What a wonderful night! Caroline Jones, as ring master, directed the course of the evening with a fine touch and a wonderful word. Our three speakers told their respective stories - each different from the other. Each asking of us to address the issues in our own hearts and minds. The words of the speakers were backed by the quite superb music coordinated by Danielle Whitmore. The organising genius belongs to Frances Tilly, the behind the scenes choreographer of the whole event and her numerous teams that coordinated the night. The night was made all the more successful by the packed out Church that assembled to listen to our speakers. I saw briefly the results of the collection that was taken up. There will be three charities (of the speakers) who will benefit substantially by the night. They say success breeds success - let me share just one email that spoke of the fruits of the evening ...
At present two nights are scheduled each year for a women's and men's night of spirituality. Having attended these and gained meaning in my life from them it is with respect I would like to suggest this approach is one that could be grown in further directions. As gender is a sensitive issue and its division is artificial on the level of all persons sharing life experiences perhaps it maybe time to expand this concept to the spirituality that couples share .... a Couples night of spirituality may bring a new dimension of sharing to the parish. Further the youth group may also be able to apply this form of storytelling to enable deeper understandings of their journeys with spirituality.
Also see PHOTOS from the evening