Soulful Creativity

Leader: Tony and Claire Bower from Bower Ministries

Cost: £245 per person

Retreat Description
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.
Using stories of wandering in the wilderness and facing the wildness of life’s storms, we will explore how Jesus triumphed over the temptations and tempests of life.
Through exploration of stories and passages in the gospels in which Jesus amazed individual characters & crowds we will creatively engage with the ‘awe and wonder’ of Christ.

9.30am meet and greet: Coffee and chat.
10am Introductory session (The Wonder Begins). Meet Tony and Claire. Introduction of the theme, aims and outcomes of the day. Quick participant intro. Questions etc.
11am Comfort/refreshments break.
11.15am Session 2 (The Kingdom Manifesto): Practical session – intro and demonstration followed by practical session for exploring and planning final piece (Outdoors for part of the session if weather permits).
12:30pm Lunch break.
1:30pm Session 3(The Challenging Storm): Demo of practical activity (30 mins) followed by independent creative workshop, facilitated and supported by Tony and Claire.
3pm Comfort/drinks Break.
3.15pm: Session 4(The Wonderful Story): Completion of activity with space for reflection once individual participants have completed their take home piece, or at a point they choose to pause.
4.15pm: Session 5 (The Amazing Faith): An opportunity for participants to share about the work produced, to find out about other participants work or to find a quiet place to reflect on the day.
4.45pm: Tony and Claire will conclude the day with a final thought and encouragement.
On the second day, participants will learn various techniques and devices to develop their own individual poems. They will also have the opportunity to present their work at the end of the workshop, leaving with their own poetry created at Rydal Hall and fresh ideas for future writing endeavours.

Bio:
Tony and Claire Bower are a married couple who have been using their creative gifting to share the good news of the gospel in a variety of contexts for over 3 decades. Each come with a wealth of experience and expertise in their own fields.
Tony Bower is the EO of York Schools and Youth Trust, and a freelance writer, poet and speaker. His latest publication is ‘Silent Night’, a Christmas story told in free verse.
Claire Bower is Tony’s wife and partner in Bower Ministries. Her background is in Primary Teaching. Currently, Claire is studying for a Masters Degree in Illustration with Falmouth University.