Contemplative Fire Vision and Values
Travelling Light, Dwelling Deep
A Guide for the Contemplative Fire Community
Welcome to this guide for people who are drawn to the Contemplative Fire rhythm. In it, you will find a compilation of information and resources we hope will be helpful to those joining the journey.
As well as in paper form, these materials will shortly be accessible via the Contemplative Fire website, along with other online resources. There will also be the option of being part of a Contemplative Fire open email group, so that those Companions on the Way with access to email, can connect with other members online, if they wish.
We will do our best to keep these materials up to date and, of course, very much value your own feedback and input into this live process.
Contents
1. Contemplative Fire: Quality of Seeing, Fullness of Being
2. The New Contemplatives?
3. The Contemplative Fire Community: what does it mean to be a member?
4. Our Rhythm Of Life: Travelling Light, Dwelling Deep
5. Joining the Journey
6. A Commitment on Three Levels: the personal, the local and the wider Contemplative Fire community
7. Financial giving and Contemplative Fire
8. What happens next?
Note: Click on the links to go to that section of the page.
CONTEMPLATIVE FIRE: Quality of Seeing, Fullness of Being
Contemplative Fire is an intentional and dispersed
community of people who are seeking
to be fully present to the Kingdom of God here
and now. Contemplative Fire celebrates natural
beauty, deep connectedness and the play of wisdom.
We believe that the risen Christ is calling us
to ‘travel light and dwell deep’ as his companions
on this extraordinary journey.
Both in solitude and in community we are
called to step into our own authenticity. That very
journey awakens us to the essence and energy of
God. The spiritual heart of Contemplative Fire is
an adventurous engagement with the Jesus tradition.
This is a return to the radical simplicity and
profundity of wonder, love and thankfulness.
Luke puts it powerfully in the Emmaus Road
story: ‘Then their eyes were opened and they recognised
him…They said to each other, “Were not
our hearts burning within us while he was talking
to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures
to us?”’ Luke 24: 31, 32, NRSV.
Contemplative Fire was founded in 2004
by Revd Philip Roderick and authorised by the
Diocese of Oxford. It is registered as a ‘Fresh
Expression of Church’. Philip Roderick is on the
Fresh Expressions national team of Associate
Missioners, mandated by Archbishop Rowan
Williams.
Whilst Contemplative Fire also attracts
those from different Christian (or non-faith) backgrounds,
it is accountable to and in creative conversation
with the Church of England. Wherever
Contemplative Fire establishes itself as a praying,
liturgical community, the blessing of local church
leaders is sought.
Contemplative Fire is developing dialogue
and strategic partnerships with Anglican dioceses
and Methodist districts.
Such a context allows for two-way prayer
support and the opportunity, along with the inherited
Church, to share and wrestle with theological,
missional and pastoral issues.
THE NEW CONTEMPLATIVES?
As part of the emergent Church, Contemplative
Fire responds to the spiritual needs of those
drawn to contemplation-in-action. We are challenged
to be attentive to God’s constant invitation
to bless the moment. As this discipline of love
becomes incorporated into our rhythm of life, we
open ourselves to new opportunities to be the
body of Christ in a fractured world.
Contemplative Fire provides a route to the
radical deepening of personal and corporate
prayer and the celebration of creativity, healing
and community. Our emphasis on spacious stillness
yields a consecrated interiority and compassionate
discipleship. As our metaphor suggests, we
hold in creative tension the contemplative discipline
of learning to ‘rest in the presence’, with the
fire of prophetic imagination and outreach.
At local, regional and even international
level, Contemplative Fire’s Companions on the
Way are a pilgrim people, part of the universal
body of Christ.
THE CONTEMPLATIVE FIRE COMMUNITY: what does it mean to be a member?
Whenever we draw together for Gatherings,
Pilgrimages, ‘Living the Mystery’ or in small
groups, we become pilgrims, travelling companions.
Some will choose to travel with us for a short
time – others will welcome the opportunity for an
ongoing adventure with Contemplative Fire, and
commit to the longer term.
We offer membership, as Companions on
the Way, for those wishing to make a real personal
and financial commitment.
Such commitment is helpful to the individual,
and vital to the development of Contemplative
Fire, in building a financially sustainable community
of prayer and creative engagement.
Travelling companions
Aligned with Jesus
Contemplation-in-action
Body of Christ
Please see our section on Financial giving and Contemplative Fire. Contributions from our Companions on the Way are crucial to the continuity of our pioneering work.
Contemplative Fire Companions feel curious about, and congruent with, the contemplative and mystical Christian tradition. Openness of mind and heart, playful wondering and radical inclusiveness are three key values of this emergent international and ecumenical community, whose Rhythm of Life is outlined below.
OUR RHYTHM OF LIFE: Travelling Light, Dwelling Deep
The biblical, desert, patristic and monastic legacy
is fundamental to the deep structure of our
thinking. We are called not only to deconstruct
but also to reconstruct language, symbol, sacrament
and discipleship, as we strive to embody the
life-changing message of Christ through our dayto-
day living.
