A pilgrimage across North Wales is taking place to give thanks to God for the 50th anniversary of the United Reformed Church.
The pilgrimage, which started at Salisbury Park URC in Wrexham on 23 July, will end at St Paul’s United Church in Penmaenmawr on 1 October.
The Revd Julia Bartholomew, a Minister in Rhos-on-Sea, explains how the pilgrimage came about.
“Our regional consultative group in North Wales, representing 12 churches, has been working hard for the past two years initiating a programme to maximise ministry for mission.
“When I looked at a map and pinpointed all the churches, including those united with Presbyterians and Methodists, I could see we were stretched out along the North Wales coast.
“We thought that the URC’s jubilee would be a great opportunity to connect the churches physically by having a pilgrimage.”
Every Saturday, pilgrims of all ages – and furry friends – meet, have a time of prayer, then travel by foot, bus, train, or car from one church to the next of the 12 churches taking part.
A north Wales Stepwise group, which has been working its way through the worship stream has written prayers for the journey.
“They have also put together a service based on the URC’s jubilee materials along the theme of water,” adds Julia. “As the pilgrimage takes place in the Snowdonia hills and along the North Wales coast, there’s coastal paths and various rivers and holy wells along the way.”
Andrew, an 18-year-old carpenter from one of the congregations was commissioned to make a wooden bowl for pilgrims to take on the journey: passing it from one church to the next as a symbol of sharing refreshment of the Holy Spirit, bringing God’s blessing from one church to the next.
When the pilgrims arrive, they pray God’s blessing on the church, and enjoy refreshments together, then the next day the church has its jubilee service. A another group of walkers then set off the following Saturday taking the bowl with them.
Speaking about what celebrating the URC’s 50th anniversary in this way means to the congregations taking part, Julia said: “The pilgrimage is a wonderful way for us to both celebrate the past and seek God’s direction for the future. What better way to get to know one another than chatting and praying as we walk!”
Full details on the pilgrimage, the churches taking part, prayers and services can be found here.
Keep updated on the progress of the pilgrimage here.