Calendar of Events

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

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Apr
20
Sat
HOD Retreat Day: “Surprised by Joy” with Andy Swinford
Apr 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

‘In your presence is fulness of joy’
(Psalm 16.11)

‘In a sense the central story of my life is about nothing else’
(Surprised by Joy – C S Lewis)

Saturday 20th April 2024

The House of the Open Door community offers a retreat on the theme “Surprised by Joy” led by Andy Swinford.

This is a retreat for the refreshment of the spirit as Andy Swinford leads us on an adventure into the world of C S Lewis. The wind of joy breathes through his writings (no prior knowledge needed!) and we will draw close to God by using insights they provide, arising out of the deep faith of the author. During the day there will be space for reflection, walking, prayer, and joy-gathering in the beautiful gardens and grounds of The House of the Open Door.

Suggested donation £20

Please bring your own lunch – refreshments provided.

Please Contact Us for more details, or to book.

Surprised by Joy Retreat Poster (PDF)

__________________

Andy Swinford

Andy formerly taught English Literature and is the author of 14 essays in ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’. He is about to publish ‘The Practice of Joy: insights from the stories of C S Lewis’. He also delivers multimedia presentations and on-line classes about the authors C S Lewis and Tolkien.

Walking in the countryside and beekeeping are among his chief pleasures. He is a long-standing friend of The House of the Open Door, and has spoken before at our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.

 

 

 

 

May
11
Sat
HOD Retreat Day: “The Trees of the Field” with Andy Swinford
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

‘The trees of the field will clap their hands’

(Isaiah 55.12)

Saturday 11th May 2024

The House of the Open Door community offers a retreat on the theme “The Trees of the Field” led by Andy Swinford.

Using the beautiful grounds of The House of the Open Door and scripture, we find inspiration in the different trees of the Bible to help us in our walk with God.

This is a retreat for the refreshment of the spirit as Andy Swinford leads us in a prayerful walk among the trees of the Bible. The oak, fig, willow, vine, olive can all inspire us as we draw close to God. During the day there will be plenty of space for reflection, walking, prayer, and enjoying God’s wonderful creation, including the majestic trees, in the gardens of The House of the Open Door.

Suggested donation £20

Please bring your own lunch – refreshments provided.

Please Contact Us for more details, or to book.

The trees of the field poster (PDF)

__________________

Andy formerly taught English Literature and is the author of 14 essays in ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’. He is about to publish ‘The Practice of Joy: insights from the stories of C S Lewis’. He also delivers multimedia presentations and on-line classes about the authors C S Lewis and Tolkien.

Andy Swinford

Walking in the countryside and beekeeping are among his chief pleasures. He is a long-standing friend of The House of the Open Door, and has spoken before at our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.

 

 

 

 

Nov
30
Sat
Advent Retreat Day – “Come let us return”
Nov 30 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • “Come let us Return unto the Lord” (Hosea 6 v 1)

A day of guided prayer and reflection in beautiful surroundings, with reflections led by community members.

In between the times together, there will be time to pray and reflect in our beautiful  Chapel and peaceful Retreat Centre Gardens.

Join us as we seek to return to the Lord this Advent.  

We suggest a donation for the day of £15, including refreshments.

Please bring your own packed lunch.

To book a place, please contact us by phone or email.