Throwing down a walking gauntlet

A challenge set by the new Methodist Superindent for Ryedale, Andy Lindley.

Stand at the crossroads,

and look, and ask for

the ancient paths,

where the good way lies;

and walk in it,

and find rest for your souls.

JEREMIAH 6:16

"You may not be aware, but in my other role as Assistant Chair, I laid the gauntlet at synod back in April, for each church in the district to develop a walk from their church. This was inspired by a colleague of mine in West Yorkshire, who was offering a monthly, spiritual walk for his circuit and the Peak Methodist churches, who have developed a pilgrim trail with accommodation. You can find all these walks, on the Kairos website. I was informed by Rev Graham, on the day of synod, that he was intending to walk on his sabbatical, and I will be adding his walks to the website when he has verified them.

He also mentioned that Mel was involved in developing a pilgrim way ‘St Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail’. It includes several of the churches North of Helmsley. It was delightful to be invited to take part in its launch. I joined enthusiastic church members, and walkers for the latter half of the day, walking from Cold Kirby to Rievaulx. Rievaulx chapel offered us a warm welcome and refreshments after which we held a beautiful service in the Abbey. We were joined by horse riders, who had their own version of the route, and a very fit individual who had run all 41 miles of the route on the day. I understand they now plan ‘petal walks’, ie circular walks around each church that will be added later. It truly is a remarkably well designed site and set of materials to guide you.

There is an accompanying Pilgrim trail guidebook, and stamps at each church, to record your visit. I’d love, to extend this idea and do the same for the churches across our patch. Do explore the walk, but my gauntlet challenge remains.

Can we develop a walk around or between each of our beautiful churches?

Rev Andy

from the Methodist Monthly Bulletin