Upcoming events at the House of the Open Door Community
The Community hosts many events throughout the year, using some of the facilities in our Retreat Centre; we list those coming up in a calendar below.
Our Tithe Barn is sometimes reserved for guest groups but is at other times is an ideal event space for meetings or conferences hosted by the community such as our Friday night Fellowship meetings, or those visiting for discipleship. Smaller meetings such as craft retreats take place in our Craft Studio.
If you are visiting for one of the events it may be possible for us to cater for you in our Dining Room; during your visit you are welcome to spend any spare time in our Retreat Centre Gardens.
To subscribe to this calendar click “Subscribe” bottom right and choose your calendar type e.g. Google Calendar
Russ Parker is the speaker for our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting in October.
Russ will speak on the theme “The Power of Blessing”.
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Rev Dr RUSS PARKER
Rev Dr Russ Parker was Director of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation from 1995-2013. Russ’s contribution as Director was to teach, write, develop training materials and lead a dedicated staff of over 20 people.
Russ was Acorn’s International Ambassador in which he was responsible for developing partnerships on listening and reconciliation in 12 nations ranging from Rwanda, Burundi, Hong Kong and the United States.
Russ is now the Director of Healing Wounded Churches which exists to help churches to resolve and heal their legacies of unhealed stories and their issues and move forward in a renewed ability to flourish as God intends
Russ is the author of a number of books which include: “Healing Dreams”, “Healing Death’s Wounds”; “Free to Fail”, “Forgiveness is Healing”, “The Wild Spirit,” “Visions in the Night,” “Healing Wounded History,” Wild Spirit of the Living God an anthology of prayer poems for public and private use. His latest book, published in February 2014 is “Rediscovering the Ministry of Blessing.”
Russ travels extensively around the UK and abroad, lecturing and teaching in issues connected with Christian Healing and Healthcare, Reconciliation and Church Transformation.
Russ was a Baptist Pastor from 1972 –77, ordained in the Church of England in 1981. Assistant Curate in Bolton 1981 –1985, Incumbent of Christ Church, Coalville 1985 – 1990, joined Acorn in 1990 and was Director from 1995-2013. Russ was the Co-founder and Director of Christian Care and Counsel, a Christian Counselling ministry based in the East Midlands.
He is also a co-founder of the Community of Aidan and Hilda whose mother house is situated on the holy island of Lindisfarne.
He is a founder member of the Fellowship of Christ the Healer(UK and USA) which exists to resource leaders of residential healing and healthcare initiatives.
He is co-founder of Whole Person Healthcare Network, an initiative to support and resource Christian healthcare professionals within the NHS.
He has a post graduate degree in Phenomenology and Theology from Nottingham University in which his thesis was entitled Dreams as a Religious Phenomenon.
Russ was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from Columbia Evangelical Seminary in the United States in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Christian ministry and for his many writings and his teaching abilities. In particular it was given for the standard of scholarship in his latest book “Healing Wounded History” which is about reconciling peoples and healing places.
Russ is married to Roz and lives near Farnham, Surrey. His hobbies are photography and visiting Celtic holy places.
He supports Liverpool Football Club, whether they are winning or losing!
Rev Nick Helm is the speaker for our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting in November.
Nick will speak on the theme “Discernment”.
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Rev Nick Helm
Nick works for the Diocese of Hereford and is responsible for the in-service development of the clergy.
He was born and grew up in South Africa, leaving at the end of his schooling.
An Anglican priest since 1989 he has had ten years of parish ministry in the urban settings of east London and Sheffield. He was Advisor in Spirituality in the Sheffield Diocese for ten years before taking up his current position.
He continues to encourage prayer and spiritual growth through courses, talks, retreats and spiritual direction.
His spiritual journey has been greatly helped by Ignatian spirituality and he published a Grove book on the subject in 2014.
He enjoys the music of Van Morrison, Rock Climbing and regular visits to South Africa, particularly its wilderness areas.
Our Fourth Friday night speaker for January is Andy Swinford. Andy will speak on the theme C S Lewis: ‘Encounters with Aslan’
All welcome.
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Andy Swinford lives in Birmingham where he teaches at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. He is an elder in his church, Pavilion Christian Community.
He has a particular interest in the writings of C S Lewis and has done presentations on the author’s work for churches in Birmingham.
He has contributed essays to the Zondervan book ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’ and has an MA in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ.
Session 1 this evening covers “The Plan”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 2 this evening covers “God”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
We welcome men to join us for a men’s breakfast followed by praise and worship, praying for each other and intercession as the Lord leads us.
