Weekly Clergy Letter From Mother Anne Turner

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

As I write this letter to you, I am preparing to join our Journey to Adulthood youth on their pilgrimage to Canada.  I have two sets of lyrics in my head.

 

The first are from a hymn written by Percy Dearmer, a leader in the Anglo-Catholic movement:  Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy Spirit / We know we at the end shall life inherit. / Then fancies flee away!  I’ll fear not what men say, / I’ll labour night and day to be a pilgrim.  These words speak to the determination and even relentlessness required for intentional spiritual journey.

 

The second? U2.  I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.  We are driven not only by our own will, but also by the inward yearning for something more, something greater.

 

Pilgrimage is not just a vacation, intended to entertain.  Nor is it a mission trip, intended for service.  It is a deliberate journey of spiritual yearning and discipline.

 

Our young people lead the way every two years as they undertake such a journey together, a journey that is inward as much as it is outward.  They show us—with the natural spiritual curiosity of adolescence—what it means to look for God in new places.  I am excited to learn from them.

 

And I am excited to imitate them.  The other clergy and I have talked about beginning a practice of adult pilgrimage at Grace.  We adults could also benefit from intention, curiosity, bravery, introspection, and discovery.  The clergy are beginning to dream about what might be possible in 2026, and we’d love to hear from you if you are interested.

 

In the meantime, I ask not only for your ideas but also your prayers.  Young people depend, even more so than the rest of us, on the love and support of community.  You are their community, and I am grateful for you all.

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne