Mountains

Laura Wright visits the Scargill Movement Retreat Centre in the Yorkshire Dales to explore the deep significance of mountains in the Bible and how hills and high places can shape our relationship with God. With theologian and bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley, she discovers that mountains serve as the setting for some of the most profound and dramatic moments in the Bible.

Laura also joins a walking retreat with the Scargill community, led by former teacher Naomi Heyward. Naomi explains how taking people out into mountains, hills and high places helps them build a deeper, personal relationship with God.

Mountain climber Richard Tiplady shares the harrowing story of a fateful climb in March 2020 in the Lake District. A sudden trip sent him sliding headfirst 250 metres down a steep, icy slope, stopping just ten metres away from a vertical precipice. Richard describes the overwhelming sense of protection he experienced and explains how surviving the accident ultimately reshaped his relationship with the outdoors, inspiring him to guide others into quiet spaces to discover God.

With music to celebrate the theme explored:

1. How Great Thou Art – Philippa Hanna leads the congregation of St Thomas' Newcastle
2. All Creatures of Our God and King – St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle
3. Be Still for the Presence of the Lord – Canterbury Cathedral
4. Over the Mountains and the Sea – Celtic Worship in Scargill Chapel
5. Be Thou My Vision – Steph McLeod leads the congregation of Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh
6. Praise – Volney Morgan & New-Ye, House on the Rock, London