Return to Rochester

On Thursday, 12th of June, some of us pilgrims made a return trip to Rochester. During the pilgrimage, we went to the cathedral and took part in a very meaningful communion service in a circle, and sharing the bread and cup with the person to the left of us. It was a memorable event for all of us. We had a tour of the cathedral scheduled, but we had decided to get on with the walk of the day instead. Therefore, it was good to make a return trip to Rochester and see the cathedral.

Luke found out about a concert of The Sixteen doing a 2014 Choral Pilgrimage, so it sounded perfect. The Choral Pilgrimage “aims to bring music back to the buildings for which it was written”, and the ensemble is singing choral works this year from the 15th-16th century. Sitting in that beautiful cathedral and listening to the voices that blended together wonderfully, it all seemed to have been acoustically perfect. We were taken back to the 1500’s, and reminded that worshippers 500 years ago probably heard the same songs in the same place. It was a glorious experience, and a reminder of the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. All of the songs, except for one, were sung in Latin – but the written programmes included the words in both Latin and English.  One of the songs (in Latin) by John Sheppard had simple words, but with the melody and the meaning of the words, it was heavenly. “Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit, so worthy of praise, so glorious and so high above all for ever.”  

It was good to spend a short time together in the cathedral, worshipping God with others in such wonderful surroundings, and encouraging one another on our spiritual pilgrimage with Jesus.

Reflections from the labyrinth

As a follow up to the pilgrimage, we set up a labyrinth at St Mary's.  This was an opportunity for anyone to have their own walk with God. 

 

Everyone coming to walk the labyrinth at St Mary’s seemed to get a different meaning from their walk with God.  Here are some of the reflections left in the book:

·         I was very aware of the light and shade as I walked

·         In the labyrinth everything meant something.  God really can speak through anything if I give him the space

·         My (surprisingly long) journey in the labyrinth allowed me to reflect on my journey through life: many twists and turns, some about turns.

·         The stones of the labyrinth remind me of all the different people God has brought into my life: they are all unique, each a different size, shape, colour, character, gifts and yet all are children of God

·         As I walked, the labyrinth took me to the outer edge and I thought of those who are on the edge of society and feel neglected or are lost. I prayed that I would have God’s eyes to seek and save the lost

·         The labyrinth showed me that what I see as a burden, God has given me as a gift – to use and embrace it

·         The path may be constantly changing but God always fills it with beauty, with joy, with his constant and unchanging love

 

 

Continuing the Pilgrimage - a Sunday afternoon walk - Monica

We all loved doing the pilgrimage and it seemed obvious that we should continue walking together and sharing this activity. So on the 1st of June 9 of us met at Reigate Heath car Park and set off towards the Windmill Church.

One of our more enterprising walkers knew how to get the key so we spent a while in the church praying and chatting, then set off across the Heath. I live a mile away but had never been inside. It is small but with massive beams holding up the mechanism.

Then we set off across the Heath. There was the same sense of space that we had experienced before: The views of the downs and Leith Hill and the space to chat and share for a while. All of us had been involved in the Pilgrimage which was a bit of a shame as it would have been good to welcome new pilgrims. But meant we could catch up and our conversations flowed around our lives, the church and the beauty of the landscape. Even a short walk like this is full of incident. After going over a wobbly stile we came to a field with two horses. One of the horses clearly did not want us there and nudged us until we went over the next stile a bit faster than we might have wanted!

But the rest of the walk was without danger. The woods and fields are very beautiful at this time of year with all the plants growing fast. It was greener than our pilgrimage in April but there were still a few flowers around. After a few miles we were nearly at the end of the walk but couldn't pass the 'Skimmington Castle' without stopping for a drink.

Of course we should have shared bread and wine but it was more like cider and crisps. Our conversations were mostly around more walking. I am planning a slightly more ambitious 'Dawn walk' from Reigate to Box Hill in July. Me and my daughter Lucy are thinking about doing the 40 miles 'Downs link' walk from Martha's Hill to Worthing and we considered if others would like to join us. Then we finished our drinks, walked back to the car park and home. A lovely afternoon.