Retreats, Pilgrimages and Field Trips

St. James’s has a rich history of pilgrimages, retreats and field trips (see below), but COVID has, not surprisingly, largely put them on hold. When the world opens up again, so will we. In the meantime, here are the three most immediate upcoming events:

Dates TBD

In search of deeper understanding of the painful history of race and racism in America, the Becoming Beloved Community ministry is developing a pilgrimage, by bus, to a variety of sites in the Deep South. Possible sites include: Selma; The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery; Memphis; Atlanta. For more information, contact BBC Project Manager Becky DeCamps ([email protected]).

Select Saturdays, Dates TBD

One profound place for Christians to see and appreciate God’s hand at work is in creation itself. Join botanist and parishioner, Johnny Townsend, and nature buff, the Rev. Hilary Streever, as we visit nearby parks with spirits filled with curiosity, and eyes wide with wonder at God’s creatures.

Contact: Hilary Streever, [email protected] or (804)355-1779, ext. 319

Legend has it our patron saint, the apostle James, carried the gospel all the way to northwestern Spain. Medieval Christians from all over Western Europe made the city bearing his name, Santiago, one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in Christian history. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims with fellow St. Jamesers along the Portuguese Way. We will bike from Portugal into Spain, then drop the bikes and hike to Santiago. It is a moderate to difficult trip: the bike ride is along the coast and is mainly a flat course; the walking will rigorous but not difficult. This pilgrimage will qualify for a certificate of completion from the Roman Catholic Church. Capacity: approximately 15 to 20 pilgrims. More details to come.

Contact: The Rev. Dr. Mark Cooper, [email protected].

Join Outreach Committee members on site visits to community agencies, with which the church has a ministry partnership, to learn more about the agency mission and how it embraces community need. Each agency is a potential recipient for outreach funding. Watch church communications for specific dates and places.

Contact: Mignon Tucker, (804) 370-3881 or [email protected].

Adult Learning Ministry Team: Mark Shuford, Chair; Grey Ligon, Lile Benaicha, Vestry liaison, Andy Bennett, Anna Evas, Leigh Hulcher, Jane Dowrick, and Staff: The Rev. Hilary Streever.