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Churches Together in Dorset Quiet Day
The Churches Together in Dorset Ecumenical Quiet Day took place on Saturday, 20th June 2026 at Dorchester United Church, 10am. The title of the day was ‘Freedom in Creation’ and was led by Revd John Yarrien, Superintendent Minister in the Dorset South and West Circuit.
It began with Morning Prayer, with reflections on Psalm 19:1–4 and Romans 8:19–23. We considered how God’s creation remains constant despite the changing seasons of our own lives. As we engage with the natural world – the earth, sea, stars and animals – we are reminded of God’s abundance and faithfulness, even as creation ‘groans’ in longing for renewal. We also prayed for those in positions of authority, asking that they would work for peace and justice.
The morning included six creative prayer stations, inviting participants to reflect on light and darkness, growth, the changing seasons, our real with creation, and the gift of resting quietly in God’s presence. The theme of freedom continued throughout the day as we remembered the Tolpuddle Martyrs and reflected on where we can offer signs of hope and freedom in our own communities, inspired by the words, ‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.’
During our closing reflections, participants shared how the prayer stations had spoken to them. One particularly powerful image was The Audacity of Hope, depicting a harp with only one string remaining. It reminded us that even when like feels stripped back or difficult, one string can still make music. God’s light continues to shine, and each of us still has something to offer. The day ended with a renewed awareness of God’s presence, bringing hope, renewal and freedom even in life’s more challenging seasons.

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