Friendship, fellowship and spiritual reflection

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Welcome to Spiritual Friends

This website is an interactive, dynamic new way to connect with others interested in positive spiritual ideas. We aim to foster friendship and fellowship for the young and old, supporting existing congregations within the New Church as well as individuals who may now find themselves without a ministry; or people who just want to know more about spiritual reflection, meditation and ...

Opportunity - Purley Chase Programme Director

Rev David Gaffney, the current Programme Director, reaches retirement age in 2017 following his successful development of Purley Chase, a beautiful spiritual retreat centre in Warwickshire. To continue his work by becoming the next Programme Director, the Purley Team is seeking an enthusiastic person who is willing to become an ordained minister, perhaps working as a student minister alongside Rev ...

Soul Symbols - an introduction

There is a wonderful book called 'Soul Symbols', written by Helen Newton and Becky Jarratt, which I am fortunate to have in my hands. Within the book are a series of Soul Symbol cards made up of an image and questions to ponder. Over the coming months I shall be offering these images and accompanying words as articles on Spiritual Friends - I hope you ...

Outdoor Weekends

Robert Curry is one of the Youth Leaders within the national New Church organisation and has organised 3 outdoor weekends with young people over recent months. If you are interested in joining in the next expedition or meeting other young people to have fun, socialise and challenge yourself then contact Robert on rjckendal@gmail.com. Here is the story of the March ...

Loving Spring

I don’t know about you but I just love Spring. That’s possibly because my birthday is in April (although with each passing year the ‘spring’ is going more and more out of my knees and ankles!). I love the very early promise of Spring ahead when the first snowdrops appear in my garden but sometimes there’s a long wait before ...

Spiritual Leadership

Spiritual leadership in a faith context can be challenging and yet be an opportunity for spiritual growth. To have the space to step back and look at what spiritual leadership is, on both an organisational level as well as a personal one, can refresh our vision and resolve. Spiritual leadership is a paradox where the leader needs to allow him – ...

Promoting New Church Ideas

Do you love our teachings and want to see them more widely known? A vacancy has arisen on Conference's Marketing & Resources Group. We help produce, commission and sponsor, printed, internet and video material tailored to different audiences. We meet twice yearly in London and conduct business via e-mail and telephone. Following the closure of New Church House, Manchester, one ...

Reaching the Writings: how to communicate Swedenborg's teachings

When we share our ideas and beliefs, we can build deeper relationship with other people. Conversations that touch on important issues really give satisfaction; one soul has touched another. 'Reaching the Writings' was one of a series of annual events held at Purley Chase, led by David Gaffney and Stephen Russell- Lacy focusing on the doctrines of the New Church. Each of ...

Creativity in Music

I was recently asked to go to a planning meeting for an away-day for families in York. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to contribute anything much, but I went along with a friend anyway. The people meeting were all a lot more experienced than me in planning these sorts of activities, and there were ideas flying around ...

Gems Workshops

The Swedenborg Open Learning Centre are offering a series of monthly afternoon workshops to help explore the deeper aspects of life. Each workshop includes a variety of activities - insights, group sharing, use of cards, quiet time, film and music. They are gems because each one is based on inner wisdom which, when we live our lives, shines out like a sparkling gem around ...