St. James' Episcopal Church, Marietta Georgia - Outreach to Community and World

Written by Lynda Gotko
Saturday, 11 October 2008
The Pilgrimage Mission Statement "In love for our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, The Pilgrimage at St. James' Episcopal Church seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit in providing opportunities for spiritual growth." 2008 Offerings November 1 (Saturday) The Labyrinth 1:00 - 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall November 5 (Wednesday) Rabbi Elana Perry 6:45 pm in the Parish Hall December 13 (Saturday) Advent Quiet Day The Rev. Sam Candler 9:00 - 12:00 pm in the Parlor (Lunch Provided) If child care is needed for the programs, please call the church office to make a request. Dinner is available on Wednesday nights prior to the program. Dinner is at 6:00 pm. The cost is $7.50 for adults, $4.00 for children 5 - 12, and free for children under 5. Please call the office for reservations by Monday. The Pilgrimage is a ministry at St. James' which was created to serve the spiritual needs of parishioners and of the greater community. A pilgrimage describes an individual's journey with God. The intention of The Pilgrimage is to continue to nurture an awareness of God's presence and sustaining love for those who desire to experience more meaning, purpose, and life-direction in response to the Divine Mystery. Programs include speakers, retreats, quiet days, classes, and special events which are provided to support the search for a deeper relationship with God. An Advisory Board is active in planning, implementing, and publicizing the programs offered. Spiritual Direction Sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual friendship, spiritual direction is an ongoing relationship in which one person (the directee), desirous of being attentive to her or his spiritual life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis, usually once a month, specifically for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God's Presence and to respond more fully to that Presence in all of life. The primary focus of the session is the directee's relationship with God as it is reflected and challenged by all aspects of that person's life. In this time together of silence, prayer, and talk, spiritual direction becomes an act of worship. It is sacred time. The purpose is different from counseling in that it is not a time to problem solve. The relationship is fostered in an atmosphere of trust and caring and is held in strictest confidence. Group and individual spiritual direction are offered by accredited spiritual directors. No fee is expected. If you feel drawn to do so, contributions may be made to The Pilgrimage at St. James'. Paddy Kennington and Jane McGuigan are trained spiritual directors and would be happy to talk with you in more detail. The Labyrinth St. James' is proud of its 42 foot, 11-circuit canvas labyrinth which is a replica of the one on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. During the Middle Ages, labyrinths were designed as pilgrimages for those who could not go to Jerusalem. Walking the labyrinth is a way to pray and to connect with God at a very deep level. It is a metaphor for our spiritual journey and is an excellent tool for practicing being fully present in the moment, with yourself and with God. The walk in is purgation or a letting go. Time in the center is for insight and illumination. The walk out is union and integration of the experience into one's self and one's life. The Labyrinth is dedicated to the memory of The Rev. B. Fred Hannan, a former Associate Rector. Contact person for The Pilgrimage is Chair Nancy Payne, 770-421-0465 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 October 2008 )