Tuesday 31 May 2016

Day 17 Walk 15

Today was like a walk with Morse  - two pubs by midday and no church even in sight – despite having been through the centre of Oxford (where I got badly disorientated trying to get from the Cherwell to the Oxford Canal).
Saw the old prison then went along Canal Road (where one of Colin Dexter’s novels is set); eventually coming out at the Plough Inn (maybe not in a Morse novel?).
More importantly from a spiritual point of view (not the 8.4% pint of cider at 12 noon  - using Cave Refectory Road again  - talking of the need to “gaze upon God” – without words.
The weather’s about to change, so may finish early.

Monday 30 May 2016

Blog 14 (Walking Day 14 - Harwell to Oxford/Cowley)

Today was the first day I had one or more companion all day

(Rachma and Steven had joined me at the end of day 12).

In the morning my friend David and I started from Harwell - we struggled to cross two main roads (one being the A34) and the main GWR line; David's comments were:

b----y roads, b-----y railways and b-----y footpaths.

Despite our careful map work several paths ran out at the boundaries and failed to cross road or rail.

However, eventually we got to Abingdon, late, to a nice pub, Nag's Head.

I was allowed 5 minutes before-hand in a lovely church - St. Helen's - with fantastic

 roof-paintings - but we were in danger of being late for our meet with  David's wife, Louise and Daff.

After too long and too large a lunch (Bill) we left  for a long idyllic walk on the side of the Thames.

Unfortunately, too long - so we made many stops as exhaustion began to set in; the last at a pub on the river in Sandford

(so 2:1 score Pubs to churches, I'm afraid).

We arrived back at Louise and David's exhausted - not having the energy to go out;

poor Louise having to cook us a delicious chilli.

No psalm today, nor tomorrow, rest day when I'll be catching up with sending past blogs. Bill the relaxing Pilgrim

The

Blog 13

For today: a brief canticle for midday - to be sent later

Blog 12

For today - Warnborough to Uffington; another version of a Psalm

(NB note to Dane - can they be spaced after every 4 lines - I think the last one

lost its formatting in downloading).

1. Lord, you have been our house and home;

the place in which we make our dwelling.

Before you had created the heavens,

beyond the mountains of human telling.

2. You are God, God for ever and ever,

And yet when all's due, you turn us to dust

You command us to turn back and repent

To do you great deeds, you tell us we must.

3. A thousand years to you flash by,

They are, as it were, one watch in the night;

like yesterday, which came and went past

As but a blink in your eye, in your sight.

4. Our years pass you by, for us like a dream,

In the dew of the morning, renewed is the grass.

As the day goes past, as the evening fades,

our yesterdays, as it were, let them pass.

5. But does your wrath overshadow us

The psalmist, in psalm ninety, tells us so.

Our iniquities and our secret sins,

offend you so much, you tell us to go.

6. Our span is only toil and trouble

Our years come to finish, like a sigh

Seventy, or eighty, if we are strong

But the fear of your wrath makes it nigh.

7. Let us count our days and blessings

So as to give wisdom in our heart.

Turn back, O Lord, relent and save us

Have compassion on us, at least in part.

8.In the morning give us your steadfast love,

May we gladly rejoice all our days.

Let us be glad in all our afflictions.

Let our work serve you, in all of our ways.

9. Give glory and power to our children,

Let your favour return on our lands;

O prosper the work that we do,

O prosper the work of our hands.

Amen.

Friday 27 May 2016

WALK TO AVEBURY (from Bromham)

I seem to have not concluded the last blog - even if started.
Never mind.

An amazing day - quite a challenge to get to the ridgeway from Bromham, and cold, but stunning, once I was there. I arrived at Avebury quite early and had an interesting conversation  with a passer-by about ley lines, Paganism and Neo-Paganism! I don't know her name, but she certainly was no fan of the National Trust. 

Then I went into the church, full of visitors - and saw it as a centre for interfaith prayers;pilgrims were welcomed; there was a goodies box for passing pilgrims and homeless people to help themselves from (maybe something we could learn in Porlock?) I found out they were holding sung Celtic Evensong which I attended (along with two others); I was made most welcome; even a prayer I prayed was appreciated - about  resolving conflict.

