In-person retreat: Finding Hope Through Disappointment
We had a fantastic in-person retreat ‘Finding Hope Through Disappointment’, 10th – 12th September 2025 at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hertfordshire, UK.
The retreat took place in the beautiful grounds at High Leigh, described as a: 'historic Christian venue with tranquil surroundings: 40 acres of lawns, parkland and woodland' with en-suite bedrooms and spacious meeting halls and rooms.
Our speakers were Neil and Sonya Chitty (our CEO Tim’s pastor and his wife). You can watch and hear a lively and engaging talk from them on Disability and the Church on YouTube.
The programme included worship; teaching sessions; arts and craft materials for personal response; fellowship with others; quiet time and space in beautiful surroundings; opportunities for prayer; and communion together.
It was a powerful and uplifting experience, where everyone was able to share in their own way - whether in words, in art or creativity, or in quiet presence. The message rang through every session that God brings hope in every situation and season - however dark it may seem.
We were blessed by hearing Neil and Sonya's own stories of how God helped them overcome feelings of bitter disappointment. Neil shared of his diagnosis of Bethlem Myopathy, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, which took many years for doctors to pinpoint. He had to recognise that he would never be able to run or play football like his friends, and face the stigma and social difficulties that, sadly, often accompany being a wheelchair user - including the challenge of finding a girlfriend, who would become the wife God wanted for him. Enter Sonya! God can overcome all barriers, so - despite many more disappointments along the way - the family have continued to use their gifts to bless the church and community. Their daughter led an amazing evening of worship on the last night of our retreat!
We all came away from the retreat with peace and serenity, knowing that God is with us in all things and will carry us through the storms of life. We look forward to future retreats and hope you can join us. All retreats will be advertised on our retreats page and you can email together@throughtheroof.org to contact the organisers of our Together Fellowship programme.