Monday, August 15, 2011

A Volley from the Canon, Number 111, Walking to Jerusalem

A VOLLEY FROM THE CANON, NUMBER 111

“WALKING TO JERUSALEM”

Here’s an idea that can help church members with their fitness goals, provide them some time for prayer and reflection, or for companionship, and build community spirit at the same time. As a congregation, “Walk to Jerusalem” (or someplace of your choosing.)

1) Find out how far is it to your destination, and have someone make a map showing the route as a mileage chart. Hang that in a convenient and visible place.

2) Invite members of the congregation (and non-members, too!) to sign up as walkers and keep a log of their own walking distances day by day. Members may walk whenever, wherever, and with whomever, they like. If they run, fine! This is about distance, not speed.

3) Every week receive reports from the walkers of miles walked during the week.

4) Mark on the map your group’s progress for all to see.

5) Set a goal for “reaching Jerusalem,” and plan a celebration for when you “arrive.”

6) Consider some Christian Formation possibilities along the way, about the Holy City, its sites and events, and the concept of pilgrimage in the Christian context.

7) Celebrate!

If you have a small group, maybe a walk to some other, closer holy place (like Peterkin, or Washington Cathedral) would be more appropriate. Either way, your congregation’s walking pilgrimage may be a significant event for your congregation, and it certainly will be significant for the health and fitness of members.

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