Dear friends,
As summer draws to a close, we invite you to a rich programme of music, workshops, and conversations this autumn at St Ethelburga’s.
We’re delighted to be part of Open House Festival 2025—a citywide celebration of London’s architecture, neighbourhoods, and the communities that shape them. Join us on Monday 15 September for a special Open Day at St Ethelburga’s. You’re invited to step into our unique space, learn about the history, and discover our remarkable story of rising from the ashes. Explore our immersive audio tour, wander the peaceful courtyard garden, and pause for a moment of reflection in our Bedouin Tent. Whether you’re drawn by history, architecture, or the spirit of peacemaking, we look forward to seeing you on the Open Day.
Celebrate Afghanistan in Melody with Listen to the World on 2 September, featuring award-winning singer and composer Elaha Soroor, master tabla player Sulaiman Haqpana, and a special guest.
On 4 September, join us for a day of experiential workshop Embodied Peace. Our monthly Contemplative Practice resumes on 9 September, inviting you to renew hope in our Bedouin tent. Do not miss the talented Germa Adan with her Haitian roots at Listen to the World on 7 October.
On 27 October writer and conservationist Eleanor O’Hanlon invites us to immerse ourselves in the rhythms of the ocean through storytelling, photography, sound, and film. Eleanor will share life-changing moments with ocean life, threading together indigenous wisdom and the latest field science to ask profound questions like: What can the ocean teach us about living with rhythm, depth and presence? How do close encounters with wild creatures awaken us to the sacredness of the Earth? How can we find a sense of belonging and kinship with the Earth, even in the heart of a city?
In November, deepen your peacebuilding skills with our Facilitation Training and Depolarising Through Dialogue. On 19 November, we’re honoured to welcome Rupert Sheldrake and Rowan Williams for a profound conversation that bridges Science, Faith, and Memory. Rupert Sheldrake’s theory of morphic resonance suggests that memory inheres in nature. What does this idea suggest to the Christian imagination? What are the natural parameters within which faith, culture and memory are transmitted? What does this suggest for our approach to inner life – particularly in our hyper-digitised age when much inner life now takes place through online interactions? This thought-provoking session invites us to reflect on what it means to be fully alive—and Christian—in a world of rapid technological and cultural transformation.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our autumn events soon!
With warmest wishes,
The St Ethelburga's team