A quiet, four-night retreat for those gathering what remains on the evolving faith journey. A space to rest, reflect, grieve, integrate and gently reimagine faith.
Your hosts:
Anna Robinson is a facilitator, host and writer who run LiveLight|DwellDeep where she curates creative spaces for contemplative practice and faith shifting. She is part of the Nomad Podcast host team and produces the monthly contemplations for Nomad patreon.
I’m am delighted to be joined on this retreat with the wonderful Dave and Pat Tomlinson. Dave is a writer, priest, and well-known voice on the evolving edge of faith—author of The Post-Evangelical, How to Be a Bad Christian and A Bad Christian’s Book of Prayers and a regular contributor to Radio 2’s Pause for Thought. He’s also the chaplain to St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, and shares a down-to-earth, compassionate approach to theology and life.
Dave’s wife Pat Tomlinson will be with us too, bringing her own grounded wisdom, presence, and perspective. Together, Dave and Pat have spent many years creating safe and nurturing spaces for people who find themselves on the edges—those expanding, questioning, and reimagining their faith.
Dave Tomlinson will be guiding sessions that explore how poetry can become a powerful companion in the journey of evolving faith. Drawing on his deep pastoral experience with those navigating the liminal space of faith shifting, Dave will invite us to consider how words—especially poetic ones—can give shape to our prayers, doubts, longings, and hopes. Together, we’ll explore how poetry and prayer might open new ways of engaging with the sacred in our everyday lives.
Any enquiries and to book your place please email anna@livelightdwelldeep.org
A place of belonging on the Faith-Shifting Journey
A retreat for those navigating the landscape of deconstruction, spiritual change, and evolving faith.
Held in a gentle, reflective space, Gathering Embers offers:
Space to process loss, change, and letting go
Space to reconnect with yourself and others in a changed spiritual landscape
Space for reimagining what faith, belonging, and hope might look like now
Through guided meditation, contemplation, thoughtful conversation, and quiet time in nature, we’ll honour what’s been, hold what’s unfolding, and listen deeply for what wants to emerge.
Whether you come with questions, grief, wonder, or quiet hope—you're welcome here.
Hilfield Friary, Hilfield, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7BE.
This is a an Anglican Franciscan Friary and the Franciscan brothers have five different chapel prayer services every day: Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, Holy eucharist, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer. Other community members join in as they wish and if you wish to join in with some of these you are very welcome.
The Friary also enjoy silent meals which is a wonderful experience to those who come on retreat. It is set in the most beautiful countryside and there are plenty of walks to explore.
Who is this retreat for?
For nomads, sojourners, and spiritual seekers.
For those journeying from certainty toward mystery.
For anyone navigating a shifting faith who longs to gather with others—
to listen, to share, to be encouraged, and to draw from the deep well of our collective stories and wisdom.
What people say about the retreat
‘A chance to step out of your normal life, contemplate your spiritual journey and connect with other people in a safe and supportive space where not having all the answers is refreshingly ok (and positively encouraged).’ Paul
‘If you are open to feel some sparks fly again within your heart, soul and body, this might just be the retreat for you. It will require a whole lot of vulnerability and courage, but you will find a welcoming and safe space to share your journey.’ Gerrianne
The Price
The cost of this four night retreat with accommodation, meals and a faciliated retreat program £520 per person.
Please get in contact if you wish to discuss a bursary option anna@livelightdwelldeep.org
Accomodation
Accommodation is in simple, comfortable single rooms, with twin or double rooms available for friends or couples. All rooms share bathroom facilities.
To Book
Email anna@livelightdwelldeep.org