I was asked to carry a prayer card (the Great Invocation) for someone called Adrian, who had just died and was a Buddhist sound healer, for whom an interfaith prayer vigil was said the previous night.

I felt incredibly peaceful after the service; only slightly diluted by the inevitable pub, gassy cider and canned music afterwards. There was also in the pub a picture of a supposed ley line route from Glastonbury to Avebury (and beyond in both directions). It's interesting that I went to the "George and Pilgrim" in Glastonbury;

I do feel that I am reclaiming the ancient tradition of Christian Pilgrimage; I have said more than once that I think some people from outside the church "get it" in a way that some from within don't. The vicar here, Maria (emphasis on the first syllable) said that the village was designed for the pilgrim, even special crosses were carved in stones in the corners of the outside of the church; and special windows/doorways for them at the neighbouring priory and nunnery.

I now feel I have a purpose, an extra purpose, to take this invocation prayer card for
Adrian to Lindisfarne. Maria prayed a beautiful prayer for the people of Porlock and its church, too. May they, we and I grow as we continue to seek to walk together.  Amen.

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Day 10 (Walk 9)

Psalm 89
I will sing of your steadfast love
as I look to your beauty in the skies.
Your heavens proclaim your faithfulness,
your covenant with me makes me realise ...
How faithful you are, to be feared, mighty, awesome
I can't see the sea you made, the earth is for you,
You save us with your mighty arm; righteousness,
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
How happy are those who walk in your way
You are the glory of their strength, their light.
In you our horn is exalted
 - you are our might.
In a vision you spoke to your faithful servant.
To David, the priestking, your chosen one.
I will strengthen him - my faithfulness will be with him
My right hand will be with him, his battles won.
His right hand will be on the seas and rivers,
he will call me his Father and his rock,
I will strengthen him, make his covenant stand firm,
his line will continue forever, kings will come from his stock.
But, despite all the above, my life is short, how long,
I cannot escape death, where is your love of old?
Your steadfast love, where is it, when enemies taunt me?
They taunt my footsteps, where's your love that I told ...
To others, of your love and mine?
Yet to them, to me, it's fine
I mustn't pretend, deny you never.
Blessed be the Most High, Lord for ever.
Amen.

Monday 23 May 2016

A bull in a field

Our friends Rosie and Richard were amused that each day I'm keeping a tally of churches/pubs visited - today the pubs won- two to one!

My day started early as I had some catching up to do. After leaving the church at Wingfield which wasn't quite open, but the opener kindly pointed me in the right direction for the footpath. It started well, but soon I was wading through long wet grass to avoid a bull in a field who'd eyed me up and down. I then broke through a fence and crossed a stream to emerge into a housing estate on the edge of Trowbridge.

I was able to pray for a few churches as I passed through before emerging by the railway which then went under the canal and I had an idyllic walk along the towpath. saw two sets of ducklings and another heron (grey).

I was trying to equate my sense of wellbeing with the psalmist who wrote Psalm 88, who was clearly afflicted with a terrible disease or dying. I came to the conclusion that we need to accept the rough with the smooth - and particularly celebrate God things when they happen. I even found two pubs to have lunch in. However, later, I found the going was tougher, so I'd learnt my own lesson.

Saturday 21 May 2016

Day 7 - Radstock

Too exhausted to write anything much today (Sat). I got a bit damp. In fact writing this up in a pub north of Bath on Sun where it is pouring after a nice day. This was the end of the first stage, but ending at Radstock- not Bath or Wells I reckon I've done at least 60 or 70 miles, which means I'm over one eight of the way there, I can't believe it.

I meant to rest one day in seven, but I've just walked for seven days. I reckon God had some wise advice there!

Still I will be resting in Oxford at the right time.

Sadly couldn't make Wells evensong on Sun as at Barnstable for a morning Baptism followed by pub lunch, but am now able to meet up with Rosie and Riacahrd in yet another pub North of Bath.

