<![CDATA[CLEOPAS - News]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:35:19 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Advent retreat 2025]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:54:19 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/advent-retreat-2025Gazing on the Face of Love
Retreat leader: Roz Stirling

​13th December 2025 
1st Donegore Presbyterian Church, 30 Main Street, Parkgate. BT39 0DG 
9:30am-12:30pm 


Coffee/Tea & refreshments 

available on arrival 


Gazing on the Face of Love 
Love in many forms and disguises, is the message of Advent and of Christmas. We will reflect on the love that planned and delivered on this amazing moment in human history - the night that Jesus was born. 

The same retreat morning will also run on 22nd November in Templepatrick Presbyterian, BT39 0AP 

Booking: 
Please do so by emailing Roz on r.stirling943@btinternet.com or text on 07876394556. 

Cost: 
To support the ministry of Cleopas and cover the cost of the day, we invite you to come prepared to make a donation. Thank-you
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]]><![CDATA[Leader's Retreat]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:48:20 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/leaders-retreatPastoring the Church through the great realignment.
Retreat Leader: Andy Hickford 

12th January 2026 
Drumalis Retreat and Conference centre 
47 Glenarm Road, Larne, BT40 1DT 
9:30am-4:30pm 


Coffee/Tea & Lunch included 


Pastoring the Church through the great realignment 
Around the globe a fracturing is taking place. A great realignment. How do we in church leadership navigate this critical moment in history? Sign up for this timely retreat when we will explore Scripture’s message for us in 2026. 

Booking: 
Please do so by emailing Roz on r.stirling943@btinternet.com 
or text on 07876394556. 

Cost: 
The cost for the day will be 
£65 per person. 
Payable on arrival or by bank transfer before the event
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]]><![CDATA[Advent retreat 2024]]>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:21:38 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/advent-retreat-2024Encountering Emmanuel, God With Us!'
Retreat Leader: Roz Stirling

30th November 2024
1st Donagore Presbyterian
​9:30am-12:30pm

Encountering Emmanuel, God With Us!
In this retreat morning we will reflect on the incredible reality that
God's great longing was to open the way for us to know him and encounter him as Emmanuel, God
with Us.


Booking: 
Please do so by emailing Roz on r.stirling943@btinternet.com or text 07876394556. 


Cost: 
To support the ministry of Cleopas and cover the cost of the day, we invite you to come prepared to make a donation. Thank-you.
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]]><![CDATA[Leaders Retreat 2025 -]]>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:15:33 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/leaders-retreat-2025​Define your Times, Treasure your Calling!
Retreat Leader: Andy Hickford 
​
13th January 2025
​
Drumalis Retreat and
Conference centre
47 Glenarm Road, Larne,
BT40 IDT

​9:30am-4:30pm

Define your Times, Treasure your Calling ! 
How do these turbulent times inform and even enrich our calling?
Andy will lead us in biblical reflection as we seek to encounter
Christ and know that the challenges of our world are smaller than the grandeur of Christ within us.

Booking: 
Please do so by emailing Roz on r.stirling943@btinternet.com or text 07876394556. 


Cost: 
The cost for the day will be
£60 per person.
Payable on arrival or by bank transfer before the event.
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]]><![CDATA[Advent Retreat - 'Hope Reborn']]>Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:33:54 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/advent-retreat-hope-rebornHope Reborn
9th December 2023
1st Donagore Presbyterian
​9:30am-12:30pm

It is time to prepare for Christmas! 
Time to wait, listen, worship and adore. 
Our morning will offer space for reflection and prayer as we prepare our hearts to again rejoice in the amazing gift of God, that is Jesus. 


Booking: 
Please do so by emailing Roz on roz.stirling.cleopas@gmail.com or phone on 07876394556. 


Cost: 
To support the ministry of Cleopas and cover the cost of the day, we invite you to come prepared to make a donation. Thank-you.
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]]><![CDATA[LEADERS RETREAT: THRIVING BEYOND SURVIVNG]]>Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:56:47 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/leaders-retreat-thriving-beyond-survivngLEADERS RETREAT

THRIVING BEYOND SURVIVNG

Date: 15TH & 16TH January 2024
Drumalis, Retreat and Conference Centre,
47 Glenarm Rd, Larne, BT40 IDT

Arrive: Monday 15th: 9:30am
Depart: Tuesday 16th: 4:30pm  

​
Cost: £150 per person
(Including accommodation, all meals & retreat materials.)

As leaders we often congratulate ourselves if we have managed to survive. We all know that ministry is often hard going. What if we could rejoice that we are thriving not just surviving? Imagine the energy and well-being that would bring to us and to our work. 
Our retreat is an invitation to pause and reflect and discover the place from which we ourselves are nourished. To sit at the feet of the Master and learn from him and to enjoy the companionship and fellowship of our fellow leaders. 
BOOKING INFORMATION
Please email Roz Stirling on
r.stirling943@btinternet.com 

Please supply the following:
  • full name,
  • mobile number
  • and any dietary requirements. 
Full payment for the retreat will be required by Monday 8th January. Details on payment methods will be sent with confirmation of your booking. 


