To Boldly Go...

Our recent walking trip in the Peak District was a real treat with stunning scenery but as boggy as can be imagined. Every step was a squelch and every walk concluded with mud coatings like we’ve never seen before. Besides the most welcome end of the day visits to the pub, another highlight was attending the all age service at All Saints, Youlgrave.

Their service celebrated God journeying with us and our call to be pilgrims through this life. On Palm Sunday a large group of people are joining a series of pilgrimages starting from Youlgrave and ending at Derby Cathedral. The invitation is for others around the UK to make their own pilgrimages to nearby cathedrals. Part of the inspiration for this is reflected in a Norman stone carving set into the North wall of All Saints of a woman, carrying staff and bag, and assumed to be a pilgrim. She was referred to by the congregation as Petra, and clearly remains an encouragement to modern day pilgrims.

The other and far more practical inspiration is to raise funds for a much need toilet at All Saints.

The warm and friendly welcome together with the practical and heart-felt service reminded me of the importance of hospitality and our need to respond to Jesus’ call to follow him.

As Lent continues let’s re-affirm our trust in God that in the journey of life we will boldly go wherever we are called.

Lord, be with us each day,

and as people on the move

inspire us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus

who leads us to life in all its fullness. Amen.