Well, I'm coming into the home stretch, heading home for the last time on sabbatical.
During this time away I've read John Bell's book "10 Things About Jesus .... " I wasn't sure what I thought of it at first, but he has interesting and sometimes challenging points. My copy is now full of my comments and markings, of significance to me alone, that will pull my eye back to what was to me a relevant point when I read it. I was quite surprised to find that he too is opposed to the "man of sorrows" description of Jesus - only he does a much better job of finding scriptural support for his perspective, but then, he was writing a book and I was simply reflecting my belief .... that's my story ....
I also had time to dip into the book I picked up at the Festival of Biblical Storytellers, on telling the Gospel story. But I've only dipped. My dipping tells me that I will be returning to it for further study.
So I have a week of sabbatical left and several books that have been opened but not really perused, which brings me to another reflection about sabbatical and sabbatical planning. I overbooked myself in many ways. I don't regret it but think that I had enough for four or five months packed into my three ... this final week will probably find me reflecting more and attempting to accomplish less. I'd like to put together the slide show for those without internet connection or interest in the blog. We'll see how I manage that.
And now ..... now I have a train to catch!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Update
Well, I did say that I'd be back in Ontario -- I just didn't anticipate that it would be quite this long between posts .... but my little netbook is not always up to the challenge of picking up a weak signal and so .... silence!
I've finished one of my books -- "Re-Enchanting Christianity". I'd say it's a good book, but I find myself wondering if I only think that because we agree about so many things. Still, there it is. And I must admit that there was much that was challenging to me, and that dared me to articulate what exactly I do believe, and what I don't. But throughout this summer, I have been confronted time and again by the reality that the church is failing people .... we're failing to make connections between faith and the urgent issues in their lives. We tend to rely upon platitudes -- "pray and have faith" being among the most frequently quoted, when those words have absolutely no meaning for them -- and how can they become meaningful unless we help make the connections?
The other challenge is that when most of the "unchurched" think of 'Christians' they think of rigid and unbending people who are more concerned with ritual and tradition than with spirituality. Shocking, isn't it, that those who are seeking a more spiritual life, or a deeper spiritual dimension in their lives seldom think of the church as a possible source or inspiration? So many people searching for meaning, and we aren't even on their horizons -- and not always because of negative experiences in their youth. One of the comments is "I'm interested in the man Jesus, and I'd like to know more about him and his life, but Christians???? As far as I can see, they have no connection with Jesus and his life.
But think about our debates, think about what truly exercises local congregations, and then consider the larger issues of life and show me where there is an intersection. We debate what is worn by worship leaders (clergy and choirs), and people are being destroyed for seeking to vote in Afghanistan. We struggle with the best and most effective hours for summer worship, and the people of Palestine are oppressed beyond our belief (and we stop short of recommending boycott.) The economic situation is challenging at best, and we debate whether we appreciate what the minister said on Sunday morning.
I loved what I learned about Biblical storytelling in North Carolina, and all of my summer experiences have stretched and challenged me .... and now I'm in the process of assimilating what I've learned and how it has and will continue to shape me, and how I approach what we do .... And now, perhaps, it's time for me to get off of my soapbox (I'll be back on it soon!) and see how much more I can integrate .... and contemplate where it will lead me in the future.
Oh, and for those who don't have access to the Internet, I'm hoping to put together a slide show so that they can see where I've been, though that only barely touches the events that have shaped and influenced me this summer. There's absolutely nothing that can compare with taking a block of time to read, learn and reflect about ministry when one has been actively engaged in this life for some time. This has been so much more effective than a term at a theological college, no doubt in part, because I've lived the life and know where my questions lie. And the chance, provided most effectively in the UK, to meet with and discuss faith and issues with people who have absolutely no affiliation with any organised church, or even those who have only recently become involved has been invaluable.
I've finished one of my books -- "Re-Enchanting Christianity". I'd say it's a good book, but I find myself wondering if I only think that because we agree about so many things. Still, there it is. And I must admit that there was much that was challenging to me, and that dared me to articulate what exactly I do believe, and what I don't. But throughout this summer, I have been confronted time and again by the reality that the church is failing people .... we're failing to make connections between faith and the urgent issues in their lives. We tend to rely upon platitudes -- "pray and have faith" being among the most frequently quoted, when those words have absolutely no meaning for them -- and how can they become meaningful unless we help make the connections?
The other challenge is that when most of the "unchurched" think of 'Christians' they think of rigid and unbending people who are more concerned with ritual and tradition than with spirituality. Shocking, isn't it, that those who are seeking a more spiritual life, or a deeper spiritual dimension in their lives seldom think of the church as a possible source or inspiration? So many people searching for meaning, and we aren't even on their horizons -- and not always because of negative experiences in their youth. One of the comments is "I'm interested in the man Jesus, and I'd like to know more about him and his life, but Christians???? As far as I can see, they have no connection with Jesus and his life.
But think about our debates, think about what truly exercises local congregations, and then consider the larger issues of life and show me where there is an intersection. We debate what is worn by worship leaders (clergy and choirs), and people are being destroyed for seeking to vote in Afghanistan. We struggle with the best and most effective hours for summer worship, and the people of Palestine are oppressed beyond our belief (and we stop short of recommending boycott.) The economic situation is challenging at best, and we debate whether we appreciate what the minister said on Sunday morning.
