From Friday 30 June 30th to Sunday 2 July, pilgrims and companions from the Bishop’s Companions Programme gathered at St Luke’s, Taieri, and Burns Lodge to explore communal prayer together.

The weekend was not without its glitches: first our accommodation, then our caterer had to cancel, and then a weather bomb arrived! But everything (except, perhaps the weather bomb) ended up drawing out the generosity, grace and love of people in our Diocese. We had more offers of accommodation than we needed, so people were billeted out across Dunedin and had the chance to get to know people they might otherwise not have had the opportunity to connect with at any depth. 

As for food, we had our own loaves and fishes experience, with baskets left over! Heather Cresswell gave us the most magnificent afternoon tea I’ve encountered for many years. Maureen and Gerald Harley filled our retreat day with tantalising aromas from four different soups, and they, together with various local Companions, gave us a feast of casseroles on the first night. Janice Burton and others contributed to our abundance of cakes – and all in all, we ended up eating far better than we would have with caterers! I can also recommend the people at the new Brucafe in town if you need someone who can provide a wonderful gluten-free meal for all.

The way in which everyone contributed practically was echoed in the way everyone involved themselves in the discussions and prayer over the three days. Together we explored communal silence, song as prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, the importance of prayer in building community, what we do in our Eucharistic services, and our own “spiritual compass.” Those who were interested also spent some time learning about our new Altar of the Good Shepherd, and how we might be able to use it and build its resources. 

It was great to have a few people from outside the diocese, too. We are blessed to have Wendy Scott from Wellington as one of our Companions, and Hana Pilkinton-Ching from Blueprint Church there as one of our Pilgrims. Eddie O’Connor (until recently from the Sr Eveline Retreat House), lead our retreat day on the Sunday, and also gave us the sort of taster of one aspect of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises which led to a number of people considering whether they should make the heavy commitment involved in working through them all.

It is sometimes difficult as the person organising something to really tell “how it is going” but the feedback I have been getting has almost all focussed on the sheer pleasure of meeting each other, praying, and having the opportunity to talk meaningfully with a range of people.

While these annual weekends are designed specifically for those taking part in the BCP, it suggests that we should maybe look at offering diocesan retreats for anyone who would like to come, rather than only those who are licenced to some form of ministry. If you have thoughts about that – whether it would be worthwhile and what it might look like – do let me know.

Anne

enabler@calledsouth.org.nz