Home Communicating Christ through relationships Rapport Rapport is the official magazine of the Lee Abbey Movement. It is published three times a year and sent to all Lee Abbey Friends of Jesus. Here are some of its recent articles. September to December 2021 Can I have a word, Lord? David Runcorn examines how we understand the Bible and how new truths ‘break forth’ No packing required Sally Dakin explores how we can have a retreat at home Emerging from ‘our cave’ Susan Edmondson reflects on stepping out into new freedom after Covid restrictions May to August 2021 Disruption or opportunity? Sandy Pepper, Chair of Lee Abbey London, urges us to embrace the openings provided by the pandemic for the gospel Where is God in the pandemic? Phil Park reflects on changing our focus in challenging times Silent power at work Sister Carol reflects on intercessory prayer and explains how we can embrace its challenges and learn to ‘live it’ Gratitude, attitude and kindness Hope Price puts her lockdown mottos into action January to April 2021 The gift of singleness Margaret Warne explores the Christian view of singleness To be a pilgrim Jennie Cappleman considers what a pilgrimage actually is, and how to embark on one Walking with God Esther Birtwistle offers a reflection on pilgrimage Artwork inspires Lee Abbey Aston Paul Lacey explains how three pieces of artwork have equipped and encouraged Aston SMC to live out their calling September to December 2020 Ford, Plymouth — home to the new Lee Abbey SMC Susan Edmondson, Chair of Lee Abbey Small Missional Communities Board, outlines an exciting development A special place John Simmons reflects on the importance of rural churches for local communities Window of opportunity Rachel Oates reflects on the impact of Covid-19 on the environment May to August 2020 Staying connected Dr Maggie Paul reflects on remaining faithful in strange times Hospitality, cooking, questioning and sharing our story Miriam Williams looks at new ways of communicating our faith story Beacon receives top award Keith Ovenden explains why The Beacon Activity Centre merited the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) Gold Standard Award January to April 2020 Two sides of the same coin Denis Alexander looks at some of the similarities between science and faith Farmers under pressure Farm Manager Simon Gibson highlights the impact of mass markets on the environment and the challenges farmers face as they care for livestock and the landscape A way of life that works Jill Weber considers what it means to live a life that taps into our deepest desires September to December 2019 Easter re-imagined The Beacon Activity Centre Team find an innovative way to engage children with the Easter story Grief: a journey through the seasons Abi May explores how we can cope with the changes that bereavement brings Cover photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash May to August 2019 Tree of life Ann Persson introduces a creative reflection which will help us take stock of our lives Earthen vessels: Treasured containers Bridget Macaulay gets to grips with how God inhabits this ‘fragile vessel’, us. Beautiful and mysterious The poet Malcolm Guite explores how Jesus reveals Himself to us through the ‘I Am’ sayings of John’s Gospel January to April 2019 Knowing God: Fully human and fully divine Jane Williams examines how our vision of God shapes who we are, how we live and what we think the world is for Hope for tomorrow Justin Tomkins looks at how we can help future generations celebrate technology and science without being ruled by it Healing: are we diffident, arrogant or confident? Val Turner explores how we trust God when praying for healing September to December 2018 The gift of tears Suppressed, hidden, apologised for, writer and speaker David Runcorn asks us to look again at how God can use our tears Ascension to Pentecost: prayer, community and mission Inspired by the Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative Jonathan Banks and Esther Birtwistle reflect on a ‘zig zag’ journey from Devon to Yorkshire Bringing good news to Crickhowell, Wales Mission chaplain Nick Haigh and a team from Lee Abbey join in with what God is doing May to August 2018 Get wisdom! Bev Shepherd examines the biblical definition of true wisdom and how to steer a course which leads to life Living in Christian community Bishop Alan St Albans considers the resurgence of Christian communities in the West and what we can learn from St Benedict Wrestling in the dark Dave Hopwood reflects on Jacob’s struggle at the River Jabbok and other Bible characters who wrestle with reality January to April 2018 A revue to remember Simon Holland considers the radical love of the Servant King, demonstrated in Lee Abbey Devon’s performance of Lee Misérabbeys Seasoned by Seasons Michael Mitton reflects on Bible stories which connect with the seasons of the soul September to December 2017 Martha, Mary and the toothbrush test Sally Dakin reflects on finding the balance of activity and rest and choosing to be ‘present to the presence of God.’ Mustard seeds, diamonds and dancing feet Barry Dugmore explores growth in discipleship and how our ‘mustard seed’ of faith can extend the Kingdom of God Exciting times ahead for Lee Abbey’s SMCs Susan Edmondson unpacks the future vision May to August 2017 ‘The holy here’ – encounters with God in the ordinary Bridget Macauley recognises those everyday moments of life which are charged with God’s presence Remarkable lives used by God Mark and Joanna Williamson look at four inspirational stories Gardens – the new sanctuary space Award winning garden designer Hannah Genders reflects on how our gardens can become the spaces that provide a sanctuary from this modern, fast paced world January to April 2017 Raw power and intricate detail Ruth Bancewicz and Bob White consider the awesome wonder of God revealed in creation What on earth are we doing? Living a purposeful life in the Kingdom of God September to December 2016 70th celebrations Simon Holland reflects on the spiritual power-house that is Lee Abbey at 70 Letting in the LIGHT Shaun Lambert considers the value of being still whilst on a retreat and ‘cleaning the windows of our soul’ May to August 2016 Food and faith Andy Lester and Ruth Valerio examine how we can live well whilst also protecting the needs of the planet. Being ‘unbusy’ with God Bev Shepherd considers how spending time in prayer enables us to receive God’s love and restoration Words of Life Silas Crawley examines how our words can be a powerful catalyst for affirmation and growth January to April 2016 God, science and nature Graham Swinerd and John Bryant consider the evidence of divine design in our awe-inspiring universe. Blessed Jane Willis reflects on a silent retreat at Lee Abbey Devon: ‘No words, no wine, no web – but I had my camera.’ Moving from trying to training Joe Davis looks at how we can redeem a ‘dark night’ of the soul by the practice of spiritual disciplines in following Jesus. September to December 2015 Life’s changing seasons Bob Evens reflects on life’s different seasons – and God’s provision for each new phase. I wish we had all been ready The Parable of the Sower has a vital message for today as Barry Kissell explains … Contemplating the Psalms Roger Wagner reflects on the inspiration behind his project to illustrate and translate the Psalms. May to August 2015 Creation sings the Father’s song Lee Abbey Warden David Rowe considers the beauty of creation and the way God brings order out of chaos so that nothing is lost. Sssshhhhhhhh … going on a silent retreat A guest’s experience of a silent retreat at Lee Abbey January to April 2015 To be a pilgrim A new course, commissioned by the Church of England, aimed to inspire confident, transformative discipleship. Is this a rival to Alpha? Paula Gooder unpacks the Pilgrim course. Interpreting the Lee Abbey Vision for today, and tomorrow … Hope means hearing the music of the future. Faith means dancing to it now. September to December 2014 What’s so amazing about place? Dave Bookless reflects on ‘thin places’ and finding God’s presence wherever we live. The Psalms Project Ali Hull talks to composer Steven Faux about The Psalms Project, a contemporary journey through the vivid landscape of Psalms told in the musical language of feature films. The God who calls: Genesis and the love of God Jane Williams explains why she is enthralled by the book of Genesis. May to August 2014 Job – touching the void So you want to see your book in print? January to April 2014 The God who speaks Write for your soul What’s in a name? September to December 2013 Building bridges of hope through music God’s gift of reconciliation Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Training May to August 2013 End of an era Lee Abbey Devon tops the Fairtrade chart Sharing his saving love Lee Abbey Friends Past Community Rapport News and articles Safeguarding Website copyright © Lee Abbey, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6JJ. Hosted on a UK server. The Lee Abbey Movement is a registered company number 4428832 and charity number 1094098, registered in England and Wales at the above address. Website designed and built by Tim Wakeling. Privacy Safeguarding