Further retreat details/information: Please contact Roz Stirling, Director of Cleopas on 
Email: r.stirling943@btinterent.com
Mobile: 07876394556 
Retreat Leader: 
Andy Hickford 
Director of Jubilee Leadership 

Jubilee Leadership is a ministry committed to the nurturing of those in Christian leadership. He writes ‘My passion is to see leaders thrive so that in turn, they and the Church will thrive, becoming a beacon of hope to the world.’ 
​
www.jubileeleadership.co.uk 
]]><![CDATA[Easter Retreat - 'Love Crucified']]>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 19:16:03 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/easter-retreat-love-crucifiedEASTER RETREAT

Love Crucified

Date: 1st April 2023
1st Donegore, Presbyterian Church,
Parkgate, BT39 ODG

9:30am to 12:30pm 
(Tea, coffee and refreshments available on arrival.)
​
Cost: To support the ministry of Cleopas and cover the cost ofthe day, we invite you to come prepared to make a donation. Thank-you.

Why did Jesus end up on the Cross? Was he the victim of a brutal, political system which had been used by the religious elite to rid them of a rebel? As today’s followers of Jesus we know this is not the story of the Cross. Rather that Jesus’ death was an act of outrageous love. 
In our retreat we will reflect on this as we prepare for Holy Week and the coming Easter weekend.
BOOKING
For further information and to book your place please contact 
Roz Stirling on
Mobile: 07876394556
Email: r.stirling943@btinternet.com
]]><![CDATA[Leader's Retreat 'Growing into His Likeness"]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:40:04 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/leaders-retreat-growing-into-his-likenessLeader's Retreat

'Growing into His Likeness"

​Monday 6th March 2023
9:30 – 4:00pm
Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre,
47 Glenarm Rd; Larne. BT40 1DT.

£40 per person
(discount of 10% for a team coming from a church or organisation)

Retreat leader – Roz Stirling.

Booking: to book please contact Roz on
​roz.stirling.cleopas@gmail.com
Or text/phone 07876394556
This quiet day is an opportunity for anyone who has leadership responsibility within a church or Christian ministry organisation, to take time out and spend undistracted time with the Lord. 
An opportunity to be still, to listen for His word of personal encouragement and refreshment, to pay attention to what is happening in your soul and to be blessed by the fellowship of other leaders seeking the same space for nurture and unhurried time apart.


Come on your own, or bring your staff team. Roz will act as a gentle guide throughout the day including creating opportunity for personal reflection.
A two-course lunch will be provided, along with plenty of refreshment available throughout the day. 
Please bring your bible and a notebook – all other resources will be provided.
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]]><![CDATA[He Restores My Soul - Tony Horsfall]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:06:35 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/he-restores-my-soul-tony-horsfall

​He Restores My Soul

​Tony Horsfall
​NOV 2022
There are two separate Events in the form of a General Day retreat and a Leaders Day retreat
LEADERS RETREAT
Thursday, 17 November 2022, 
09:30 – 15:30
​
A one-day event with author and retreat leader, Tony Horsfall - with a special focus on Christian leaders.
GENERAL RETREAT
Saturday, 19 November 2022, 
09:30 – 15:30
​
A one-day retreat with author and retreat leader, Tony Horsfall.
ABOUT THE EVENTS
Tony Horsfall is an author and retreat facilitator as well as being the author of several books, including 'Working from a Place of Rest', and 'Rhythms of Grace.'
​
This one-day event has been arranged by Ken and Helen Clarke, along with Alan and Pauline Wilson, and it will provide the opportunity for teaching, fellowship, and time for prayer and reflection.

The retreat will be held at Edenmore Golf and Country Club, in Magheralin - just 10 minutes from the Moira roundabout.

The ticket price (non-refundable) covers the speaker's expenses and includes coffee and scones on arrival (from 9.30) as well as soup and sandwiches for lunch. Any surplus from the event will help fund future events.

*Please note that this event is open to all and is NOT limited to those in leadership.
]]><![CDATA[Sharon Garlough Brown - May 2022]]>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:04:38 GMThttps://www.cleopas.net/news/sharon-garlough-brown-may-2022Sharon Garlough Brown
Looking what's happening in May 2022

21st-28th May 2022

Cleopas is delighted to welcome to Northern Ireland for the first time, author and speaker, Sharon Garlough Brown.
​
Sharon has become known internationally in recent years through her award winning series Sensible Shoes – A story about the Christian Spiritual Journey. She will join us in Northern Ireland in the last week of May 2022.

"Sharon Garlough Brown's writings and retreats have impacted my life greatly, creating in me a deeper hunger for God and providing practical ways by which to satisfy that longing...."