I loved what I learned about Biblical storytelling in North Carolina, and all of my summer experiences have stretched and challenged me .... and now I'm in the process of assimilating what I've learned and how it has and will continue to shape me, and how I approach what we do .... And now, perhaps, it's time for me to get off of my soapbox (I'll be back on it soon!) and see how much more I can integrate .... and contemplate where it will lead me in the future.
Oh, and for those who don't have access to the Internet, I'm hoping to put together a slide show so that they can see where I've been, though that only barely touches the events that have shaped and influenced me this summer. There's absolutely nothing that can compare with taking a block of time to read, learn and reflect about ministry when one has been actively engaged in this life for some time. This has been so much more effective than a term at a theological college, no doubt in part, because I've lived the life and know where my questions lie. And the chance, provided most effectively in the UK, to meet with and discuss faith and issues with people who have absolutely no affiliation with any organised church, or even those who have only recently become involved has been invaluable.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 11, 2009
It was a wonderful day. It was also a very, very warm day! We visited the garden at the Biltmore Estate this morning, just as we planned. It was a very good plan. There weren't a lot of people around, and we got to enjoy the garden without crowds, and before the day got really hot. We congratulated ourselves on our planning , especially as we moved on to do our last shopping at The Winery (each section of the Estate has items in common, but also has items unique to that area, so we needed to be sure we had what we wanted from each part of the Estate.)
Then we headed out of the Estate, noting the darkening sky, and also the increasing crowds ... and were congratulating ourselves when the heavens opened and we were struck by a most impressive thunderstorm complete with very heavy rain. At the gates to the Estate we pulled over and waited for the heavy rain to abate, then went into the Gift Shop for our very last visit! And then, it was on to the yarn shop, where we did a little more damage.
We finished our day with dinner out, and the joy of packing up ready to go home ... next time I write I will be in Ontario - specific location yet to be determined, by time, inclination and computer access. See you then!
Then we headed out of the Estate, noting the darkening sky, and also the increasing crowds ... and were congratulating ourselves when the heavens opened and we were struck by a most impressive thunderstorm complete with very heavy rain. At the gates to the Estate we pulled over and waited for the heavy rain to abate, then went into the Gift Shop for our very last visit! And then, it was on to the yarn shop, where we did a little more damage.
We finished our day with dinner out, and the joy of packing up ready to go home ... next time I write I will be in Ontario - specific location yet to be determined, by time, inclination and computer access. See you then!
Catching Up
Well, I warned you that the Festival looked as though it would be a busy time! It was a wonderful experience. The rest of the addresses by the keynote speaker were every bit as good as the first one. Good enough to move me to want to purchase his books about the Gospels (also titled 'Provoking') .... 3 pretty heavy books that had me debating how I'd get them home. But in trying to find a link for you, I discovered that a Canadian publisher (Wood Lake Books), not only had his books, but that they were considerably cheaper, and in Canadian dollars! When I also learned that they would ship them for no additional cost, I placed my order, and my books should be there ( I hope) when I get home. Well, if not this trip, then after the next one.
The rest of my workshops were excellent! I've learned lots, had the chance to use what I learned, and am wondering how this will play out when my sabbatical is over. Next year's Festival will also be at Ridgecrest, and you'll know how much I learned and enjoyed it when I tell you that I'm already thinking that I will be back!
Friday night I went to "Lighting the Fire", where for the first time we gathered around a fire pit instead of doing it in a circle inside. We needed the fire more for light than for heat, but it was fun.
Saturday's worship service was wonderful -- but then, all of the worship experiences were. Of course, on Sunday my novice group also had our first experience of actually 'telling' a Biblical story, so now I'm not actually a complete 'novice' any longer!
The Saturday worship was actually the grand finale of the Festival, and many headed out immediately afterward, going either to Charlotte or Asheville for their flights. My friend from Tennessee had arranged to meet me at Ridgecrest and picked me up and we headed into Asheville, home of Biltmore House and the estate attached to it. I just checked -- it covers some 8,000 acres!
We'd arranged a package that includes accommodation plus unlimited access to Biltmore House and the estate for the next five days. Wonderful!
I know it sounds excessive, but we've been to the estate twice and will be heading back a little later today. Included in our package was an audio tour, so we got to walk through the house with headsets, listening to a narration, not only about the rooms were were seeing (we visited some 51 of those!), but also with additional background stories. The tour of the house alone, with the help of the audio tour, took us around two hours -- and a lot of walking!
Also included was a buffet lunch at Deer Park Lodge which we enjoyed following our house tour. The estate is large enough to have shuttle buses that take visitors to the various sites on the estate, so after the tour we hopped on one of the buses and rode past the stop at A Gardener's Place (that's for today!) to Deer Park Lodge where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch.
While we were waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the parking lot (it takes the buses half an hour to circle the estate), we were treated to a very noisy thunderstorm passing overhead. Fortunately for us, there wasn't a lot of rain with this storm, and it was well over before the shuttle arrived to take us to our car.
We rounded off our day with a visit to a yarn shop (everything in moderation!), and then headed back to our hotel.
Today's agenda includes the gardens ....
