In April of 2025, Rev. Douglas McArhur and Eileen McArthur led a group of FirstUMC disciples on a special pilgrimage, “Journey in the Footsteps of Paul” through Educational Opportunities.
Through their expert guidance, the group retraced the Apostle Paul’s missionary routes to explore early Christian history. Beginning in Thessaloniki, the beautiful scenery and ancient architecture enlarged the group’s understanding of Paul’s teachings. From there, a visit to Philippi included the remains of the Roman-era crypt where Paul had been imprisoned.
A highlight of the tour was the re-affirmation and remembrance of individual baptisms at the shrine to Lydia in Meteora. Water from a beautiful, tree-shaded stream was used by Rev. McArthur to commemorate this for each person. At Corinth, communion was celebrated beneath the trees, using the words of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. The final city was Athens where the Acropolis and the Parthenon were toured.
The participants from FirstUMC were:
Julia Brown
Dr. Stephen Brown
Carla Heister
Meredith Outlaw Kircher
Elizabeth Outlaw
Lorna Pausig
Yvonne Carmen Powell
An outstanding and highly memorable experience!
Liz Outlaw
