Camino Trip 2026
Some of the most momentous scenes in the Bible happen on a journey. Think of the Israelites' journey through the desert in Exodus, or Jesus' forty days in the desert following his baptism, or Paul's multiple ministry trips across Europe and Asia.
So it may make sense for us to spend some time on a journey of our own. Like, a literal journey, on foot, across a considerable distance.
Next May, some members of Downtown Church will be doing just that. We'll be following the footsteps of medievals who began to pilgrimage at least a thousand years ago to Santiago, Spain, where St. James is said to have been buried. We'll walk about 65 miles over five days, wandering through picturesque medieval towns, visiting historic churches, and enjoying the Spirit's presence with us the whole way.
The trip will take a total of ten days and nine nights, from May 16 to May 25. The cost will be around $1000, (without airfare), lodging, insurance, and about half of our meals. (Note: It doesn't cover the cost of your passport or your gear.)
If you'd like to be a part of that trip, please do join us for an information session on August 10 at 11:45am after the second service. If for any reason you can't make that information session, don't fret! Get in touch with Pastor Mary and she can talk with you about the trip.
Service Trip :: Hurricane Helene Relief Help
We have a chance to embody Christ's love through tangible action by serving the communities in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has reserved a volunteer slot for Downtown Church during the week of September 28 – October 4, 2025. This trip will be seven days on site, doing what needs to be done to help the people in North Carolina. You don’t have to be a disaster recovery expert to go on the trip, you just need to have a willing spirit, a heart to serve, and maybe a little travel pillow.
We will be serving (and staying at) one of these three locations: Canton Presbyterian Church, New Hope Presbyterian Church or Spruce Pine Presbyterian Church. We will not have all the details until we are closer to the trip.
We know you probably have a lot of questions about this trip, we do too! PDA will not be able to give us too many details until a couple of weeks before we go. In the meantime, you can read this handy guide from PDA that tells you what to expect on most of their trips.
Our trip is full at this time. If you would like to financially support the group for Helene Relief
you can donate here, choose Helene Relief.
Wilderness Trips
If you are interested in going on a Wilderness trip
email hyde.timothy@gmail.com. Look for future dates and plans here soon.
In late March 2021, a group of DOWNTOWN CHURCH folk walked into the woods. Some had done it before, others didn’t quite know what they were getting into. It rained, it poured, the sun came out, and we had an amazing time getting to know one another in God’s oldest and grandest of sanctuaries: outside.
“Part of the grandeur of wilderness is that it cares so little
about the things that absorb us very much.”
