Year of Pilgrimage 2013
2013 was a Year of Pilgrimage at Mayfield Salisbury. A programme was drawn up which included a wide variety of different outings to suit all ages and circumstances. There were single afternoons locally, whole days within easy travelling distance and overnight stays. Some were particularly suitable for families, some were quite active and some required less physical effort. A brief description of each shows this diversity.
On May 4th, about 50 of us travelled to Lindisfarne for an all-day pilgrimage, including a walk from the mainland to Holy Island.
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On May 14th, again about 50 people, this time those of our church community who are less mobile, travelled to our upper hall for a Service of Worship on the theme of inner pilgrimage led by the minister. This was followed by a time of fellowship and tea.
On May 21st, folk travelled to the Edinburgh garden of one of our members for a garden pilgrimage.
On 16th July there was the second of our Edinburgh Garden Pilgrimages, 
which was again blessed with glorious sunshine. There was a time of prayer and meditation led by Revd Stewart McGregor, followed by tea and chat and time to walk in the peace and beauty of the garden.
On 10th / 11th August folk of all ages travelled to St Andrews and stayed overnight in David Russell Hall. Activities were varied and included a fascinating lecture on St Andrews as a place of pilgrimage and a guided walk round the town’s ancient buildings. There was plenty of time too to play on the beach or explore alone.
In the evening pilgrims gathered for a meal, followed by time to chat or play family games. The weekend ended with a walk along the Lade Braes to St Leonard’s Chapel where our minister led a family service of Holy Communion.
On 31st August a group of more than 20 of us travelled to the Island of Iona for a week staying at the Abbey. The group was led by Revd Peter Millar, former Warden of Iona Abbey. It was an unforgettable experience.
As well as sharing times of worship, meditation and fellowship, we enjoyed several wonderful walks togther. Here, on the Island Pilgrimage, the group has stopped for a rest and a quiet time of prayer.
On 21st September about 45 of us travelled by coach to the Scottish Borders for two walking pilgrimages. Some of us took the longer walk from Newtown St. Boswells to Melrose along part of St Cuthbert's Way.
Others took the shorter more level walk from Melrose along the banks of the River Tweed. The day ended in Melrose Parish Church where a short service of worship was led by Rev'd Richard Gordon.
On 5th October about 40 of our Elders and Pastoral Visitors travelled by coach to Coldingham Priory for a day of prayer and reflection led by our minister. The church and the surrounding church yard provided a most beautiful peaceful setting.
The day ended with a celebration of Holy Communion in the Priory gardens
In addition several House Groups have organised Pilgrimages: One was to North Berwick, another went walking along the banks of the Tweed
We have also received a wonderful selection of postcards from those making individual journeys. These have been displayed on our boards in the church entrance along with a wide selection of photographs from the group pilgrimages.
A wide selection of photographs can also be viewed on our ‘Gallery’ page.
‘Pilgrimage has been an image of the Christian life for 2000 years. There is enormous spiritual gain to be had by taking time apart from one's usual routine in order to be alone with God, or alone with others in communion with God.’ Scott S McKenna
Books recommended by Revd Scott McKenna for our Year of Pilgrimage 2013 are:
Richard Rohr The Naked Now: Learning to see as the Mystics see
Martin Laird Into the Silent Land: The Practice of Contemplation
Benignus O'Rourke Finding Your Hidden Treasure: The Way of Silent Prayer
Graham Turner The Power of Silence: The Riches that Lie Within
Henri J M Nouwen The Inner Voice: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom
Stephen Cherry Barefoot Discipleship: Walking the way of Passionate Humility