For more see Men’s Days
Session 3 this evening covers “Creation”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 4 this evening covers “The Fall”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 5 this evening covers “The People”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 6 this evening covers “The Incarnation”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
No Meeting this week
There will be no Friday Night Fellowship Meeting on Good Friday (14 April).
Session 7 of the Big Picture would have taken place on this evening.
Instead of meeting together, this week we invite those who have been attending the sessions for the Big Picture Course to reflect on the theme at home, using the 15 minute DVD, and the book for the course.
We will continue the course on Friday 21 April with Session 8 (New Life).
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 8 this evening covers “New Life”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 9 this evening covers “Resurrection”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
We invite you to take time out of the busyness and pressures of everyday life…
Enter into the peace and stillness of reflection and silence, in this day of reflection led by Margaret Wade, a spiritual director and retreat leader.
The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.
For booking details please contact Lynda by email or phone – see Contact Us
For other “Stillness” Quiet Days this year, see Stillness – Quiet Days
Session 10 this evening covers “The Holy Spirit”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 11 this evening covers “The Church”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Session 12 this evening covers “The End Times”, as part of the Big Picture.
Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.
The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end. The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.
For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture
Revd Canon Michael Mitton will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for July. Michael is a regular visitor to community who has spoken at our Friday nights before.
Michael will be speaking on “Seasoned by Seasons” – the theme of his new book that is being published in September.
In our own journey through life we often experience different seasons of the soul – autumn losses, dark nights of winter, springtime discoveries and summer flourishings.
Using an imaginative exploration of bible stories, Michael will speak about how we can flourish in all seasons.
Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome
See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates
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Canon Michael Mitton is an Anglican priest and a freelance speaker, writer and spiritual director. He currently works in the mission department of the Derby Diocese and also leads a small church. He is author of a number of books including Restoring the Woven Cord, Dreaming of Home and Travellers of the Heart.
Jenny Baker will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for August.
Jenny will be speaking on “Living in the Spirit, in the 21st Century”
Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome
See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates
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As Regional Coordinator for the Celebrate Catholic Charismatic Events, Jenny spends much of her time travelling to the many weekend conferences to support the regional teams. She has served the Celebrate leadership team since 2006 and previously worked within the Catholic Church presenting and producing Catholic Faith Exploration (CaFE) DVD resources.
She also speaks across the UK and beyond in parishes and at conferences.
She is Vice Chair of the English National Service Committee (NSC) for Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom
“If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
Beth will give a series of talks on the Holy Spirit at HOD on Fridays this Autumn.
- 15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
- 22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
- 29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment.
The evening will begin with a worship time, followed by Beth’s talk. All welcome.
Please Contact Us with any questions
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Beth has approximately 30 years of experience teaching RE, Scripture and Philosophy in schools, as well as work in parishes and prayer groups in Birmingham.
Her qualifications include a diploma in Pastoral Theology, an MA in Catholic Theology, and she is currently studying scripture at PhD level at Birmingham University
22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
Beth will give a series of talks on the Holy Spirit at HOD on Fridays this Autumn.
- 15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
- 22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
- 29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment.
The evening will begin with a worship time, followed by Beth’s talk. All welcome.
Please Contact Us with any questions
____________
Beth has approximately 30 years of experience teaching RE, Scripture and Philosophy in schools, as well as work in parishes and prayer groups in Birmingham.
Her qualifications include a diploma in Pastoral Theology, an MA in Catholic Theology, and she is currently studying scripture at PhD level at Birmingham University
29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment
Beth will give a series of talks on the Holy Spirit at HOD on Fridays this Autumn.
- 15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
- 22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
- 29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment.
The evening will begin with a worship time, followed by Beth’s talk. All welcome.
Please Contact Us with any questions
____________
Beth has approximately 30 years of experience teaching RE, Scripture and Philosophy in schools, as well as work in parishes and prayer groups in Birmingham.
Her qualifications include a diploma in Pastoral Theology, an MA in Catholic Theology, and she is currently studying scripture at PhD level at Birmingham University
”Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.”
(Deut. 11:14)
Stop awhile in whichever season you find yourself to spend time with God, to be encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened to continue on your journey with Him.
The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.
For booking details please contact Lynda by email or phone – see Contact Us
For other “Seasons” Quiet Days next year, see Seasons – Quiet Days
John Waddoups will be the speaker at our First Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for November 
Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome
See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates
Creative Journaling Day
Why and how to keep a spiritual journal
What is the day about?
