Recent Events

Feedback from our Recent Events

Day retreat for Methodist Lay workers, April 07

This event included a walking reteat- style morning and an afternoon of reflection on what biblical cities might have to say to the city today. Thanks to all who took part.

Spiritual Journeys, November '06

William West writes:

Liz Green and msyelf faciliated a worskhop at the centre on spiritual journeys. All of us used art materials to draw a picture about our spiritual journey so far. The doing of this task had a huge impact on each of us. When we took the opportunity to share as much of our story as we wanted to the impact deepened. Some part of some of the stories were profoundly moving. And there was something about the impact of the stories on the group as a whole.

It modelled for me the point of the centre being a place where people of all faiths and none can come and explore their spirituality.

Pilgrims in the City, August 19th

This was a reflective walking day around Longsight and Rusholme. Participants were surprised by how different these areas appeared when walked through slowly, pausing for reflection rather than driving through them. Issues of safety and trust emerged as well as an appreciation for the energy present in the local communties.

Comments included:

'Gave us the opportunity to do something completely different, to relax and share'

'A chance to slow down, to observe…in a more contemplative way'

'A sense of space, chance to relax, exercise, practice being in the present moment'.

The centre can offer guidance on running such a retreat event in your own locality.

Manchester Passion, September 23rd

This day focussed on how Jesus is seen in a variety of faith and spiritual traditions. Speakers included: Venerable Piyatissa, Abbot, Oldham Buddhist Temple; Helen Scarisbrick, Anglican Priest, Stockport; Lynda Ankrah, Therapist and Spiritual Healer, Whalley Range; Anita Greenhill, Muslim, Manchester Business School. After there input the day opened up into conversation and sharing between all those taking part, with pauses for silence to digest the rich material being shared. Everyone lived up to the double challenge issued at the start of the day: to move beyond polite platitudes into honest sharing without seeking to covert or persuade but to truly understand.

Some comments on the day included:

'I valued the willingness of people to open up and share (sometimes very personal) experiences with the group'

'I was homoured to meet so many amazing people'

'The ability to talk freely without worrying about causing offence'

'The day was about compassion, heart to heart and a window on love'.

As well as these events...

We have also been involved in consultations about creating a sacred space in a shopping mall and leading an afternoon for the staff of two hospices. We are also busy compiling the information gained from our research at the Mind, Body Spirit Festival,. We will publish these results as soon as they become available.

We will continue to post event feedback and, after the MBS Festival, watch for the research results from our festival questionnaire.