Kate Litchfield and Wendy Shaw began ‘Burning Bush- praying with a visual
voice’ in March 2003, initially hiring premises for creative prayer workshops and retreats.
However Kate and Wendy quickly found that a permanent space was needed to develop the work
and meet the increasing demands for more frequent events.
The old Barn (recognised as ‘ a holy barn’ by a 7 year old visitor )at The Rectory, Rockland St Mary
was originally built in the 1850’s as stabling for the Old Rectory, but has sadly deteriorated in
recent years.
Recognising its potential and the presence of stillness in the barn, a fundraising appeal was launched
in May 2007 to renovate and preserve the building. And now, with donations totalling £170,000 a
phased project has begun so that the Burning Bush events can continue as soon as possible.
They still have £30,000 to raise to complete the project which will provide a creative visual worship
space, exhibition walls, reception with toilet and wet area, coffee and picture book library, and
studio space, beautifully set in the midst of a quiet rural village
The centre will be open for a programme of events in the early autumn and the launch of a
unique image lending library to resource the lectionary or Sunday worship, fellowship and study
groups, prayer and meditation.
This is a new model of church, a new way of communicating with God,that for many people speaks
louder than words.
Participants from Kings Lynn, Norwich, and Gt Yarmouth said of a day spent with Kate and Wendy;
“This way of praying has changed my life....now I can’t wait to pray”
“Through using art materials and not being concerned about the product but allowing the process
to be key, prayer has become alive and full of possibilities, connections and expectancy”
“I was wonderfully surprised how God met me. There was a clarity I have not experienced in quite
Some time ”
Burning Bush Barn is a resource for Norwich diocese, it is a place for you, your parish, your
congregation, your deanery chapter, your family, yourself. We would like you to come, take time to
turn aside, experience ‘holy ground’, and gaze for God.
We are here to inspire, encourage and resource your creative spiritual lives.
Think seriously about supporting us to raise the last £30, 000.
£10 from each parish would take us a considerable way forward. In fact a fifth of the way!
Cheques can be made payable to ‘Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd’, and sent to The Revd
Wendy Shaw, The Rectory, Rockland ST Mary, Norwich NR14 7EY. Please ask for a gift aid form
if you are a tax payer. 01508 537045