I'm sure that you could visit everything at Biltmore House in one day, but you'd need to start early and just keep on going ... we've been enjoying the opportunity to visit a section, enjoy it, and then go off to do something else (or as on our first day, visit something else in Asheville and then visit the Biltmore). If you visit their site you'll have a better idea of what I mean -- the Estate is absolutely huge, and I cannot imagine trying to visit everything: house, farm, garden, winery, etc., all on one day.
And now I'm off to get ready for our visit to the gardens!
The rest of my workshops were excellent! I've learned lots, had the chance to use what I learned, and am wondering how this will play out when my sabbatical is over. Next year's Festival will also be at Ridgecrest, and you'll know how much I learned and enjoyed it when I tell you that I'm already thinking that I will be back!
Friday night I went to "Lighting the Fire", where for the first time we gathered around a fire pit instead of doing it in a circle inside. We needed the fire more for light than for heat, but it was fun.
Saturday's worship service was wonderful -- but then, all of the worship experiences were. Of course, on Sunday my novice group also had our first experience of actually 'telling' a Biblical story, so now I'm not actually a complete 'novice' any longer!
The Saturday worship was actually the grand finale of the Festival, and many headed out immediately afterward, going either to Charlotte or Asheville for their flights. My friend from Tennessee had arranged to meet me at Ridgecrest and picked me up and we headed into Asheville, home of Biltmore House and the estate attached to it. I just checked -- it covers some 8,000 acres!
We'd arranged a package that includes accommodation plus unlimited access to Biltmore House and the estate for the next five days. Wonderful!
I know it sounds excessive, but we've been to the estate twice and will be heading back a little later today. Included in our package was an audio tour, so we got to walk through the house with headsets, listening to a narration, not only about the rooms were were seeing (we visited some 51 of those!), but also with additional background stories. The tour of the house alone, with the help of the audio tour, took us around two hours -- and a lot of walking!
Also included was a buffet lunch at Deer Park Lodge which we enjoyed following our house tour. The estate is large enough to have shuttle buses that take visitors to the various sites on the estate, so after the tour we hopped on one of the buses and rode past the stop at A Gardener's Place (that's for today!) to Deer Park Lodge where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch.
While we were waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the parking lot (it takes the buses half an hour to circle the estate), we were treated to a very noisy thunderstorm passing overhead. Fortunately for us, there wasn't a lot of rain with this storm, and it was well over before the shuttle arrived to take us to our car.
We rounded off our day with a visit to a yarn shop (everything in moderation!), and then headed back to our hotel.
Today's agenda includes the gardens ....
I'm sure that you could visit everything at Biltmore House in one day, but you'd need to start early and just keep on going ... we've been enjoying the opportunity to visit a section, enjoy it, and then go off to do something else (or as on our first day, visit something else in Asheville and then visit the Biltmore). If you visit their site you'll have a better idea of what I mean -- the Estate is absolutely huge, and I cannot imagine trying to visit everything: house, farm, garden, winery, etc., all on one day.
And now I'm off to get ready for our visit to the gardens!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Well we started the day with another wonderful worship service. It's amazing what storytellers can do ... and they've given me some ideas. And then we went off to our workshops where my group practised actually telling the story of Abram (Genesis 15:1-6) We'll be telling it as a group during Saturday's closing worship.
After lunch we went for another workshop. you might remember that mine was "Grounding the body, Opening the Heart." It was wonderful ... it was learning exercises and massage techniques to help keep us grounded and open as we told stories. It was fun, it rejuvenated and relaxed us, and left us with some techniques we can continue to use!
Then it was on to the Keynote Speaker, who left us with some unsettling images and interesting and challenging questions. Tomorrow's presentation is addressing ways to resolve some of those challenges and promises to be very interesting.
After dinner we gathered for our "Epic Storytelling" Session. Storytellers signed up to tell parts of the story found in Genesis, and for just under an hour and a half, teller followed teller (or sometimes, pairs of tellers) as they presented the first 11 chapters of Genesis -- without notes! It was amazing and wonderful ... and we were blown away by how much genealogy could be committed to memory and presented in interesting ways.
We had a little time between dinner and storytelling and so I took out my camera for just a couple of shots.
My friend in Tennessee told me to turn slightly to the west and look south and the distant ridges would probably be Tennessee -- so that's what I did when I came out of the Spilman Auditorium
And though I didn't take a picture of the Spilman auditorium building (yet), I did take one of the building next store - which is where we registered and is just across the way from our Exhibitors Hall -- and though you can't see them, there ARE rocking chairs on the front porch!
Now doesn't that just look typically southern????
I went out for a short walk after I got back to my room tonight, met up with another couple of like mind. They were from the south and so I asked them what I could hear. They told me it was tree beetles. Then we heard something else and they headed off down the hill and I headed toward my room. It sounded more like a growl, and since they had just told me that a bear had been seen near one of the residences, just a cub .... but you know, where you see a cub, Mama is not likely far behind! So I thought it might be wiser to head indoors ... So I came to chat here instead!
And now it's time for me to say good night!
After lunch we went for another workshop. you might remember that mine was "Grounding the body, Opening the Heart." It was wonderful ... it was learning exercises and massage techniques to help keep us grounded and open as we told stories. It was fun, it rejuvenated and relaxed us, and left us with some techniques we can continue to use!
Then it was on to the Keynote Speaker, who left us with some unsettling images and interesting and challenging questions. Tomorrow's presentation is addressing ways to resolve some of those challenges and promises to be very interesting.