As Companions on the Way, we commit to
an individual rhythm of life that weaves together
the three strands of being, knowing and doing – or
prayer, study and action.
Our emblem and metaphor for this process
is the Celtic trefoil, with its three ‘leaves’ and its
place of un-knowing at the centre. Engagement
with each of these three aspects – ‘Still Waters’, ‘A
Learning Journey‘ and ‘Across the Threshold’ – as
well as with the mystery at the centre of things,
helps shape a life-giving and personally authentic
path into God.
Travelling Light, Dwelling Deep
The
|
BEING |
KNOWING |
DOING |
|---|---|---|---|
Still Waters Encountering the Present Moment in Quietness |
A Learning Journey Equipping, Exploring and Accompanying Others |
Across the Threshold Engaging with Wisdom on the Boundaries |
|
And He said: “Walk with me” |
|||
Gatherings Pilgrimage to Now/here Annual Retreat Prayer at the Heart 3s Contemplative Practice |
‘Living the Mystery’ Study/retreat days Open Circles 3s, 7s |
A Garden Inside – working with the marginalised Companions on the Way discovering their own form of compassionate action |
|
PRAYER |
STUDY |
ACTION |
|
JOINING THE JOURNEY
People are attracted to Contemplative Fire and
the spiritual discipline of Companions on the
Way by a number of different routes. You may
first have attended a Gathering for eucharistic
worship, at the invitation of a friend or by word of
mouth. You may have taken part in an ‘Around the
Hearth’ exploratory series in someone’s home. Or
you may have come across a local Contemplative
Fire event, or looked at the website.
By whatever route you have come into contact
with Contemplative Fire, you are welcome. As
you explore the interwoven strands of action and
contemplation that make up the personal rhythm
of a Companion on the Way, we encourage you to
consider whether you are ready to step out on this
life-changing walk with Christ in the world. If you are
drawn to the path, we invite you to join the journey!
Anyone in the Contemplative Fire community
will be happy to talk to you about the decision
to join. We also recommend, if you do not already
have a spiritual mentor, that you consider finding
one as an accompanier on this profound personal
pilgrimage into the enduring mystery at the heart
of life. (Our website will carry information about
how to set about sourcing one.)
If you do have a spiritual director, then you
should share with them your calling to this particular
path.
What is a Rhythm of Life?
"A model of spiritual development for the average person who intends to live life beyond the superficial or the uncaring."
Joan Chittister
"...a trellis which supports a life of mindfulness, a life lived in fullness."
Esther de Waal
A COMMITMENT ON THREE LEVELS: the personal, the local and the wider Contemplative Fire community
We ask prospective Companions on the
Way who are considering making their
commitment to the journey, to engage with the
Contemplative Fire vision at different levels: the
personal, the small local group, and the regional
and national expression of this body of Christ.
The inspiration for each Companion’s individual
Rhythm of Life is the willingness to be set
alight by the fire of God. The idea is to weave
together in continuous movement our core values
of Being, Knowing and Doing (or prayer, study
and action) at a personal and collective level. The
following are suggestions – not instructions! – for
ways in which that Rhythm of Life might take
shape for you personally.
A PERSONAL RHYTHM - opening to Presence
Still Waters - Encountering the Present Moment in Quietness
A rhythm of prayerful 'being'.
- Dwell deep. Drink daily from the well of contemplative prayer, committing to some form of silent prayer, morning and /or evening. Be attentive in prayer to the movement of the heart towards compassionate action and intercession.
- Rest in God. 'Don't just do something. Sit there!'
- Retreat - an annual retreat, with the Contemplative Fire community if possible!
- Pray imaginatively. Engage with Scripture and other texts you find spiritual, inspirational, soul-provoking…
- Let the Holy Spirit , the beauty of creation and the gentle discipline of love be your teachers in deepening the prayer experience.
- Discover the freedom of letting the body express prayer. Receive within it the grace and fire of divine life. Seek integration of the whole person, celebrating God’s presence with all the senses.
A Learning Journey - Equipping, Exploring and Accompanying Others
A 'knowing' that brings the theory together with the practice. As members of the Contemplative Fire community, we are willing and prepared to:
- Explore and ask questions of the Judaeo-Christian tradition
- Wrestle with tough theological questions
- Undertake a daily or weekly commitment to some form of study, that enriches your understanding of the contemplative Christian tradition
- Reflect in solitude, in a spiritual journal, with other Contemplative Fire companions, and / or with a Spiritual Director, on the experiences you have and the knowledge you gain as you broaden and deepen your practice of prayer
- Accompany others on this transformational journey
Contemplative Fire is a generative learning community. Please let us have your own thoughts, input and insights, and watch our website for practical suggestions and guidance in all these areas.
Across the Threshold - Engaging with Wisdom on the Boundaries
'Doing' expressed as contemplation-in-action
What do we mean by ‘engaging with wisdom
on the boundaries’? It is allowing oneself to be
drawn by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, out of
one’s comfort zone into a deeper and more costly
loving – this is the invitation. The Spirit comforts
and challenges every community called together
in the name and the energy of Christ.
Companions on the Way find themselves
being nudged into acts of compassion, into times
of dialogue and of story-telling about the deep
and the rich things of life. We find ourselves in
our responses poised on the boundary between
certainty and uncertainty, between knowing and
unknowing. We touch humility when we realise
that we have so much to gain by simply being
present and open to the other: here, in this meeting,
is the unfolding of the wisdom of God.
- Caring for the earth - a mindfulness towards matters of spiritual stewardship; a commitment to ecofriendly / recycling / fair-trade projects
- Compassionate outreach - costly loving. Meetings on the edge: be they prisonvisits, peacemaking, or bridge-building between communities.
- Simplicity of lifestyle : travel light...
- Generous giving. Love is energy; money is energy. The generosity of God calls for our own generous response, in support of this ministry.
The contributions of Contemplative Fire Companions support the outreach of this new paradigm ministry. Please see our section below on financial giving and Contemplative Fire. Full accounts are available.
A LOCAL RHYTHM - Around The Hearth
Sharing with others Christ's invitation
A dozen or so individuals may attend up
to five introductory meetings, which will include
‘taster sessions’ of the different Contemplative Fire
activities outlined below.
In its mature form, an ongoing Around the
Hearth group meets in various configurations for
contemplative practice, deep sharing, silence, and
theological and liturgical exploration. These local
Contemplative Fire communities are likely to meet
in a private home.
- 3s Monthly meetings for three compatible people for a structured two-hour session of deep listening.
- 7s 'Way Beyond Religion' A regular meeting of seven people to celebrate the major festivals of the Christian year with food for the body and soul, deep sharing and blessing.
- 12s (Open Circles) Occasions for shared stillness, spiritual creativity and theological exploration, as Scripture and other resources are explored with the mind and heart to discern their wisdom and practical outworking.
- Still Waters Inreach and outreach through shared silence: local groups meeting in homes or in sacred spaces for the refreshment of stillness and movement, centred upon Christ.
A WHOLE-COMMUNITY RHYTHM - being the Body of Christ
Celebration, stillness, learning and love
- Gatherings
Share in contemplative communion, enjoy music and chant, and use body prayer and simple movement as part of a reflective prayer process that seeks to integrate creative arts, wisdom and worship. - Pilgrimage to Now/here
The inspiration of the outdoors. A delightful 4 hour spiritual journey, with teachings from the Christian mystics and a walk of awareness in nature or in city. - 'Living The Mystery: The Way of Christ the Contemplative'
As part of the ongoing commitment to study and learning, you may choose to be involved in this unique programme of spiritual stimulus and support. The primary themes are ‘seeing, knowing, loving’, echoing the mystical tradition’s experience of God and of all reality as ‘one seeing, one knowing and one love’ (Meister Eckhart). See website ‘Events Section’ for details.
The primary themes are 'seeing, knowing, loving', echoing the mystical tradition's experience of God and of all reality as 'one seeing, one knowing and one love' (Meister Eckhart). See 'Events Section' for details.
Financial giving and Contemplative Fire
Contemplative Fire is a registered charity and
a company limited by guarantee. Most of its
costs are staff costs related to development, administration
and travel. Authorised by the Diocese of
Oxford and increasingly, by other dioceses, this
ministry is not financed by the Church of England.
Contemplative Fire is called to make its own provision
for staff housing, pensions, holiday cover
and sick-leave, as well as for salaries.
The Diocese of Oxford has provided ongoing
housing, and £10,000 per annum seed-funding for
a 3-year start-up phase. The seed-funding ceased
in September 07.
Contemplative Fire, like many churches and
charities, is entirely dependent on money generously
gifted by benefactors, by the core community
and by income from its events. We invite
Contemplative Fire’s Companions on the Way to
calculate their giving on one of a number of established
bases. These range from Biblical ‘first fruits’
(or tithing), to the Quaker method of a set proportion
after fixed expenses; or your personal equivalent
of a day’s wages (or two days!) per month; or
simply a fixed proportion of income.
Currently, we celebrate the fact that
Companions on the Way contribute within a range
of £5 and £250 each month in personal giving.
Contemplative Fire is growing steadily and
we need to keep up the momentum. Please sensitively
consider how best you may support this
work at all levels.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
If you feel drawn to ‘travel light and dwell deep’
on a contemporary road to Emmaus, moving into
a new quality of seeing and fullness of being, we
hope that you will feel both inspired and invited by
this vision for the Contemplative Fire community.
If you feel drawn to becoming a Companion on the Way, please email, or simply print off the Invitation below.
The letter to the Ephesians could not put the invitation more powerfully: 'I pray that, according to the riches of his glory he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God'.
Ephesians 3: 16-19, NRSV.