prayer life of Holy Rood and Hexthorpe Manor, with the Eucharist at the heart of the ministry of healing, spiritual accompaniment is a vital part of what we offer to our guests. We continue to ask ourselves – what is community? – and how may we be a community? – when there is so much fragmentation and breakdown in relationships in society. Working this out is an on-going process as people flow in and out at different times and in different ways. At Hexthorpe Manor and at Holy Rood we focus on ideas of a ‘community of hospitality’. Everyone who visits or works here helps to shape and reshape the community. We are also an Educational Trust, and through The Centre for the Study of Theology and Health which opened in 2001, we engage with research and publication, looking at the interface between theology, imagination and health. The Art Exhibitions in the Gallery support this, and the face2face project is an important off-shoot of the Centre. These many aspects of the ministry of the Trust are found in these words written recently in one of the books in the bedrooms: I look out of my window and there is a beautiful cherry blossom tree that changes colour from pink to white. An amazing and restful image. I came to escape from ‘hurry sickness’ to find space and time and peace. I have found sleep, rest, peace, explored my creativity, studied and discovered that Jesus too was tired “…and Jesus tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well”. I have sat by the well this week and experienced the gentle, free-flowing spring of fresh, sparkling water gushing up to eternal life… This has all been made possible through the abundant generosity in prayer, money, time, wisdom and commitment of many people, and through the trust and love of the hundreds of people who come to visit at a painful time in their lives.
Part of the
consolidation of the work for the years ahead is our financial commitment
to meet the needs of ever changing legislation, salaries and on-going wear
and tear. This 14th
year especially poses a serious challenge in meeting these commitments. We
look to our friends and supporters to take seriously these needs, without
whom we will be unable to continue. Our
Financial Partners
Scheme, included in this newsletter, is one way in which you may wish to
support this special work over the next three years. This Partnership, and
the support of the churches, is vital to us. As we often say to our guests
– we cannot go it alone – we need one another.
We are sorry to share with you that Nonny, our Holy Rood House cat, died on 31st March. We know it will be difficult for many guests reading this as Nonny has been so much part of the community and people have enjoyed her company and gentle spirit. We have often said that Nonny is the best therapist ever, as she has brought healing and comfort to so many of us. We first saw Nonny (named ‘anonymous’ – because we didn’t know where she came from) – in the paddock, leaning across the muzzle of Dusty the Shetland Pony. This was around Autumn1995. Nonny and Dusty became great pals. Nonny would follow Dusty anywhere – and lie underneath him when he grazed. She never came to the house until one snowy Christmas night, when we heard her at the front door. Since then she has been part of the family, attending chapel prayers, inspiring poems, moving from lap to lap and bringing happiness. So we offer thanks for her life and for the gift she has been to Holy Rood House, and she rests in the garden she loved. We do hope YOU will come and see us before the end of the year – the kettle is always on – and the beds are more comfortable than ever! We send you loving greetings. Stanley and Elizabeth
HOLY ROOD HOUSE AND HEXTHORPE MANOR GO TO For August Bank Holiday Weekend at Cheltenham Race Course Would YOU like to meet us there? Would YOU like to help us there? Would YOU like to help us GET THERE? What is Greenbelt? Greenbelt is an independent Christian charity working to express love, creativity and justice in the arts and contemporary culture in the light of the Christian gospel. The vision for Greenbelt began in the 70s and now ‘Greenbelters re-imagine the church as an infectious global conspiracy, working for God’s peace, healing and friendship in previously unimagined ways’…that is why Holy Rood House and Hexthorpe Manor need to be there! All being well there will be opportunities to speak of the church’s ministry of healing, and the interface between theology, the arts and health. Among our other workshops, Elaine will be offering art as a therapeutic resource. With travel by Thirsk minibus, accommodation for those who don’t fancy camping – for our own space for display material and opportunities to share with others, and the cost of tickets for each person - the cost mounts up to about £2,000. WE NEED HELP WITH THIS! WE NEED TO RAISE THIS AMOUNT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! If you are interested in going and meeting up with us – please contact Elizabeth or go to the Greenbelt web site. Thirsk minibus will be full of fun as we gather for our Cheltenham run Watch out Greenbelt we’re on our way… Holy Rooders soon to stay as Hexthopre community make the day!
and offer our care our thoughts and love as with thousands we share a prayerful space, hard work and mirth discovering the hope of God’s justice for earth.
If you feel able to support this new venture please would you fill in the box and send it off to Colin Hickford, Bursar. Cheques can be made out to Holy Rood House.
