| 🌼 Beauty for Ashes
🙌 Worship - It Is Well 🏠 Cottage For Hire
📅 Upcoming Events
👑 Remember Who You Are
🔙 January 2026 Recap 🎨 h-Art 2026 - Call for Artists
🏘️ Venue Hire
📔 Dates for your Diary
🙏 Prayer Diary - February 2026
🖥️ Sceptre Digital - Web Design
🎵 Breath Of Life |
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"To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes.” — Isaiah 61:3 |
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Dear Friends,
Lent begins this month on Ash Wednesday, 18th February, inviting us into forty days of prayerful reflection, repentance, and renewed attentiveness to God.
It is a season that does not shy away from the reality of ashes – the ashes of our mortality, our frailty, our losses, and the things within us that need healing and surrender.
In Isaiah 61:3, the prophet speaks of a remarkable exchange at the heart of God’s redemptive work: “to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.” Ashes symbolise what has been burned away, reduced, or broken down. They remind us that life is fragile and that all we cling to apart from God will ultimately pass away.
Lent gives us space to sit honestly with this truth – to acknowledge our limitations, confess our sins, and name the burdens we carry.
Yet Lent is never an end in itself. Even as we mark our foreheads with ashes, we do so facing forwards - not backwards.
The journey through these forty days leads us inexorably to the Cross, where Christ takes upon Himself the full weight of human sin, sorrow, and death. And beyond the Cross lies the empty tomb – the triumph of resurrection life.
The promise of “beauty for ashes” is not a denial of suffering or repentance, but God’s declaration that the ashes of our lives do not get the final word.
What is offered to us in Christ is transformation: grief turned to joy, shame replaced with honour, despair exchanged for hope.
Lent invites us to release what troubles us, binds us, or distracts us, trusting that God is able to reshape even the most broken places of our lives into something beautiful.
Blessings,
Joe and Cathy
Wardens, The Wellspring Ledbury
www.thewellspring.uk |
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Grander earth has quaked before Moved by the sound of His voice Seas that are shaken and stirred Can be calmed and broken for my regard
Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It is well Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You And it is well with me
Far be it from me to not believe Even when my eyes can't see And this mountain that's in front of me Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It is well
Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You And it is well It is well
So let go my soul and trust in Him The waves and wind still know His name So let go my soul and trust in Him The waves and wind still know His name So let go my soul and trust in Him The waves and wind still know His name The waves and wind still know His name
It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well it is well with my soul
Oh, It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well it is well with my soul It is well it is well with my soul It is well it is well with my soul
Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It is well Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You And it is well with me |
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“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” — Mark 6:31 |
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Wellspring Cottage is a sanctuary of solitude surrounded by rolling hills and marked by peace and tranquility - an ideal location for wayfarers and pilgrims to stop, rest, and connect with the Lord.
Find out more about Wellspring Cottage by visiting the Cottage page on our website; or check availability and book your stay through our Live Booking Page. |
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After a much needed rest in January, events will resume in February starting next Saturday (7th) with the first in a series of three Quiet Days on the subject of Grace.
Later in February, Darryl Greig will be returning to The Wellspring to lead the first in his series of four all-day bible studies - A Day in Philippians is on Saturday 28th.
We're also giving advance notice of three events taking place at The Wellspring in March. Read on for further details. |
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“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 |
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Join Cathy and Joe as we rest in the breathtaking reality of God’s saving grace. So many of us live as though we still need to earn His approval—yet Jesus has already done it all.
Through His death and resurrection, Christ exchanged our sin for His righteousness, and now we are accepted, forgiven, and made right with God.
This Quiet Day invites you to step away from the need to work for God’s love and into the liberating truth of your position in Christ—saved by grace, not by works.
For more information or to book your place, visit our Amazing Grace event page. |
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“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21 |
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Join Bible teacher and speaker Darryl Greig at The Wellspring for the first of his new all-day Bible Study series.
We will be spending A Day in Philippians - each session will include a short intro and background, reading the text together, group discussion, and feedback and summary.