After dinner we gathered for our "Epic Storytelling" Session. Storytellers signed up to tell parts of the story found in Genesis, and for just under an hour and a half, teller followed teller (or sometimes, pairs of tellers) as they presented the first 11 chapters of Genesis -- without notes! It was amazing and wonderful ... and we were blown away by how much genealogy could be committed to memory and presented in interesting ways.
We had a little time between dinner and storytelling and so I took out my camera for just a couple of shots.
My friend in Tennessee told me to turn slightly to the west and look south and the distant ridges would probably be Tennessee -- so that's what I did when I came out of the Spilman Auditorium
And though I didn't take a picture of the Spilman auditorium building (yet), I did take one of the building next store - which is where we registered and is just across the way from our Exhibitors Hall -- and though you can't see them, there ARE rocking chairs on the front porch!
Now doesn't that just look typically southern????
I went out for a short walk after I got back to my room tonight, met up with another couple of like mind. They were from the south and so I asked them what I could hear. They told me it was tree beetles. Then we heard something else and they headed off down the hill and I headed toward my room. It sounded more like a growl, and since they had just told me that a bear had been seen near one of the residences, just a cub .... but you know, where you see a cub, Mama is not likely far behind! So I thought it might be wiser to head indoors ... So I came to chat here instead!
And now it's time for me to say good night!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Well, it has been a very busy day (though tomorrow will be busier still!) I can't stay long since I have homework for tomorrow morning, and breakfast starts at 7:15 ...
I've been to the orientation which was fun, to the opening worship which was interesting and a combination of varied media and approaches, from a digital prelude to an intermingling/telling of 3 scripture passages and a Pslam with four people involved. It flowed, it stimulated and challenged and offered insight into some of what lies ahead.
From worship we moved to lunch and more opportunities to meet people from different places and different backgrounds. There are people from all over the United States, from different parts of Canada, from Australia, from Ireland, from Africa (the Gambia) ... those are the ones I can remember!
After lunch we went back for a presentation by Donna Marie Todd, who uses song as well as story in her storytelling.
Then there was a chance to check out Exhibitors Hall before we headed off to our first workshop (that's my homework - part 2 is tomorrow). We're learning God's Covenant with Abram -- an appealing technique, but a tad scary since we do it without any props (ie no Bible in front of us, and we're aiming NOT to paraphrase.... I did say aiming!) I tried to get a YouTube video of Amelia (our leader) to load, but it wouldn't for me. Perhaps you'll have better luck (or a better connection than what I have right now.)
After dinner we went back for a keynote address which was wonderful and posed some challenging and insightful questions. The presentation was by Richard Swanson
We've been having fun and learning lots, and now I'm off to sip some tea, work on my homework and then off to bed -- no time for photos today, but I'm hoping to squeeze some time in for that tomorrow!
I've been to the orientation which was fun, to the opening worship which was interesting and a combination of varied media and approaches, from a digital prelude to an intermingling/telling of 3 scripture passages and a Pslam with four people involved. It flowed, it stimulated and challenged and offered insight into some of what lies ahead.
From worship we moved to lunch and more opportunities to meet people from different places and different backgrounds. There are people from all over the United States, from different parts of Canada, from Australia, from Ireland, from Africa (the Gambia) ... those are the ones I can remember!
After lunch we went back for a presentation by Donna Marie Todd, who uses song as well as story in her storytelling.
Then there was a chance to check out Exhibitors Hall before we headed off to our first workshop (that's my homework - part 2 is tomorrow). We're learning God's Covenant with Abram -- an appealing technique, but a tad scary since we do it without any props (ie no Bible in front of us, and we're aiming NOT to paraphrase.... I did say aiming!) I tried to get a YouTube video of Amelia (our leader) to load, but it wouldn't for me. Perhaps you'll have better luck (or a better connection than what I have right now.)
After dinner we went back for a keynote address which was wonderful and posed some challenging and insightful questions. The presentation was by Richard Swanson
We've been having fun and learning lots, and now I'm off to sip some tea, work on my homework and then off to bed -- no time for photos today, but I'm hoping to squeeze some time in for that tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Greetings from Asheville, N.C.
Just popping in to say that everything ran smoothly this time and I am safely at Ridgecrest on the outskirts of Asheville. It looks gorgeous - tucked into the mountains. Will try to get some photos of it all for you to enjoy!
My room is fourth from the left - ground floor ... see those mountains in the background???? This will be another land of ups and downs!
While I was trying to get a photo I was soundly scolded by this one and its partner ... nest must be nearby.
It's a beautiful place to be ... and it looks as though it will be an interesting time here -- even when I'm not outdoors enjoying the scenery and getting a workout from those ups and downs!
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that we were handed bear alert notices on arrival!
My room is fourth from the left - ground floor ... see those mountains in the background???? This will be another land of ups and downs!
While I was trying to get a photo I was soundly scolded by this one and its partner ... nest must be nearby.