Walking today (Sat) was a slog, but I enjoyed the bits of the Fosse way (between double hedges), but too much long grass, barbed wire and rat-run roads for my liking Still - managed to see another black heron!

Looking forward to Avebury and the ridgeway walk to Oxford.
pace, Pilgrim Bill

Friday 20 May 2016

Day 6 - North Wootton



Addition to Blog 6 - walking from Glastonbury

Amazed by scipture quoted in postcard blog: Eccl 6:1
In the same church, in North Woottn - was a special copy
of a pre-Raphaelite made by a previous Rector (see Pevsner’s Buildings of England -N. Som)

Later saw a hovering buzzard, at the top of a rise looking back to the Tor - in a straight line.
Earlier had seen a black heron and white aigrette.
 I had a sense of walking in God’s way; but found it difficult to reflect (something to do with too many pubs??). Over one tenth of the way there!

To counter the pubs covered; a list of churches visited that were open so far:

Wootton Courtenay
Dunster
Williton
Sampford Brett
Halford
Nether Stowey
Cannington
(village outside) Cossington
Glastonbury Abbey
North Wootton

Thursday 19 May 2016

Day 5 - Lecto Divina

Part 1 Today's blog is more of a " lecto divina" a la cave, "refectory road". Worshipping God in creation. Pane ntheism not pantheism, righteousness and peace have looked down and kissed each other.

Part 2 I have always loved this verse and its variants but never really understood it- having seen moor hens billing and dragon flies mating, I now have more of an idea. Love came down not just at Christmas, but in Christ for all, for all time and for all humankind. God's love is like the tender caress of a lover touching cheek and neck - the divine touching the mortal, the eternal touching the temporal.

Part 3 so- spiritual high today combined with physical low - so much to reflect on, such a struggle to arrive. Thats gods agenda.   Do not strive, I will bear your burdens, yet take up your cross and follow me. Its hard, but its easy- the paradox of following Jesus.

Part 4 I hadn't the energy to in up the tor so went to the George and Pilgrim instead! I've been there before, others may go, but what matters is to keep on my journey - and to see God in all - well - most things.   Today I found a deserted tow path brimming with wildlife and a solitary hide sheltering - both times to marvel - God has indeed bent down towards us. Amen.

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Day 4 - The Missing Postcards

Blog House  4
How good it is to be in the house of the lord. How good it is to be in a hot bubble bath in a strangers house.
Steve the host for tonight welcoming a pilgrim.
A long day today wet and mostly flat with a few wrong turns.maybe 5 or 6 miles out of the way.  My first off road experience. But it's all off road. Lost some postcards and a fleece top.

Even the swallow  finds a home for her young. After 9pm bird song still sings. So still Lord. Plenty of surprises. Startled a single doe. A wheat field too but no bull  in the beware bull field pm sign posted. Tomorrow Glastonbury here we come.

Psalm 92

New every morning is the love
To sing praises to your name, the most high
It is good to give thanks to the Lord
In the day and when evening is nigh.

To you, O Lord, I sing my thanks and praise
To the melody of the harp and lyre
For you, Lord, have made me glad by your word
To sing of your words, I never tire

Y our words are great, O Lord, your thoughts are deep
The wicked cannot know, doomed nigh forever;
but though they flourish like grass
You, O Lord, are on high forever.

All evildoers shall be scattered
Our enemies shall before us flee
Whilst the righteous flourish
And blossom as a palm tree

Palm and cedars of Lebanon
Planted in God’s house in his sight
In old age they still produce fruit
The Lord is our rock, the most upright.

Tuesday 17 May 2016

Day 3 - Last Night in the Rectory

A short blog today and a psalm:

Tomorrow's the big day (day 4 of pilgrimage) - but no turning back
(as the hymn has it) - tonight's my last stay in the Rectory.

Walked today over the Quantocks (hill range 2!) - fantastic views back over Exmoor - with some rain .
A large party of schoolkids overtook me and I wandered more - but to great avail.
Also had lovely views over the channel - only marred by the huge compass point of Hinkley - no prizes for guessing my thoughts about a potential new reactor there.

