OVERVIEW
Why are we doing this and what we hope people will experience?
Revival is happening and we want to be part of it!
In 2023 seven people from St Columbs church in Hawthorn attended the HTB Leadership Conference (LC) in London and since then our community has been inspired to pray continually for a renewal of the church and for more people to come to know Jesus. More members of our parish attended in 2024 and returned to Melbourne on fire for how they witnessed God moving whilst there.
As we considered what God might be inviting us to do in 2025, the kernel of an idea for a tour began taking shape over a meal with a group of church friends (isn’t that how all great adventures start?!)
We wanted to experience the LC together in London, following that- to have time on retreat somewhere to rest in God’s peace, soaking in what we’ve heard God say to us and then, to visit Oxford where God has moved not only historically, but profoundly in these present days.
And so, with the help of Lisa Tarzia and the Selah team our tour was created!
St Columbs itself is a warm and welcoming church hosting events in our large hall, great coffee in our cafe, Alpha, playgroup, community garden, prayer vigils…. So far, the group attending the Tour is a mix of ages from 30s to 70s, not all lifetime Anglicans and all have complete faith it will be a spirit-filled time.
We are so pleased to be able to offer this invitation – now more widely than our St Columbs community. If you feel stirred to come, we’d love to hear from you!
You’ll see on this page that the tour package commences on Wednesday 5th May, the day after the LC finishes.
(If you would like to join us at LC- these tickets are in addition to the stated tour inclusions- contact us and we can add you to the group booking we will make to purchase LC tickets together- reach out before 20th September for an early bird price) Please note that each person is responsible for their own flights and accommodation in London and Selah can assist.
We will travel together from London to Harnill Centre for Christian for Healing located in the beautiful Cotswolds region.
The motto for the Centre is simply “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). As guests we will have the opportunity to participate in the rhythm of daily prayer at the retreat house, have quiet time for reflection, seek spiritual accompaniment and attend a healing prayer meeting. It might also simply be a time of spiritual rest. A complementary experience to the gathering and inspiration of the conference of the previous days!
From there, we will end our time as a group in historic Oxford. The focus of our time will be learning from the team at St Aldate’s church, where the Holy Spirit has been active recently. There will be an opportunity to immerse in the Christian history of the town too for those who wish to do so.
Throughout the Tour, from London to Oxford, we will find opportunities to support and encourage one another.
We will offer gentle, faithful, joyful leadership of the group throughout.
May God’s peace be with you as you discern the possibility of being a part of this special time.
Mark and Lisa McDonald
Mark and Lisa have been married for 25 years.
They have two young adult sons and live in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
Mark has been the Vicar of St Columbs Anglican church in Hawthorn since 2021.
Initially trained as a teacher, Mark has spent his entire career in ministry, in youth ministry and running retreats, in lay parish leadership, in school chaplaincy and in diocesan leadership prior to responding to the call to ordained ministry in 2015. His first appointment was Assistant Minister in St Hilary's Kew, then to Priest in Charge at Christchurch, Newport.
He is inspired and nurtured by the consistent and faithful prayer ministry at St Columbs, without which we could do nothing. He is deeply committed to the mission of more people coming to know Jesus and living in the presence of God.
Mark has qualifications in Education, Theology and Religious Education. His favourite Christian author is NT Wright and the bible verse which he lives by is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13)
Lisa is the founder and facilitator of Gathering of Three, an organisation focused on deepening mission alignment in individuals and teams.
Prior to this, Lisa was the Group Leader Mission for St Vincent’s Health Australia and had responsibility for leading growth and development in Mission across St Vincent’s many staff and numerous facilities. Lisa previously held the role of Director of Mission, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, where she was pivotal in the establishment of the hospital’s Aboriginal Health Unit and increasing staff capacity to respond to the needs of vulnerable patients experiencing poverty. She has also worked in parish and diocesan pastoral leadership. She is a sessional lecturer in the School of Theology at ACU.
Lisa holds a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University and a Master of Theology. Her favourite Christian author is Walter Brueggemann and the bible verse which has been pivotal in her faith journey is "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 1:10-11)
ITINERARY
Included Meals: None
Included Meals:
Approximate driving time from London to The Harnhill Centre is 2 hours – this allows for any delays or traffic congestion
Arrive Harnhill Centre where accommodation has been booked for the next 3 nights
Check in time at the Harnhill Centre is from 1400hrs
Hotel: Harnhill Retreat Centre, Cotswolds
Included Meals:
Hotel: Harnhill Retreat Centre, Cotswolds
Included Meals:
Hotel: Harnhill Retreat Centre, Cotswolds
Included Meals:
into reception
9am Meet your coach and driver for transfer to Oxford
Approximate driving time from The Harnhill Centre to Oxford is 1 hour 15 minutes – this allows for any delays or traffic congestion
10.15am Arrive Oxford, where accommodation has been arranged for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Check in time is from 2pm; Luggage can be stored securely until check in time.
Hotel: Premier Inn, Oxford
Included Meals:
Attend a Sunday service at St Aldates Church and engage with the local community.
St Aldates has been a part of Oxford’s story for over 1,000 years, a place where people have met together to worship God and study scriptures.
Afternoon at leisure for sightseeing and shopping.
Return to the Oxford hotel at leisure
Hotel: Premier Inn, Oxford
Included Meals:
Check-out of the hotel ensuring that any extras charged to your account are settled and that your room keys have been handed into reception.
Checkout time from the hotel is by 1200hrs. Luggage can be stored securely until departure.
Enjoy some free time and lunch at leisure.
This afternoon, meet your coach and driver for transfer back to London.
Approximate driving time from Oxford to London is 1 hour 45 minutes – this allows for any delays or traffic congestion.
End of services
Included Meals:
Highlights
- LC25 conference at Royal Albert Hall
- 3 day Christian retreat in the picturesque Cotswolds
- Time in Oxford to explore this wonderful university town, remembering renowned Christian scholars and writers such as C.S. Lewis, JRR Tolkien , Dorothy L Sayers and others
- Worship at St Aldates in Oxford
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retreat & Oxford | $1,998.00 | $2,475.00 |
Cost is based on a minimum of 14 passengers
