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Pentecost, Sunday 31th May - In Canterbury

From Anxiety to Hope

Thank you pilgrims for your wonderful company and prayers. We finish our journey on the most amazing high, the great feast of the Holy Spirit.

If we reflect back to the beginning Father Tom Grufferty wrote us a prayer for our journey.
That we would "move from anxiety to hope"

I have to say for me personally there has been a big change. On 1st May I was full of anxiety about everything going on around us. From this Monday we can have our families visit our gardens.

"May all be One so that the world may believe"
This was the motto from the church at Bec Abbey in France, where Thomas' family came from.

Well we have done our best to all be One during this week of prayer together. Today we can enjoy the final Pentecost Service for 'Thy Kingdom Come', with messages from the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and other church leaders.

From our homes, all have worked to light up the world. Lets look for an explosion of the Spirit!

Maureen Thompson

Pentecost Sermon by Justin Welby

Pentecost in Canterbury Cathedral

As the climax of the 'Thy Kingdom Come' initiative His Holiness Pope Francis will take part in an online church service alongside the Archbishops of Canterbury and York

Day 30, Saturday 30th May - Bekesbourne to Canterbury

We arrive in the City of Canterbury. To the most important Cathedral of the Anglican Church, and the site of St Thomas Becket's martyrdom.

After our 300 km pilgrimage, we are welcomed by the Dean of Canterbury:

Tomorrow we celebrate Pentecost as Christians Together in Emsworth, and within all our Christian communities, may the Holy Spirit - 'Blow Spirit Blow!'

Day 29, Friday 29th May - Barham to Bekesbourne

Facing the Unknown

In the "old world" it was easy to go along to church week by week, to participate in worship, listen to preaching and receive communion.

Even as lockdown eases some of these things are unlikely to be possible for quite a long time.

During the last few weeks when we have been confined to our own homes, we have had to learn to take responsibility for our own spiritual life and growth, for our own discipleship.

Perhaps this has been a preparation time for taking on more responsibility for how we should follow Christ going forward.

During this 10 day period of prayer that many of us are observing between Ascension and Pentecost, when we pray especially "Thy Kingdom Come", let's take the opportunity to look forward and ask God how he wants us to act in the new world that is coming.

Let's ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit, to seek and proclaim truth, to recognise what is wrong in our own lives and acknowledge the ways that we have colluded in the practices of the culture around us which have contributed to the current crisis, and the injustices in our society and the wider world that it has brought to light.

How can we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God as we step forward into the unknown?

Miriam Sampson

Christians Together in Cosham

'Thy Kingdom Come' 2020

Day 28, Thursday 28th May - Elham to Barham

Today is the Feast day of the blessed Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury

Born 14 August 1473 Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Somerset.
Died 27 May 1541 (aged 67) Tower of London, London.

Margaret was the last member of the Plantagenet dynasty, that ruled England from the time of Henry II 1154 ( the king at the time of Thomas Becket's martyrdom) until 1485. She too was shockingly martyred, executed for High Treason on 27th May 1541 on the orders of King Henry V111 her cousin, in a courtyard in the Tower of London after two and a half years of imprisonment in the Tower, being hacked to death after refusing to place her head on the block.

Warblington Castle was one of several houses Margaret owned, as befits a royal princess, and the present church at Warblington was her parish church. She was asked several times by the King to swear an oath of allegiance to him as head of the Church, but refused.

The following prayer was found carved in the wall in her room in the Tower after her death.

For traitors on the block should die;
I am no traitor, no, not I!
My faithfulness stands fast and so,
Towards the block I shall not go!
Nor make one step, as you shall see;
Christ in Thy Mercy, save Thou me!

Margaret died completely loyal both to her country and to Jesus Christ her Lord. May we all do the same.

Nigel Miller

Day 27, Wednesday 27th May - Hythe to Elham

I don't know about you, but sometimes when I'm coming to the end of a long journey I get to a point where I start wishing it over. I become excited about the possibility of reaching the end.

As a prolific (though not always successful) grower of vegetables, I find a similar thing to be true in the garden.

Hanging around waiting for seeds to germinate is nail-biting and engrossing, watching plants grow is exciting; but there comes a point, just before they start to flower or to produce, when it becomes more about future expectations than present day beauty.

If I'm not careful in my anticipation I miss the flowers on the courgette and strawberry plants, and the way the bumble bees love broad beans!

As we approach the end of our pilgrimage I pray that we won't be so taken up with the delight of 'getting there' that we forget to notice the tiny (and not so tiny) specks of God that join us on the journey.

Deacon Laura Evans

Day 26, Tuesday 26th May - Bonnington to Hythe

Today, we have arrived in Hythe.

In former times, Hythe was a bustling port town, it being the central Cinque Port. Indeed the name 'Hythe' is an old English word meaning 'landing place'; a place where journeys were begun or ended.

Today, we are just passing through with our eyes still firmly fixed on Canterbury. But 'passing through places', or 'middle places', while not perhaps being the focus of our attention are no less important to our journey.

On the journey of our life, it is always the events that happen to us along the way of our life that have the greatest impact on our growth and development. How will an acorn ever become an oak tree if it doesn't pass through all the intervening developmental stages?

And as our journey comes towards its final stages, and Canterbury looms into focus, it too will be just another 'middle place' on our spiritual journey which must continue on into the future beyond this pilgrimage.

In years to come, this 'lockdown' period will be remembered as a 'middle place'. Hopefully, as we look back over the miles of our lives, we will see that it has taught us wisdom, compassion, kindness and gratefulness for life's simple pleasures, and has equipped us to live more in the moment and for the greater good of those who we share this moment in time with.

May God bless us as we journey on together.

Rev Julie Price

Day 25, Monday 25th May - Hamstreet to Bonnington

As I accompany Christian's Together in Emsworth on this virtual pilgrimage I am reminded of another Virtual pilgrimage I took a few years ago now. The Leader was Father Tom Grufferty, for it was his Lent Course, which were on Monday mornings. We travelled over the Pyrenees walking the Camino de Santiago watching Michael Sheen in 'The Way'. Dr Tom Avery played by Sheen in the film travels to France to recover the body of his son who dies in a storm while on the pilgrimage. He decides to walk the way himself to honour the memory of his son, whose ashes he carries with him.

Life itself is a pilgrimage and we meet others along our way. At the moment we are at an unknown and alarming part of our pilgrimage. We do not know the Way, how are we going to come out of this difficult path that Covid-19 has forced us to tread? When we do we hope to see a clear horizon when those things we have always taken for granted family visits, birthday parties, holidays will take on new and special meaning.

In 2014 we were lucky enough to pay a visit to Santiago de Compostela. It was a joy to see those who were finishing their arduous walk over the Pyrenees. They were visually delighted at their accomplishment. Hopefully we all feel a similar joy to theirs in the not too distant future.

Elaine Wood

Day 24, Sunday 24th May - Appledore to Hamstreet

Christ our model of prayer and suffering

Prayer is the birth right of every Christian. It is a as natural to us as the air we breathe. The early Christians were people of deep prayer and suffering for their faith. Prayer and suffering are two sides of the same coin by which Christ gives glory to God in Us.

Thy Kingdom Come

Our praying together between Ascension and Pentecost links us to Acts 1:

The went to the upper room where they were staying
All joined in continuous prayer with several women including Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers.

Our Pilgrimage

To Canterbury for Thomas Becket, Christian Martyr, links us to I Peter 4:

If you can have some share in the sufferings of Christ, be glad, because you will enjoy a much greater gladness when his glory is revealed.

Alleluia

We are assured:

I will not leave you orphans says the Lord I will come back to you and your hearts will be full of joy Alleluia

Day of Glory

We look forward John 16:

And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ who you have sent.

Wish all pilgrimages great joy in your Sunday worship Today.

May the Spirit of God Rest in You.

Day 23, Saturday 23rd May - Rye to Appledore

Below is a message of support and prayer for pilgrims on the way to Canterbury.

It comes with my prayers and good wishes, and to you personally.

Best wishes.

