Curtis Bray, Mississippi Conference:
As I reflect on our Wesley Pilgrimage, I find it very difficult to determine the “best” thing I am taking from it because there were so many people and places that caused me to pause and remember who we are as United Methodists and servants for the Lord. To have walked in the footsteps of the leaders of our heritage gave me a deeper connection not only to our past, but I was also forced to consider where we are going with our Church today.
There is no doubt that I made friends who will last far beyond the days of our pilgrimage. Being able to worship, study, and walk with my fellow pilgrims was wonderful. The bonds that we built on this journey have opened doors to new understandings, acceptance, and new covenants to grow in our faith and commitment as we serve our God and church.
Our leaders could not have been better! Thanks for what you, Paul, and Anita did to make this a trip to remember.
Cynthia Kennedy, Minnesota Conference:
Two of the great blessings of this pilgrimage was the time spent steeped in all things Wesleyan and the time spent with colleagues from across the country. As we learned about our common heritage, we also learned the different ways that heritage can be lived out today. Visiting the places where John Wesley lived and worked and worked out his ministry brought alive all those things that I hold dear as a United Methodist today. Seeing and hearing his faith story in the places where he actually took those steps of faith was a powerful reminder that God is working throughout time and history to bring about the kingdom of God. Taking this trip so close to time for preparation for my ordination interviews was another blessing as it brought alive for me what John and Charles Wesley taught and worked for, the legacy we have been given and why there are pieces that are so important to hold on to as we take the church into the 21st century. As I have reflected since my return, the whole trip brought the values and visions set out by the Wesley brother so long ago into our present time and if we remember nothing, we remember that they preached and sang love and care, that mixture of piety and justice, that the world so needs today.
James Johnson, Tennessee Conference:
Through this journey, I have experienced the reflected light of Christ through the life stories of Susanna, Samuel, John, and Charles Wesley. From the fading St. Andrew Church, I encountered the fount from which water was drawn for the one baptism we all share with John and Charles. Outside its stone-walls, I touched the tombstone of their father Samuel. It is a place where John and others have stood to preach “Good News” where God has transformed hearts of stone.
A field in Bristol pulled my imagination to envision a place where John first preached outside. My feet stood upon the ground that felt the feet of a movement toward “scriptural holiness.” Forward and backward through time, I sang hymns of Charles Wesley in the New Room. My hands have gripped the pulpit where brave preachers have spoke prophetic words of freedom opposing the evil institution of slavery. In London, I have peered through a window of John Wesley’s home across a street and through trees to Bunhill Field where Susanna Wesley is buried.
Of all the markers of time and history, I left this experience of time travel with a vision and a passion for a living faith in Christ lived-out among the people called Methodists. I have images seared within my mind and heart for the work of all the Wesleys that is my work to continue. I pray that as God continues God’s work of renewing God’s image upon my life that I will faithfully share this light of dawn with all who travel through life in the darkness of night.
JoAnne Amaral, Minnesota Conference:
The Wesley Pilgrimage was a wonderful way to give our heritage as United Methodist legs and feet. Walking the paths of history retold me of the missional mindset of our for-fathers and mothers. I needed to remember this. The Wesley Pilgrimage reminded me that mission and leadership are synonymous and essential in our discipleship process.
Too often working in the church we tend to focus on the “what” we have to do rather than the “why” we do it. The Wesley Pilgrimage reminded me why I am a United Methodist clergy and more importantly why I am a Christian—because as Wesley would say---best of all God is with us. I am grateful for the experience and would recommend it highly if like me—you need to be reminded why we do what we do.
Matt Landry, Indiana Conference:
I greatly enjoyed my experience on the 2011 Wesley Pilgrimage! Not only did I get to have deep spiritual and theological conversations with fellow Methodist colleagues, but we brought history and tradition to life, as we walked through the major Wesley sites with leaders steeped in the Wesleyan tradition. It was extremely engaging and enlightening to be able to hear from these scholars as well as engage in conversation with them. I believe that this opportunity will affect the ministry that I am engaged in for life. I have a new perspective on the history of the Methodist movement, as well as a new perspective of what ministry and the church could look like today if we work with the same Spirit that the Wesley's engaged in so long ago.
I would recommend that all Methodist clergy and lay people attend this pilgrimage, as it will make you greatly appreciate the work and life of John and Charles Wesley. It is my hope that all people can be encouraged by all of the saints who worked before us so diligently for the faith. Those who go on this pilgrimage are encouraged and inspired to continue the call that God has placed on our hearts and to follow the way of Jesus and the examples of the saints John and Charles Wesley!
