Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage- Saskatoon

Join in a global movement of prayerful pilgrimage in solidarity with the people of Gaza and all those caught in violence since October 7. During the Christian season of Lent, people of peace are mapping the 42 km length of Gaza in their own cities, towns, and rural places as part of the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage.

March 23-24 we will walk or roll in prayer for peace, specifically calling for:

• an enduring ceasefire,
• immediate humanitarian aid,
• the release of all Israeli and Palestinian captives,
• and an end to the occupation.

This is not a rally, but a spiritual walk of contemplation and prayer. At the beginning, mid-point, and end of each day, we will pause for guided prayer, reflection, and lament. While this pilgrimage is led and shaped by members of the Christian tradition, we gladly welcome people of peace from other faith traditions or no faith tradition to join us in this walk for peace.

Route

On Saturday, March 23 we will walk 29 km from First Mennonite Church in Saskatoon through the Northeast Swale and back (map). On Sunday afternoon, March 24, we will walk 13 km from First Mennonite Church to Diefenbaker Park and back (map). (See timetable below.)

Short Options for Those with Mobility or Time Constraints

To join the main pilgrimage for the last 2½ km and closing prayer:
First Mennonite Church to Rotary Park & back (approx 5 km), Sun 3:45 – 5:30 pm
OR, Rotary Park to First Mennonite (approx 2½ km), Sun 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Contact: Ursula Wiig 306-371-9135 (call/txt)

You are welcome to join for any distance along the planned route, or to simply gather with us in our closing time of prayer in the parking lot of First Mennonite Church on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

Maps:
Saturday walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHFNG6PAR8hSgpzV7
Sunday walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XLzmnk1jR7qjdrhq7

 Timetable

Saturday, March 23

8:00 a.m. Gather, pray, and depart from First Mennonite Church

12:00 p.m. BYO Lunch and rest at the Northeast Swale

1:00 p.m. Pray and begin walking back to First MC

5:00 p.m. Arrival at First MC and hold brief closing prayer

Sunday, March 24 (Palm Sunday)

2:00 p.m. Gather, pray, and depart from First MC

3:30 p.m. Pray and rest at Diefenbaker Park

5:30 p.m. Arrival at First MC and hold closing prayer

Would you or some folks from your community like to join in? For more information, contact Josh Wallace at churchengagement@mcsask.ca.
This pilgrimage is organized by Mennonite Church SK, Mennonite Central Committee SK, United Church members in Saskatoon, and Living Skies Regional Council of the United Church, in conversation with people of diverse traditions, including Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Unitarian.