The Peak Pilgrimage: Ilam to Eyam
See https://www.peakpilgrimage.org.uk/ for more details There is also an excellent guidebook by Ven Bob Jackson You can trace the route by following the place names (south to north).
This is an invitation to make a virtual pilgrimage along this 35-39 mile route, which ends at the famous village of Eyam. You will probably know that the villagers there ‘self-isolated’ as a community when the plague arrived from London. Though they suffered a huge number of bereavements, their sacrifice prevented the spread of plague across the region. When we leave lockdown, you might want to actually follow this walk. The churches are open and have pilgrim stamps for you to collect (if you purchase the guidebook). Prayer themes are taken from the different churches and communities along the way, as described in the guide.
Ilam The holy well of St Bertram in Ilam was itself a site of pilgrimage in medieval times. He lived as a hermit and this was a healing well. Prayer themes:
For the deepening of your life of prayer
For healing. In the current Covid-19 crisis, in particular for mental health issues for people in lockdown. Also for effective treatments for those with the virus and for a vaccine.
There is a holy cross here too: ‘by his stripes, you have been healed’ Milldale The pilgrimage stopping point here is a tiny and very primitive chapel. Social distancing is out of the question, it is such a confined space. Prayer theme:
For a clear ‘exit strategy’ from lockdown. As you picture walking this route, pray for government and church leaders trying to navigate a path. For wisdom, for clarity in the advice given, and that we may walk forward confidently & safely.
Alstonefield The original church was dedicated to the great Celtic missionary St Oswald in 892AD. Prayer theme:
For the ‘re-evangelisation of the North’, called for by Archbishop Sentamu. For our own Renewed vision to see a doubling of our worshipping community to 2.5% of the population of the diocese. Hartington This passes for a major settlement in this part of the Peak District! It has Hartington Hall, a Youth Hostel, whose claim to fame is that Bonnie Prince Charlie may have stayed here during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. Prayer theme:
In this time of national crisis, pray for the constituent nations of the UK: Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland & England. There has been some divergence recently in their policies as we free up lockdown conditions.
Pray for unity and good communication; and also for wider international cooperation (Europe and beyond)
Monyash Another ancient church (1100AD). In 2013 it gained a toilet and a kitchen! Prayer theme:
For our church buildings: that they might be ‘fit for purpose’ in terms of hospitality; but also places that inspire prayer & worship.
Lathkilldale Stony, remote and dramatic; a wonderful place to walk. Pray theme:
For those who find themselves walking a hard path.
Bakewell The church here is All Saints and it is one of several on the route that hosts a Messy Church. Prayer themes:
For ‘all saints’: picture people from your own congregation and hold them in prayer before God
For all work with children & young people; for our Centenary Project (‘5 years old’ this May)
Edensor and Chatsworth The combination of lockdown and generally sunny, dry weather over Easter and Bank Holidays must have been particularly galling to visitor attractions like Chatsworth House. Prayer themes:
For the tourism industry and all who depend on it
For other businesses adversely affected in recent months
Baslow This marks a point of decision about the route ahead, a valley route via Curbar or along Curbar Edge. Prayer theme:
For those facing key decisions about their future: health, work, family, study, vocation. That they might hear God say ‘This is the way, walk in it’ Curbar Cliff College is clearly marked on the map Prayer themes:
Give thanks for this venue, used by many in the diocese for residential events
For our brothers & sisters in the Methodist Church and the training that happens here Stoney Middleton St Martin’s is one of only two octagonal churches in the UK. The original church burnt down & it was rebuilt this way in the 1760s Prayer themes:
Give thanks for the vision in churches to do bold & unexpected new things!
Pray: what new ‘shapes’ does church life need to take, post Covid-19?
Eyam On the walk in, you pass the boundary stone where food was left for the villagers of Eyam: they placed coins in vinegar in the holes still visible on the stone. Despite losing 1/3 of the village, nobody broke the lockdown. Reflect on their sacrificial example. As you end your virtual walk, what have you learnt today? How will it change you as you go forward?