Expedition to England and France,
October 2008

Over the last few years we have reclaimed the practice of pilgrimage as a way to combine spiritual growth, small group fellowship, historical adventure, and something a bit like vacation.  In 2004 we journeyed to breath-taking cathedrals in towns and villages in the south of England.  Two years later we turned north and made our way from Cambridge, to Lincoln and Yorkshire, concluding in a charming village near the remains of two medieval Cistercian monasteries. 

In October 2008 we will offer our third expedition, "History, Mystery, and the Sacred Journey."  Our itinerary will include the most impressive of Henry VIII's remaining castles, Hampton Court, then on to Canterbury Cathedral where we will be accommodated in a new guest facility inside the cathedral close and a minute's walk from one of the most beautiful and historic sacred spaces of our tradition.  Our journey will include time in Dover - walking the cliffs and visiting the Castle, the battlefield at Hastings where in 1066 William of Normandy's title shifted from "the Bastard" to "the Conqueror." We will stay in a charming refurbished inn in Rye (a favorite town of Henry James).   

From Rye we will return to Dover to cross the channel and make our way to Bayeux and a guided day on the D-Day beaches.  We will stand on Omaha Beach, go inland to walk the field where the "Band of Brothers" silenced the Nazi artillery trained on the landings, and pay homage to the fallen in the stunning and holy beauty of the windswept American Cemetery overlooking the landing areas.  The next morning we will view the 900-year-old Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-yard-long visual narrative of the Norman invasion filled with mysterious allusions to the motives of the principal figures.  We will conclude with a long weekend in Paris. 

We will leave on October 3 and return on October 14.  The full itinerary, with details about registration and cost, is available in the narthex or from the office. 

JGH

Adult Confirmation Adults desiring to be confirmed as Episcopalians, or considering reaffirming the confirmation vows they made as teenagers, should speak with the Rev. John Hartnett.        

Sunday Forums From September through May, we will offer forums which will explore a variety of issues from the perspective of the Episcopal Church.