Pilgrimage to Bethlehem

In this episode Fiona and Nana Adowa chat about their different experiences of the Beloved retreat, and how they try to live out the retreat in day to day life. They referred to Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” and a quote from St John of the Cross "In the first place it should be known that if anyone is seeking God, the Beloved is seeking that person much more."

In this episode Teresa and Carmel discuss their experiences of coming to know they are beloved daughters of God, and the freedom this has given them to bloom where they are planted, step out of their comfort zones and into ministry. They spoke of a song “The Goodness of God”. Towards the end of the episode is a single chorus of this sung as sung on the Beloved album, featuring some of the music we use in Beloved retreats. You can access the whole album here https://sioncommunity.org.uk/product/the-beloved-album/Teresa also referred to John 15:5 “I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.”

In this episode Lizzie and Iffa discuss blooming where they are planted and raising their children to bloom, including the importance of receiving nourishment from periodical special experiences, and Christian female friendships. Lizzie also speaks about ways to be active building the kingdom in her parish, so that she can feel rooted in the faith where she is.

Ep 3 Esther and HillaryIn this episode Esther and Hilary speak to us from being in the process of being re-planted and learning to bloom in new circumstances. They explore the impact of the different soils they have grown in over the years and look forward to the next chapter. Esther referred to psalm 139:7-10Hillary referred to the song Centring Prayer by The Porter’s Gate, available here https://open.spotify.com/track/7v4dq1VhVjUU857z1UZ2sI?si=suCun58xSDWXXgndjtFG7g and a book by Ralf Martin called The Fulfilment of All Desire

In this episode Alice and Janet share their reflections on our theme, sitting in Janet’s beautiful spring garden, a perfect location to consider what it means to bloom. They reflected on the following quote from St. Thérèse de Lisieux:“I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enameled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our Lord's living garden.”They also lead us in praying with Matthew 6:28-29. Alice suggests you extend your prayer with the song The Gardener by Sarah Kroger, available here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2PggyJDn3j7z6u97j6IO2e?si=jFI-Z9ZSS8qEa7XUJ_kjWg

In this first full episode of our eighth season, Jo and Kathy speak about responding to the prompts of the Holy Spirit to share their faith, whether with friends and family, clients and even complete strangers. They also discussed the power of the Word of God, and of music to ground our faith.They spoke of the importance of fellowship, avoiding comparisons and being present where you are. Kathy referred to the scripture from Romans 8: 38 - 39, and of a song: I Belong by Kathryn Scott & Mildred Rainey (available here: https://youtu.be/fU0pK85Xp9g?si=8qmYdoFjLUlX3wg7) Jo mentioned another song, New Every Morning by the Porter’s Gate (available here:https://open.spotify.com/track/3HC0PwXcH9QvdKZYaSiBs9? Lsi=gsf9TWXiQIOPo2lcYRrcNg )

In this episode Iffa and Alice look back over our Pilgrims of Hope season, and look ahead to season 8.For updates about future Beloved and Desired retreats check the Sion Community website www.sioncommunity.org.uk or email [email protected] to be added to our mailing list.

Season 7 Episode 12: A Pilgrimage to RomeAs the jubilee year draws to a close, Iffa reflects with her mum Marie, on a recent pilgrimage to Rome, including passing through the holy doors of the major churches of Rome. You can listen to the pilgrims of hope song that Iffa and Marie spoke of here https://youtu.be/mYrdhefZCaU?si=ExOfZKJAf3Se-UEq

Season 7 Episode 11. A pilgrimage to Bethlehem In this episode Alice recalls her pilgrimage to the holy land at Christmas time, what she describes as an extraordinary journey into the ordinary. She refers to two particular scriptures: Song of Songs 2:10 “Arise my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” and Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice, beloved daughter of Zion, your king has come to you.”She also invites us to pray with this song: We Make Space by Melissa Helser, available at https://open.spotify.com/track/1w3FG6fYlXLN70Yyxl8eCr?si=oG8GjtnNQSiphM9-bfyf6w

Season 7 Episode 10. In the footsteps of St Benedict. In this episode we are joined by Pauline, who is reflecting on her lifelong commitment to the Lay Community of St Benedict, and her recent journey to visit some of the key places where he lived. You can find more about the Lay Community on their website www.lcsb.uk