Durham Cathedral, with its majestic spires reaching towards the heavens, has long been a beacon of faith and artistry. On Saturday 19th August, GATHER, the dynamic church plant community based in the serene Teesdale countryside organised an inspiring Urban Pilgrimage Day that ventured into this splendid spiritual haven. The highlight of this visit was the awe-inspiring Gaia Exhibit—a colossal suspended globe, a replica of the Earth, a symbol of our planet's beauty and fragility and a challenge to the attendees to consider how they relate to creation.
Urban Pilgrimage
The typical pilgrim may be lean and hewn from many hours of sunlight in barren lands, yet Urban Pilgrimages are increasingly common and allow a different cultural experience. Tom Deakin, a dedicated member of the GATHER team and an avid explorer of the outdoors, led the pilgrimage walk through the charming city of Durham. Participants strolled alongside the tranquil banks of the River Wear, marvelling at the natural beauty surrounding them as water gently flowed by. It was a moment of reflection, a chance to connect with the Earth and each other.
A Spiritual Pause
Inside the hallowed Holy Cross Chapel, the GATHER team came together to lead a deeply meaningful service. As the soft light filtered through the quiet and restful place, attendees were invited by Claire Mead (Co-Lead of GATHER) to take a moment of reflection. They were encouraged to place a pebble in a bowl of water as they dedicated their private prayers to God. The service emphasised the significance of physical water for life, as well as the concept of 'spiritual water,' nourishing the soul.
A Unique Blend of Faith and Artistry
Upon arriving at the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral after the pilgrimage, the group stopped for some well-earned cake and were greeted shortly afterward by the Gaia Exhibit—a breathtaking representation of our planet by celebrated artist Luke Jerram (also known for his work during ‘Lumiere’), suspended gracefully within the cathedral's sacred walls. It was an encounter with artistry and faith amalgamated together - a poignant moment highlighting our collective responsibility to care for our home.
Those attending took a photograph together to remember the day as they looked up towards the slowly rotating Earth and considered how we all share in responsibility for caring for creation.
Reflecting on the Journey
The Urban Pilgrimage Day was a testament to GATHER's commitment to creating meaningful experiences for its community. It combined the serenity of nature, the grandeur of art, and the depths of faith into a single, enriching day. It was a reminder that spiritual journeys are not limited to remote landscapes but can be found in the heart of bustling cities, where faith and culture intersect.
A GATHERing of Hearts
As the pebbles found their place in the water one by one as individual prayers were made, together it was a gesture of unity—a reminder that, like the Earth we inhabit, we are all interconnected. The Urban Pilgrimage Day left participants with a sense of renewed consideration for urban spaces, and a fresh appreciation for the world around them.
GATHER continues to inspire and guide its community on journeys of faith in Jesus and exploration, moving around different locations as a ‘pilgrim church’. As the church meets together, the message remains clear: the path to enlightenment can be found wherever we are, if we are willing to seek it.
For more information about GATHER and their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page.