Hello, all--##Yes, there IS an Iona, and I'm On it! It's really quite a journey to get here, and the further you get, the more surreal it seems, until finally you're crossing on the last ferry, with the Abbey and ruins on the shore ahead, with the small village ready to welcome you.
Worship is central to the life at the Abbey, and on Sunday, that meant three very different services for me. The communion service at the Abbey started things off, with wonderful singing, and a very good sermon by the Warden of the Community. 45 in all are taking part in the seminar I'm in on Spirituality of the Highlands and Islands, mostly from England but a smattering from the US and other parts of Europe.
At noon I led the Parish church in worship (Syd Graham's congregation.) About 25-30 good souls, and an intrepid organist (85 years old, but heart and wit of someone half his age--he SO clearly loved what he was doing, and was beloved by the congregation. No one under 40 in the crowd, but they wanted to know what I would have said, where I do have a time for children, and so Ralph was able to come to Iona, too! They were all most gracious, but you'd have to ask them for yourselves for an honest evaluation of their guest preacher!
Perhaps the most interesting service, for me personally, was the evening "quiet service". Mostly silence, with gospel reading, and the encouragement to search for God 'inside'. We were welcome to stay for as long as we liked. I found myself captivated by the closing words: the 'nunc diminus' (Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.) and stayed on til all were gone. What I discovered is that the silence of a congregation praying is VERY different from the silence of an empty Abbey. It was MOST interesting. The community is SO vital, even when you are, for all practical purposes, doing nothing but BEING together.
Following I went for a walk through the cemetery (the sun sets at about 10:00!) amid stones for ancient monks and nuns, several for unknown sailors, and one for 'Wee Neil, aged 3' I was reminded of my friend Bob from Minnesota, who thought every church really needed a cemetery outside its windows to remind us of the arc of our lives.
So, much experienced, much to process. But go to the far corner of the earth, and the inn down the road will probably have an internet connection!
Thanks, Lucy and Richard, for adding your thoughts. I know others of you are lurking out there. Feel free to join in!
Chuck
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Dear Chuck, it is so cool to be reading about your thoughts and adventures. now that I know that my thoughts won't be out there on the blog site, I'll write a note here and there. Sunday's service with the confirmands was a real high. All the parents and grandparents were there and the church was full. I felt it a very empowering experience--we can do this while you are away from us! I suppose this Sunday will be back to reality! We are with you in thought and prayer. I am just imagining this week as incredible. God's peace, Mary Lou
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