Lent Retreat
Tuesday 10th March, 10am–4pm
St John the Evangelist, Cononley, Netherghyll Lane, Cononley, BD20 8PB
Book your place here
This Lent, you are warmly invited to join us for a gentle day of reflection, prayer, and rest.
Our retreat day, Smallness & Calling, is designed not as a demanding spiritual programme, but as a quiet space to breathe, to listen, and to notice where God might already be at work in your life. It is for anyone who feels tired, uncertain, curious, or simply in need of a little stillness.
Through scripture, silence, story, and Holy Communion, we will explore how God so often begins not with greatness, but with smallness. In the Bible, God repeatedly chooses the overlooked, the hesitant, and the ordinary—and works through them in surprising and beautiful ways. This day will be a chance to reflect on what that might mean for us today.
Alongside the Bible, we will gently draw on the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien as companions for our reflection. Tolkien’s stories are full of reluctant heroes, quiet courage, and small acts of faithfulness that change the world. You don’t need to be a Tolkien expert—his stories simply help us see familiar spiritual truths with fresh eyes.
The day will include:
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Short, gentle reflections
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Plenty of time for silence and personal prayer
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Opportunities to walk, journal, or simply rest
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Simple liturgies
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The celebration of Holy Communion
There will be no pressure to speak, share, or perform. You can take part as much or as little as you wish. Some people come to retreats like this with lots of faith; others come with questions, weariness, or uncertainty. All are welcome.
The retreat will be led by the Rev’d Mike Green, who will guide the day with a pastoral, unhurried approach, helping to create a space that is calm, safe, and open.
If you are longing for a day that feels less about striving and more about listening—less about doing and more about being—this retreat is for you.
Come as you are.
Rest.
Listen.
Take one small step.
Book your place here
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this retreat for people who are “good at praying”?
Not at all. This day is for anyone—whether prayer feels easy, difficult, or unfamiliar. Everything will be gently guided, and there is no expectation to perform or get things “right.”
Do I have to speak or share with others?
No. There will be no pressure to speak in groups or share personal reflections. Silence is a gift on this day, and you are free to participate at a level that feels comfortable for you.
What will the day actually look like?
The day will be gently structured around short reflections, silence, prayer, and simple worship. There will be space to walk, sit quietly, journal, or simply rest. We will also share Holy Communion together.
Do I need to be familiar with Tolkien?
No! We will be using small extracts from Tolkien’s writing simply as a way of opening up spiritual themes in an accessible way. You don’t need to have read his books.
What should I bring?
Please bring:
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A packed lunch
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A notebook and pen (if you like to write)
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Anything you find helpful for quiet reflection (e.g. a Bible, a favourite prayer book)
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Comfortable shoes for gentle walking, if you wish
Tea and coffee will be provided.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever is comfortable. This is not a formal event.
I’m feeling tired, unsure, or not very “spiritual.” Is that okay?
That’s exactly the sort of place this retreat begins. You don’t need to feel strong or certain to come—just willing.
Book your place here