SUPPORTING THE GREENBELT VENTURE
Name……………………………………………… I would like to provide:- £10___ £25___ £50___ other £________
WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to:- Nick and Esther for their marriage on 16th June (Nick was a Residential Community Member) And:- Duncan and Polly for their marriage on 23rd June (Duncan is our Catering Manager) We wish them great happiness in their lives together
News We were sorry to say goodbye to Nick and Angharad recently – Nick is setting up his own cabinet making business and preparing for his marriage to Esther, and Angs has been travelling for The Student Christian movement and developing her writing and we look forward to seeing her from time to time. It is always difficult when people move on and something one of our guests wrote perhaps says it all… …losses within Holy Rood Community have awakened old losses and the sense of abandonment. But…the love which pervades this place have made the pain bearable and, with help, containable. It is still my safe place in my unsafe world.
A Summer Reflection We name ourselves in the dance of life as a butterfly flutters from hidden space so we are freed from hiding
As flowers stand tall each with dignity together in solidarity so they call us to do the same our body-selves the ground upon which God moves
We can come out to be ourselves to play with others to enter into our becoming to dance new steps feeling grass on bare feet and softness of skin
Playful God hues of colour evoke our senses - branches wave to us calling us to dance Release us from our fears renew our energies and restore our joy
To Support survivors of sexual abuse and listen attentively to the issues such experiences raise for the churches. To Develop research, conference and publication opportunities for those involved in combating sexual abuse within the churches. To Provide training for clergy, leaders and lay people on the issues pertaining to sexual abuse. To Network with other organisations and educational establishments to encourage best practice in combating sexual abuse. Contact the Director of the project, Rev Dr Barbara Glasson, at Holy Rood House .
HOLY ROOD HOUSE, WITH HEXTHORPE MANOR CENTRE FOR HEALTH AND PASTORAL CARE and THE CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THEOLOGY AND HEALTH
PUBLISHED APRIL 2007 BY SPCK Price £15.99
WOUNDS THAT HEAL Theology, Imagination and Health Editor Jonathan Baxter
The contributors are: Mary Grey, Elaine Graham, Roger Grainger, June Boyce-Tillman, Rowan Williams, Paul Avis, Grace Jantzen, Elizabeth Baxter, Clive Barrett, Andrew Shanks, Jonathan Baxter, Liz Stuart, Haddon Wilmer and Brian Thorne
BOOK LAUNCH AT HOLY ROOD HOUSE Friday 1st June (from 4pm) – Sun 3rd June 2007 (2.30)
Friday Evening 7.30 Professor Mary Grey, Professorial Research Fellow St Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill, London and Professor Emeritus, University of Wales and Vice Patron of Holy Rood House will give the Launch Lecture.
Saturday 10 - 3.30 The following contributors will speak to their chapters: Professor Elaine Graham Samuel Ferguson Professor of Social and pastoral Theology, University of Manchester. Rev Dr Roger Grainger Priest and BPS Senior Practitioner in Psychotherapy. Professor Haddon Wilmer Emeritus Professor of Theology Leeds University. Rev Elizabeth Baxter Executive Director, Centre for Health and Pastoral Care and The Centre for The Study of Theology and Health
4.00pm The official launch by Rev Professor June Boyce-Tillman, Professor in Applied Music, University of Winchester and Consultant to Holy Rood House.
8.00pm ‘Wounds that Heal’ A Poetry Recital by Rev Dr Roger Grainger
Sunday 9.30 Rev Dr Clive Barrett, County Ecumenical Development Officer for West Yorkshire and Vice-Chair of Holy Rood House.
11.30 Eucharist for Trinity Sunday.
Exhibitions in Thorpe House
19th – 30th May “life experience’”
The month of June “Art works” The Richmond and hambledon mental health services Classes taught by rosie scaife Workers education authority
11 - 27 july An exhibition marking the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of The Slave Trade
Autumn exhibition by Dr Carla mccowan “Arches and Pathways” Preview Thursday 6 September 6pm-8pm All welcome
Dramatherapy and Peace By Roger Grainger
Somewhere in the world, in a place I’ve never been to, live neighbouring tribes who fight a mock battle every year, instead of making war. This always seemed to me a very good idea. I suppose we do much the same kind of thing and call it sport! Certainly it can have a powerful therapeutic effect, so long as nobody really gets hurt. Working your feelings out in this way plays an important part in some kinds of group work which sets out to provide a setting in which people can express themselves in ways which would be unacceptably aggressive elsewhere and upsetting to other people, but in the safe space created by the group they are able to bring relief from anger without running the risk of simply creating more of it. Dramatherapy is a good example. This is because it is about making contact with others and sharing feelings and experiences within a setting you yourself have had a real part in creating – a safe world of the imagination when you can afford to be yourself, and put up with other people being themselves. The principle behind dramatherapy is that shared imagination makes it safe for us to be ourselves. So dramatherapy, like other games, is about being truthful about how we feel because the special world of shared imagination which we ourselves have created for ourselves, gives us permission.