It's a beautiful place to be ... and it looks as though it will be an interesting time here -- even when I'm not outdoors enjoying the scenery and getting a workout from those ups and downs!Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that we were handed bear alert notices on arrival!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Festival of Biblical Storytellers
Just a quick posting to give you as nebulous an idea of what I'm headed for as I have! My workshops are:
Novice Workshop 1 Parts 1 & 2 - Beginners Introduction to the Art of Biblical Storytelling: Genesis (Actually only Genesis 15:1-6)
Grounding the Body - Opening the Heart
Designing a Worship Service with Stories
Multi-Sensory, Multi-Media, Multi-Dimensional Biblical Storytelling
It seemed to me to cover the whole gamut, and also to give me tools for the 21st century. I'll keep you posted on how it goes -- unless they wear me out each day ... then I'll catch you up later!
And this is where we're staying.
Novice Workshop 1 Parts 1 & 2 - Beginners Introduction to the Art of Biblical Storytelling: Genesis (Actually only Genesis 15:1-6)
Grounding the Body - Opening the Heart
Designing a Worship Service with Stories
Multi-Sensory, Multi-Media, Multi-Dimensional Biblical Storytelling
It seemed to me to cover the whole gamut, and also to give me tools for the 21st century. I'll keep you posted on how it goes -- unless they wear me out each day ... then I'll catch you up later!
And this is where we're staying.
Sussex Adventures
Although I was based in west Sussex we didn't limit our visits to that area. We went back to old familiar territory (I lived in East Sussex for over a year!) and explored new along the way. I didn't keep a daily log of where we went and I won't bore you with it all, but I'll touch on highlights and if there's something more you'd like to know, all you'll have to do is ask.
We went to Battle and had tea, but didn't tour the Abbey, though we had tea at its very gates.
The Abbey entrance
Our tea stop just to the left coming out of the gates. Battle is where the Battle of Hastings was actually fought, and the architecture is delightful, as you can see.
Then we left Battle for new (to me) territory. we were on our way to Rye, an old friend, but stopped at Winchelsea to see the old gates from when it was a gated town, and also to visit the church. We were "chased" out of the church when school children began arriving in large numbers. It seems that it was prize day, and though we enjoyed some of their music, we had no desire to wait while each child was recognised for the year's progress. But Annette had noticed that Spike Milligan was buried in the churchyard, so we went on a hunt to see if we could find the grave. It is marked by a Celtic cross, now how appropriate is that???? Actually, it looks like a St. Cuthbert's cross (shades of Lindisfarne!) - all 4 arms of the cross are equal. (Hmmm, not sure Cuthbert's has the circle!) And we found him, or should I say it?
Then we continued on the Rye. Rye was one of the Cinque Ports ... interesting because the sea has receded, leaving Rye with a small harbour, but not the place of coastal importance it once was. It seems to me that they said that Rye is now some five or seven miles inland. That's some recession! Many of Rye's streets are cobblestone, very picturesque, but killers to walk on! And of course, it's on the Downs, which means there are as many ups as there are downs - sorry, just couldn't resist. But it is certainly in stark contrast to Essex county!
As we wandered through the various historic towns which have preserved their buildings, many of which are private homes, I thought they were wonderful to look at, but wondered what it would be like trying to cope with the realities of living with walls that are no longer straight, and roofs that seemed to sag, and decided that although I enjoy looking, I'm glad that I don't have to deal with them!
We also went to Bosham, (pronounced Bozzam, please) a lovely little town with a gallery of boutiques for artists and artisans. It also has the feature of having a street that disappears at high tide. Best you know or pay attention to the signs, otherwise you might come and find that you'd left your car in a spot that was now under water. It was drizzly when we arrived, and the tide was in, meaning that you could only see on white line for the edge of the road, but I didn't think of my camera until the tide had turned.
Obviously, the UK has come up with the means to have paved streets or causeways that are submerged under sea water for hours each day and yet seem to stand up pretty well to their submersion. Though I must confess, walking on pavement that has just recently been exposed by the receding tide, which may also have seaweed and other detritus on it, is not a favourite activity of mine. We walked along for a piece and then withdrew to higher ground, though we did walk all the way around the bay to the other side -- and all the way back, resisting the urge to take the short cut which was gradually becoming increasingly visible to us.
On our way home the weather didn't co-operate so we went to a butterfly and exotic bird sanctuary and enjoyed the opportunity to study both birds and butterflies that are not native to either country.
Another day we went to Seaford where you can see the chalk cliffs, and walk along them (sorry, I only went halfway up - but the wind was strong and I didn't want to have to cling to my hat, or fight against going for an involuntary flight!) We visited the Long Man of Wilmington, a figure cut into the chalk long years ago. I'd only ever seen him from the main road before.
We also went to Lewes, where we met while we were both working at the White Hart Hotel. That's where I lived when I was running away from "the Call", though I only realised that some years later. Because it's a town built on the Downs every street is up and downhill. I remember my first winter there we had a modest snowfall and the cars couldn't make it up the hills! But I need to point out, that these are real hills, not landfill sites that are little bumps on a flat landscape. If you lived in one of these towns, and walked at all, you'd be very fit in no time!
We went to Arundel and walked the paths along the river to the lake. We admired birds of every description. I found out what a moorhen looks like, and a water vole (Ratty from The Wind in the Willows, I'm told.)
I renewed old friendships and made new ones. It was a busy week and a good one. My last night there we went out for dinner with Annette's father and his wife, and were driven there in a gorgeous Rolls Royce (sorry, I didn't take my camera even though I know he is a RR enthusiast.) I think it was a 1981 Silver Shadow II -- I am sure of all except the Shadow part. Sorry, I think I just failed my car enthusiast's test!
