A new water feature in Southwell Minster will form a central part of the special service this Saturday (January 7th) when the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham will officially launch its year's focus on 'Living Water, Living Well: Encountering God in Prayer and Pilgrimage'.
The new feature - a large Grecian urn, overflowing with water - will be in the crossing area of the cathedral, as a visual reminder of the living water which Jesus referred to in John's gospel. Diocesan leaders hope that groups and individuals will take part in the various opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage around the diocese during the year.
The service which starts at 12 noon in the Minster nave, will move to the crossing for the blessing of the new water feature. During the service there will also be music, dance and interviews with individuals, who will talk about how prayer has helped them to live well.
One of the organisers, Canon Missioner, the Revd Canon Mark Brown said: 'I can't think of a better way to start a new year, than by resolving to pray and therefore live well.'
Churches across the diocese will be taking part in four special days during the year, all dedicated to prayer and pilgrimage and entitled 'Closed for Business - Open to God'. All clergy will be encouraged as far as possible to keep the dates free from engagements so that churches can be open for prayer and people available to listen to God. The four key dates will be on - Epiphany, Friday 6th January; Ash Wednesday 1st March; Ascension Day, Thursday 25th May; All Saints Day, Wednesday 1st November.
A special feature of the year will include the opening of a brand new pilgrimage route for the East Midlands, called St Hugh's Way. The new route, which crosses through Leicester and Lincoln via Nottingham and Southwell will be officially walked for the first time from 9th to 17th June 2006.
Pilgrimage route organiser, the Revd Peter Gibbs (Vicar of Toton), said: 'This route offers the modern pilgrim exciting glimpses of life in all four East Midlands counties and it is exciting to discover tributes to St Hugh in many places en-route. The walking is always interesting and varied and the hospitality of local churches and people in support vehicles is very encouraging. Modern day pilgrimage offers not only a rediscovery of our roots and places of historical interest, but the perfect antidote to our stress-laden way of life. By giving people time, space, companionship and if wanted, places to pray, many can find their lives revitalised.'
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For further information and photo opportunities contact Rachel Farmer tel 01636 817218
Rachel Farmer
Director of Communications
Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham
(the Church of England across Nottinghamshire)
Dunham House
Westgate, Southwell, Notts
NG25 0JL