Pilgrimage and Retreat. Our research pointed to these two simple Christian practices as ways for young adults to engage, renew, and deepen their faith in community.
This cohort invites young adults and mentors on a journey culminating in the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain.
Together, participants will reflect on themes of calling, discernment, identity, rest, and renewal, both on the trail and in their everyday lives. This cohort offers a space for embodied spiritual formation rooted in movement, simplicity, and intergenerational dialogue.
To be clear, this pilgrimage is for the benefit of the young adult and mentor engaging it, but also it is specifically designed to tickle the imagination of the church to more creatively engage the faith formation of the young adults in its orbit. There is an expectation that the journey each pair embarks upon will have a story that can be shared with their resident congregation.

Young adults and mentors in this program:

• Will engage in pre- and post-pilgrimage formation gatherings
• Will travel together on a pilgrimage in Spain (Camino de Santiago)
• Will receive resources for spiritual reflection and journaling
• Will deepen their understanding of pilgrimage as both metaphor and practice for Christian life
• Will develop lasting relationships rooted in shared spiritual exploration and intentional mentorship

This cohort is ideal for those discerning life direction, seeking renewal, or longing to slow down and reconnect with God in community.
Some funding support will be available. Travel dates and application details will be shared soon.

2025-2026 Schedule
Program Kickoff Banquet: Evening of January 4th

• Location: The Harvest Vine
  2701 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112

Program Conclusion Banquet: Final meeting prior to trip TBD
Monthly evening meeting: Monthly Zoom Gathering Options:
Choose one night each month from three opportunities:

• 2nd Wednesday of the month | 5:00–7:00 p.m. (1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/8, 5/13) 
• 3rd Tuesday of the month | 5:00–7:00 p.m. (1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19) 
• 3rd Thursday of the month | 5:00–7:00 p.m. (1/22, 2/19, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21) 

We may bring in special guests to tell us about their experiences and give us challenges and approaches both fresh and age-old.

Our Tentative Schedule can be found below. Bold lettering indicates walking days.

Camino Itinerary	Days of trip	Days of week	Traveling	Km (118)	Mile (73)
10-Jun	Day 1	Wednesday	Air travel to Portugal
11-Jun	Day 2	Thursday	Air travel to Portugal
12-Jun	Day 3	Friday	Porto to Valenca/Tui (Train)
13-Jun	Day 4	Saturday	Porto to Valenca/Tui (Train)
14-Jun	Day 5	Sunday	Tui->O Porrino	20	12.5
15-Jun	Day 6	Monday	O Porrino->Arcade	22	13.5
16-Jun	Day 7	Tuesday	Arcade->Pontevedra	13	8
17-Jun	Day 8	Wednesday	Pontevedra->Caldas de Reis	22	13.5
18-Jun	Day 9	Thursday	Break day in Caldas de Reis
19-Jun	Day 10	Friday	Caldas de Reid-> Padron	22	13.5
20-Jun	Day 11	Saturday	Padron->Santiago de Compostela	19	12
21-Jun	Day 12	Sunday	Addl' day in Santiago de Compostela
22-Jun	Day 13	Monday	Departure day
23-Jun	Day 14	Tuesday	Addl' day departure day

Pivot NW Research Program Director

Martin Jimenez, MDiv came to work on this grant after almost a decade in administrative support at Fuller Seminary (Seattle) and a short ministry stint at University Presbyterian Church (Seattle). He is Certified Ready for Examination, Pending a Call in the PCUSA and worships at Northminster Presbyterian Church where he is a Ruling Elder. He lives in Greenwood with his wife Ali and his daughter Petra. He maintains his connection with his native California by rooting for CA sports teams and embraces the PNW by hiking with Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders fans.
Meeting times TBD; likely 2nd or 3rd Thursdays 5-7pm

PACE Fellows Facilitator & Camino Pilgrimage Leader

Reverend Celeste Cranston is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church and recently retired from 20+ years at SPU and Seattle Pacific Seminary where she oversaw “SoulCare,” a Wesleyan small group ministry for students based on the question, “How goes it with your soul?” She is a certified Spiritual Director, and has had the rich experience of hosting a handful of directees, bearing witness to God’s work in their lives.
She’s been blessed with 44 years of marriage to Gary, and they have 2 adult children, 2 children by marriage, and 2 beautiful granddaughters (ask for pics!). She and Gary have been privileged to be on pilgrimage together on the Camino de Santiago two different times, both life-giving experiences that she loves to talk about! She’s excited to help guide others on the Camino next June with PIVOT NW and Seattle Pacific Seminary and looks forward to connecting with other pilgrims.
Celeste helped found the Free Methodist Liturgical Network for the denomination, and has served on several PNW conference committees including the Conference Executive Board, the MEG board, and the nominating committee. At SPU she’s served on multiple “Tent-City 3” Task Forces, on SPU’s Campus Ministry Task Force and several other committees. Prior to SPU, Celeste served for 16 years at Lakeview Free Methodist Church as Associate Pastor, Director of the Women’s Shelter, and Director of Adult Ministries and Music. 

PACE Fellows Facilitator & Camino Pilgrimage Leader

Emily Huff brings a lifelong commitment to education, reconciliation, and community-building to her role as one of the coordinators for next June’s Camino journey. A native of Texas and Tennessee and a graduate of Stanford University, Emily has made Seattle, WA her home for most of her adult life.
In 1994, she co-founded a child sponsorship program with a Turkana pastor in Kenya, which today supports more than 250 students in Kenya and India. For the past three decades, she has dedicated her career to education—teaching in elementary and high schools, mentoring aspiring educators, and serving as a university professor. She also holds two master’s degrees, one in human development with a focus on conflict resolution and another in theology with an emphasis on reconciliation and intercultural studies. 
Emily currently divides her time between offering spiritual care as a hospital chaplain and walking alongside future educators as a professor and instructional coach. Her work is rooted in the belief that transformation happens in the context of authentic connection. She delights in cultivating spaces of reflection, belonging, and renewal—values that shape her approach to leading the Camino pilgrimage.
When she’s not working, Emily enjoys running, biking, and hiking in the outdoors. She also cherishes time with her husband of 29 years, Jason, and their two young adult children, Anna and Taylor.