JULY 2026 NEWSLETTER

Julie Writes...

You may remember before her installation as the Archbishop of Canterbury in March Dame Sarah Mullally undertook a six-day pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral. A journey of some 140km, following in the footstep of many earlier pilgrims. The ancient practice of pilgrimage seems to be enjoying quite a revival. Whether it’s the ancient paths of Britain, the famous Camino de Santiago, or simply walking the boundaries of our parish as we did during Rogationtide at St Michael’s praying for those within the parish, there seems to be a renewed interest. Of course, as Christians, the whole of our lives is a pilgrimage, a journey with and towards God and to our ultimate home in heaven. A real Odyssey. The earliest followers of Jesus were not called Christians but followers of the Way, living their lives according to the teaching of Jesus. I’d like us to explore this journey together over the Summer.

Of course, like all journeys there are markers along the way, experiences of God all around us which help. Maybe it’s those places where we feel closest to God – those’ thin places’ as they are sometimes called. These may not necessarily be great religious sites, what’s the saying – ‘you’re nearer to God in a garden than anywhere else in the world.’ Or maybe it’s that time spent with family relaxing after demanding work. Well, whatever it is for you, it would be good to hear about it.
Julie