Start your Lenten journey with a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the New England Conference. The Jan. 29 to Feb. 8, 2024 journey will be led by Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Brannen and Brenda Cayer.
Visit the cities of Jerusalem, Jericho, and Bethlehem, take part in worship on the Sea of Galilee, walk in Jesus’ footsteps as you come down from the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane, renew your baptism at the Jordan River, and much more.
There will be a lot to do and see, but the itinerary for this journey is designed to give pilgrims plenty of time and space for reflection and prayer.
While Bishop Peggy Johnson will not be making this trip, she encourages clergy and laity who have not been to the Holy Land to consider taking this spirit-filled, life-changing Journey, especially our recent ordinands for whom Educational Opportunities provides a discounted price.
You can find the itinerary (including information on optional extension trips), costs, and more in the brochure (PDF) or online here.
Register by March 29, 2023, for a $125 discount. Smaller discounts are offered for registrations made each month until July 29, 2023.
Educational Opportunities also offers scholarships for clergy and clergy spouses who are first-time travelers to the Holy Land. Our Conference Trustees generously provide scholarships for first-time clergy pilgrims through the Stowell Fund.
Interfaith Federal Credit Union's Purpose Savings account qualifies as a tool participants on the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land can utilize to defray some of their costs. IFCU offers matching funds up to $150 for those who save for a specific purpose. Read more here
Considering joining us for the life-changing Holy Land Pilgrimage in January 2024 but need more information to make a decision?
Your hosts for this pilgrimage, Rev. Dr. Jackie Brannen, Katahdin District Superintendent, and Brenda Cayer, Bishop’s Administrative Assistant, will provide a brief overview of the trip and answer all your questions at a Zoom session on 7 PM on Thursday, June 22, 2023. No registration required; just join us at the link below. Hope to see you then!
For more information on any aspect of the journey, the ordinand pricing or available scholarships, contact Brenda Cayer at bishopsoffice@neumc.org or (978) 682-7555.
Note about passports: For those of you considering making the pilgrimage but do not yet have a passport, please note that the regular application process for U.S. passports is taking up to six months. The expedited process is still an option, but is taking longer than usual as well. Also note that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
See photos and stories from the 2020 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land