Thursday, April 21, 2011

Good Friday/ Earth Day Pilgrimage


Earth Day Eco-Justice Pilgrimage 2011
Walking the Walk on Good Friday
“We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world…We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and to learn what is good for it. We must learn to cooperate in its processes, and to yield to its limits…We must recover the sense of the majesty of the creation and the ability to be worshipful in its presence. For it is only on the condition of humility and reverence before the world that our species will be able to remain in it. --Wendell Berry

“La felicidad de los hombres y la de los pueblos esta en el conocimiento de la naturaleza.” - José Martí

What is the Earth Day Eco-Justice Pilgrimage about?
Inspired by the rare convergence of Good Friday and Earth Day, this year’s Eco-justice pilgrimage provides pilgrims a unique opportunity to reflect on the intersection of faith, justice and the environment. In the Christian faith and tradition, pilgrimages mark both the outward journey toward a physical place and the inward spiritual journey into ones own heart and soul. Through meaningful moments of meditation, contemplative prayer, fellowship, communal worship and silent reflection, the pilgrim journeys inwardly reflecting deeply upon what it means to walk the walk and live a life of faith, justice and eco-consciousness in our world today.  

Who is walking in the pilgrimage?
Journey together with community and faith leaders who are pilgrims on the way seeking and wrestling with how to live more environmentally in our world today.  

Where does the Pilgrimage begin and what does it entail?
On Friday morning, we will open with an Earth Day worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Following worship, we will begin our journey from Westminster to Chimayo. The pilgrimage will involve two days of 15 miles of walking each day interspersed with various liturgies, meditations, reflections and vigils focused on the intersection of faith, justice and the environment. Pilgrims will be invited to partake in opportunities to grow spiritually through mediation and contemplative prayer, personal and group reflection, and discussion exercises and liturgy focused on a wide array of themes including: creation and interconnectedness, environmental justice, the effects of war on the environment, immigration and the environment, food and the environment and the theology of soil and water. Additionally, there will be an opportunity hear from Native American leaders about their understanding of spirituality and the environment.

When is the Pilgrimage?
The Pilgrimage begins with an Earth Day Worship the morning of Friday, April 22nd at Westminster. We will then walk 15 miles to Buffalo Thunder where we will then be shuttled to El Buen Pastor in Chimayo for an Good Friday evening service and dinner. We will spend the night at the Casa De Ortiz in Chimayo. After breakfast and morning worship, on Saturday April 23rd, we will be dropped back off at Buffalo Thunder where we will pilgrim the last 15 miles to El Santuario de Chimayo where there will be a closing worship, reflection, dinner and shuttles back to Santa Fe.  

Where do we meet on Friday, April 22nd to begin the Pilgrimage?
We will meet at 8:00am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 841 West Manahatten Avenue.

What should I bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterbottle or camelpak, walking shoes, a light jacket, your favorite snacks.  

Do I have to walk all 30 miles?
While much can be gained from making the full pilgrimage, those cannot walk the full 30 miles can have the opportunity to meet up with the pilgrims at Buffalo Thunder on the morning of the second day.

What else should I know?
At each stop, water will be provided as well as pilgrims are encouraged to take advantage of hospitality stations provided by locals along the roadside. Remember, in order to stay energized it is important to stay hydrated and fed. Additionally, pilgrims will be provided with two meals, a lunch during the pilgrimage and dinner after the walk. After arriving in Chimayo, pilgrims will be shuttled back to Westminster Presbyterian Church by volunteers.  

T-Shirts
A limited amount of T-shirts are available to pilgrims at no cost thanks to the generosity of Westminster Presbyterian and the Presbytery Christian Witness Committee. Note the proceeds from the purchase of the shirts benefited the environmental and greenhouse program at Capital High School.

How Can I Get Involved?
  • Be a pilgrim and walk to Chimayo.
  • Serve as volunteer shuttle driver or driver who meet us with supplies at a stop.
  • Help prepare lunches and work on other prewalk logisitics
  • Play a role as a reader or liturgist in one the services.


Who is organizing the Pilgrimage?
Andrew Black, Presbyterian Minister and Aide to Senator Bingaman, Chester Topple, Minister Westminster Presbyterian Church.

For More Information Contact
Rev. Andrew Black, (505) 988-6647 or andrew_black@bingaman.senate.gov
Rev. Chester Topple, (505) 795-4890 or revtopple@gmail.com

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