In this time in history, faithful United Methodists may feel disconnected to their church roots, the beginning of the movement, the reason Methodism and its practices and doctrines resonate deep within. The inspiration of ‘place’ can re-energize traumatized or stagnant congregations. Walking in the footsteps of John Wesley and early ‘Methodists’ can remind us why we serve and attend a United Methodist church.

Rev. Dr. Deborah Suddarth, senior pastor of Collierville United Methodist Church, has boldly stepped out to encourage a pilgrimage to the ‘place,’ Wesley’s England. Following years of turmoil starting with the sudden death of the church’s senior pastor in 2020 and culminating in a vote/split in 2023, Dr. Deb has clung to her Christian beliefs with the undergirding of United Methodist doctrine, the broader Church and the District leadership.

Together with a dozen church members, she will be the spiritual leader of a Wesleyan Heritage Tour. More than a vacation, although certainly filled with the history and beauty of England, Dr. Deb’s tour is expected to be both reminder and re-energizer of our shared United Methodist bond. This tour is open to all United Methodists: pastors and congregants, couples and singles, young adults and wise elders.

May 6-15, 2025
Departs from Memphis airport, but accommodations can be made.
https://www.travelwithfriends.com/host-tour/jwcat525

Cathi Johnson, the Tour Host, is a member of Collierville United Methodist Church.

Travel with Friends is an established, Christian tour company based in Little Rock (US) and Jerusalem (Israel). Cathi Johnson is an experienced host of a dozen tours to the Holy Land, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Scotland, Ireland and England.