The narrative of concern, which sparked this project, was the sense that this congregation wanted to be vital in ministry and grow close to God but it seemed that every time they began to make progress in the right direction, something came along and knocked them off their path.

The theological and biblical foundations for the project focused on the nature of relationships in the context of pilgrimage experiences and we explored them in the layered stories from those who participated in the pilgrimage events. The research methodology included two opportunities to practice pilgrimage: a labyrinth experience on campus during Lent and a trip to a local beach.

Most of the people that comprised the congregation of Rockledge United Methodist Church took advantage of these opportunities to seek God. God moved among the participants in various ways and most shared amazing stories of divine encounter in their reflections. As a result of this project, the congregation now wishes to keep the practice of pilgrimage alive. We are exploring ways of having the labyrinth back during others seasons of the year or even having a permanent labyrinth installation located somewhere on campus. We are exploring additional trips to the beach and to other close by places to intentionally seek God.

In the narrative landscape of the project, the pastor-researcher and the Local Advisory Committee discovered connections between the pastoral, personal and congregational journeys that converged into a newfound understanding that God is with us no matter what.