Dear St Ethelwold’s Supporter

The Fellowship of St Ethelwold
Updating the constitution

There have been many changes to charity law since Dorothea Pickering established the Fellowship of St Ethelwold back in 1982 and we have been negotiating with the Charity Commission to update our constitution to reflect these changes. The objects of the Fellowship, which is a registered charity, are the ‘advancement of the Christian religion’, and these cannot be changed. But the Commission asked many searching questions about how this purpose was being fulfilled by what actually takes places at St Ethelwold’s House. As a result of these discussions we have agreed the following words, which reflect accurately Dorothea’s founding intention and what the Fellowship seeks to achieve.

The advancement of the Christian religion, particularly its expression through the contemplative tradition of Christianity with its emphasis on meditation, and personal spiritual growth.

The promotion of religious harmony for the benefit of the public by educating the public in different religious beliefs and by promoting good relations between peoples of different faiths.

The advancement of education in spiritual practice and religious expression to promote understanding and tolerance of the role of different religions in personal and public life.

Exploring the Mystery

The last Sunday of each month
5.00 p.m. In the Sanctuary

Exploring the Mystery is a meditation in words, music, ritual and silence.

Each month we explore some aspect of the extraordinary mystery of life using a selection of music, inspiring readings from all religious traditions, mystics, and poets, together with periods of silence and sometimes the lighting of a candle or two.
The exploration takes a theme – it might be love, the passing seasons, death, light, darkness, beauty, the trees of the forest, or any other theme that helps us explore the depths of what it is to be alive.
Exploring the Mystery usually last about 45 minutes and it is a lovely experience.  Please do come.

Meditation at St Ethelwold’s House
St Ethelwold’s House is a wonderful place to find your deeper self in silence and contemplation.  We aim to provide as wide a range as possible of meditation groups in different religious and secular traditions and hope that you find something that suits your need.  At the moment we have the following regular groups:

Heartfulness Meditation
Sunday mornings 10.30 – 12.00 p.m. in the Garden Room. Contact rosalindpearmain@gmail.com for details.

Mindfulness Meditation
Every Monday at 12-30 – 1.15 In the Sanctuary Free or by donation
This regular group explores Mindfulness both as a way of life and as a meditation practice.  Each session includes an introductory talk, some mindfulness practices and a chance to share experience.
For more information contact Adrian at adrianrance220@gmail.com

Simply Silence
Every Friday 12.30 – 1.15 p.m. In the Sanctuary Free or by donation
Half an hour of silent meditation introduced by a short reading by some music.  The readings may be taken from different religious or spiritual traditions or may be poems.  Participants in the group take it in turns to offer the introduction to the meditation.
For more information contact Adrian adrianrance220@gmail.com

Our mailing address is:
St Ethelwold’s House, 30 East St Helen Street, Abingdon, OX14 5EB.