just back from a week at lee abbey that i was leading. lee abbey is a christian retreat/renewal centre set in a wonderful private estate on the devon coast just beyond linton through the valley of rocks. this is the view from the room i was staying in.
the focus of the week was on worship and i led sessions on re-imagining worship, creatiity, art and ritual, and improvisation and tradition. we also started lent on ash wednesday with a wonderful ashing and communion service that was very powerful – i love that ritual. one evening a group of about 20 got together to plan leading a worship experience on the thrusday night. one of the classic texts for lent is the story of the prodigal son. i brought along 5 slide projectors and the set of images of rembrandt’s return of the prodigal painting. the slides pick out different detail in the painting. i then split the group into 5 teams. one prepared the start and finish of the service and the other 4 created 4 stations based on the image they were given – the father, the younger son, the elder son and the journey (image of the feet). it was an amazing evening – all the groups produced fabulous things. we even had an original retelling of the story and someone put together a track in ableton live that we played as people went round.
as well as the people who had signed up for the week there were families on half term and the cornish methodist circuit leaders who joined in.
if you are visiting the blog from the week hi… have a look around. the worship tricks are found by clicking on the button on the top right hand side, articles i’ve written on the right hand side, and then the easiest way to navigate other stuff on the blog is via the categories on the left hand side – if you click on say lent, you’ll get all the blog posts i have written on lent.
am looking forward to a weekend back home…
it same fun
whoops bad spelling – should read “it sounds fun”
Ah, the great Rembrandt!
So many wonderful images and reflections come to mind, many of which I hope you shared.
//
[This comment has been authenticated by JRT™]
//
hi jonny, mark here (‘Father’s song’ remix)
Thanks for a great week. Chance for creativity, imagination, challenge, time to chill, use ‘Live!’ and reconnect with God!
Any time you are up in sunny Hull…
peace
I wasn’t there, but I did get a random phone call from my mate Pete Gunstone yesterday telling me you were a smashing bloke.
I want to go to Lee Abbey. It is a bit much for me to get there though.
Like your blog. Thanks for posting the picture of the Prodigal. The son is so me. Casting Crowns has a great song Called Prodigal. Glad you had such a great retreat.
Larry