Walking the Camino Hackensack
Last month, a dozen people from across the Minnesota Conference and beyond struck out on a 44-mile pilgrimage walk modeled after the famous Camino de Santiago. The journey over five days on the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails marked the second such walk devised by the people of Union Congregational Church in Hackensack and funded by a Reimagination Grant from the Conference.
Linnea Dietrich, the visionary and director of this “Camino Hackensack,” believes deeply in the power of walking to open oneself to a deeper spirituality. She should know, having walked the Camino de Santiago twice and one-third of the way across the U.S. on another occasion. “When you are in nature, in God’s creation, something happens to you,” she says.
Sherry Toeynes, one of this year’s participants, agrees with Dietrich. “I experienced so many things from this year’s Camino, including some deep feelings I haven’t yet found words for. It was a life-changing experience for me. It was so interesting learning about one another, our life stories, our faith stories.”
David Coleman, the Conference’s Minister of Outdoor Ministry, credits the Union Congregational team for creating a truly extraordinary experience. “The people of the church divided themselves into teams of route planners, kitchen and hospitality workers, spiritual leaders, and more to create an experience that connected people in truly sacred ways. Their gift to all the participants revealed the strength of their community and imparted to all of us a sense that our connections to one another on this journey of life are among the most important things in the world.”
The Camino Hackensack was spearheaded by Dietrich and her partners, Laura and John Baum-Parr and Stacy Hirschi. They wanted to offer others a glimpse of the experience of the Camino de Santiago without requiring a trip to Spain. “Walking in nature with a focus on the Creator – what better way is there to begin a journey?” says Baum-Parr. “The gifts of time and nature’s beauty set the stage to reflect upon what is truly important in life. Connecting with others in a deeper way, through sharing stories and daily experiences, is also a gift. This walk in the woods might be just what your deepest self is longing for!”
Every morning on the walk, pilgrims were dropped off at locations ten miles from the church. They began the day with a reflection, then walked the distance back to the church where they shared a meal, took part in activities and games, and then spent the night. “People sometimes walk alone and sometimes together,” says Dietrich. “During these times, stories of faith and troubles get shared and that’s when the Holy Spirit shows up. Conversation and walking help people go deep.”
Denise Schrader-Kaeslin joined the walk in need of a respite from caregiving for her mother. “I’ve felt exhausted and lonely as the daily caregiver and decision-maker. I needed to quiet my mind and soul and journey into the wilderness, so I could return spiritually refreshed and recharged. What a blessing this experience was for me. During one of our reflection circles, we talked about ‘The Empty Water Jug,” and it hit me like a revelation: I wasn’t empty; I was full – of appointments, dealing with insurance, managing everything financial and medical, and the daily anticipatory grief of watching my mother slip away. As I walked in solitude and in fellowship, I felt the fullness drain. God filled the empty space that once was full of noise and distraction. I had found spiritual peace one step at a time.”
Given the overwhelmingly positive response to the Camino Hackensack, the folks at Union UCC have has committed to lead another walk in 2027, from October 6-10. “This is a strong model of church-led outdoor ministry, one that gives us all a powerful template to follow,” says Coleman.
For more information about the 2027 walk, contact Dietrich at linneadietrich@icloud.com. Participation will be capped at 15 people so early registration is encouraged.