From the Warden

The ancient Romans worshipped a number of gods. Amongst them was Janus, the god of beginnings, endings and transitions. He was depicted with two faces, one looking backwards, the other forwards, and our month of January is named after him. It seems apt, after all - January is a time when often we look back on the old year, and then look ahead to what might come, making plans or resolutions.

So as I look back over 2024, I see that we welcomed over 130 different people to stay at Thie dy Vea. That doesn’t include the folk who enjoyed their stay so much that they came back for a second or even third visit during the year! Most came from the British Isles, but amongst them were guests from continental Europe, Africa, Australia and the United States. Between them they clocked up over 780 bed-nights, which gives a rough average of 2 guests every night of the year. Then there are the dozens of people who have come to a day event, a course or a workshop, and you start to get a sense of the impact of our ministry here.

Something we’re conscious of as a team is the power that lies in generous hospitality, welcoming each guest as an individual, having time to stop, chat and listen - and to pray with them, if it’s appropriate. Add to that the sense of peace that people often find when they come here, and you’ll understand why - for a growing number of people - Thie dy Vea has become their special place. We’ve received many lovely comments from guests during the year such as this one, 'from the moment I was received at the front door until I was ready to leave, I felt the love of Jesus expressed so freely by each of you in your kindness.'

I’m hugely grateful to my colleagues Fran, Dave, Karen and Liz for being at the heart of our life and ministry, and also to our team of volunteers who arrive and roll up their sleeves, selflessly giving their time and energy. In the background, but crucial to our life and work, are our Trustees. It is such a blessing to work with these people.

So, what can I tell you, as my ‘other face’ looks to the coming year?

May and June are going to be particularly full months.

It’s wonderfully encouraging to see we have some guests returning for the second, third and even fourth time!

We have already planned a rich mix of retreats and day events which we’re now advertising, and we’ll add to this calendar as the year unfolds.
We start the year with a residential retreat for clergy; we have a real concern for the wellbeing of everyone in ministry in the church, and are developing a programme of support which we’re offering across all denominations - both on and off-Island.

At its heart, Thie dy Vea is about creating a place where people are able to take a step back from the routines and pressures of life and simply be. It’s about providing opportunities to listen to and discern the promptings of the spirit, to recharge. It’s no accident that its Manx name means House of Life! It’s about creating an atmosphere of peace and acceptance -of doing what we can - and leaving the rest to God.

So, using my “two faces” of January - one looks back with gratitude - the other looks forward with faith-filled hope:

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown".
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way".

Extract from 'The Gate of the Year' by Minnie Louise Haskins