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Looking back
A Journey of Growth and Reflection
Throughout the "Wonder of Wellbeing" project, we have focused on improving mental, emotional, and physical health in our community while exploring the Christian faith. Through workshops, mindful practices, wellness challenges, and open discussions, we have fostered deeper connections with ourselves and others. On this page, we reflect on our milestones, shared stories, and the meaningful impact we’ve created together. Here, you can revisit moments that inspired growth, resilience, and joy.
March 2024
Art Show - Prayer Unwrapped
Art Show - Prayer Unwrapped
Art Show - Prayer Unwrapped
We launched the Wonder of Wellbeing project with an art exhibition called *Teach Us to Pray*, created by artist Scott Erickson [www.scottericksonart.com]. This exhibition is ideal for anyone curious about prayer, whether you're experienced in it or just exploring.
The 13 thought-provoking pieces begin with statements expressing frustration with unanswered prayers or struggles in praying, followed by meditations that offer new perspectives on deeper conversations with the divine. The exhibition was displayed at St. Mary's Church in Rhossili, Gower, offering visitors a chance to reflect in one of the world's most beautiful beach settings. It was open daily from 10am to 3pm, free of charge.
Ebb & Flow
Art Show - Prayer Unwrapped
Art Show - Prayer Unwrapped
Rev. Peter Lewis began a weekly walk which happens every Thursday morning at 8:15am until 9:15 am. This weekly walk is ongoing and starts at St Mary's Church in Rhossili. The purpose of this space is to have a space where people can navigate life's ups and downs in a safe and loving community. A chance to walk and talk while immersing yourself in nature and reflecting on hope. This walk happens in both rain and sunshine and furry friends are always welcome.
Reflect at Sunset
Reflect at Sunset
Reflect at Sunset
Reflect at Sunset took place during Holy Week, offering participants a guided journey through the final days of Jesus. The session provided the option to reflect indoors or outdoors, incorporating breath prayers, meditation, and reflections on Bible verses. This was followed by a creative, well-being activity, helping us apply the teachings to our everyday lives.
Reflect at Sunset
Reflect at Sunset
At the end of each session, the group came together to share their personal experiences. Each person's unique reflections inspired and encouraged the group in their own spiritual journey.
Reflect at Sunset
Resources for Reflect at Sunset will soon be available for download, allowing others to reflect on Holy Week or explore the final days of Jesus in their own time.
Wild Church at Oxwich
Wild Church started this month with the aim of giving people who feel close to nature a chance to connect with the creator behind creation. It's a unique, hands-on church experience that combines playfulness and creativity to explore faith. The first gathering took place in Oxwich, where participants explored the nearby forest and the ancient church of St. Illtyd.
April 2024
Texture Trails
Texture Trails offered people a chance to escape the chaos of daily life and enjoy a few peaceful hours exploring Oxwich Bay. Following a mindful map, participants paused, reflected, and took in the beauty of their surroundings. After returning to the cosy Oxwich Bay Hotel, they created textured paper inspired by their journey and crafted stunning landscape collages.
Wild Church at Rhossili
This month's Wild Church focused on the vastness of God's love. Our journey started at the top of Rhossili, and as we made our way down to the beach, we reflected on the beauty of God's love at each level. At the end of the walk, we shared a simple message with passersby, "You are loved," while listening to the song How Deep the Father's Love for Us by Celtic Worship. After returning to the top, we gathered at St Mary's Church to make bookmark collages with measuring tapes, reminding us that God's love is immeasurable.
May 2024
D-Day
Texture Trails
Texture Trails
The Rhossili community came together to mark the 80th anniversary of
D-Day. We created a space for reflection in the church using an art installation. This is where people could take a poppy, reflect on thought-provoking prompts written on a chalkboard, and add their poppy to a red ribbon. We were especially grateful for Roger Button, who helped by turning scraps of driftwood into beautiful creations.
Texture Trails
Texture Trails
Texture Trails
Due to the popularity of our guided Texture Trails session, we added two drop-in sessions for visitors to Rhossili or Port Eynon. These sessions allowed people to experience the beauty of their surroundings in a deeper, more mindful way and document it by creating a collage landscape.
Capturing the Spirit
This free resource was designed for those walking the Gower Pilgrimage Way to reflect on Ascension, Pentecost, and the shift from summer to autumn. Whether snapping photos on a phone, taking them as a keen photographer, or expressing creativity in other ways, participants were given FREE guides to help them reflect and express their journey in a way that felt right for them.
Walking reflections
We created a new space called Walking Reflections, where participants could connect with each other while connecting nature. Participants had the chance to engage in conversation and reflection by following well-being prompts. Our first session took place over Worms Head on bank holiday Monday.
June 2024
Wild Church at the sand dunes
This month's Wild Church centered on Jesus’ story about building a house on the rock instead of sand. We spent the afternoon exploring the sand dunes and nature reserve, experiencing the different textures under our feet—comparing the firmness of the rock with the unsteadiness of the sand.
July 2024
Wild Church - Mill wood
This month’s Wild Church didn’t go as planned. We headed to Mill Wood for forest bathing, but we ended up bathing in the torrential rain. However, we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. Instead, we adapted to the weather and reflected on God’s presence and protection during storms which ended up being a powerful time together.
Art Installation - Cancer Support
Marian is part of the Gower ministry area and takes part in the Gower Might Hike each year to raise awareness and funds for Macmillan. She suggested that the first stop of the hike be in Rhossili, allowing participants and supporters to reflect on their loved ones who are battling cancer, have fought it, or have sadly lost their battle. With Roger Button's help, we recreated the driftwood structure using green ribbons and white tags. It was a touching display, as people wrote the names of their loved ones and heartfelt messages to accompany them.
Wild Church - Mill Wood
Since last month's Wild Church at Mill Wood didn’t go as planned due to the extreme weather, we decided to hold the session again. This time, participants could fully experience forest bathing and reflect on the Psalm in chapter 1, which uses trees to symbolise our faith. We also used helpful well-being reflective cards to deepen our connection with nature and with God.
Gower show
It was fantastic to visit The Gower Show for the first time. We set up a table where visitors could try trust drawings and Matisse-style drawings. Although both activities are simple and fun, they are effective ways to engage in creativity while nurturing health and well-being. We had a wonderful day in the sunshine, enjoying the great atmosphere with everyone who visited, and we felt privileged to be part of such a large community event.
September 2024
CADW
Wild Church Ilston - Three cliffs
Seasons of the soul
In collaboration with CADW Open Doors event, we hosted free well-being workshops at Nicholaston and Llanddewi Church. Participants of all ages created stunning paper lanterns inspired by stained glass, enjoying a stress-reducing crafting experience. We also offered a free guide for a mindful and reflective experience themed around light.
Seasons of the soul
Wild Church Ilston - Three cliffs
Seasons of the soul
A cosy community art installation which invited participants to reflect on life’s seasons of growth, renewal, and transformation.
Exploring how even in decline, new life can emerge, and recognise God’s presence and guidance through every season of life's journey.
Wild Church Ilston - Three cliffs
Wild Church Ilston - Three cliffs
Wild Church Ilston - Three cliffs
We spent time wandering through the forest along the river, where the calm and rocky sections provided powerful visuals for reflection. This continued at St Illtyd's Church, where we created collages to reflect on our life and faith journeys, taking time to pray over each one. To conclude our visit, we enjoyed a bite to eat and a hot drink at Gower Heritage Centre.