Early Years in Ministry Pre-Advent Retreat 2025 

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE DIVINE was the theme of this year’s Early Years in Ministry Pre-Advent Retreat, held at the Focolare Centre in Welwyn Garden City — and encounter the Divine we certainly did.
 
We were gently and expertly guided by the Revd Graham Thompson, former President of the Conference, who led us on an imaginative journey through the gospel stories of people whose lives were changed by meeting Jesus: Blind Bartimaeus, Zacchaeus, the Woman with the Flow of Blood, the Ten Lepers, the Paralysed Man, the Woman Caught in Adultery, the Thief on the Cross, and Mary in the Garden.  These were familiar encounters, yet through shared reflection and holy conversation they yielded fresh insights.  Each story opened up new perspectives, especially as we allowed them to speak to one another and to us in new ways.

                
 
This annual retreat for those in years 3 to 10 of ministry is always a gift, and this year proved no exception.  We left feeling renewed, encouraged, and ready to step into the demands — and the hope — of the Advent and Christmas season.
 
The Rev Leslie Noon
District EYiM Co-ordinator