Benefice Pilgrimage – Sat 27 Aug

The Annual Benefice Pilgrimage essentially involves visiting all 5 churches in the Benefice and walking between them. At each church there’s a short reflection and time for prayer and at all, but the first, there will be refreshments with lunch being served at St Stephen’s. In short, it is a great time for fellowship and getting to know each other better plus a chance to enjoy God’s creation and to get some exercise!

The walk is mainly off-road and provides a varied and interesting opportunity to walk between all the churches. An undulating excursion just over 9 miles in total, you may want to do it all, or one or more sections. There are about 10 stiles and a couple of steepish climbs. We shall walk quiet lanes, graded paths, tracks and typical narrower Forest paths once regularly used to link the various settled areas large and small. We pass fields, woods, water, agricultural and industrial activity past and present and houses in all their variety.

In good, clear weather there are wonderful views and we have the chance to see familiar places from an unfamiliar aspect.

As some sections can be muddy at any time and several places are uneven, it is recommended that stout walking shoes or boots be worn. The first two sections are undulating with the second two much less so. Unfortunately the terrain is not pushchair friendly.

It is advisable to consider bringing waterproof clothing and also to carry water if you are walking the whole way. We aim to keep to the schedule as closely as possible so if you wish to join for one or more of the sections please note the departure time and arrive in good time. If you are unable to walk the whole way, or indeed unable to walk any of the journey, please consider joining us at one or more of the churches to join in the fellowship times and prayer.

The walk begins at St Michael’s, Soudley with prayers beginning at 9.30 am. Please be aware that there are no toilet facilities at St Michael’s. Walkers will depart at 10.00 am to walk to St Ethelbert’s, Littledean. There are toilet facilities available and drinks will be available. Walkers will aim to arrive at 11.30 am and depart again at 12.00 noon to walk to St Stephen’s, Cinderford. Lunch will be served at St Stephen’s from 1.30 pm followed by a time of prayer. Walkers will depart at 2.15 pm and walk to the penultimate church, Bilson Mission, where again drinks will be available along with toilet facilities. After a short time of prayer, walkers will depart at 3.45 pm for St John’s, Cinderford. Arriving at 5.00 pm for a final time of prayer along with light refreshments.

There is a group of walkers already planning on doing the whole thing and some people planning on joining in sections or for prayers. Please do consider joining us for some or all of the walk and help to carry greetings around the Benefice. If you are concerned about mobility, please speak to Peter about which section might work best for you, or just join us at one or more of the churches for prayers and fellowship (St Stephen’s is a good choice as you can have lunch!).

For more information speak to Peter Poole (822967) or Mike Barnsley (822286).