Read Book Endorsements

Itinerary 

Choose from 4 different retreats >>>
DAY RETREAT​

Saturday 21st

Fitzroy Presbyterian // 77 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL
Abiding in the Love of God  The focus of this day retreat will be on how to dwell/abide in the love of God and live from this place of abiding. Sharon will help us explore ways to practise receiving, resting in, and responding to this amazing love. Drawing deeply from scripture, she will teach about the use of spiritual practices as a tool for being attentive to the voice of God and guide us in personal reflection and response.
Arrival Time & Registration
From 9:15am onwards. Retreat time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Refreshments
Tea and coffee will be served from 9:15am and will be available during the lunch break. Please note, lunch is not provided.  There is space in our halls for the first 150 who wish to bring a packed lunch and eat it on the premises. Alternatively, there are a variety of local cafés in the vicinity – information on local eateries will be included in booking info.
Bookstall
There will be a bookstall available where Sharon’s books, including her latest, Feathers of Hope, will be available for purchase.

Booking

​Cost: £35 per person,
payable at time of booking.
​
Please download the booking form which will give you full details on how to pay and return to the Fitzroy booking secretary, Patrica Blake  at: patricia.blake.cleopas@gmail.com      
LEADERS' MORNING RETREAT

Monday 23rd

Edenmore Golf and Country Club // 70 Drumnabreeze Road, Magheralin, Craigavon, BT67 0RH
Tending Your Own Vineyard  This morning retreat, which is specifically for those in Christian leadership, will offer an opportunity to reflect on how to ensure a deep walk with the Lord is integral to our lives as leaders. There are many challenges that confront leaders on a daily basis, not least that of protecting personal sacred space with God. 
Sharon, and her husband Jack, who have co-pastored together in churches where Jack was the minister, will teach and participate in a Q&A. This morning is designed to bring refreshment from scripture and offer as much practical help as possible.
Arrival Time & Registration
From 9:30am onwards. Programme time: 10:00am to 12:45pm
Refreshments
Tea & coffee and scones will be available on arrival. You may wish to enjoy lunch in Edenmore’s restaurant, following the event. The cost of lunch is not included.

Booking

​Cost: £20 per person,
payable at time of booking.
​
Please download the booking form which will give you full details on how to pay and return to the Edenmore booking secretary, Pauline Wilson at:  pauline.wilson.cleopas@gmail.com 
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT

Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th

Dromantine Retreat Centre // 96 Glen Road, Newry. BT34 1RH
Water from the Well Caring for ourselves, while caring for others. This is a major challenge for anyone in ministry. A really important discipline for all of us is to take some time away from the demands of ministry, switch off our mobile phone, and rest. This overnight retreat will offer such an opportunity in the peaceful environment of Dromantine, where the pace will be slow and deeply restful. Sharon will help us to drink deeply from the living water, Jesus himself, offering ways to press the reset button and grow in intimacy and joy in God.
Arrival Time & Registration
Arrival between 9:30 & 10:00am. Allocation of rooms – all rooms are ensuite but please bring your own toiletries. All meals provided during retreat.

Booking

​Cost: £145 per person,
payable at time of booking.
​
Please download the booking form which will give you full details on how to pay and return to the Dromantine booking secretary, Roz Stirling at: roz.stirling.cleopas@gmail.com 
DAY RETREAT

Saturday 28th

High Kirk Presbyterian // 65 – 71 Thomas Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AZ
Abiding in the Love of God The focus of this day retreat will be on how to dwell/abide in the love of God and live from this place of abiding. Sharon will help us explore ways to practise receiving, resting in, and responding to this amazing love. Drawing deeply from scripture, she will teach about the use of spiritual practices as a tool for being attentive to the voice of God and guide us in personal reflection and response.
Arrival Time & Registration
From 9:15am onwards. Retreat time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Refreshments
Tea and coffee will be served from 9:15am and will be available during the lunch break. Please note, lunch is not provided: please bring your own packed lunch which can be eaten in the church halls where tea and coffee will be available.
Bookstall
There will be a bookstall available where Sharon’s books, including her latest, Feathers of Hope, will be available for purchase.

Booking

​Cost: £35 per person,
payable at time of booking.
​
Please download the booking form which will give you full details on how to pay and return to the High Kirk booking secretary, Daphne Wilson at: ​daphne.wilson.cleopas@gmail.com. 

About Sharon

Sharon Garlough Brown is an author, spiritual director, and retreat speaker who travels internationally to lead events. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Sharon has served on the pastoral staff of congregations in Scotland, Oklahoma, England, and most recently in West Michigan, where she co-pastored with her husband, Jack. She and Jack now oversee Abiding Way Ministries (www.abidingway.life) which offers spiritual formation retreats and resources, including daily lectio divina recordings.

Sharon’s spiritual formation novels in the bestselling Sensible Shoes series follow the journey of characters who are learning to rest in the love of God. Her Shades of Light series explores mental health, grief, and God’s presence with us in affliction. Her latest novel, Feathers of Hope, releases in the spring of 2022.

For more information about Sharon’s work, visit www.sharongarloughbrown.com
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