Tahlee – Was This A Retreat?
We were welcomed to the country of the Gringai by Aaron, an Aboriginal representative. He adopted his warrior mode and threw long spears that could have killed a wallaby some distance away. We learned that some early settlers at Tahlee had peaceful relations with Aboriginal locals, and cared for the needs of convicts.
Three families came for one, two, three or four days. One had to return home because of a car accident. Another had to be taken for treatment for asthma. En route to a medical centre it got worse and mother and child were taken in an ambulance to hospital. Two of the retreat leaders drove, one to take the companion in the car back to Tahlee, and the other to drive mother and child back from the hospital that night. Was this a retreat? No, it was people doing what Jesus would have done.
Each morning, midday and evening prayer had a distinctive style and was led by a different person. We had a morning prayer by the lake and an agape meal. Judy and Matt led a session on an aspect of our Way of Life: Hospitality. I gave news of my Australian pilgrimage, and in another session, news of the community in five continents. Discussion sessions focussed on the development of culture-friendly terms, Australian worship patterns, the Igniting the Flame course, pairing among Voyagers, inviting an Aboriginal elder to be a soul friend to the Community and ways of keeping in touch. Bruce Challoner informed us he would talk through Igniting the Flame course with Judith Lines in Lindisfarne in September before launching it in Australia. There will be another retreat at Tahlee in 2017 when Simon Reed, UK Guardian, will be present. We must pray that in the coming two years many people will be introduced to the Way of Life through word of mouth, courses, books and the internet - and that leaders will catch the vision. Sue Hicks agreed to help Judy with secretarial work. Sue has downloaded the new Community Handbook – a marvellous treasure house - and bound it in an attractive spiral and cover. I must do the same, and place a copy in our Lindisfarne Library. Although this is personal to followers of the Way - if those who ache for a more complete way get a sight of this pearl of great price theirs will be the kingdom of God.
Each person had a chance to share what had drawn them to the community. Beks, who brought her three children, said it was the Facebook contact with international Explorer Guide David Cole, and his Waymark Ministries course. To realise that ‘God so loved the world…’ (John 3: 16) helped her for the first time to connect God to creation and not just to personal concerns.
Before we parted we prayed for the three true leaders of God who will form the Caim Council for the next two years: Judy Kennedy, Matt Lamont and Brent Lyons-Lee. Neil Hicks (Archdeacon) anointed me with oil and others laid hands on me for healing.
Five of us flew to Queensland on a delayed and bumpy flight, arriving an hour late. The Kennedy's and I drove another hour to Carboolture. I tweeted 'God help us to continue the journey without imposing pre-conditions or knowing the destination'. Judy sent this Tahlee Blessing: May the song of the creaking bamboo Resonate in your heart. May the peace of the waves lapping the rocks Wash over your heart. May the listening silence of the wallabies Still your heart. Drawing you into the heart of God. Amen. Was it a retreat? No, it was an advance.
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