IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL Quiet Day
Led by Kath Dodd
Many of us will be aware of the moving story behind the writing of this hymn. It reminds us that our soul is safe in the hands of God.
But yet, in a sense, our souls are daily attacked. So we will consider the soul as: a treasure to be valued, a pearl to be protected, a garden to be nurtured, and a song to be sung. We will be encouraged to value what God has made us to be and to find ‘rest for our souls’. The retreat will allow plenty of time for quiet reflection, and also for some optional guided creativity.
Bless the Lord, O may soul!
About Kath:
As I look back at my life, I have so much to be thankful for. My parents were instrumental in my decision to invite Jesus into my life at the age of four, and encouraged me to develop my own Quiet Time. I grew through the (Baptist) church, was baptised at the age of 14, became a member at 16. At this point I felt a prompting to ‘be willing to go abroad’ if God willed, and this led to a degree in Maths and Social Science, a PGCE (so that I had skills to offer), and then a two year placement at Amazon Valley Academy, Brazil (where I taught missionaries’ children).
On return I felt a strong sense to work ‘in the church’. I was quickly made Pastoral assistant, alongside joint youth worker, and then, as children arrived, I co-founded a Mums and Toddlers group, and led a Women’s Bible study group.
Music has played a huge part in my life. I gained a diploma in piano performance while still at school and started accompanying in different contexts, and then started teaching piano. I find particular joy when music ‘touches those places nothing else reaches’.
In 1979, Andrew and I married. Eventually he trained as a minister, and I followed some years later when family life allowed. We shared in ministry at Hawkshead Hill Baptist chapel for 30 years, retiring in 2023. Our vision for the chapel was for it to be an oasis – a place of refreshment. And this remains in my heart – the desire for each of us to find our own unique life-giving walk with God. Having passed ‘three score and ten’, I look back and am grateful to see that ‘everything belongs’ – that God works in, and through all the ups and downs of life.