Throughout the centuries people have used what today we call journaling to help them reflect on their own faith journey. Keeping a journal is different to keeping a diary. Unlike a diary, which records what has gone on in the past, a journal helps us see what God is saying to us now.
During this day we will explore how powerful this tool can be and the different creative ways we can keep a journal. Being creative does not mean that you have to be good at art! We are all different and the way we compile our journal will be unique to each one of us. Participants will be encouraged to use whatever way suits them best. Some people like to keep their journal using words alone, either in prose or in poetry or in note form. Others like to incorporate something visual, .either collected from other sources or to create their own. Some like their journal to be organised, others prefer randomness. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to explore these and many other aspects of keeping a journal.
As journaling is about reflecting on our experience and what God is doing for us, the day will encourage those who come to create and keep a journal “for real” during the time we are together. We will therefore have time for personal reflection. It is out of these short times of quiet with God that we will work on our journal using lots of different techniques and ways so that we can keep the journal going back home if we wish.
What will happen during the day?
The two morning sessions will look at:
- Why keep a spiritual journal?
- Journalling – where we are now on our faith journey and where we have come from.
In the afternoon the two sessions will concentrate on:
- Journalling our relationship with the Lord today.
- Journalling what God asks us to become and do.
You will not be asked to show or share anything you do during the day with anyone else.
Who can come?
Anyone! No previous journaling experience is necessary. All that is needed is a willingness to be open and to explore how our creativity can be a vehicle through which God can speak to us and we can listen to God.What should I bring with me?
Everything you will need will be provided but if you have favourite pictures, photos, poems or prayers that mean something special to you bring them along, You may or may not use them.
Who will lead it?
Christine Dodd
Christine is a trained spiritual director and experienced retreat giver and the author of several books on spirituality and scripture.
For many years Christine was Director for Adult Formation in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hallam, which is centred on Sheffield. Her work involved her in helping adults discover more about their faith and spirituality within parishes, the diocese and nationally.
How do I book?
Please see Contact Us to get in touch to book your place.
The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.
Our Third Friday night speaker for November is Andy Swinford. Andy will speak on the theme “Experiences from the Desert”
All welcome.
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Andy Swinford lives in Birmingham where until his recent retirement he taught at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. He is an elder in his church, Pavilion Christian Community.
He has a particular interest in the writings of C S Lewis and has spoken about them at Hod before; he has also done presentations on the author’s work for churches in Birmingham.
He has contributed essays to the Zondervan book ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’ and has an MA in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ.
Our Third Friday night speaker for November is Andy Swinford. Andy will speak on the theme “Experiences from the Desert”
All welcome.
_______________________
Andy Swinford lives in Birmingham where until his recent retirement he taught at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. He is an elder in his church, Pavilion Christian Community.
He has a particular interest in the writings of C S Lewis and has spoken about them at Hod before; he has also done presentations on the author’s work for churches in Birmingham.
He has contributed essays to the Zondervan book ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’ and has an MA in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ.
Our First Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for December – the speaker will be Brother Loarne Ferguson.
Brother Loarne will be speaking on the theme “We continued our Journey”
The Saturday morning following will be an Advent retreat day – Contact Us to book in to stay over night.
Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome
See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates
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Br. Loarne was consecrated as a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order 24 years ago. He is now 48 years old and lives at Greyfriars in Oxford with five other religious brothers. For the last 12 years he has helped to form small groups dedicated to prayer and mission, while also holding the posts of university chaplain and retreat director. Currently he spends much of his time nursing one of the elderly brothers and looking after the Friary.
Key Christian interests: Divine change management for individuals and communities, prophetic ministry, and contemplative life.
Key human interests: creativity & culture, arts & crafts, relationships, food & books.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Stop awhile in whichever season you find yourself to spend time with God, to be encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened to continue on your journey with Him. 
The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.
For booking details please contact Lynda by email or phone – see Contact Us
For other “Seasons” Quiet Days this year, see Seasons – Quiet Days
Revd David Cook, previously vicar of Chipping Campden, will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for February.
David will speak on the theme “Discipleship – the Road to Maturity”
Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome
See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates
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Having spent almost the first four years of his life in a Prisoner of War camp in Japan, David was brought up in the Far East and the U.K.
After reading History and Theology at Oxford, he ministered in a housing estate in Chatham, followed by 18 years in South Africa, both in youth work and then in a large multiracial parish in Cape Town. Returning to England, he was Team Rector at Newbury and then Vicar of Chipping Camden.
David now lives with his wife in Bourton-on-the-Water. The have four adult children and two grandchildren.
