heart centred communion
twice-monthly on sundays at 4pm at Old Carrow House
​A programme of prayers, chants and ceremony providing an opportunity for coming together for Heart Centred Communion.
Here are the upcoming dates:
12 October - 4 to 5.30pm
26 October - 4 to 6pm (with ceremony)
9 November - 4 to 5.30pm
23 November - 4 to 6pm (with ceremony)
7 December - 4 to 5.30pm (venue tbc)
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People often comment on how much they value the cultural and spiritual elements of the grief tending journey - singing together, taking part in simple rituals, and feeling part of a community. These sessions will provide an opportunity for developing our literacy in these areas and leaning into what we sometimes call the 'wider holding'.
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It's not just for grief tenders - it's for anyone who would like to connect in an inclusive spiritual context, to learn devotional songs, to sit in silent meditation and to explore this idea of heart-centred communion. That said, opening ourselves to being touched by divine love can sometimes evoke grief, especially for 'the places in us that have not known love'. Tears and emotional expression will be welcomed and held, as will praise and devotional expression of all kinds.
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We'll be mostly meeting at Old Carrow House, 301 King Street, Norwich NR1 2TG (the session on 7 December will be at a different venue - to be confirmed).
It's helpful to know if you're coming - please email Liz on lizdayprojects@gmail.com. It's also fine just to show up.
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See below for directions to the venue and to find out more about the sessions.
MORE ABOUT THE SESSIONS
Liz Day will be holding the space, supported by Jackie Stewart. The overall intention will be to connect with the sovereign knowing of our own hearts; to align our spirit and will with truth, beauty and goodness; and to attune to the frequency of love.
We will be creating a vessel in which 'everything belongs'. This means, among other things, connecting with our spiritual roots both in the Christian tradition and in earth spirituality. We will also be leaning into other traditions with respectful borrowings where it feels congruent to do so.
It has been said that awakening Christ consciousness is about coming home to our sacred calling, our unique purpose on this earth. These circles will be devoted to facilitating this awakening and to building community.
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We'll be holding our own sorrows and the pain of the world in a place of prayer, opening our hearts to receive inspiration, guidance and support, and offering up a song of praise for this one precious life.
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We will be honouring the unique connection with the divine that exists within each of us, which is activated and amplified when we come together with a shared intent to grow as individuals and to evolve as a species
Everything is optional, with the invitation for each of us to find our own way within a shared structure. The sessions will include:
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Simple chants, devotional songs and mantras (going deeper through repetition).
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Vocal improvisation and harmony (let's play!)
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Shared intentional silence (finding the stillpoint).
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Guided meditation and body prayer (subtle and physical embodiment).
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Words of mystical wisdom drawn from poetry and sacred texts (lectio divina).
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Shared ritual (or liturgy), which may include simple things like pouring water and making offerings.
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We will also be exploring other kinds of ceremonies such as anointing with sacred oils, ceremonial tea infusions (connecting with different plant allies), cacao heart-opening rituals, and agape meals (a celebration of divine love). Initially we'll alternate between a simple ritual and a longer ceremony.
Old Carrow House is a listed building dating back to the 1890s, and we'll be meeting in a beautiful wood-panelled room, overlooked by beech trees. This site was previously home to a community of Benedictine nuns who almost certainly would have had a close association with the medieval anchorite Julian of Norwich. It feels nice to imagine that some residue of prayer and presence remains here - it certainly has a warm ambience and a great acoustic for music and voices.
This programme is supported by a grant from Norfolk Community Foundation's 'Love Norfolk' fund.
THE VENUE
Old Carrow House, 301 King Street, Norwich NR1 2TG
Google map: https://bit.ly/carrow-house
The turning for Carrow House is a small driveway on the left a few hundred yards before the junction of King Street and Bracondale, just after the pedestrian traffic lights (or on the right just before the lights if you're coming from the Bracondale rather than Riverside/King Street end).
If you're coming by car (there is ample parking available), drive through the main gate and turn to the right and keep going, past the orangery (conservatory) on your left. Bicycle racks are on the left just by the entrance gate. Public transport info: https://www.travelnorfolk.co.uk/journey-planner/
The entrance to Old Carrow House (where we are) is a little way along to the right of New Carrow House. There will be someone on the door to let you in, but if you're late please call or text Jackie on 07954 095738.