Melissa Dodd, Missouri Conference:
How can one truly have a passion for who we are as United Methodist in America without fully knowing our past? Experiencing the Wesley pilgrimage reminded me of the legacy that we follow and our call to leave a legacy ourselves. Standing on a corner in Bristol near the spot where John Wesley first "became vile" challenged me to step boldly into situations of ministry that make me uncomfortable. Seeing Samuel Wesley's grave near St. Andrew's church leads me to serve with a confidence in all moments, if they are within a hospital room or at an administrative meeting. Our founder served with a strength that we must reclaim to keep the integrity in which our denominational roots hold. I always knew that the United Methodist Church was the place where my calling was to be fulfilled. After this trip, I am even more confident in who I am as a Methodist and thankful for the men who pushed the edges of reformation even further.
Pat Catellier, West Michigan:
My pilgrimage to England has transformed me in significant ways. I have a new-found appreciation for the courage, strength and commitment of John and Charles Wesley. I am beginning to understand the importance of developing daily spiritual practices as a result of this trip. Our daily rituals of Eucharist and Compline have helped me to be part of a deeper “indwelling” with God that I have not experienced before. Finally, I am more proud than ever before that I am a United Methodist and plan to honor the legacies left by the Wesleys in whatever ways I can.
Scott Wilks, Holston Conference:
As one of the pilgrims from the 2011 Wesleyan Pilgrimage to England, I am thankful for the opportunity to see the sites of our Wesleyan heritage, to hear teaching from impassioned instructors, and to share in the experience with other Christians from around the United States. During this time, we developed a sense of community as we experienced and shared God’s grace together. While we were different in our backgrounds, we were truly one in Christ.
For me personally, the word “pilgrimage” was appropriate to the experience. We traveled the pilgrim path to see sites which are sacred to our Wesleyan past. Yet at the same time, we walked (literally) through physical pain as well as the temptation to leave the path. And we were rewarded at the end of our journey with the satisfaction that we completed the journey together. My only regret is that it is over. I would have liked a couple of more days to take it all in.
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this pilgrim journey… for the cadre who taught and cared… and for the chance to walk where great people of our faith have walked. I would recommend this pilgrimage for those who wish to connect their seminary education with the physical world of the Wesley’s, while at the same time I would encourage the pilgrim to experience the spiritual nature of this walk in faith.
C. Shane Moore, Pacific Northwest Conference:
In seminary I learned that John and Charles Wesley visited the poor, cared for the widow and orphans, and those imprisoned. But these were just stories I learned in class, this pilgrimage brought these stories to life for me as a Methodist and as a Christian. To see the place that John Wesley first preached outdoors to the miners of Kingswood, and in his own words, “committed to be more vile”, was an amazing experience. Preaching outdoors in the 18th century and in the Anglican Church was unheard of, but John and Charles Wesley knew that they needed to do all in their power to spread the message that God’s love and grace are offered to all, even preaching outdoors. Imagine what would happen if all of the churches of The United Methodist Church were committed to spreading God’s love and grace in all ways even if it meant committing themselves “to be more vile.” The early Methodists taught us that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is not a bad thing.
Tom Beckette, West Virginia Conference:
There are many things that have made a great impact on me but I believe the greatest has been the forgotten principle of the meaning behind the class meetings. I believe as you do that if the church is going to survive, it all will start with the individual’s holiness. I came back with the burning desire to start a class meeting with the leaders of the church and in turn have them each start a group until the entire church is a member of a spiritual accountability group. I was so impressed with Wesley’s dedication that he practiced his piety, study and action even when he may not have been fully convinced that he was doing it for the right reason. He still persevered. He preached faith until he had it and then preached faith because he had it. The same principle applies practice holiness until you have it and then you will practice holiness because you have it.
Toni Watson, Memphis Conference:
It seems all the wisps of London fog - or probably the morning mists of Salisbury would be best to reference - have vanished from my weary brain and tired body but the glow of the reality of my calling by a God who calls so many shines more brightly within my spirit.
So I go forth with specific goals that will form my future ministry and my future spirituality. Thank you for the privilege of inestimable value to participate in the pilgrimage.
I learned so much from the trip, and I'm a thinker, less inclined to have an emotional response but be inspired by insight.
Rosemary DeHut, Detroit Conference:
The pilgrimage reminded me of my heritage as a Methodist and the ministry of John and Charles Wesley. It also gave me insight as to how my life as a pastor now contains all these colors of the kaleidoscope which make up who I am.
Have I changed in any way because of the pilgrimage? Yes. My hunger for knowledge has been reawakened. Visiting the historical places made history come alive and I want to know more about the past which makes up the present.
