On Day 2 of our HeartEdge event weekend in the Parish of Wickford and Runwell, a Quiet Day was held at St Marys Runwell. Entitled 'A Path with a Heart: Seeking inspiration from the Nazareth Community', it was led by Revd Catherine Duce, Assistant Vicar for the Companions of Nazareth, St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Before the Quiet Day, a Contemplative Walk, also led by Catherine, took place at Wickford Memorial Park. This was an opportunity for us to open our hearts to God’s presence in creation, in the local neighbourhood and in one another. The walk can be viewed on our Facebook page here (https://www.facebook.com/WickfordandRunwellCofE/).
Session 1 of the Quiet Day was 'Silence: the path of contemplation': Silence and contemplative prayer are at the very heart of the Nazareth rule of life. We are formed by this silence. As we enter into silence, we place ourselves in the presence of Christ. We create the place and space for a deeper listening to God, the longings of our own souls and we grow in a deep compassion for the world. In this session we will delve deeply into silent prayer and carve space to listen to the Spirit at work in our lives. No experience necessary. Come simply ready to rest in the presence of God.
Our Midday Prayer was led by Revd Moses Agyam (Billericay Methodist Church and Christ Church United Reformed & Methodist, Wickford).
Session 2 of the Quiet Day was on 'Service: the path of contemplative care': In simple acts of giving and receiving and face to face encounter we discover Christ in those we meet. We recognise Christ’s presence especially among those most in need and fearful at this time. In this session we will reflect upon our own acts of service and explore themes of reciprocity and what a path of contemplative care might look like in your life.
We ended the day with an Informal Eucharist to give thanks for God’s presence and refreshment in the gift of the sacrament.
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