And then, like all good things, my time in the UK came to an end. We left for Gatwick around 6 am, I caught the shuttle to Heathrow shortly after 7, and was checking in before 8:30 ... only to find that no gate was given because the flight (which they had assured on the phone was on time) was already delayed half an hour. That half hour became an hour and half, and even once we were boarded we waited another half hour for takeoff. That delay meant .... oh yes, connections missed - not just for me, but for a very long line of people. It wasn't helped by having only two people processing those who had connecting flights. We'd made our declarations, collected our bags, and queued 'forever' to surrender our cards and go on to the conveyor belt for "connecting" luggage.
I missed my flight to Windsor. And I missed the next one too because that's how long the line was for the Air Canada staff to try to find new flights for connecting passengers. All of them were not from our flight, and I understand the delay for us (and probably for them) was weather in Toronto which delayed the original flights. I was one of the lucky ones. By the time I reached the desk some 3/4 hour later, there was still a flight going to Windsor. Yes, I had to wait until 10:50 pm, and yes, it meant poor Jane had to wait till midnight, and yes, it meant that I'd been up for a full 24 hours by the time I got home -- but I DID get home. The young woman behind me had missed her first connecting flight (Halifax) which meant she'd missed her second connecting flight (Deer Lake, Nfld.), and there were no available flights to Deer Lake the next day because they were all sold out. I'm not sure what happened to her, but it was a great reminder of how much more difficult it could have been -- and it happened at the end of my trip, not at the beginning.
And now you are up to date!
Tomorrow I fly to Asheville, North Carolina for the Network of Biblical Storytellers Festival. I'm attending five workshops, and have received notice that I am registered in my first choice for each of those sessions. There are also Plenary Sessions with a Keynote Speaker (Richard Swanson), and other activities. our days start 7:15 and there are activities until 11:00 pm so I'm not sure how much blogging I'll do, though our information does say that our rooms have wireless Internet!
During my travels I did pick up some more books, and will try to add them to the side panel shortly, but right now, laundry, lunch and packing call!
We went to Battle and had tea, but didn't tour the Abbey, though we had tea at its very gates.
The Abbey entrance
Our tea stop just to the left coming out of the gates. Battle is where the Battle of Hastings was actually fought, and the architecture is delightful, as you can see.Then we left Battle for new (to me) territory. we were on our way to Rye, an old friend, but stopped at Winchelsea to see the old gates from when it was a gated town, and also to visit the church. We were "chased" out of the church when school children began arriving in large numbers. It seems that it was prize day, and though we enjoyed some of their music, we had no desire to wait while each child was recognised for the year's progress. But Annette had noticed that Spike Milligan was buried in the churchyard, so we went on a hunt to see if we could find the grave. It is marked by a Celtic cross, now how appropriate is that???? Actually, it looks like a St. Cuthbert's cross (shades of Lindisfarne!) - all 4 arms of the cross are equal. (Hmmm, not sure Cuthbert's has the circle!) And we found him, or should I say it?
Then we continued on the Rye. Rye was one of the Cinque Ports ... interesting because the sea has receded, leaving Rye with a small harbour, but not the place of coastal importance it once was. It seems to me that they said that Rye is now some five or seven miles inland. That's some recession! Many of Rye's streets are cobblestone, very picturesque, but killers to walk on! And of course, it's on the Downs, which means there are as many ups as there are downs - sorry, just couldn't resist. But it is certainly in stark contrast to Essex county!
As we wandered through the various historic towns which have preserved their buildings, many of which are private homes, I thought they were wonderful to look at, but wondered what it would be like trying to cope with the realities of living with walls that are no longer straight, and roofs that seemed to sag, and decided that although I enjoy looking, I'm glad that I don't have to deal with them!We also went to Bosham, (pronounced Bozzam, please) a lovely little town with a gallery of boutiques for artists and artisans. It also has the feature of having a street that disappears at high tide. Best you know or pay attention to the signs, otherwise you might come and find that you'd left your car in a spot that was now under water. It was drizzly when we arrived, and the tide was in, meaning that you could only see on white line for the edge of the road, but I didn't think of my camera until the tide had turned.
Obviously, the UK has come up with the means to have paved streets or causeways that are submerged under sea water for hours each day and yet seem to stand up pretty well to their submersion. Though I must confess, walking on pavement that has just recently been exposed by the receding tide, which may also have seaweed and other detritus on it, is not a favourite activity of mine. We walked along for a piece and then withdrew to higher ground, though we did walk all the way around the bay to the other side -- and all the way back, resisting the urge to take the short cut which was gradually becoming increasingly visible to us.
On our way home the weather didn't co-operate so we went to a butterfly and exotic bird sanctuary and enjoyed the opportunity to study both birds and butterflies that are not native to either country.
Another day we went to Seaford where you can see the chalk cliffs, and walk along them (sorry, I only went halfway up - but the wind was strong and I didn't want to have to cling to my hat, or fight against going for an involuntary flight!) We visited the Long Man of Wilmington, a figure cut into the chalk long years ago. I'd only ever seen him from the main road before.