In my case the pilgrimage did just what it is intended to do. It has strengthened my resolve as a Christian leader. I've always believed that the non-denominational church has been so successful because of the small group formation within the larger body. The United Methodist Church has gotten away from that and as a result we are struggling. They are using John and Charles' Wesley's ideas and beating us at our own game! It's time to get back into the game!
Sherrie Ilg, Iowa Conference:
Early in the pilgrimage, riding back on the coach after a few misty mornings and treasured scenes of villages and countryside pastures along the way, I borrowed a piece of paper and a pen and began to write this to express how I was experiencing this land filled with the places and lives of saints; of my ancestors who came from England and of the history of the people called Methodists. Here’s what I wrote.
Everyplace.
Draped between blades of tender, glistening grass
in dampened wool
of hillside sheep
it stays.
Quiet softness of the mist.
hovering like the Spirit,
particles of peace
enter every place.
A ribbon of LIFE not to be contained,
GOD winds like mist
over hedges and stonewalls
through window light
past rounded roof edges,
piercing cold shadows
with grace.
Everyplace. Hush, be still. Pilgrim, know peace.
Yet, something stirs within.
Holy anticipation moves in the chilled air.
Alive! I wait, stirred by God!
Inviting. Calling.
To share a love
…that was, that is, and will forever be.
Pilgrim, journey on. I am with you in every place.
I’ve brought back a filled soul…filled with the richness of a heritage brimming with possibilities for the future. I’ve had my passion for small groups affirmed, new appreciation of worship in the Anglican tradition, and the Wesley’s vision has come alive. This pilgrimage let me enter into the life-long pilgrimage of John and Charles and I now recognize their life story to be filled with challenge, with boldness, with the contrasts of contexts for ministry, with hard, hard work and with a continual growth in faithful discipleship and leadership. I’ve stepped into history walking streets, stairs, and steeples that witness to a faith in God that continues on…and my story is now connected to the historical faith story of those who have gone before. I’ve a deep appreciation for their lives and I’m challenged in my own response to God’s call. Our Wesleyan heritage is now a vivid part of me, planted ever more deeply.
Becky Goodwin, California-Nevada Conference:
The Wesley Pilgrimage has helped me recommit to being awake to the movement of the Holy Spirit and do all I can to embrace it, witness to it, lead the faithful remnants of our churches today, and challenge them to seek and receive and tend new disciples. I feel whole, blessed, and ready for whatever is to come!
Sandra Jenkins, Greater New Jersey Conference:
I am a life-long Methodist and had studied the roots of our church in classes taught in my church and in seminary. I was most appreciative of the opportunity to see and walk in the places where the Methodist movement began. I was particularly touched to walk down Aldersgate Street and to stand in the pulpit in the New Room. We then sang “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” in a place where 200+ years prior, the Wesley’s worshipped and hoped for a revival in the Anglican church.
The exposure to the Wesley scholars who led us on tours of the various cities we visited was a highlight. Their knowledge was impressive! After listening to them I was able to better understand the Methodist movement. It was something about being there and hearing the explanation of the why and how.
I thank the church for this opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the worship and the conversation with my clergy brothers and sisters from across the connection. Many of ministered to me with words of wisdom and care that I needed. By the grace of God I am a Methodist…thanks be to God. There is no other church I’d rather be a part of!
Ellen Zienert, West Michigan Conference:
The Wesley Pilgrimage was informative, interesting, and inspiring. I learned more of what informed the Wesley's ministry — their mother's teaching of the children, their father's absences, and family issues with money. Standing in the kitchen at the Epworth Rectory was, perhaps, the most memorable moment of the trip for me. The table was set with slates for the children’s studies with their mother, and I could see the beginnings of John Wesley’s trust in the small group process.
Scriptural holiness has become a living, transformative image to me. Standing on the uninhabited, concrete-covered, brick-enclosed street corner in Bristol where Wesley preached his first open air sermon, it was difficult to imagine an open field. It was not difficult, however, to imagine the working class people to whom Wesley preached. Who are the people who are currently unwelcome and unbidden into my churches, into modern-day church life? I think at that moment the concept scriptural holiness sprang into life in my heart. Am I living in such a way that I might connect those who feel outside it all to the transforming power of Christ’s love in their lives?
Finally, the pilgrimage will become one way in which I can bring alive the DNA of Methodism, its foundational ethos, for my parishioners. It will become an experience that challenges me to keep alive in my life and ministry the call to receive God’s grace and transform that, with the Spirit’s presence, into a more visible outpouring of love for God and for others.
Steven W. Manskar