The colours of retirement
Led by Clare Herbert
At an exhibition of Monet’s London paintings, I realised how many colours are contained in one apparent shade. In the depiction of London fog, the colours black, brown, green, yellow and purple are found. What's more, Monet intended to bring many depictions of the same scene together in one exhibition, in his belief that individual paintings take on their full meaning only in relation to others.
“Retirement” sounds monochrome in meaning, perhaps “grey” or even “flat”. As I reach for the spiritual meanings in retirement I am discovering that it is full of radiant colour and beauty, as well as fog and darkness.
This retreat provides an opportunity to explore, both apart and together, the meaning of retirement in the context of our faith. The retreat includes talks, worship, rest, and generous space set aside during each day for silent reflection.
There is an optional daily shared reflection session with the opportunity to voice any personal impacts of the material we are processing. Our individual journeys are made alongsider each other but not with/through fellow retreatants who are each need space to make their own journey too.
Whether retirement is still a distant dream, or looms as a near but uncertain reality, or represents a time of rich contentment, or is for you still a bog or a fog, this retreat offers you a time for reflection, relaxation, and enrichment in your understanding of your own needs and God’s presence with you on the journey. Let's deepen our reflection on the serious challenges and fruitful possibilities of retirement.
Clare Herbert was, before retirement, the Rector of Anne’s Soho, Lecturer in Inclusion at St Martin in the Fields, and Tutor in Pastoral Care at St Augustine’s College of Theology, where she is now a Research Fellow. She recently published her first book “Towards a Theology of Same Sex Marriage: Squaring the Circle” (JKP, London 2020), and retired to live in the Diocese of Portsmouth. She serves as a spiritual director and priest, but also worships with her partner at the local Quaker meeting.
This event is open to everyone.
Arrival: 3 - 5pm
Mon 2nd November
2026
Departure: 10am
Fri 6th November
2026
Residential - £550 (20% ministry discount)
