Events at Green Pastures

Here is a list of the events currently planned for 2008. Others will certainly be added during the year, so please come back and visit this page regularly.

In addition to the special events listed below, we also have a number of regular activities, and guests are, of course, welcomed at Green Pastures at any time, subject to accommodation being available.

For further details and brochures, please contact us.

Read the interview with Joyce and David Huggett on the value of retreats.

Events for 2008

Card Making - 22-26 September
Sandra Best returns to Green Pastures to enable you to discover and harness your creative skills. After each morning's activities, the afternoons are free for exploring and relaxing.

Writing retreat - 17-19 October
This will be led by Sue Crowder.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - 7-9 November
Led once again by Audri Coleman, this ever-popular event is sure to fill up quickly, so book up now.

Myers Briggs (MBTI) Personality Type: Basic Workshop - 14-16 November
A chance to find out why other people (even your spouse!), sometimes seem to behave strangely. Discover different types of personalities, and be assured that no one type is better than another. Have fun together as we explore the personalities that God has given us, and the implications for the way we interact with others. Led by Jane Gibbs.

Men of Purpose - 21-23 November 2008
During this conference for men, the guest speaker on Saturday will be Dr. Russ Parker, who will talk about the challenges facing those who want to get serious about our Christian discipleship and exploring the invitation to be truly human and embrace our brokenness without apology. Russ’s down-to-earth style, depth of insight and sense of humour promise to make the weekend an event not to be missed!

On Friday afternoon there is an opportunity to enjoy some windsurfing tuition in Poole Harbour provided by F C Watersports, so this is likely to be a very popular weekend for men - book now while places remain!

Prepare to Welcome Him - 1-4 December
This Advent, Green Pastures offers an opportunity to step aside from the pressures of the season and prepare your heart to welcome Christ in a fresh way. Pat Marsh brings her usual combination of poetry and meditation, music and prayer. The retreat will be a gentle mix of reflection, sharing, relaxation and creativity.

Why not give yourself a pre-Christmas gift and let the wonder of the Christmas story impact your heart in a new way?

Inner Journeying through Art - 12-14 December
The first event of its type at Green Pastures, in which Sue Crowder will lead workshops designed to help guests explore ways of resolving internal conflicts.

Christmas Encounter - 22-27 December
Led by the Green Pastures Team.

Events for 2009

Finding my identity - 3-6 February 2009
Led by David Huggett.

Knowing me, knowing you - 9-13 February
Part One of a four-part series specially designed for those in pastoral ministry, this retreat will provide an opportunity to understand the way people 'tick', consider some of our own pressures, and how the load can be lightened.

The series leader is Sheila Smith, whose background is in training nurses and medical missionaries. She has tutored in pastoral care and counselling at Spurgeon's College and was licensed within the diocese of Canterbury to provide supervision, training, and support for people in Christian ministry.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - 20-22 February 2009
Audri Coleman leads this ever-popular event. Book up now to ensure a place.

Song of the Shepherd - 21-23 April 2009
Led by Tony Horsfall.

Beauty from Ashes - 29-31 May
A repeat of Jennifer Rees-Larcombe's popular event from 2008.

Grief and loss issues - 8-12 June 2009
This will include consideration of spiritual and marital transitions as well as the more usual causes of grief and loss. It will also explore the issue of how unresolved losses may affect Christian ministry and caring.

Part 2 in our series for those in pastoral ministry, and led by Sheila Smith.

Health and Wholeness - 22-26 June 2009
Led by Audri Coleman.

Walking with Jesus - 6-10 July 2009
Led by David & Debbie Hawker and David Huggett.

What do we mean by Healing and Wholeness? - 14-18 September 2009
What exactly are we doing when we pray for others? How significant is forgiveness? This retreat will consider these and related issues.

Part 3 in our series for those in pastoral ministry, and led by Sheila Smith.

Team Tactics - 30 November-4 December 2009
How can we work well in a team? This retreat will provide some tools to help achieve good cooperation, and tackle issues of conflict resolution.

Part 4 our series for those in pastoral ministry, and led by Sheila Smith.

Regular activities

To confirm details or book a place, please contact us.

Time Out
An unhurried opportunity for local people and guests to take time out to reflect and meet with God. Starting with morning coffee and refreshments, Time out includes themed morning and afternoon reflections with plenty of space for your own thoughts and prayers, either around the grounds or down at Branksome beach. The £12 fee for the day includes refreshments, lunch at 12.45pm and afternoon tea and cakes at 3.30pm.
Normally held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, 10.15 – 4.00pm. Contact us to book your place.
Dates for 2008...
   September 24
   October 8 and 22
   November 5 and 19
   December 10

...and for 2009:
   January 14
   February 25
   March 11 and 25
   April 15 and 29

Art and Craft workshop - usually held on the second Thursday of each month, 10.15 – 3.30pm, led by Carmen Watson, our resident artist. A time and space for those wishing to explore life and faith through water colours (beginners welcome). (Lunch and materials are included in the day price of £12).
Dates for 2008...
   October 30
   November 13
   December 18

...and for 2009:
   February 19
   March 19
   May 21

Fellowship Days - New for 2009!
These events offer a chance to enjoy the facilities at Green Pastures in the company of your friends. The cost is just £10 per person, which includes lunch. Why not organise a visit for your close friends?
   4 Feb
   8 April
   6 May

Healing Communion - Thursday evenings, 7.30pm
A quiet and gentle service with the opportunity for laying-on of hands, or anointing with oil. (This normally happens every Thursday, but please call to check that it is on before you start out, just to avoid disappointment.)

(Please note that we are unable to guarantee one-to-one time unless requested in advance. No counselling is available at weekends or during special retreats)