We also went to Lewes, where we met while we were both working at the White Hart Hotel. That's where I lived when I was running away from "the Call", though I only realised that some years later. Because it's a town built on the Downs every street is up and downhill. I remember my first winter there we had a modest snowfall and the cars couldn't make it up the hills! But I need to point out, that these are real hills, not landfill sites that are little bumps on a flat landscape. If you lived in one of these towns, and walked at all, you'd be very fit in no time!
We went to Arundel and walked the paths along the river to the lake. We admired birds of every description. I found out what a moorhen looks like, and a water vole (Ratty from The Wind in the Willows, I'm told.)
I renewed old friendships and made new ones. It was a busy week and a good one. My last night there we went out for dinner with Annette's father and his wife, and were driven there in a gorgeous Rolls Royce (sorry, I didn't take my camera even though I know he is a RR enthusiast.) I think it was a 1981 Silver Shadow II -- I am sure of all except the Shadow part. Sorry, I think I just failed my car enthusiast's test!
And then, like all good things, my time in the UK came to an end. We left for Gatwick around 6 am, I caught the shuttle to Heathrow shortly after 7, and was checking in before 8:30 ... only to find that no gate was given because the flight (which they had assured on the phone was on time) was already delayed half an hour. That half hour became an hour and half, and even once we were boarded we waited another half hour for takeoff. That delay meant .... oh yes, connections missed - not just for me, but for a very long line of people. It wasn't helped by having only two people processing those who had connecting flights. We'd made our declarations, collected our bags, and queued 'forever' to surrender our cards and go on to the conveyor belt for "connecting" luggage.
I missed my flight to Windsor. And I missed the next one too because that's how long the line was for the Air Canada staff to try to find new flights for connecting passengers. All of them were not from our flight, and I understand the delay for us (and probably for them) was weather in Toronto which delayed the original flights. I was one of the lucky ones. By the time I reached the desk some 3/4 hour later, there was still a flight going to Windsor. Yes, I had to wait until 10:50 pm, and yes, it meant poor Jane had to wait till midnight, and yes, it meant that I'd been up for a full 24 hours by the time I got home -- but I DID get home. The young woman behind me had missed her first connecting flight (Halifax) which meant she'd missed her second connecting flight (Deer Lake, Nfld.), and there were no available flights to Deer Lake the next day because they were all sold out. I'm not sure what happened to her, but it was a great reminder of how much more difficult it could have been -- and it happened at the end of my trip, not at the beginning.
And now you are up to date!
Tomorrow I fly to Asheville, North Carolina for the Network of Biblical Storytellers Festival. I'm attending five workshops, and have received notice that I am registered in my first choice for each of those sessions. There are also Plenary Sessions with a Keynote Speaker (Richard Swanson), and other activities. our days start 7:15 and there are activities until 11:00 pm so I'm not sure how much blogging I'll do, though our information does say that our rooms have wireless Internet!
During my travels I did pick up some more books, and will try to add them to the side panel shortly, but right now, laundry, lunch and packing call!
I'm Back - but not for long!
Sorry about the gap, but my friend has no Internet connection and it took me until the day before I left to discover that Steyning (pronounced Stenning) actually does have a Wifi Cafe -- too late for this time, but good information for future trips there.
So much to catch up on, so little time!
I've added a slide show to this page and will continue to add photos as and when I can, but you should know that there are now Sabbatical files of photos on my Flickr page. It took me a while to discover how to add them with titles rather than one at a time, and I also had to upgrade my account so they could all go there, but if you're interested in any one part (or all) you can go there and even have a slide show of just the area that appeals. You'll find me here My knitting's there as well, that's why I suggested you can check out the Sabbatical files. It even accepted my little video files from Inner Farne, so you can see the puffins in motion and hear the racket the birds make!
When I last "saw" you, I was happily riding the National Express train to London, enjoying the free Wifi, and not concerned with making my transfer to the cross country train that would take me to Shoreham By Sea, Sussex (not to be confused with Shoreham, Kent). My information, provided by the rail people themselves, printed for me by a delightful young woman in Berwick Upon Tweed (That's pronounced like an army barrack.) It suggested that it would take me 11 minutes to go from King's Cross Station to Victoria Station. No problem, since I had just over an hour between trains. Of course, things had obviously been going too well for me, so I should have known ... but I arrived at King's Cross (right on time) to discover that the Victoria Underground Line was being repaired or maintained or something, and was closed for the entire weekend. That meant that I had to take the Circle Line -- and there were 15 stops between me and Victoria Station. I watched the clock ticking and began being thankful that there were other, less convenient trains to Shoreham By Sea. But, we made it to Victoria with less than 10 minutes to spare.
Of course, we arrived at the Underground Station and had to hustle through Victoria to the Rail Station - not a problem ... but of course, we arrived in the rail station at Platform 1 and the train to Shoreham left from .... Platform 17! Not only were the platforms beyond 7 not in a straight line, I had to go around a corner, and keep jogging down and to the right ... and the clock was ticking ... Made it to Platform 17 to be told that in order to get to the part of the train that actually went to Shoreham (train divides in Haywards Heath, don't you know) I needed to keep jogging to the front four coaches -- that's past more than half a dozen other ones. I was praying that they wouldn't pull out when they could see me trundling my suitcase down the platform - but one never knows! I made it to one of the approved cars, got in, ditched the case, found a seat, settled, and the train started moving. But it didn't matter, I was on.
