Hi, I thought I would tell you more about this place before I tell you about the people here.
But first of all, a few days ago when I said this place was old and squeaky and taped together, I hope I didn't sound like I was complaining about that. No, I think these old buildings are wonderful. If I wanted something new and shiny, I might as well stay in the USA and go stay at the Hilton, right? Someone here said it is "Higgledy-Piggledly" which they meant as a term of endearment. When you walk into Scargill House, it kinda wraps its arms around you and says "welcome, get comfortable, have a cup of tea and kick your shoes off." Everyone who comes here seems to love it and the peaceful setting.
The bones of the original old country estate are still here with large parlors, sitting rooms, and gardens:
and there were some old buildings and barns, etc, that have been converted into useable space:
then additions were added when it became a conference center with guest rooms and meeting rooms:
and a wonderful modern chapel was built:
that have become the Scargill House.
What happens here? New groups of guests arrive every few days for conferences, and private retreats. Weekly conferences are Monday through Friday, then another group comes in for the weekend, Friday through Sunday. The "Community" of people who live and work here are responsible for preparing and cleaning guest rooms and bathrooms, cooking three meals a day plus refreshments for tea breaks, and keeping the estate grounds maintained, plus planning and running all the programming and conferences that happen here. Not to mention worship and prayer and music. Wow. It really does take a village!
A typical day looks like this:
8:00 morning prayer in the Chapel
8:15 - 9 BREAKFAST
9-11 conference sessions for guests
or 9-11 work for the Community
11:00 tea, coffee, biscuits (that means cookies)for everyone
11:30 - 1 pm conference sessions for guests
or 11:30 - 1 pm work for the Community
1:00 LUNCH
1:45 Community prayers in the Chapel
2:00 - 4:00 free time for guests (including daily hikes or walks)
or 2:00 - 4:00 work for the community
4:00 Afternoon tea, coffee, cakes for everyone
4:30 - 6 Free time, or sessions for guests, or work for Community
6:00 evening prayer in the Chapel
6:30 EVENING MEAL
7:45 evening movies or entertainment or sessions for guests
9:00-9:30 hot chocolate before bedtime
More about the amazing Scargill Community later.
Till then, Deep Peace to you, Audrey
