My ministry in retirement is developing and using my artistic skills. If you would like me to lead a workshop, quiet day or retreat, or perhaps give a talk to an organisation, then please get in touch.
CREATING SOUL SPACE
This twice-monthly group is held at St Cuthbert’s Church in Amble, Northumberland. The purpose is to relax, have fun and create something simply for the enjoyment of doing so. It is not about the end result, but being child-like and playing.
The wonderful thing is that there is no right or wrong – you don’t have to be good at art. One lady said to me that she didn’t think she was very good at it, but she enjoyed it. And that’s the whole point of the sessions – to enjoy playing with paint!
From my point of view as leader, it’s brilliant to see how people interpret the instructions and prompts and that everyone’s work is different with a variety of meanings to those who made them.
New members are always made welcome. Sessions start at 10.30am with an explanation of the activity. We have a time of relaxation/meditation and then about 45 minutes in which to create with a background of relaxing music. At about 11.45am we have a drink and chat, and end at noon.
WORKSHOPS, QUIET DAYS AND RETREATS in 2026
For events at Shepherds Dene, please book directly with them: Shepherds Dene, Riding Mill, Northumberland NE44 6AF, Tel: 01434 682212 www.shepherdsdene.org
Saturday 7th March, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Junk Journaling Workshop at Shepherds Dene. This creative journalling day will be a time of fun plus space for personal reflection and creative journalling using a mix of collage and paints. We will make a small zine (booklet) from a single page and a journal using papers from the recycling bin (or other papers available). No need to buy anything new – the ethos is to use what you have. No previous experience necessary (but returners welcome).
£40pp for the day including light lunch and refreshments
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Thursday 30th April – Quiet Day at Shepherds Dene. 9.30 – 4.30pm This will have an Easter season theme. The day will have some worship, input from me, and creative activities available for those who wish to use them.
Monday 1st – Friday 5th June – Creative Prayer & Journalling Retreat at Llangasty Retreat House, Brecon, LD3 7PX, South Wales. Please contact them to book. Tel 01874 658250 enquiries@llangasty.com This will be the same format as in previous years and co-led with Caroline Dobrashian .
‘Journalling a Journey with Jesus’ – “Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.” is Jesus’ invitation to the disciples, and to us, to spend time with him being spiritually refreshed.
Come on a journey with Jesus during this week and creatively record your thoughts and prayers in a personal journal.
We will be playing with very simple art journalling techniques as we feast together on God’s Word. There will also be opportunities to explore a variety of creative ways to enter more deeply into prayerful conversations with Jesus. No previous experience of art is needed – just a child-like openness to try something new. Spiritual accompaniment and a rhythm of daily worship will be offered to help you to reflect on your pilgrimage through the week, culminating in Holy Communion on the last day.
The image above was my reflection on last year’s retreat and an example of one of the techniques that will be used on the retreat.
Saturday 20th June – Celtic Knot Workshop at Shepherds Dene. This workshop will cover various symbols that we didn’t have time for in last year’s workshop.
Monday 13th – Friday 17th July – Creative Prayer & Journalling Retreat at Shepherds Dene. This will be the same as the retreat in Llangasty, see above.
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September – Special anniversary weekend at Emmanuel Church, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 3HY. Celebrating our Journey of Faith: Emmanuel – God with us – yesterday, today & always. Friday will be a quiet day, Saturday will be a family/all age activities day and there will be a special service on Sunday. Co-led with Caroline Dobrashian.
Thursday 15th October – Quiet Day at Shepherds Dene
VIDEOS
Here’s three videos from my YouTube channel:
Junk Journalling explained, made before I led the workshop earlier this year https://youtu.be/X5NV0einNL0
Junk journal created from scraps leftover from the last workshop https://youtu.be/tURueFFXeOI
Freehand celtic knotwork, a video I made before leading the workshop earlier this year https://youtu.be/LQAbMeuzIJs
Past Events
Click here: Past Events Page
Elizabeth Jones' Diary 