Make a pilgrimage from the cold, bleak winter of introspection into the promise of spring with members of First United Church.
Called “Walk of Ages,” this year’s edition of the popular Lenten series, is open to everyone and explores the theme of personal pilgrimage. The month-long series will run Tuesday nights, with the addition of one Sunday event.
“Pilgrimage resonates within all of us,” says Christine Hutchinson, member of the church’s ministry team that put the series together. “We’re hoping to draw people into the new season – spring, the warmth…”
• The series begins Tuesday, Feb. 19 with Catherine Kroetch, who will speak of her pilgrimage to Italy, where she attended a presentation on The Living School of Action and Contemplation.
• On Sunday, March 3, participants will engage in a gentle, spiritual walk and talk on snowshoes, followed by a progressive dinner and potluck dessert at the church.
• On March 5, Brian Ayotte will introduce The Way, a film about the Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage that attracts people from around the world.
• On March 12, retired OUC professor Les Ellinor will present, “How Christians Perceive Paradise,” from the church’s early views, through the grim medieval doctrines concerning the afterlife and ending with modern ideas about a possible paradise.
• On March 19, United Church Minister Juanita Austin will present her own spiritual pilgrimage to the places where the history and theology she learned in school were shaped.
For more information on the Lenten series, or to join the local pilgrimage, call the church at 250-832-3860.
Need snowshoes? Call Patrick Shea at 250-832-3492.