DEGIBNA PRAYER CHAPEL
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Spring Newsletter 2025
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"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit"
says the Lord of hosts.
Zechariah 4:6
Dear Friends,
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I am writing this early in Lent with Easter some weeks away. Nevertheless Spring is
definitely on the way here in Cornwall. With this newsletter we include the new Events
Sheet (please see 'Events' page) and look forward to seeing many of you at one or more of these events. Currently we have 77 Friends but there is always room for more, so if you know anyone who would like to support Degibna Prayer Chapel and the Prayer Garden, do encourage them.
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The Sound of Silence
En route to Exeter in the train, I had booked a seat in the quiet carriage. However, how
quiet was it? Apart from the gentle rhythmic sounds of the train on the tracks, there was
quite a lot of loud conversation and pinging of mobile phone notifications. So, quiet is
hard to find, even in designated areas. Father John Main (1926-1982), the well known
teacher of the ancient discipline of the prayer of silence, does not advise solitude or
silence for its own sake. Rather, silence is a path or a voyage to a place where we can be
‘flooded by God’s love’; a beautiful image.
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He suggests that we do not have to create silence, but find it within us and that silence is
the language of the Spirit. There are opportunities at Degibna Prayer Chapel to enter into
silence, to find that ‘Christ dwells in our hearts in love’ (Ephesians ch3 v16). The
contemplative Julian Meeting continues at 4pm on the 3rd Sunday each month and an
opportunity to explore silence further is being held on Thursday 20th March. It would be
lovely to see you.
Every blessing, Rev Amanda
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​ Lectio Divina
On 27th June you are invited to explore and experience Lectio Divina, but what is that? It is an ancient Christian contemplative prayer practice enjoying a modern revival. The Latin phrase means literally ‘divine reading’: it is a way of praying with sacred texts, especially the Bible, where God is encountered in a profoundly intimate and direct way.
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It is different to Bible Study where the emphasis is on understanding the passage and its
original meaning, then applying it to our own situation. Instead the emphasis is on
allowing God to speak directly through the passage, by emphasising a particular word or
phrase. This can be done alone, but when done as a group it is fascinating to see how
God uses the same passage sometimes to highlight a common theme but sometimes to
highlight different themes to different people. There is a minimum of discussion and much
time for quiet reflection.
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Possibly one reason why this practice has again become popular is that we lead such busy
lives. Here is a way of slowing down, focusing on God, and allowing him to speak directly
to us. Why not come along and give it a try?
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Events & Bookings
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The photo (left) was taken on our Winter Wonders Walk. A rather damp, grey day, but we
paused to admire this mini-wonder: the beauty of light catching raindrops on pine needles. We look forward to discovering more wonders on our walks as the seasons progress.
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18 attended our February Social and £120 was donated to Cornwall Hospice Care. Our next Social will be in June when donations will be for our Circuit charity, ‘Divya Shanti’. Why not come along and learn about this wonderful work … and enjoy some cake?
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Coffee & Communion is becoming a regular event and the number attending is growing. We begin over coffee (or tea) by catching up with news, then have a conversation on a topical theme, before drawing all together in a simple communion service. All are welcome.
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Degibna News
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Again this year we took part in the January Big Garden Birdwatch. Having stocked the feeders, I wrapped up warm and, clutching binoculars, sat for an hour in the Garden. Birds just flying over could not be included, but I still managed to spot 14 different species, including one winter visitor – Redwing – and two normally regarded as summer visitors – Blackcap and Chiffchaff.
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Our snowdrops have been showing well in the garden and at the front of the Chapel, but no sign yet of the crocus bulbs planted in November. Maybe they are waiting for another year.
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At the recent Vision & Management Team meeting our finances were reported as healthy, several minor repairs have been carried out and future events considered. We acknowledged those who volunteer their time and skills in a wide variety of ways – minor repairs, greeting those who book the Chapel, taking minutes, managing money, serving teas and coffees, providing a Prayer Focus, tidying the garden and more. We are very grateful!
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Recently a set of stones have been placed around the Prayer Garden, decorated by the young people who meet at Central Methodist Church. They are there for a few weeks only so, if you visit the garden, take some time to explore.
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Some Prayer Points
As we move through Spring to Summer let us pray:
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with gratitude for the good news in Christ despite much bad news in our world today
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for greater generosity from richer nations, like ours, towards those in poverty
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for children & young people in our local community
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for those who are stressed, fearful, anxious in these troubled times
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for God’s blessing upon all who attend our Events & Bookings or visit the Prayer Garden
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for one another as Friends of Degibna Prayer Chapel
Every blessing, as we continue to support one another in prayer.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Rev Andrew Hill (01326 569803) & Rev Amanda Stevens (01326 561792)
