Training and networking day for those working in community, corporate, challenges & events roles in UK hospices: FREE for HIGN members £25 fee for non-members (or commitment for your hospice to take organisational membership - you MUST have your line manager's approval before booking if you are a non-member) 10am: Arrival & refreshments 4pm: Close Lunch will be provided at no extra charge, please specify if you have any dietary requirements when booking The day will NOT be online or recorded so that people feel more comfortable openly sharing.
Come Away on a Leaders Retreat Designed for leaders in children's, youth, young adult, and student ministries to step away from the demands of daily workload, this retreat will be focused on finding space for renewal alongside others in leadership roles. Together, we will spend time reflecting on personal spiritual practices rooted in rest. Recognising that so much of ministry is about giving outwardly, this retreat offers an opportunity to look inward and upward—to refocus on God and explore how we can each individually pursue Him more deeply. In the tranquil grounds of the High Leigh retreat centre, the day will be a mix of restful, reflective practices, time to socialise and have fellowship, and workshops for delving into our own spiritual practices, seeking to build up on what already exists. We hope this retreat might be an extension of our regular lunch gatherings, fostering connection and mutual support within our ministry community. Key Information: There are 2 options for this retreat: the overnight retreat, and the day away retreat. The Overnight Retreat: Sometimes a night away does wonders for our sleep patterns! Join us at High Leigh from 5pm on Wednesday the 19th of March. We will have dinner together, share in some evening reflection and games. The following morning will include opportunities for prayer, reflection, and breakfast before we are joined by the day guests. The Day Away Retreat: To take time away from our contexts can be a great way to invest in our ministry. Join us at High Leigh from 9.30am on Thursday the 20th of March. The day's programme will include time for reflection, prayer, fellowship and workshops on spiritual practices. We will share lunch together, and be ready to head home at 4pm. Cancellations: Please note this retreat is fully funded and spaces are limited. If you cancel your booking with less than 4 weeks notice we may charge you if your place is not refilled.
Easter Monday Pilgrimage On Easter Monday, 21 April, join a thousand other pilgrims at St Albans Cathedral for a joyful pilgrimage and service that brings people together from across the Diocese. It’s a day for everyone— grandparents, parents, young people, kids, and even dogs (muddy boots welcome). There's no need to book tickets, just turn up! Or book to let us know your church is coming. The Service Arrive at the Cathedral to gather on the beautiful Abbey Orchard before heading inside from 2:30PM for an informal service at 3PM, filled with worship, a couple of thought provoking reflections and a short communion led by Bishop Richard, Bishop of Bedford. The Journey Getting there Come however you want, by foot, by car, by bus, by train or even helicopter (not provided)! Set out from your local church or one of our designated hub churches together as a community. Whether you’re bringing a colorful banner, sharing prayers along the way, or just enjoying the journey, this is your chance to join an epic journey of celebration. Hub Churches You can journey from your local church or from one of a number of ‘Hub’ churches. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HUB CHURCHES Visit Easter Monday Pilgrimage Website
Join us for this relaxed and friendly workshop and make two fabulous willow items for your garden.
This relaxed and informative workshop is a fascinating insight into the world of making cold process soap.
Enamelling Workshop We are delighted to be offering this super creative workshop. Enamelling is the exciting process of applying finely ground glass to metal which, when heated to a high temperature, melts and fuses to the metal. The process is fascinating, and the results can be extraordinary. At this workshop you will learn how to enamel using opaque enamels on copper and applying them using sieving, wet packing, stencilling and glass decoration techniques. Your experienced and knowledgeable tutor will guide you through the explorative process, demonstrating each stage and offering one-to-one support where appropriate. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have dabbled and would like to further their experience. We aim for you to complete at least 4 pieces during your day. These could be jewellery items, such as earrings or pendants, or small pictures for you to frame. The choice is very much yours. The workshop will run from 10.00am until 4.00pm, with a pause for a ploughman-style lunch. Your lunch and all the materials to make your 4 pieces will be provided, as will a workshop apron for you to wear during your day. Join us for a truly creative day and immerse yourself in this ancient art form. Places on this workshop are limited to 8. Sunday 22nd June 2025 10.00am - 4.00pm £98.00 (includes lunch and materials) Birlingham, Worcestershire
Pen and Watercolour Buildings Portrait Workshop What a treat of a workshop, to create a beautiful portrayal of a meaningful building. Using pen and watercolour, you will have the opportunity to bring to life a building – whether that be your home, your childhood home, your favourite coffee shop, or even your garden shed! Your super talented tutor will guide you through the basics of perspective to get the drawing just right, before introducing watercolour to complete your personal representation of your building. All you need to bring with you is a clear photograph of your chosen building, preferably printed out (working from an image from a tablet or iPad is ok, but a phone would be too small). This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, even those who believe they can’t draw. Your day will run from 10.00am until 4.00pm, with a pause for a ploughman-style lunch. Your lunch and the materials to create your portrait will be provided. So, what building will you choose? And will the masterpiece be for keeps or for gifting? Places on this workshop are limited to 8. Saturday 21st June 2025 10.00am - 4.00pm £85.00 (includes lunch and materials) Birlingham, Worcestershire
Join us for a resin adventure and explore the fantastical world of using epoxy resin and eco pour resin to make and create!
Temari Ball Making Workshop Beautiful, luxurious, and heartfelt. Temari are cherished gifts, symbolizing friendship and loyalty. The making of temari balls is a Japanese craft that originated in China and came to Japan around the 7th century A.D. Traditionally, temari were given as gifts symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty and evolved from a fairly basic form into exquisite works of art. Historically, temari were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. As time passed, traditional temari became an art, with the functional stitching becoming more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed intricate embroidery. This workshop is suitable for beginners and will introduce you to the art of the temari, using a basic herringbone stitch to create a traditional design. Your tutor will guide you through the making process. Using an array of colourful threads and a carefully designed pattern, you will create your very own temari ball. The workshop will run from 10.00am until 4.00pm. All the materials and tools will be supplied, including a workshop apron for you to wear during your day. There will be a pause for a ploughman-style lunch partway through the day, which is also provided. Additional ball-bases will be available to purchase on the day, should you wish to go on and make more temari gifts for your friends. This is a wonderful opportunity to create something beautiful, to gift or to treasure. Places on this workshop are limited to 8. Sunday 30th March 2025 10.00am - 4.00pm £80.00 (includes lunch and materials) Birlingham, Worcestershire