+Christopher

Rt Rev Christopher Foster,
The Church of England's Bishop of Portsmouth

Day 22, Friday 22nd May - Icklesham to Rye

Light up the world in prayer

'Thy Kingdom Come' is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.

Since its start in May 2016, God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. In 2019, Christians from 172 countries took part in praying 'Come Holy Spirit', so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.

During the days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:

• Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ

• Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus

• Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness

We are praying that the Spirit will inspire and equip us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our friends and families, our communities and networks. It has been amazing how many varied ways there have been in which people from every tradition have taken up this challenge. The effects have been remarkable.

We invite you to join us on Zoom this morning at 9.00am to pray together for the coming of the Holy Spirit this will be a great way to come together for the last week of our pilgrimage with morning prayer Monday to Friday next week.

Christians Together in Emsworth

Click here for the 'Thy Kingdom Come' many and varied prayer resources.

Day 21, Thursday 21st May - Westfield to Icklesham

Today on our virtual pilgrimage we set out from Westfield to Icklesham.

As we begin, let us picture Jesus walking out from Bethany with his disciples. He had already explained that he was leaving them to go to the Father, but he was sending the Paraclete, the Advocate, to be with them. Luke tells us that, as Jesus blessed them, he withdrew and was carried up to heaven. The disciples then returned to Jerusalem full of joy.

I wonder if Luke is simplifying the disciples' emotions a bit? After all, he was not there. Yes, the disciples had seen Jesus in glory being taken up to heaven, but they knew that they would not see him again. They had no idea who or what this Paraclete was. I think that they may have felt apprehensive and bereaved.

Today many are apprehensive about the future and, sadly, many are bereaved.

As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, let us pray for his help.

Come Holy Spirit, give strength and courage to all who are uncertain and fearful.
Come Holy Spirit, comfort all who grieve.
Help them to trust in the promises of Christ, who told us that he would never turn away any who came to Him.
Amen.

Fr John Humphreys

Day 20, Wednesday 20th May - Battle to Westfield

To be a Pilgrim - Camino word pictures 2002/2003

John Kieran

Click here to learn more about the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Day 19, Tuesday 19th May - Ashburnham to Battle

As we continue to enjoy the beauty of creation expressed by Heather yesterday on our way to Battle, I greet you "Laudato Si".

This is a greeting in Italian "Praise the Lord" taken from the canticle of St Francis of Assisi and used as the title of a letter from Pope Francis written in May 2015, as the world prepared for the Paris climate conference about Care for our Common Home.

In it he calls for all Christians and people of good will to:

"ecological conversion, whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience"

Maybe this time when we are stopping, pausing and seeing a quieter world this is our chance to explore such a change of heart, we maybe some of the way there but I encourage you to explore further. The catholic bishops have produced a video series called Global Healing to explore what some of these changes. Click here to take a look.

This year the Archbishop of Canterbury Lent book 'Say Yes to Life' by Ruth Valerio gives a very comprehensive look at creation theology and how we live as Christians today. Click here to see.

Pilgrimage is a time out; a chance to recharge and refocus. This 5th anniversary of the Pope's letter and the Paris climate conference may be a good time to explore this area of our lives.

"Preach the Gospel at all times.
When necessary, use words". (St Francis)

Maureen Thompson

Day 18, Monday 18th May - Wartling to Ashburnham

With the parade of florae in bloom along our pilgrimage route, it's impossible not to stand in awe at the glory of God's creation. Sprays of cow parsley nod their heads from the hedgerows and the hawthorn trees give a heady scent in the sea breeze as Spring gives way to Summer.

Going on pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and sense the underlying unity of all things - to see every part of creation as an expression of God.

As Christians, we believe that God created the universe. The Bible tells us that: "The Earth is the Lord's and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1)

The earth is therefore our God-given home and, as such, it's only right that, as pilgrims, we should tread lightly as we travel along our way and be good stewards of the world that God has made.

On our journey the paths will lead us through many fields and hedgerows where we'll be able to see rare orchids, bats, butterflies and birdlife as well as lovely wildflower and grass chalkland meadows.