Saw two delightful churches on each side: Sandford Brett and Holford, very welcoming - as well as starting and finishing in Williton and praying with the vicar there.

No more views of Porlock and my last view of North Hill today (apart from as I begin tomorrow).
Also not much more sun - rain forecasted tomorrow - ah well.

Thanks to God for my progress so far.

Bill the Porlock Pilgrim


A psalm based on Psalm 83

We are called to be shepherds - and servants;
priests of all believers, I say.
Here (in Psalm eighty-three)  - we pray God
 - doesn't be silent - don't be still.

Why so? God speaks in sheer silence
after earthquake, fire and wind in "Kings"
But the psalmist calls upon God
to cut down with tempest and flame.

Does God answer?  Not by setting
the mountains ablaze. No hurricanes
blow, hurricanos says Lear, -  fear
God instead. Else be put to shame.

Don't keep silent; Lord, it's time to act
To return wholeness to our hurting world
Where enemies may try to destroy us
Don't hear the world say: "Have us act first".

So what can  I learn from today, from this psalm
To trust in God alone, whose name is the Lord
The most high over all the earth
 - will act when he wills, not in our time.

A midday canticle (based upon Psalms 90/1)

 I lift up my eyes to the Lord
LET US GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD
The mountains and trees are his also
LET US GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD

He will deliver me from the snare of the fowler
LORD, SAVE AND HELP US, FOR WE CRY TO YOU
From the midday storm and the evening plague
LORD, SAVE AND HELP US, FOR WE CRY TO YOU

By the still waters and springs you refresh us
WE PRAISE YOU AND WE BLESS YOU
You provide milk and honey for us
WE PRAISE YOU AND WE BLESS YOU

For the plague of pollution and the fever of drought
LORD FORGIVE US AND HEAL US
For the tempest of war and the storm of defeat
LORD FORGIVE US AND HEAL US

For he will command his angels concerning you
LORD, RESTORE US AND LEAD US
For you have made the Most High your home
LORD, RESTORE US AND LEAD US

Monday 16 May 2016

Day 2 - Dunster Church

I found Psalm 82 much more difficult today than 81 yesterday.
I still have to write a poem based on either - but "maintaining the right of the lowly and destitute" resonates with me.

Still back at the Rectory after Day 2 - which started from Dunster church - via the mill and then up a steep path through the deer park - aptly named, as a fairly tame herd of over 25 does looked at me with only mild interest - I was about 75 yards away.

Eventually I got up onto the the top ridge only to go too far south - I ended up looking down upon Rodhuish, rather than going through it. A little detour took me to Roduhuish church - a chapel of ease - which was as usual delightful (I think I've only been there once before). There are some particularly intersting carvings and sculpture, all priduced by local artists - including Porlock's very own J. Horrobin (if I've got his name right).

Then some road walking took me to Roadwater, where I bumped into the local vicar, Kenneth, who went with me for a herbal tea in a cafe in the old Anglican church building - now housing a cafe and a "heating centre" - interesting to reflect on the usefulness of our church buildings - this was very tastefully done.

Kenneth is about to start a 10-day silent retreat and so we prayed a blessing for each other - out aloud as he hadn't started yet.

At the end of the day - not that late in the afternoon - I found the lovely church at Williton - St. George's I think, but I could easily be wrong. It was so refreshing that I decided to make it the start point tomorrow - better to dwell on that than the bus service to Minehead - and on a local firm Webbers going bankrupt.

I found an amazing card there of St. Cuthbert's cross - which I hope to see at Durham Cathedral - and hope to go back for some small gifts tomorrow. I've also only been to this church once before, I think.

Earlier in the day, at Rodhuuish, I found this "refugee" prayer - lat's make it our own, God bless, Bill

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many
to those who are fleeing for their lives.
Help us now to open our arms in welcome.
and reach out our hands in support,
that the desperate might find new hope,
and lives torn apart be restored.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord,
who fled persecution at His birth
and at His last triumphed over death.
Amen.