Through Darryl's unhurried teaching and shared reflections, you’ll be enriched by Scripture, receive fresh insight from God's enduring Word, and leave well-fed for the journey ahead.
For more information or to book your place, visit our A Day in Philippians event page.
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“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16 |
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Join Cathy and Joe and discover the confidence that comes from knowing who you are in Christ.
This Quiet Day will explore the beauty of your identity as a child of God—adopted, beloved, and secure.
No longer outsiders, we are welcomed into the Father’s presence with boldness and joy.
Come and be refreshed as we reflect on the invitation to draw near to the throne of grace, not in fear or striving, but as dearly loved sons and daughters.
For more information or to book your place, visit our Throne of Grace event page. |
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Join Ruth Holt at The Wellspring for another flower arranging day.
This is a great opportunity to gather together in a calm, relaxing, and friendly environment, to make a bouquet or arrangement for Mother’s Day.
No expertise required - just bring yourself and a pair of secateurs!
Places on this day will be limited to 12.
For more information or to book your place, visit our Mother's Day Floral Arrangements event page. |
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“Christ in you, the hope of glory” — Colossians 1:27 |
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Join Bible teacher and speaker Darryl Greig at The Wellspring for the second of his new all-day Bible Study series.
This time, we will be spending A Day in Colossians - again, each session will include a short intro and background, reading the text together, group discussion, and feedback and summary.
Through Darryl's unhurried teaching and shared reflections, you’ll be enriched by Scripture, receive fresh insight from God's enduring Word, and leave well-fed for the journey ahead.
For more information or to book your place, visit our A Day in Colossians event page. |
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“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” — Romans 8:16–17 |
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It is surprisingly easy to lose sight of who we are and how God sees us.
The demands of daily life, unexpected challenges, disappointments, and setbacks all have a way of pressing in on us. When things go wrong, or when the weight of responsibility feels relentless, we can begin to define ourselves by what we are facing—or by how we are feeling. Anxiety, weariness, frustration, or fear can quietly become the lens through which we see ourselves.
But Scripture gently and firmly reminds us of something vital: our circumstances do not define our identity. Nor do our emotions, however real and powerful they may be. Our identity is defined by the truth of God’s Word.
Whatever season we are in, whatever pressures we are carrying, God’s declaration over us has not changed.
The Bible tells us that we are children of God. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are” (1 John 3:1). Our primary identity is not found in our success or failure, but in the Father’s love and belonging.
We are also chosen (or predestined) by God. Scripture says that He “chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Long before we had done anything to earn or lose His favour, God set His love upon us. Our lives are not accidental or overlooked; they are held within God’s eternal purpose.
Through Christ, we have been adopted into God’s family. “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5). Adoption speaks of intention, security, and permanence. We are not tolerated guests in God’s household—we are His sons and daughters.
The New Testament goes even further, describing us as a royal priesthood. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). This means we are given both dignity and purpose: access to God’s presence, and a calling to reflect His light into the world.
We are also heirs—not just servants, but sons and daughters with an inheritance. “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). What God has promised to His Son, He shares with those who are in Him.
And that inheritance is described as something secure, glorious, and eternal: “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). No circumstance on earth can diminish it. No failure can erase it. No hardship can steal it away.
These truths do not remove the realities of suffering, difficulty, or challenge in this life. But they do reframe them. When we remember who we are in Christ, we are no longer defined by what we face—we are anchored in who God says we are.
So the invitation is simple, though not always easy: draw near to God. Abide in Him. Dwell in His Word. Allow these truths to settle into your heart and mind. Let them shape how you see yourself, how you interpret your circumstances, and how you respond to what lies before you.
As we remember who we are—children, chosen, adopted, royal, and heirs—we find ourselves strengthened to walk through this life with greater confidence and deeper peace, rooted not in changing circumstances, but in the unchanging faithfulness of God.
Peace,
Joe
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January is a month we intentionally set aside at The Wellspring for rest and renewal—a time to pause, to breathe, and to ready ourselves for the busier months ahead. This year was no exception. Rather than a full calendar of events, the rhythm of January was marked by stillness, relationship, and quiet gratitude.