Take time on your journey to 'stop and stare' and become more aware of what's around you. Sit under a tree in contemplative silence. Or sit on a bench at one of the many viewpoints en route and simply enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Heather Powney

Day 17, Sunday 17th May - Polegate to Wartling

The Holy Spirit restores us to life - our journey towards Pentecost is coming ever closer.

Christ promised that he would send the Holy Spirit on his church after his resurrection. This is the source of our hope. Through the Spirit we can do great things in the Lord's name.

In the Spirit we are healed and called to take part in the healing mission of the Church.

Grant Almighty God
that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy,
which we keep in honour of the risen Lord,
and that what we re-live in remembrance
we may always hold in what we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ , your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God for ever and ever.
Amen

Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard;
proclaim to the ends of the earth;
The Lord has freed his people
Alleluia!

Enjoy your Sunday worship.

Day 16, Saturday 16th May - Alfriston to Polegate

I was delighted to hear of this virtual pilgrimage to Canterbury to mark the 850th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas a Becket. I was pleased too to hear of the ecumenical character of the pilgrimage and so I am happy to send you and your pilgrim brothers and sisters my best wishes and the assurance of my prayers.

Eastertide is a great season for pilgrimages, when we hear that well-loved Gospel passage, the 'Road to Emmaus,' about two downcast disciples on a journey who encounter a Stranger, who gradually unpacks for them the meaning of the Scriptures and makes their hearts burn within. When it was evening and they pressed him to stay, he 'took the bread and said the blessing, broke it and handed it to them.' Their eyes were opened and they recognised Him as the risen Lord.

The Gospel writers, in their accounts of the Resurrection, are keen to show us where we too today can meet the Risen Lord. This episode tells us beautifully that it's on journeys, that it's in one another, that it's when we read the Scriptures and that it's above all when we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, that we can today encounter Jesus, our Divine travelling companion.

Currently, because of the pandemic, our lives are in chaos. Some are sick; others are dying; many have lost a loved one; the plans of us all have been turned upside down. Our spiritual lives too are disrupted, with churches closed. Yet I must commend the organisers for establishing this virtual pilgrimage to Canterbury. St. Thomas is an excellent role-model for us today - a brave man, faithful to Christ and to the Truth.

I wish to encourage you on this pilgrimage to pray for everyone who needs our prayers at this time. Please set aside some time for prayer, time too to reflect on your life to ask where it's going, time to recognise the Divine Traveller walking alongside you. One day, each one of us will die. We'll come to the end of life's journey. We'll meet that Companion face to face.

I pray that this pilgrimage will deepen your faith and unite you more fully with Christ. In this way, it won't be a Stranger you meet when you die. It'll be Him Whom you know already. It will be Him Whom you have encountered often in Word and Sacrament. It will be that Friend you have known and loved all along the road, Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour.

Have a safe journey!

A message from Bishop Philip Egan,
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth

Day 15, Friday 15th May - West Firle to Alfriston

Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word.

The poem was written by Eleanor Farjeon, in 1931, using the beauty all around her in her home village of Alfriston.

But who remembers Cat Steven singing these words into the pop charts of the early 1970s?

The tune that we use when singing these words is so familiar to us now; but try speaking the words, as originally intended, as a poem. Breathe them slowly.

We are seeing much beauty as we journey together. Wherever we are on our way, we will constantly praise God for all the joy He has given to us in his Creation.

Our weary legs will lead us to the Star Inn in Alfriston. The inn was built in 1345 as a religious hostel to accommodate pilgrims en route from Battle Abbey to St Richard's shrine in Chichester.

Thus we cross other pilgrims in another age, yet we are of one mind: to use our pilgrimage as an opportunity to devote ourselves to the praise of God.

When we leave Alfriston in the morning, fully refreshed

God's re-creation of the new day!

Walter Essex

Day 14, Thursday 14th May - Lewes to West Firle

This is the first time I've 'been' to West Firle, our destination for today.

Yet, as I look at pictures online and try to imagine myself arriving there after a 10.5km walk from Lewes I have to admit that there is a vague sense of familiarity, a feeling of comfort, especially when it comes to the 12th century church and the scenery that surrounds it.