A midday canticle (based upon Psalm 87)

Singers and dancers both say you are God
FOR ALL BELONGS TO THE CREATOR
Your holy city was founded on the mountain
FOR ALL BELONGS TO THE CREATOR
Glorious things are spoken of you
FOR ALL BELONGS TO THE CREATOR
My springs are in you, you are my fountain
FOR ALL BELONGS TO THE CREATOR

I know Tyre, Philistia, Rahab and Babylon
EVERY PART OF THE EARTH IS SACRED
Ethiopia is in famine, will the crops fail?
EVERY PART OF THE EARTH IS SACRED
You, God, will register all the peoples
EVERY PART OF THE EARTH IS SACRED
God will establish it: Hail, Most high, Hail
EVERY PART OF THE EARTH IS SACRED

Whatever befalls your children
MY SPRINGS AND FOUNTAINS ARE IN YOU
Whatever befalls your creation
MY SPRINGS AND FOUNTAINS ARE IN YOU
Every part of the earth is sacred
MY SPRINGS AND FOUNTAINS ARE IN YOU
For all belongs to the Creator
MY SPRINGS AND FOUNTAINS ARE IN YOU

Lord, our God, you renew the earth
Restore the waters, refresh the air
Revive the land and breathe on us new life.     Amen.

Sunday 15 May 2016

Day 1 - The Start, Sunday 15th May


Stage 1 starts today and I feel strange - it doesn't seem to have begun properly yet.
Walked to Luccmobe and saw some parishioners, then up a very steep hill to Wooton Courtenay
(bagged church #1!) to Grabbist. Lovely walk down into Dunster where I arrived 1 1/4 hrs. early for evensong (three of us and a churchwarden) - so plenty of time for a pint in a lovely pub garden.
I meant to read out the following, given
to me by neighbour Candy on Sun but forgot:
it's from the celtic tradition - a song of amergin:
(I saw plenty of sea, the moon and the sun - but no stags, hawks or boars!)
I am the wind on the sea.
I am the ocean wave.
I am the sound of the billows.
I am the seven-horned stag.
I am the hawk on the cliff.
I am the dewdrop in sunlight.
I am the fairset of flowers.
I am the raging boar.
I am the salmon in the deep pool.
I am the lake on the plain.
I am the meaning of the poem.
I am the point of the spear.
I am the god that makes fire in the head.
Who levels the mountain?
Who speaks the age of the moon?
Who has been where the sun sleeps?
Who, if not I?

(loosely based on Psalm 81??)

Are you ready, steady, it’s off
 I go one by one, two by two
We all peel off, save one
 who walks to his destination

Others walk by, greet, give best wishes
 then it’s finding new paths to walk
Glorious sun-kissed compassion and grace
 Glittering wood - gladly showering leaves

Sing aloud to God our strength
 Raise a song - blow the trumpet
The full-moon not so full - rises
 In the sun-blessed sky’s warmth

I relieved your shoulder of the burden
 - says God. My rucksack feels ok
But lighter without - so what is my burden
 I’m carrying with me on Pilgrimage way?

From Wootton Courtenay the path is so stepp
 Yet God renews us when we call in distress
In the secret places of thunder
 Hurry - not today, just wind and warmth.

Open wide your mouths and I will fill them
 and I want to act and think and pray
But listen to God - then we will be filled
 with fresh wheat and sun-dripped honey.

Saturday 14 May 2016

About Bill's journey


Bill is setting off on a three month sabbatical on Sunday and using the time to walk a pilgrimage from Porlock to Holy Island.
The first leg will be from Porlock to Dunster starting out straight after the morning service finishes.
His route will take him through Bath, Oxford, Northampton, Peterborough, Lincoln, York, Durham and finally to Holy Island on Friday 5th August.
He intends to walk about 10-12 miles a day and to have a REST day every week with more days off when he reaches the north of England.
He intends to walk the whole route but is not being 'purist' about it if there are problems. He intends to say prayers each morning and to worship in cathedrals along the way.