The pilgrim's way

By Catherine Hoffman
New Times Editor & Communications Officer

Posted in Culture

Individuals and communities from the Uniting Church SA, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) come together for a series of different pilgrimages each year. Some of these pilgrimages include physical journeys, while others are metaphorical – but all are important to the life of the Uniting Church in South Australia. This article provides information about recent and upcoming pilgrimages happening across the state.

 

Oodnadatta Easter pilgrimage

Easter weekend, 2016

The Oodnadatta Easter Pilgrimage was held over the Easter long weekend in March this year. Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer, Intergenerational Discipleship Developer Mike Wardrop, and many others joined the pilgrimage. They were given opportunities to engage with the UAICC faith community in Oodnadatta as they celebrated Easter. A number of people were also baptised by the Moderator over the weekend (pictured above).

 

Adnyamathanha Spirituality Pilgrimage

Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 May, 2016

Rev Denise Champion, Aunty Pauline McKenzie and Michael Hawn will lead a pilgrimage through Adnyamathanha country in the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound (Ikara) in May this year.

This pilgrimage provides an opportunity for people to experience the beauty of the Flinders Ranges as never before – to hear traditional songs and stories, explore songlines, and learn about the land. Participants will delve deeply into understanding what it means to be people of
faith who listen to the ancient voice of God.

This unique pilgrimage costs $380, and includes accommodation in cabins at Rawnsley Park. Other accommodation options are available at alternative rates.

For more information, please contact the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts on 8267 2657 or Turn on Javascript!

 

Pilgrimage of Healing

Reconciliation Week, Friday 27 May – Friday 3 June, 2016

During Reconciliation Week each year, the Pilgrimage of Healing raises funds for a particular UAICC project. In 2015, funds raised were used to help support pilgrimages like those mentioned in this article, helping to train younger people to lead them.

This year, proceeds from the Pilgrimage of Healing will go towards the UAICC’s vision for the old Tailem Bend Uniting Church building.
Prior to its closure in 2014, the Tailem Bend church building was the site of many funerals and other important events in the life of the UAICC and wider Indigenous community in the Murraylands. The UAICC has been in discussions with different departments in the Uniting Church SA about developing a regional, ecumenical faith community at this site.

The Tailem Bend building requires a number of urgent, critical repairs to ensure it’s a suitable and safe space for this new Murraylands faith community – and this is what the 2016 Pilgrimage of Healing funds will support. The details are still being finalised, but members of the Uniting Church SA are encouraged to prayerfully consider donating to this cause. Further information will be provided through UC e-News and New Times online as it becomes available.

For more information about the Pilgrimage of Healing, please contact Congress Resource Officer Ian Dempster on 0417 217 320 or email Turn on Javascript!


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