The Revd Nik Stevenson, Multiply Minister for Ingleby Barwick, led five runners on a 14-mile Good Friday pilgrimage to the summit of Roseberry Topping, part of the North York Moors, with a stop every mile to contemplate a Station of the Cross with a reflection and a short prayer.
Each stop was streamed at facebook.com/digisaints, the Facebook page where Nik and his wife Shelly lead Night Prayer and Midday Reflections five times a week.
Nik has been working in Ingleby Barwick as a Pioneer Minister for just over 18 months developing new worshipping communities, and joined local running club the Orchard Eagles early on. They gave encouraged Nik to become an Ultra Runner, taking part in September’s ‘Hardmoors 60’ after his first Ultra runs, 32 miles to the summit of Roseberry Topping during the three solstices.
Nik said “The club is so welcoming and encouraging. What at first seemed a daunting prospect of running longer than marathon distance seemed achievable with the support of club members.”
“I wanted to do a Stations of the Cross run last year but lockdown put a stop to leaving the local area. Some of the Orchard Eagles join us for Night Prayer and the noontime reflections; I thought possibly some would like to join me in this opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ journey on Good Friday.” As a Pioneer Minister Nik’s job is to use much of the church’s rich tradition in innovative ways to connect with local community.
Running has taken off during the pandemic as gyms are closed and there are few options for exercise. “With running being a hugely popular sport there is opportunity to talk whilst running to care pastorally for folk I run with and offer to listen, support and pray.”
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to share the deeply meaningful walk of Jesus in his final hours with people I run with in a natural way. There seems to be an openness to spirituality, especially when engaging with God is not restricted to a building or a particular liturgical structure.”