
TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEYS FAQ
Q. Where did this idea come from?

A. In 2002 Rector Ed Bacon returned from his sabbatical to the Middle East and South Africa with a vision of giving everyone in the All Saints community the chance to take a similar life-changing journey. The Vestry approved Transformational Journeys in 2005 as an All Saints ministry, under direction of the Office for Creative Connections. Since then, over three hundred people in our church have taken trips, learning as much as possible about the rigors and rewards of this very special kind of travel.

Q. How is a “Transformational Journey” defined?

A. A Transformational Journey is a physical journey of faith, transforming travelers through challenging encounters with other communities, near and far. Persons on transformational journeys travel with hearts and minds open to the surprise and mystery of God's creation, listening for God's voice in themselves and in all they meet, whatever their situations.

Q. How does the Transformational Journeys Ministry assist travelers?

A. The ministry assists travelers in educational, spiritual and practical preparations for journeys; assists in trip planning and direction, especially in forging partnerships with other groups and making connections with persons in the community visited; and facilitates the transformation process on return by providing opportunities for reflection on the journey in community.

Q. What is the purpose of a Transformational Journey?

A. A transformational journey seeks to create new and powerful relationships between people who might not otherwise meet. The traveler engages people in other communities and seeks to appreciate their concerns. The journey emphasizes questioning and listening rather than speaking, receiving rather than giving. On return travelers continue to respond to the experience, seeking to understand and express the changes that have occurred within them. The ministry helps interested travelers begin work on the challenges revealed by the trip and suggests ways to bring the lessons of the journey to local communities and institutions.

Q. What do I need to know or do in order to join a Transformational Journey?

A. Participation in a Transformational Journey is a mutual decision, made by the prospective traveler, together with the trip leader. Both will rely on God’s guidance concerning the journey’s affordability, suitability, challenges and focus. In most cases, participants will be required to complete a packet of paperwork and attend three orientation / training sessions before departure. After their return, they will make a group presentation at an Adult Education session and have a debrief dinner with the Rector to discuss ways to integrate lessons from the trip into their personal lives and the life of the church. The mission and requirements of each trip will be unique. Therefore, participants will be given detailed information after they join a group and make an initial deposit. All ages are welcome, but minors will be required to fill out a parent permission document.

Q. How are journeys funded?

A. Each traveler is expected to cover own costs of the trip. If the leader and participants of a transformational journey agree to do fundraising as a group, The Transformational Journeys Ministry has developed a structure for fundraising through personal letter writing.
Q. Where can I get more information about upcoming trips?

A. Please contact the Office for Creative Connections and ask for Lorna Miller or Catherine Swanson at 626.583.2750 or email cswanson@allsaints-pas.org. (For current information, visit the Transformational Journeys website.)