Treasures of Darkness (Lent 2026)

Online on Tuesdays through Lent
24 February, 3, 10, 17 and 24 March

This Lent, join us to explore the journey of discipleship amid uncertainty, mystery, and unknowing. Drawing on lived experience and the wisdom of disability and suffering theologies, we will reflect on what it means to follow Christ – not in spite of life’s struggles, but as we encounter God’s grace and guidance within them.

Together, we will seek the treasures hidden in darkness and mystery, nurturing a faith that trusts beyond sight and clarity.

I will give you the treasures of darkness
and riches hidden in secret places,
so that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
the God of Israel, who call you by your name. Isaiah 45:3

Life for all of us is a journey through moments of joy and fulfilment as well as times of deep struggle and loss. We each face seasons of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual difficulty, times that can feel like darkness. Yet in a world that insists everyone should be happy all the time, such experiences are often dismissed as purely negative, things to avoid or move past as quickly as possible.

But these words from Isaiah invite us to see differently. In the darkness, God says, there is treasure: treasure that, when sought and found, can enrich our lives and the world in ways we might never have imagined.

Too often, disability, mental health challenges, or emotional pain are assumed to be nothing but suffering. Yet God reveals that these experiences can be places of deep discovery, where we learn more about ourselves, one another, and God. There is treasure in the darkness if we are willing to look for it, receive it, and allow it to transform us.

This Lent offering is an invitation to discover those treasures for ourselves. Through the stories and insights of our speakers, we will uncover the truth of Psalm 139:12: “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Together, we will allow God to reveal the hidden treasures we so often overlook or pass by.

This series is for anyone journeying with questions, doubt, or vulnerability. It offers a safe space to embrace mystery, deepen contemplative practice, and grow in compassionate community. Together, we will learn how God’s presence often shines brightest in the shadows and how discipleship calls us to faithful trust when answers are elusive.

Each session will include a reflection and interview with the speaker, alongside a shared contemplative practice.
Recordings will be available for use by groups and parishes.
Sunday readings and sermon notes will be provided for further exploration.
All sessions will have BSL interpretation.

Session Themes and Dates

• 24th February – BEGINNING
  Hosted by Bishop Emma, with guest speaker John Beauchamp
• 3rd March – MYSTERY
  Hosted by Archdeacon Peter, with guest speaker Lia Shimada
• 10th March – SHADOW
  Hosted by Archdeacon Katherine, with guest speaker Chris Cook
• 17th March – PAIN
  Hosted by Bishop Anderson, with guest speaker Sharon Prentis
• 24th March – DAWN
  Hosted by Bishop Lusa, with guest speaker Grace Thompson                               

Session Structure Online (1 hour)

Each session includes:

• Welcome and opening liturgy
• Opening question
• Reflection by the guest speaker
• Conversation with the hosting bishop or archdeacon
• Embodied practice
• Notices and closing liturgy

In parish (30 minutes)

• Group reflection

Ways to Participate

• Join live on Tuesday evening: Watch as a church group or individually, then gather for small group reflection using the provided handouts.
• Watch the recording later: Recordings will be available on this page by 4:00 pm each Wednesday. You can either play the full recording for your group or use the PDF resource to lead your own liturgy and contemplative practice with just the talk and Q&A.

Resources
Download a sample of the PDF resource here. Once registered, the full documents will be sent as soon as they are ready.

Who is this for?
This offering is ideal for entire parishes, small groups, teams, or individuals (who may need to join or create their own small groups for reflection). While sessions are aimed at those connected to the London Diocese, everyone is welcome.

The Revd Preb John Beauchamp is the Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of London. He has served in this role for four years, following 28 years of parish ministry in Suffolk and Islington. John is blind due to an inherited eye condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and was registered as blind at the age of 31. He is married to Natalie, and they have two children and two grandchildren.

The Revd Dr Lia Shimada is Priest in Charge at St Alban’s Episcopal Church, Tillamook (on the Oregon coast). Prior to relocating to the United States, Lia worshipped and lived for many years in London. As a mediator and theologian, she is passionate about community dialogue. Her work in public theology encompasses interfaith dialogue and improving conversations about death.

Prof Chris Cook is Emeritus Professor in Spirituality, Theology & Health at Durham University, and Honorary Chaplain for Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. A former chair of the Spirituality & Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, he received the Canterbury Cross in 2020 and the Oskar Pfister Award in 2021 for his work on theology, religion, and psychiatry. His recent books include Spirituality and Psychiatry (2022) and Hearing Spiritual Voices (2023).

The Revd Dr Sharon Prentis is Canon Theologian in the Anglican Diocese of Bermuda and formerly served as Deputy Director of the Racial Justice Unit for the Church of England. Her previous roles include Dean of Ministry at St Mellitus College, Intercultural Mission Enabler in the Diocese of Birmingham, and Canon Theologian at Lichfield Cathedral. An author and speaker (Every Tribe and Heroes of Hope), Sharon is also a Global Champion for Difference, supporting reconciliation as part of the Reconciling Leaders Network.

Grace Thompson is an inclusive facilitator, consultant, and artist whose work explores access, belonging, and creative inclusion. She serves on the Church of England’s National Disability Task Group, the Ecumenical Disability Advocacy Network, and the Youth Commission of the World Council of Churches. Her practice weaves together advocacy, dance, and collaboration across faith and community contexts, using creativity as a tool for connection, justice, and mission.