Small groups

An important part of this pilgrimage experience is the time spent in small groups. These groups of five meet each afternoon before dinner to reflect on the days' experiences, connect the ancient stories with our own stories, and share hopes, dreams, concerns, and fears as pastors. We consistently hear that this aspect of pilgrimage is greatly valued by the participants, sometimes to their own surprise.

A sight of Mt Tabor, trad place of transfiguration

Yes we are pilgrims on an intentional journey, but sometimes we look
like tourists.

The Holy Family

Imagine for a few moments young Jesus (Yeshua) running through the
streets of the rural, hilly farming village...

The extraordinary Chapel of the Annunciation

Built by the Roman Catholic Church, includes mosaics of Mary given by
nearly every country in the world

Worship in Nazareth

We gathered at entrance to a typical 1st century home in Nazareth,
similar to where Jesus was raised, to worship with Scripture, poem
"Wild Peace", and hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". The home was a
small cave cut from the hillside.

Fresco on ceiling of ornate chapel

Orthodox church built over spring in Nazareth

Orthodox Christians claim that the spring was the place of visitation
by the angel

Walking the old Roman carda in Sepphoris

This prosperous Roman city, just 6 miles from Nazareth, was under
construction during the time that Jesus was a young construction worker

Breakfast in the wonderful Scots Hotel

Tabgha, place of loaves and fishes

Stone below the altar is traditional place where Jesus broke bread and
offered fish

Aerial view, octagonal church built over Peter's home

Jesus' homebase was at Peter's in-law's home in kephar Nahum, Capernaum

Mount of Beatitudes

A little much needed rain can't dampen our spirits...

The significance of place

The lights are twinkling on the Golan Heights across the Sea of
Galilee, the pilgrims, fed and refreshed after a stroll through the
small commercial district of Tiberius, are settling down for needed
rest, the lush garden at Scots Hotel is still and quiet, and God is in
this place. God is no more present here necessarily than elsewhere in
the world, but on these colorful hills and across these sometimes
turbulent waves and with the not so distant ancestors of these very
people, God incarnate walked. This is the land of God's most well
known stories. This is the land where those ancient stories can
readily be imagined and even in a sense be re-lived for those with
some measure of faith and expectation. We are here to retell and yes,
re-live some of those stories. May the One who was here incarnate meet
us as we listen carefully, see differently, and live fully together.
Sent from my iPhone

Finally, after 24 hours of travel, the pilgrims have arrived at Scots Hotel!

Ran through Frankfurt airport in 10 minutes

All here, ready to board!

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Gate E28, ready to go. All but one accounted for...

It works!

Now trying to post with iPhone

Sent from my iPhone

Last minute preparations...

Like pilgrims to the Holy Land from previous centuries, we too engage in those last minute preparations. Suitcses to be packed, to do lists to be completed, one more trip to the store and swing by the bank... Tomorrow is the big day. Once at the airport and waiting to board, then a deep breath can be taken, a long exhale, and then fully enter mode of pilgrim/traveler/seeker/observer. For many of us, this means we may take off for the time being the mantle of leadership and relax in being an engaged, but not in charge participant. We may be fully open to having our cups refilled without too much demand for them to be poured out. This also means time away from loved ones and responsibilities of home, which can be disconcerting to those we leave behind. The hope and promise is that we will return to those loved ones and those responibilities of home and church more "full" than we have been in some time, more full of grace, compassion, energy, and inspiration. So, finish the packing, check off the to do list, give some meaning-full hugs, and get ready to breathe in deeply all that God has in store for us.

One of the first sights of the pilgrimage...

The Journey Began Long Ago

Though the plane takes off in less than two weeks, this journey began long ago, perhaps all the way back to when we first heard one of the stories of Jesus. Ever since that day, our imaginations have been filling in the geography of Galilee and Jerusalem. Two weeks from now, our eyes, ears, noses, hands, and yes, even our tastebuds will enliven our experience of Scripture and connect us in tangible ways to all those pilgrims who have journeyed these lands before us, including the One made incarnate for our sake and the sake of the world.