The Garden Gospel
Led by Simon Parke
Have the seasons and the soil got something to say to our human journey?
It does not surprise that many of Jesus’ images and stories invited his listeners to notice and learn from the natural world – whether it was the sky, birds, harvests, seeds, wild grass, flowers, storms on Galilee – or fig trees that are not producing fruit.
And as we know, a garden can be a delight, a source of wonder and happiness. But it is also hard work and can bring frustration and prove beyond our control. What sort of gardeners are we in the world?
Sun and rain, wind and frost, birth and death, savagery and beauty, devastation and resilience, the mystery of growth – whether we have a garden or not, we may feel familiar with this earthy story; it may ring strange bells of recognition.
The Garden Gospel retreat invites us to ponder the sacred script that is creation, deepen the roots of our existence and ask, ‘What is the season I am presently living?’
This is a silent retreat with daily addresses, plus the option of joining the community's daily prayers. There will be "Stone Time" for meditative sharing at the end of each session. Simon will have some 1:1 slots available. Silence will begin after supper on Monday and end on Friday morning (after community prayers and before breakfast)
Simon Parke is a therapist and author. He was formerly a priest in the Church of England for twenty years. Link to Simon's website
This event is open to everyone.
Arrival: 3 - 5pm
Mon 17th August
2026
Departure: 10am
Fri 21st August
2026
Residential - £550 (20% ministry discount)