Celtic Christian tradition often speaks of 'thin places'. Places where the line between heaven and earth is so fine that it almost ceases to exist. Thin places may be found in ancient churches - their walls soaked in the prayer of generations; or they may be places of great beauty - examples of the creativity of God.

Whenever or wherever you feel the presence of God most keenly, that is a thin place.

Wherever you're walking today, whether you're off on a great adventure or doing laps of your back garden, I hope you'll catch a glimpse of a 'thin place'.

Deacon Laura Evans

Day 13, Wednesday 13th May - Plumpton to Lewes

I've come down from Haywards Heath today to join you on your pilgrimage as we walk from Plumpton to Lewes.

In 2004 and 2005 I walked this way during Holy Week as part of a cross walk from Chichester to Worth Abbey. Walking with a group of about 20 we travelled over the downs with a large wooden cross, and one of our over night stops was the Catholic Church in Lewes.

As we left the peace and quiet of the countryside, and ventured into the town known for its chequered religious past and famous tradition of bonfires, I felt a mixture of emotions. Relief that we had reached our destination, slight embarrassment as I realised what we were carrying, fear of how we would be received and judged by passers by.

But the worst case scenario would have been a heckle of 'Where's the crucifixion?' - hardly registering on the scale of Christian persecution experienced by many throughout the world.

This Christian Aid week we are reminded to unite in love, to heal the wounds of division and follow the Way that leads to life. That way is not always easy, because loving completely is hard, but in our weakness Jesus is strong.

So my prayer is for courage to be the hands that Jesus needs in the world right now, a world that desperately needs compassion, healing, and unity.
Amen.

Eleanor Oliver

Day 12, Tuesday 12th May - Clayton to Plumpton

As you walk through the attractive villages and beautiful, lush countryside between Clayton and Plumpton, or wherever your virtual pilgrimage takes you, I ask you to allow your thoughts to travel many miles away to the people in the developing world who have nothing to protect them from the devastating impact of coronavirus. In these countries millions of people, already struggling to feed their families, now face extreme hunger as jobs are lost and markets shut down.

These vulnerable families are ill equipped to fight the virus. The public health systems are totally inadequate. Many countries have shortages of the most basic supplies such as masks, oxygen and even soap and water. Some do not have a single ventilator.

The scale of the crisis is frightening as the pandemic spreads across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East as well as among refugee camps and displaced populations in countries such as Syria, South Sudan and Bangladesh. We must reach out to them.

Click here if you feel able, please add your name to a petition set up by CAFOD asking the Government to play its part.

Alison Humphreys

Restoring and healing God,
we pray for all those suffering across the world because of the Pandemic.
May these extraordinary times galvanise our world leaders to work together in an effort to make deep and lasting changes to the injustices that cause so much misery and premature deaths in the developing world and in areas of conflict.
Give us the strength and courage to speak up for those who have no voice and to do our part to make the world a better place.
Amen

Day 11, Monday 11th May - Poynings to Clayton

This year's Christian Aid week will be rather different, please look at different ways to give ands share the work of Christian Aid through its website and most of all, we ask for your prayers for those supporting development charities in this country and particularly for the people they work with. Across the world.

United in Love Christian Aid Week theme this year calls for us to be United in Love. We pray for Christians throughout the world united in God's Love. We pray for all Christians of all nations: young, old, in families, missionaries, refugees, displaced people, the hungry, the poor, and the leaders of our world, all united God's Love.

On Sunday many Christians will be sharing worship , gaining fellowship and support, and praising God.

Some will be praying in secret and in fear that their faith will bring them persecution.

Some will be praying via the radio or TV.

Others will be struggling to worship in unfamiliar circumstances due to Covid 19, often without the computer technology.

We pray for the time when we can be meeting up face to face.

Robina Richter

Click here to donate to Christian Aid Week

Day 10, Sunday 10th May - Steyning to Poynings

Christ is the Way the Truth and the life. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of the Lord.

God has poured out all these gifts on us through the Holy Spirit. We are called to proclaim God's word revealed to us in Christ, and to trust that Christ always has a special love and care for us.

John 14:1-4 "Jesus said to his disciples

Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father's house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you
that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am. 4
You know the way to the place where I am going."