While there were no public events scheduled during the month, we were glad to host a venue hire toward the end of January, welcoming others to make use of the space for gathering and fellowship. The cottage was also used at various points, offering guests a place of rest and retreat during the winter weeks.
Much of January, however, was given over to simpler joys: time spent together as a family, visiting friends, and receiving visitors. These unhurried moments—shared meals, conversations, and walks—were a gentle reminder of the gift of being present and the importance of rest as part of faithful living.
A highlight of January 2026 was last week’s Sabbath Monday, a day we set aside for no work (Joe does not find this easy!) and intentional attentiveness to God and one another. We enjoyed a long walk, followed by lunch at a garden centre—simple, restorative, and deeply enjoyable. It felt like a small but significant foretaste of the strength and clarity that come from stopping well.
As January draws to a close, we are grateful for this season of recharging and for the space it has given us to listen, reflect, and be refreshed. We step into the months ahead thankful for God’s provision, for the people He places around us, and for the gift of rest that prepares us for what lies ahead. |
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🎨 h-Art 2026 - Call for Artists |
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The Wellspring is planning to take part as a venue at this year's h-Art festival - held in September.
A number of creatives have already committed to exhibiting with us, but we are still looking for a few more Christian artists who would be interested in showing their faith-inspired work at The Wellspring from Saturday 5th to Sunday 13th September.
We are looking to finalise the lineup of artists by mid-February, as artist and venue applications will need to be submitted to h-Art by the end of the month.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in participating in h-Art @ The Wellspring this year, please write to us at [email protected] and we will provide further details. |
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We provide venue hire for churches and other Christian groups of up to 25 - depending on requirements.
In addition to the spaces hired, we can offer a range of catering options for your day, plus additional hire of facilities - projector, projector screen, whiteboard, etc - as needed.
If you are interested in bringing your group to The Wellspring, you'll find further information on our venue hire web page. |
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🙏 Prayer Diary - February 2026 |
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“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3 |
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We would appreciate your prayers during February in the following areas:
Please 🙏 for The Wellspring through February, that it would be a safe haven to all who visit, and a place of encounter for those needing to hear from God.
Please 🙏 for The Team (Cathy, Joe, Steph, and Jutta) as they continue to manage the day-to-day running of The Wellspring, and complete essential tasks. Pray especially for their health and energy levels.
Please 🙏 for Friends and Volunteers, especially those who join with us at our Thursday night prayer meeting, and those who support us during events, venue hires, and cottage stays.
Please 🙏 for the two Events we will be running during February; pray that we would be fully resourced and prepared, that God would call the right people to attend and that they would be blessed and encouraged by their visit.
Please 🙏 for groups Hiring our spaces during February, that they would be blessed by the venue and its peaceful surroundings, that they would encounter God's presence here, and enjoy times of peace and fellowship as a group.
Please 🙏 for those staying in The Cottage during February, that they would experience God's peace and rest, and that those who come specifically seeking direction or a word from Lord, would hear from Him.
Should you feel during your prayers for The Wellspring that the Lord might be saying something through words, pictures, scriptures, etc, please write to: [email protected].
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🖥️ Sceptre Digital - Web Design |
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Joe and our son Josh have just launched a new web design business called Sceptre Digital.
Whatever you may require—from individuals and small businesses looking to take their first steps online, to medium-sized businesses and organisations looking to scale up their operations—there are a range of affordable web design and eCommerce packages available to suit every need.
The boys are already at work on several projects, but would be happy to speak with anyone looking to establish or increase their web presence.
If you, or someone you know, are looking for an affordable web design solution, you can contact them via the website. |
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Click the image above to listen to Cathy's album "Breath of Life" on SoundCloud.
To share tracks, click the Share icon (arrow in a box). In the dialog box, use the Share tab:
Click the email icon (paper plane) to open a pre-filled email—just send.
Or copy the full or shortened link below to share as needed. |
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