Christian quest house pressing on after 50 years

In 2023, Quiet Waters Christian Retreat House in Bungay celebrated 50 years of serving the Christian community as a place of spiritual refreshment and restoration. They are now looking forward to a new era in the life of the house. Peter Bending reports

Quiet Waters – originally known as Shalom – first opened its doors in 1973 as three Christian ladies followed God’s call, gave up their successful London lives and opened a Christian retreat house in the East of England. In the 1980s the house was developed to offer additional accommodation and since then a variety of committed team members have taken the vision forward.
 
Quiet Waters Trustee Steve Harris said: “The anniversary celebration was a great success. Many friends of Quiet Waters were entertained and listened to stories and testimonies of the journey of this blessed retreat house. Prayers and thanksgiving were offered to God for our past as well as our future, and great fellowship was shared throughout the course of the day.”
 
Shortly after the anniversary celebrations, recently married couple Matt and Maddy joined the team. Matt had been studying theology in Bristol but has always had a love for the outdoors.
 
Maddy said: “We were married at the beginning of June, and living as ‘nomads’ for a short while, it became clear that God had been calling us here as He confirmed it through prayer and timely decisions. Welcomed by Joe and Pauline along with the trustees and chaplains, we have felt supported through the change and secure in our lovely team.
 
“It has not taken us long to settle in Bungay. We have found a local church, explored some new places on days off and we have lots of adventures planned. The river Waveney is both beautiful and practical in its location and has allowed Matt plenty of exploration by kayak, while I explore the Bungay locality on the hunt for cottage pottery.
 
“Witnessing how God has met people at their points of need, even in our short time here, it fills us with confidence that God will continue to use this house and those who serve within it.”
 
This summer, Kim and Paul will be joining the team and you could to. Quiet Waters are currently looking to appoint retreat and hospitality centre team members. Find the full description and who to contact here.
 
Another significant element in this new chapter is the Quiet Waters creative cabin. Set in the woodland area, the cabin is equipped with a wide range of art and craft materials available for guests to enjoy.
 
The cabin also hosts a variety of themed retreats and workshops. Led by creative Christians these have included: mosaics, creating a prayer bible, Christmas wreath making and felting.
 
“We are immensely grateful to the Creative Arts Retreat Movement - exploring creativity in a Christian context - for their generous support of this venture both financially and by supplying so much top-quality equipment. Starting a craft project using quality tools and materials is so much more inspiring,” said Steve.
 
A visitor to the recent journaling workshop said: "It was a very lovely day. I felt relaxed, welcomed and inspired. Everyone was friendly, happy and encouraging. I enjoyed a different aspect of journaling and have loads of ideas to take back to my group."
 
Upcoming events at the creative cabin will include creative prayer, wood carving, pyrography and creative writing.
 
The cabin has just had a little extension, offering a covered area outside ahead of this Augusts Mini Pottery Throw Down. Set over two days, guests will have the opportunity to throw a pot, mould clay, and decorate. As with all the workshops, materials and refreshments are provided.
 
 
After 50 years, the Quiet Water’s Christian Retreat House is showing no signs of slowing down in their quest to help others slowdown in the Norfolk countryside.
 
Find out more about the quest house and the creative workshops at quietwaters.org.uk


image of the creative cabin courtesy of Quiet Waters