pilgrims in the vale

Parishes in the southern part of the Blackmore Vale Deanery

6^th—10^th June 2012

An invitation to walk with Columba and pilgrims from across North Dorset to celebrate God’s Creation and work for Peace and Justice.

You will be welcome to join in whatever parts of these days of pilgrimage your time allows or your interest responds to. You will be welcome to share in the worship and meals whether you have walked or travelled by car or bicycle.

We plan to help transport walkers back to their cars at the end of Thursday’s day walk, and before the start of Friday’s walk. Rural footpaths include some stiles and field walking. Good footwear is recommended.

Wednesday 7^th June—Youth @ Columba

There will be an event especially for young people aged between 7 and 14 years. On Wednesday, 6^th June, we shall gather at Shillingstone Church Centre at 3pm for our own mini-pilgrimage, based on the pilgrimage held every week on the Island of Iona. This will involve short walks, with stops at particular points where we will engage in craft activity or symbolic action, learn about St Columba, and sing a song. After closing worship in the church, the event concludes at 5pm with a BarBQ at the Church Centre. Booking forms for Youth @ Columba are available in each parish, and should be returned by 25^th May at the latest to your parish church or parochial clergy.

Thursday 7^th June—Creation

We shall begin at 10am at Ibberton Village Hall with Morning Worship. We shall walk 1.1 miles to Woolland (coffee break at 11am) and then on to the former Church of All Saints, Stoke Wake to celebrate Holy Communion for Corpus Christi at 12.30pm.

Please bring your picnic lunch.

At 2pm, we set off for Mappowder (2.2 miles) for worship, soon after 3pm. There’s a cup of tea to finish!

Friday 8^th June—Peace & Justice

Park in field by Shillingstone Church by 2.40pm and we’ll transport you to Belchalwell Parish Church for worship at 3pm before walking 1.2 miles to Okeford Fitzpaine Parish Church (4.15pm) for a cup of tea. Then it’s on to Shillingstone Parish Church (1.2 miles) for Evening Prayer (5.30pm).

While the Bishop meets the churchwardens of the deanery at 6pm, pilgrims are invited to write letters of support to Prisoners of Conscience.

There’s a ‘bring & share’ buffet at 7pm with Bishop Nicholas in Shillingstone Church Centre.

Sunday 10^th June, we are invited to come together at St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton at 10am for the renewal of our Pilgrim Covenant and the celebration of Holy Communion. No booking needed for this service—just come along! It is hoped that transport can be arranged and shared from each of the parishes for this Sunday service.

Pilgrims... walk together in the name of Jesus,
watch for God’s presence in our communities,
work in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Booking in for the Pilgrimage

Booking forms are available in each of the parish churches. Or you may book by sending an email to William Ridding.

Please include:

Your name, your parish and a contact telephone number.

For Wednesday 6^th June, your age in addition to your name and parish and a contact telephone number. Bring £2 on the day.

For Thursday 7^th June, whether you hope to walk or can help with transport.

For Friday 8^th June, whether you hope to walk, can help with transport or hope to attend the buffet.

The days before the pilgrimage, one of the pilgrimage planning group will be in contact with you to confirm travel arrangements.

Many of you will be able to share a car from your parish with other pilgrims.

We look forward to you joining this ninth annual pilgrimage.