On Sept. 8 I leave for a trip to England that I have had on my “bucket list” for years.
I will fly into Heathrow Airport and spend the first two nights in a small village called Lacock. Then I join up with a group of women to begin the more structured portion of the experience. My home for the next nine days will be a peaceful retreat center near Glastonbury.
During the week we will visit many sacred sites including Chalice Well, White Spring, Glastonbury Tor and Abbey, the Chapel of St. Margaret and many more. The schedule is full, yet there is time and space built into it that will allow me a meaningful time of rest and renewal.
One of the places we will visit that I am really looking forward to is Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument of approximately 100 massive upright stones placed in a circular layout. It was constructed nearly 5,000 years ago by Neolithic builders. On the Sunday before we leave, we have a private, exclusive visit at Stonehenge for a sunset ceremony followed by time to just wander and be among the stones. You know I will love that!
Months ago when I talked with the Staff Parish Relations Committee about this opportunity, I was a bit hesitant because it would mean I would not be here for Rally Day. I appreciated their overwhelming support and encouragement, which helped me make the decision to participate in the retreat.
As I plan for this time away, I am thankful that so many people have agreed to help out. Rally Day will still happen! Debbie Merrick will be preaching Sept. 11, the Adult Choir will be singing, Sunday School will begin for the children, and our traditional Rally Day lunch will be served. I hope that you will plan to be present to begin the new church program year.
The next Sunday, Sept. 18, Leo Lambert will be preaching, and the Praise Team will be leading worship and singing. I return on Sept. 21. There will be area United Methodist clergy on call for pastoral emergencies.
When I told a clergy colleague that I was planning a trip to England, she asked me if I was going to learn about John Wesley. I smiled and said, “No, I am going to learn about Cindy Rasmussen.”
Our leader Mara, refers to this trip as a pilgrimage. She writes: “An ordinary journey as tourist or traveler leaves one unchanged, but a pilgrimage is a journey of the soul as well as the body and changes one forever. We leave familiar surroundings behind, not only to discover a special place, but to discover the part of ourselves that seems to have wandered away from our everyday lives.”
Mara goes on to say: “A pilgrimage is a prayer in the shape of a journey to a place where the spirit
resides.”
I look forward to going, and I look forward to returning, knowing we always remain connected.
Peace and joy,
Cindy