Welcome to the International Community Website
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Introduction Guardians Daily Light Join Us Contacts Donate Volunteering Ray Simpson
Annual Gathering 2016
Introduction
The Community of Aidan and Hilda is a dispersed, ecumenical body drawing inspiration from the lives of the Celtic saints.
We provide a programme of retreats and events around the UK and internationally. For information, please contact the office.
We have regional groups around the UK, which have their own programme of events. The Community also has members in several countries around the world some of which have their own overseas groups.
We also run a variety of online correspondence courses, supported by tutors and mentors available by email, telephone and possibly during any associated retreats.
Find out about our life-changing study course "Igniting the Flame" here.
Download talks by leading experts in the
field of Celtic Christianity which where given at our summer school in Durham in August 2019.
The Community tries to nurture a holistic Christian spirituality for today that can benefit both traditional and emerging churches. We provide a wide range of resources and even e-learning packages. The Community is governed by the Caim Council and headed by our three Guardians, currently Scott Brennan, Penny Warren and Simon Reed. Membership has a variety of forms:
- Friends
- Explorers
- Voyagers
You do not, however, need to be a member to enjoy the facilities and resources we offer. Most retreats and meetings are open to all Christians and those wanting to find out about the Christian faith. Through this website you can find out more about the community and explore the possibility of joining with us.
If you are new to the story of the Celtic churches that survived in Britain following the collapse of the Roman Empire, downloading the Celtic Timeline PDF file should provide you with a very brief chronology of events.
The Community publishes a quarterly magazine, The Aidan Way. Please contact the office if you would like a copy.
Join the Community of Aidan and Hilda
Places for Retreat, Prayer and Growth
For details of our larger property, High Rigg House, click here
For details of our smaller property, Starbank Cottage, click here
Guided Retreats 2023 - can be booked by individuals
Daily Readings
In his book "Celtic Daily Light", Ray Simpson provides us with daily meditations for each day of the year. You can read them online here or by clicking the image "Read Celtic Daily Light". You can also join in the Community's daily prayer by clicking the links beneath the Pray with Us section below.
Pray with Us
The Community recommends having a rhythm of prayer through the day. You can see examples of the format we suggest for morning, midday, evening and night prayer here.
Community Guardians
The Guardians safeguard the spirit and ethos of the Community and its dispersed members, and are its spiritual leaders. The current Guardians are Scott Brennan, Penny Warren, and Simon Reed.
Each guardian also has a specific role
| Scott Brennan | Penny Warren | Simon Reed |
|---|---|---|
|
Guardian 
Postal Address: White House, Fenkle St, Holy Island Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SR Phone: 01289 389 431 |
Members’ Guardian 
Postal Address: The Rectory Phone: 01409-281424 |
Chair of Caim Council 
Postal Address: The Ascension Vicarage Phone: 020-8566-9920 |
For general enquiries it is best to contact the Community office in the first instance, but all three Guardians are happy to be contacted whenever necessary or with specific enquiries.
Ray Simpson is the founding guardian of the Community and although he is no longer responsible for running Community affairs you can find out more about Ray here.
Giving to the Community of Aidan and Hilda
The Community's regular income comes from subscriptions, and the sale of books, CDs and crafts. While this might keep us ticking over, we do need donations if we are to engage in any projects or expand our mission.
You can make a donation to the Community through PayPal here.
Ray Simpson with retreatants on Holy Island