A Sacred Space
Ann Bulley describes her monthly engagement with tranquillity in the Gwaun Valley
From the main road, the track enters woodland and meanders gently towards a small church building set in a clearing, and I enter a liminal space. This is the church of St. David, Llanychaer, and I have been making this journey, once a month, for the past 6-7 years.
In spring the churchyard is carpeted first with snowdrops, followed by primroses, then bluebells and red campion. Birdsong echoes from the surrounding trees and there is a background buzz of insects. Later in the year, the church and its surroundings continue to offer a sense of peace and tranquility to all comers, as noted by the various comments in the church’s visitors’ book.
I started to come here when I was seeking a form of church meeting that embraced silent contemplation yet also gave the opportunity to reflect on aspects of my faith with others in a creative way. Our gatherings are not services and are laity led. They contain no sermon or sacrament and rarely involve singing although, at times, music may be included.
Instead, our small group, usually around four to five people, take it in turn to present a spiritual reflection on a theme of their choice. Subjects for reflection have included biblical topics such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as thoughts related to the time of year such as Harvest and the Twelve Days of Christmas. However, they can also include issues relevant to what is happening in the world, such as God in the Darkness.
We have, in addition, considered the relationship between prayer and personality and taken time to meditate on Christian poetry from different centuries. On some occasions we have been challenged to consider how the church can engage in more relevant and positive ways with our local communities. Each meeting closes with a time of prayer which includes the prayer requests left on the church’s prayer tree by visitors.
My monthly pilgrimage to this sacred place is now a key part of my spiritual practice. Being able to share thoughts and ideas, joys and sorrows, challenges and blessings in a safe space with other seekers is both a privilege and an inspiration. Such spaces are rare in today’s world and greatly needed for spiritual health and wholeness.