The Spirituality of Pilgrimage

BY: REV. KAY LANCASTER, Associate Pastor

Our congregation regularly schedules pilgrimages to places selected to enhance our understanding of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God’s word. We travel to destinations such as the Holy Land, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Italy, The British Isles, and Germany. These pilgrimages help us grow spirituality in many ways.

As we journey to the Holy Lands we experience sites familiar from the Hebrew Scriptures and walk the paths that Jesus walked. In Greece, Turkey and Italy we visit the ruins of the towns that Paul and the early disciples walked. Visiting these places helps to bring the scriptures to life. As you read about the shepherds in Bethlehem, you can imagine the scene as they are visited by the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. As you read the Sermon on the Mount, you can visualize the view of the Galilee that the early followers of Jesus would have seen. As you visit the Garden Tomb you can experience what it might have been like on that first Easter morning.

Visiting the ruins of the cities Paul visited you come to a better understanding of who the Ephesians, Corinthians, and Athenians were. In Rome you also get a better understanding of the early days of the Roman Catholic Church, which are also the roots of United Methodism. In the British Isles, we are able to visit the sites of the Wesleys’ lives from which United Methodism is founded. In Germany we also experience church history. Plus, every 10 years the Oberammergau Passion Play is performed which brings to life the story of Jesus.

In addition to visiting these holy sites and learning about church history, each day begins with a devotion, prayer and singing. Some special worship experiences are also planned along the way. Using a pattern of spiritual practices helps to keep us centered and perhaps is inspirational for continuing morning devotion and prayer upon returning home.

Finally, there is the bonus of traveling with fellow church members and other Christians from across the country. Friendships are made that last long after being fellow pilgrims. As we learn of the faith stories of our fellow pilgrims, our lives and spirituality also is enhanced. As we travel by plane, boat, or bus and share meals together, there is time to make new acquaintances and get to know old friends better.

Whether traveling with members of our congregation or on your own, you can practice the Spirituality of Pilgrimage. Begin each day with devotion and prayer. Recognize God’s presence in your daily travel whether in nature or the history of the people in the area of your travel. Give God thanks along the way for your meals, safe travel, the people you have met and the learned experiences along the way. Include worship either by visiting a local church, worshiping online, or being still with God in silence and praise.

Due to the pandemic, our church’s 2021 plans have been postponed to 2022. More information on our Lenten Holy Land Pilgrimage March 15-24 hosted by Rev. Dr. Chris J. Hayes and Rev. Kay Lancaster and/or our trip to see the Oberammergau Passion Play and Danube Cruise hosted by Rev. Kay Lancaster can be found in the church office and on our church website.

Trips can be more than travel, they can be Spiritual Pilgrimages which grow our faith!