The Pilgrimage
The Pilgrimage has been the principal outreach ministry of Church of the Pilgrims. Set up like a hostel, The Pilgrimage welcomes groups up to 40 people and puts people into contact with the poor and low income of Washington, DC through experiential learning projects. Programs are set up for Pilgrimage groups to work in soup kitchens, food banks, urban gardens, and homeless shelters.
It is through this hands-on work that groups learn about the reality of being poor and hungry in our nation's capital. It is through this hands-on work that groups learn justice must be experienced, justice must be lived out by a way of life. Our educational programs also incorporate workshops to help Pilgrimage participants integrate their experiences with their faith and knowledge. It is our hope that Pilgrimage groups will return to their community inspired to live out the call of the prophet Micah to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God. As one of our 12-year-old Pilgrimage participants put it: “A mission trip is for a week. A pilgrimage is for a lifetime.”
The Pilgrimage is a place where one exchanges gifts, stories, lives, and experiences with those of us who are hungry and oppressed. The Pilgrimage is also a place where one can learn about other major religions, or how to shape public policy. Join us at The Pilgrimage and the Church of the Pilgrims as we continue our own journeys of working for justice and seeking Christ in our community, our city, and our world.
In 2004, The Pilgrimage was the recipient of the Presbyterian, Health, Education and Welfare Association Urban Ministry Award. We received this award at a reception at General Assembly in Richmond , Virginia in July, 2004. Click here for more information on this award.
For more information on The Pilgrimage, see our web site or call 202-387-6615.