In this uncertain time Sunday is a time to listen to God's word and trust that all will be well.

In the evening why not relax and watch a film 'The Way'

Day 9, Saturday 9th May - Findon to Steyning

As we begin Week 2 - gone is the anxiety of the first week. Our bodies are settling into the daily rhythm of the Pilgrimage. Our minds are beginning to lose all the busyness of everyday life. We are becoming aware of an inner ability to see things that we might previously have overlooked or taken for granted, to be in the present moment and take in the environment around us. Now is the time to 'walk with awareness, thanksgiving and praise' and really begin to see and embrace God's gifts to us as individuals.

As we walk today we alert ourselves to God and his loving, living presence within us and take deep breaths of fresh air: the sustainer of life, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Use your eyes and look around. Reflect, revel, enjoy the colour, texture, movement and shape of everything. What can you see? Pause, look again – have new things become visible? Stop for a minute or two and become aware of the silence around you, enjoy and just listen. Listen again and then hear this silence teeming with localised small sounds. Feel the wind, sun, air, rain on your skin, the grass or stones underfoot- the sense of balance and the importance of touch.

Smell the new mown grass, spring on the wind, the garden after a rain shower. Imagine stopping for your morning break today - the taste of a freshly made cup of coffee.

As we walk today - we breathe God in: we experience God within ourselves; we experience God in creation, in the environment and in the ordinary things of life. We are provided with an opportunity to rediscover God's wonderful generosity and loving kindness to us through all these gifts that he has given us. We take time to reflect.

'Be Still and Know that I am God'

Vivienne McCabe

Day 8, Friday 8th May - Storrington to Findon

As I lean against the wall in front of St Thomas Warblington , we can imagine we are setting off from Storrington for the walk to Findon on this 75th Anniversary of VE Day.

We can stop to say a prayer by the Storrington War Memorial that list 42 names of those killed in WW1 and 19 killed in WW2. Lists that are replicated all over the country.

And as we look at the clear blue skies above we can imagine the dogfights that might be taking place ... with young pilots taking off from Tangmere, Biggin Hill and the like...and give thanks that they gave their lives in the fight for our freedom from tyranny.

And we may reach Findon in time for a VE Day Celebration Party!

To finish with the prayer for VE Day put out by the Church of England

Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always.
Amen.

Peter Agius

Click here to see Peter share his prayer

Day 7, Thursday 7th May - Coldwaltham to Storrington

And so we come to Storrington. It lies on the northern edge of the South Downs, and close to the South downs Way, a 100 mile East West medieval drovers' route.

But look behind that modern urban scene and glimpse the history, predating even the 1170 pilgrimages. A hamlet mentioned in the Domesday Book, supporting charcoal burners and smelters of iron, tanners and blacksmiths.

Our 1170 pilgrims would have found rest and spiritual refreshment there and today we can gain that too. Look on the wonderful countryside of Sussex and its Downs; drink in the beauty which has existed since the dawn of time and will, saving Man's influence, exist until the end of time.

Kipling, in his poem 'Sussex' described it beautifully in phrases like:

'Our blunt, bow-headed whale-backed Downs', and 'Bare slopes where chasing shadows skim', '...the wooded, dim,blue goodness of the Weald'.

Pick up your copy and stride out, declaiming aloud the iambic metres!

Christopher Morrison

Click here to see Kipling's poem.

Day 6, Wednesday 6th May - South Stoke to Coldwaltham

We set off today from South Stoke to Coldwaltham.

Our journey bespoke,
we'll keep dry in the rain,
and avoid all the pain,
as we share prayer,
a song, and a joke.

The village Church in Coldwaltham is dedicated to St Giles, who, many years ago, gave hospitality and encouragement to all pilgrims who passed his hermitage in Provence on their way, either to the Holy Land, or to Compostella.

All pilgrims need sustenance, especially at lunchtime and in the evenings, when tiredness has been washed away, and the 'party' continues, getting to know each other better, and enjoying all their jokes and stories, as Chaucer's pilgrims did.

So it was, when Brian led an annual pilgrimage for his parishioners.

