“A grand weekend out in God’s wonderful outdoors was perfect for refreshing the soul and mind,” reflects Jan Grey from the Generous Giving team.
Once again, the Revd Philip West had generously organised the annual South Holderness Deanery pilgrimage for the last weekend in August.
Jan joined the pilgrims for the first day, where they started with a cuppa and biscuits at Burstwick Village Hall. The old plaques on the side of the building summed up this village’s generous community. Philip led opening prayers and spiritual guidance for the morning in the church and each pilgrim found places in the churchyard for private prayer and reflection. Philip highlighted that there would be times of silence, which he asked each of them to respect. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy walking in peace, to look at your surroundings, and commune with nature and with God, which can be life-transforming.”
There was a gentle rhythm to the day: walking along late summer fields, watching the harvest being brought in and then a time of prayer at planned intervals. A delicious lunch provided by St Lawrence Church, Elsternwick, was followed by private prayer and reflection. All Saints’, Preston, was next, along country roads and field paths. Jan gave a short talk and prayers to ponder how living in thanksgiving to our generous God brings us closer in our relationship with Him and be a blessing to others.
Refreshments in the church were followed by space for private prayer, contemplation and a short closing service for the end of day one.
Each pilgrim shared that they had enjoyed the opportunity to be in God’s good creation, and to be with Him and others.
About fifteen stayed for the evening and shared a meal of Chinese takeaways together. It was a bonus to relax and share thoughts and stories from their day. Philip led evening compline as a perfect end to the day.
At each place, the pilgrims found people graciously giving up their time to be present, make their lunch, serve refreshments and open churches. For those taking part in day two, a church member had even kindly offered overnight stay free of charge, including a continental breakfast.
“There’s something about walking... it gives you space to work out a problem, prepare you for a new challenge or new phase in your life,” reflected Philip West on last year’s pilgrimage; Jan can wholeheartedly agree and is looking forward to next year’s.