Perhaps you see the point I’m making, that there is a connection between therapy and peace; peace of mind and soul, and consequently – peace between. Anyone who has taken part in a dramatherpay session, or been lucky enough to have shared the life of an on-going course of sessions, knows that: dramatherapy is about joining in but never being pressured to do so. dramatherapy uses shared feelings in order to create shared space. in this shared space, those taking part discover the courage to be themselves in an atmosphere of acceptance. acceptance brings with it the resolution of conflict. So although it may play with conflict, dramatherapy is basically about peace.
(Roger offers dramatherapy at Holy Rood House and Hexthorpe Manor and we are pleased to have copies of his many books on the subject . Roger has also written books of prayers and he recently gave both houses a copy of his latest book: Peace Prayers from the World's Faiths. Published by O Books (John Hunt Publishing Limited).
Roger has also expanded on this short article in his chapter in "Wounds that Heal", the new Holy Rood House book
I can hardly believe
it is only a year since the official opening of Hexthorpe Manor. What I
have learned above all else is that Hexthorpe Manor is a work in progress,
evolving and changing to fit the needs of the residential community and
guests who visit. The garden too is part of this process in reflecting the
community who tend,
Those of us living at the Manor have each brought with us our own particular gifts, life journeys and personalities over the year. We work together in running the house and gardens as a ‘Community of Hospitality’. With the same inclusive, gentle and open Christian ethos as Holy Rood our ministry is that of welcoming the stranger, welcoming Christ in each other. Hexthorpe Manor is a bridging space, a holding space, a stepping stone, a place where we can rediscover the people we really are and we would like to be. We talk here about being on a journey, a journey of spiritual and self discovery. It is hoped that during our time here living within a loving family home, we may grow in confidence, strengthened and empowered to move onto the next step in our lives.
We continue to have a steady stream of groups using the Manor ranging from Talking Therapies, church groups, Friends of the local Park to such groups as the NHS Chaplaincy Team. We have also hosted Women’s Spirituality Days and a Women and Girl’s International Day Celebration and Hannah aged 6 wrote this endearing piece the following morning:
‘On Friday I went to a girls thing and we lernt a song. We eated food and there were very nice chocolate buns there. We split into groups and we tolled storrys about wat we did in ofer countrys. Wen we got there we said are names and wat contry weed been to I said I’d been to wales but no were els. Mums story was in Uganda and she went into a school in Uganda and they were lerning English but the teacher had to go to a amerjancy so mum teached them while the techer was out… At the end we lit candleds for people we now and we chose a scarf and we said wat it reminded us of and then we tid the scarfs togefer.’
We have set up a Counselling Service here to which people are finding their way, and we have welcomed several individuals for overnight or day retreat. In May our new altar in the Chapel was dedicated. This was beautifully made by Nick Clarke, in memory of Sweetline’s mother. Our prayer times in the Chapel and our weekly Eucharist are an integral part of the life of the community. We are always delighted when other people join us. Everyone is welcome.
In the Autumn Helen Johnson presented the community with a cheque for £1,423.82 towards the work among young people here. This was the proceeds from her spectacular parachute drop! Congratulations Helen and a big thank you!
As a community we attend the regular community liaison meeting at the local primary school. During a recent meeting we presented the head teacher with a signed copy of June Boyce-Tillman’s collection of hymns with a hope that at sometime in the near future the school choir come along to the Manor House and sing some of the songs. We have also been working hard in the garden alongside a good friend of the Community Ann Valilesco. Under her guidance we have resurrected the vegetable plot planting potatoes, courgettes runner beans and onions. We have also been re-working the rose garden (having received a kind gift of rose bushes) which had been started by one of our earlier residents. When it is finished it will be a lovely part of the garden and is already in much use as a bird bath! We have also enjoyed preparing the Creative Arts Centre in the Conservatory, and the Basement for a Games Room. To Support our endeavours we are presently working on putting together a...
Summer Fayre
AT HEXTHORPE
MANOR 2-5pm Any donations of goods, assistance and especially attendance would be appreciated.
So all in all a continuing work in progress, blessed in the love of God working through us as a group of individuals brought together as a community, as a family with many gifts and vulnerabilities. Blessed in our living, working, resting and praying. With Love
Matthew Burnell House Manager
DATES FOR HEXTHORPE MANOR
Advent retreat day SATURDAY 8TH December - 10-4
Women’s spirituality days
Saturday 24 November 10-4 “mary mother of jesus, we greet you”
Saturday 12 January 2008 10-4 “mary, mother of god, we honour you”
Saturday 2 February 2008 10-4 Mary, mother of the church, we look to you”
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