What a joy it was to gather together as Christians for the annual Bradwell Pilgrimage & Gathering on Saturday 1st July 2023. We gathered from across varying Christian denominations and traditions united in our Christian faith and witness.
There is something very powerful in participating in a walk or pilgrimage. It gives us an opportunity to talk with others whether we knew them before or not. It also gives us the opportunity to be still in God’s presence and perhaps notice his creation around us.
We started the day at St Thomas Church where we gathered for an act of worship, and then walked for around two miles to St Peter on the Wall. To think that this chapel has been a place of worship and prayer for so many centuries is a very humbling thought.
Once we had all arrived we shared together in a united service of prayer, worship and reflection. Throughout the rest of the afternoon we had the opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and fellow pilgrims.
Some people used the opportunity to walk down to the beach and further afield. Others made use of the craft tent. There were also refreshments on offer for people to enjoy. If you wanted to, you could participate in the healing service or relax to some music. The day finished with a closing act of worship.
If you have not been to the Bradwell Pilgrimage & Gathering before please do consider coming next year. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a day filled with
fellowship, laughter, peacefulness and fun. Whatever you want to do there is something for everyone. We are given the opportunity to draw close to God and one another, and to come away from our busy lives.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this day a success. There is a lot of planning that goes into making an event like this happen and we can be grateful for those who gave their time to do so.
Look forward to seeing you in 2024
Author: Rev Chris Bolster, Ecumenical Lead for East London
Further information and photos are availbe on the Bradwell Pilgrimage website
