To be a Pilgrim conference

Pilgrimage can offer so much to us as individual followers of Christ - and to our churches.  Open spaces, companionship on the journey, new ways of seeing a story or a landscape, a sense of adventure, sometimes an element of risk, the need to choose courage… Pilgrimage can help us to think radically about direction, traditions, buildings, prayer, commitment, timing, revelation, sacrifice, God...

Yet, for me, growing up as a Methodist in the second half of the 20th Century, "pilgrimage" was a remote, hazy concept; something engaged in long ago around Canterbury, or far away at the river Ganges.  Although the story of the bible is a story of journey, and despite the thread of travel running throughout so many hymns, for various reasons much of the Christian Church lost sight of pilgrimage as a means of grace and an opportunity for mission for a long period of time.  This may be particularly true of Protestant churches, including Methodism.  Thankfully pilgrimage is resurfacing in all sorts of contexts and styles and a distinctively Wesleyan contribution to the wider understanding of pilgrimage is emerging. 

The weekend conference 'To be a pilgrim' at Cliff College (6-8 April 2018) offers an opportunity to explore different aspects of pilgrimage - through worship, through images and words, through sedentary activities and, for those who want to, through getting outside into the grounds of the college and the beautiful surrounding countryside. No experience of pilgrimage is needed, just a "Come and see" pilgrim spirit - you will be most welcome. 

Jill Baker
Vice-President, Methodist Conference 2017-2018

Registration is now open here. Registration closes on 19 March 2018