Lunch times were always a rest at a suitable hostelry, for sandwiches and ale, (orange juice for the youngsters), but today, sadly all the pubs are 'closed', and we must make do with a virtual pint.

We pray today;

Lord, for all who are unable to serve others in hotels, pubs, restaurants and snack bars because of the current virus.

May their needs be served by others, as others, long ago, served our Lord.

Amen

Barbara Hammond

Day 5, Tuesday 5th May - Slindon to South Stoke

As we arrive at South Stoke , we have passed through Arundel. Arundel Castle originates from 1067 following the Norman conquest, and so it would have been there in some form during Thomas a Becket's life. Indeed, Henry II who famously initiated the murder of Thomas by exclaiming 'Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?' built the stone keep at the heart of the castle.

Today Arundel Castle is famous for its Tulip Festival which takes place around now. If we were actually walking, we could stop in Arundel to see this stunning festival. Sue and I went last year and I found myself full of wonder and bubbling over with praise that God would go to such trouble to create these stunningly beautiful flowers. Such vivid colours and incredible variety.

So today on our pilgrimage look out for the beauty of God's creation and give him praise. Our lesson comes from Jesus himself...

'Consider the lilies (or tulips!!), how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you - you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying... Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:27-31)

At this time when many other things are proving to be much more temporary and less secure than we imagined, let's strive first for the kingdom of our good and beautiful God.

Rev Andrew Sheard

Click here to visit the Tulip Festival

Day 4, Monday 4th May - East Dean to Slindon

This will be my prayer for you Fellow Pilgrims:

Lord, our loving Father,

may these days of Easter inspire us, to replace the negative with the positive,

to replace the darkness of our present time with your radiant light,

to replace suffering with your divine love,

to replace despair and anxiety with hope,

but especially to replace all forms of death,

with the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus,

who promises us Life and promised it in abundance.

May everyone involved in the virtual pilgrimage find hope, consolation and love.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord

Amen

Fr Tom Grufferty

Click here to explore medieval pilgrimage souvenirs

Day 3, Sunday 3rd May - Chichester to East Dean

Today in John's Gospel 10:1-10

'We here that the Lord our shepherd will call us we will recognise his voice and follow. when we enter his sheepfold, we will be safe'

Safe is a word we are hearing a lot at the moment and maybe we are staying inside.

In our imagination though we can travel along the paths and fields to East Dean and there are plenty of lambs for us to enjoy.

Listen for the Lord's call and feel safe.

We recommend a good sing to lift your spirits – the Lord is my shepherd

Click here for a version by the choir of Wells Cathedral

Day 2, Saturday 2nd May - Bosham to Chichester

Imagine being a pilgrim in the 13th Century arriving in Chichester, seeing the height and splendour of the Cathedral.

We would have found the tomb of St Richard, a former Archbishop. Here is a version of his prayer:

Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which you have given us,
for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Amen.

Click here to visit the Cathedral

Day 1, Friday 1st May - Warblington to Bosham

Welcome Fellow Pilgrims

Can you imagine yourselves today setting off from St Thomas a Becket Church in Warblington with blustery sea air; dressed in your outdoor gear with your goods for the journey.

We feel excitement and nervous energy as we set off into the unknown; what will we see? who will we meet along the way?

Please post pictures and prayers on Facebook, fortified with Julie's lovely blessing. We get going walking through Emsworth, Southbourne and Childham to Bosham – let's offer blessings today for ourselves, our neighbours and the people whose homes we pass.

Thank you to Andrew from Southbourne Church to this link to this prayers from Local Houses of Prayer - Click here

Preparation to Leave

As we prepare for the start of our Virtual Pilgrimage from St Thomas a Becket Church in Warblington to Canterbury Cathedral, Rev. Julie Price shares this blessing with us all:

God of the guiding star, the bush that blazes
Show us your way.
God of the stormy seas, the bread that nourishes
Teach us your truth.
God of the still, small voice, the wind that blows where it chooses
Fill us with your life.
God of the elements, of our inward and outward journeys
Set our feet on your road today.
May God bless us with a safe journey
May the angels and saints travel with us
May we live this day in justice, peace and joy.

Amen.