Here are some images taken as we entered the Abbey on recent nights.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
How to end the day
Each night we attend worship service at the Abbey at 9pm.
Here are some images taken as we entered the Abbey on recent nights.
Here are some images taken as we entered the Abbey on recent nights.
Day 5 on Iona - Dun I
Dun I, which means "Hill if Iona", is the highest spot on the isle. At 332', it offers stunning views of Iona and of islands to the north, south, and east.
Our plan today was to climb Dun I. It was not clear exactly what the route to the top was or how difficult it would be.
Fortified by breakfast, morning prayer, and cappuccinos we were on our way. As we began the climb the grass slope was gentle. Soon it was boggy, rocky, and far more difficult than we had imagined.
We tried different routes but each one presented different challenges. Though the intent was to summit, our bodies, and our better judgment, said no.
Accordingly, I could only offer one-half of a highpoint pose.
Our plan today was to climb Dun I. It was not clear exactly what the route to the top was or how difficult it would be.
Fortified by breakfast, morning prayer, and cappuccinos we were on our way. As we began the climb the grass slope was gentle. Soon it was boggy, rocky, and far more difficult than we had imagined.
We tried different routes but each one presented different challenges. Though the intent was to summit, our bodies, and our better judgment, said no.
Accordingly, I could only offer one-half of a highpoint pose.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Day 4 on Iona - Gobsmacked
I heard this word uttered on Monday morning in Craignure on the Isle of Mull as I mentioned to the gentleman at the petrol station - that the Brits had won the Ryder cup. He was Gobsmacked with this news. Astounded, astonished.
Today I was Gobsmacked with the beauty surrounding me as we walked across (literally) the Isle of Iona. The sun was shining, the sky a brilliant blue. As the ocean came into view, it too was a brilliant blue, but with a different hue.
We walked across the green fields, dotted with sheep. Then it was down to the beach to sit a bit, to wander around, to simply gaze out at, what one worship leader had said one recent morning, "God's smile of Creation".
Today I was Gobsmacked with the beauty surrounding me as we walked across (literally) the Isle of Iona. The sun was shining, the sky a brilliant blue. As the ocean came into view, it too was a brilliant blue, but with a different hue.
We walked across the green fields, dotted with sheep. Then it was down to the beach to sit a bit, to wander around, to simply gaze out at, what one worship leader had said one recent morning, "God's smile of Creation".
Table Space-Communion Service
Thursday evening.
Led by a woman, ordained in the Episcopal Church of Scotland, the bread and wine were passed person to person. Take. Eat. Drink. Remember.
Given small balls of clay as we entered, and while listening to piano music mid-service, we molded them into shapes to represent our relationship with Christ.
We walked by flashlight, skirting
around rain puddles, to the Abbey and back to the hotel. Blustery!
Led by a woman, ordained in the Episcopal Church of Scotland, the bread and wine were passed person to person. Take. Eat. Drink. Remember.
Given small balls of clay as we entered, and while listening to piano music mid-service, we molded them into shapes to represent our relationship with Christ.
We walked by flashlight, skirting
around rain puddles, to the Abbey and back to the hotel. Blustery!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Northern end of the Isle
Today was an hour-long walk/trek to the north side of Iona. A beautiful day for a walk. Past cows and horses, but mostly past sheep
A walk across a meadow and down through sea grasses ended at white beach. Beautiful.
Walking on toward the west we came to a beach filled with colored rocks. Some big enough to sit on; others just the right size to pocket.
Walking home was wearisome. A bowl of soup along the way helped. The real healing was removing boots and enjoying the previously mentioned repast.
A walk across a meadow and down through sea grasses ended at white beach. Beautiful.
Walking on toward the west we came to a beach filled with colored rocks. Some big enough to sit on; others just the right size to pocket.
Walking home was wearisome. A bowl of soup along the way helped. The real healing was removing boots and enjoying the previously mentioned repast.
Restorative powers
After several hours of trekking across the northern half of the isle, tea with scones and clotted cream provide renewed energy.
Compline-"Bedtime Prayers" service
St Columba's Episcopal church. 8pm.
Be still, for the power of The Lord
is moving in this place,
he comes to cleanse and heal,
to minister his grace.
Be still, for the power of The Lord
is moving in this place.
David Evans
The sunsets and sunrises, too, are exquisite and truly mark the beginning and end of a day.
Be still, for the power of The Lord
is moving in this place,
he comes to cleanse and heal,
to minister his grace.
Be still, for the power of The Lord
is moving in this place.
David Evans
The sunsets and sunrises, too, are exquisite and truly mark the beginning and end of a day.
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