Packing Instructions: Be a Pilgrim, Not a Tourist

All true journeys - all pilgrimages - begin with yearning.  The journey to become like Jesus is born of a deep yearning to come home to God.  Simple yet profound, this yearning finds its roots in our remembering who and whose we are.

We, who are so often destination-bound, would do well to remember the call to be pilgrims, not tourists, on this life's journey. In the words of Suzanne Guthrie, "A tourist comes to see a place; a pilgrim comes to a holy place expecting to be changed. A pilgrim recognizes a holy landscape as a place mirrored within the soul." Such expectations open us to the transforming power of God.

As you prepare for this journey, pay attention to the changes going on inside yourself.  Are there any places of resistance?  Do you harbor any fears?  Is there anything you need to let go of (or set aside for a season) in order to be fully present to the journey?  How will you maintain your energy, and how will you balance stress and renewal?

What will you pack?  How we pack our bags often defines the journey.  Are you going as tourist or pilgrim?  Those who know me will tell you I travel light.  My small roller bag is all I need to fit the essentials.  I don't want to be bogged down by unnecessary luggage.   The two non-negotiable items are my Bible and journal.  With the advent of the iPad, I now carry my Bible in electronic form, along with a whole library.  But my journal remains a leather-bound book.  Writing longhand slows me down and helps me set aside preoccupations.  Working with paper gives texture to my musings.  (And it does not need to be "powered down" during take offs and landings!)

To be sure, going on pilgrimage involves courage.  Deep down, we know that no journey is ever what we initially expect it to be -- how much more so when we commit to journeying with Jesus!  Missionary Hutson Smith believes that there are four key aspects to any pilgrimage: singleness of purpose, freedom from distraction, penance, and offering. Becoming like Jesus calls for singleness of purpose.  Committing to the journey demands time set aside for freedom from distraction.  Growing up in Christ will involve penance.  The offering God asks of us is the gift of our very selves.

Are you a pilgrim or a tourist?  Alan Jones, Dean Emeritus of Grace Cathedral, challenges "Isn't it time your drifting was consecrated into pilgrimage?  You have a mission.  You are needed.  The road that leads to no where has to be abandoned... It is a road for joyful pilgrims intent on the recover of passion (as quoted in The Art of Pilgrimage, p. 26).

Are you ready?  The journey awaits!

Journey preparations

Register for The Journey!

As you are aware, we will kick off our journey with Anita Howard with "Discovery 1: What is my call?" on Saturday, October 19!

All are welcome! Register by printing and returning your registration form the MVP Mission Center or email Candice today! Please register early to assist us in planning for the day with an accurate attendance count.   

• Date: Saturday, October 19, 2013
• Location: Christ Presbyterian Church, Canton, Ohio (Directions can be found here.)
• Time: 8:30 am
• Further information: Click here for The Journey brochure. 

Announcing the 2014 Commissioned Lay Pastors Transformation Track!

Further information and application materials can be found on the MVP Website at this link.

DEADLINE APPROACHING!

Discernment of God's Call-- Opportunities to Serve on the new Commissions and the 2014 General Assembly

From Carly Jones, Wooster Westminster

From Janet Fehlen, Synod of the Covenant

The 2014 Mission Yearbooks are now available.