I thought it might be wise to check with another passenger to verify I was in the right car -- but the first one I asked had no idea (they were leaving the train before then). The second woman I asked looked at me strangely. I repeated my question. She stared, and then she smiled and said, "You're on the right train." And when she spoke I realised why she stared - she was hearing impaired and trying to figure out what the foreigner was asking! (And when those trains start up, hearing is difficult without any other challenges thrown in!) It was just as well that I asked her because the conductor never did make it to our car. But I did arrive in Shoreham (Sussex, not Kent), in good time. In fact, I was early enough that I could get a cup of tea and sit in the sun while waiting for my friend. And, there in Shoreham, little seaside resort with a tiny train station, I not only got an excellent cup of tea, but an excellent cup of Lady Grey tea! My absolute favourite!!! Wonderful!
So when my friend came scouting to see if the train had arrived, she found me sitting in the sun, my case at my side, sipping tea and enjoying the scenery and watching all the sunburned holiday makers hustling to and fro.
On our way to the car we passed a yarn shop, a real yarn shop, not one with a small corner given over to yarn, and I was promised that we would indeed return so that I could visit. But at that point our priority was to claim the car and head home.
So much to catch up on, so little time!
I've added a slide show to this page and will continue to add photos as and when I can, but you should know that there are now Sabbatical files of photos on my Flickr page. It took me a while to discover how to add them with titles rather than one at a time, and I also had to upgrade my account so they could all go there, but if you're interested in any one part (or all) you can go there and even have a slide show of just the area that appeals. You'll find me here My knitting's there as well, that's why I suggested you can check out the Sabbatical files. It even accepted my little video files from Inner Farne, so you can see the puffins in motion and hear the racket the birds make!
When I last "saw" you, I was happily riding the National Express train to London, enjoying the free Wifi, and not concerned with making my transfer to the cross country train that would take me to Shoreham By Sea, Sussex (not to be confused with Shoreham, Kent). My information, provided by the rail people themselves, printed for me by a delightful young woman in Berwick Upon Tweed (That's pronounced like an army barrack.) It suggested that it would take me 11 minutes to go from King's Cross Station to Victoria Station. No problem, since I had just over an hour between trains. Of course, things had obviously been going too well for me, so I should have known ... but I arrived at King's Cross (right on time) to discover that the Victoria Underground Line was being repaired or maintained or something, and was closed for the entire weekend. That meant that I had to take the Circle Line -- and there were 15 stops between me and Victoria Station. I watched the clock ticking and began being thankful that there were other, less convenient trains to Shoreham By Sea. But, we made it to Victoria with less than 10 minutes to spare.
Of course, we arrived at the Underground Station and had to hustle through Victoria to the Rail Station - not a problem ... but of course, we arrived in the rail station at Platform 1 and the train to Shoreham left from .... Platform 17! Not only were the platforms beyond 7 not in a straight line, I had to go around a corner, and keep jogging down and to the right ... and the clock was ticking ... Made it to Platform 17 to be told that in order to get to the part of the train that actually went to Shoreham (train divides in Haywards Heath, don't you know) I needed to keep jogging to the front four coaches -- that's past more than half a dozen other ones. I was praying that they wouldn't pull out when they could see me trundling my suitcase down the platform - but one never knows! I made it to one of the approved cars, got in, ditched the case, found a seat, settled, and the train started moving. But it didn't matter, I was on.
I thought it might be wise to check with another passenger to verify I was in the right car -- but the first one I asked had no idea (they were leaving the train before then). The second woman I asked looked at me strangely. I repeated my question. She stared, and then she smiled and said, "You're on the right train." And when she spoke I realised why she stared - she was hearing impaired and trying to figure out what the foreigner was asking! (And when those trains start up, hearing is difficult without any other challenges thrown in!) It was just as well that I asked her because the conductor never did make it to our car. But I did arrive in Shoreham (Sussex, not Kent), in good time. In fact, I was early enough that I could get a cup of tea and sit in the sun while waiting for my friend. And, there in Shoreham, little seaside resort with a tiny train station, I not only got an excellent cup of tea, but an excellent cup of Lady Grey tea! My absolute favourite!!! Wonderful!
So when my friend came scouting to see if the train had arrived, she found me sitting in the sun, my case at my side, sipping tea and enjoying the scenery and watching all the sunburned holiday makers hustling to and fro.
On our way to the car we passed a yarn shop, a real yarn shop, not one with a small corner given over to yarn, and I was promised that we would indeed return so that I could visit. But at that point our priority was to claim the car and head home.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Last Views of Lindisfarne
The Castle in the background -- the overturned boats are left as reniders of the herring fishery which is ended because of the lack of fish stocks.
The Gospel Garden maintained by the Community of Aidan and Hilda (the community which also supports The Open Gate))
St. Cuthbert's Centre (United Reformed Church) one of our sister churches.
Prayer Request Tree in the URC Centre (St. Cuthbert's)
The ruins of the later priory. St Mary's Church lies behind the Priory
The Priory by the HeughA heugh is a stone dyke or wall. This is where the dolerite pushed up trhough the limestone -- you can see the upthrust piece of land to the left in the picture.
July 18, 2009
Today I'm on the move. One of the other participants was also catching a fairly early train so we shared a taxi from Holy Island to Berwick Upon Tweed and boarded the train for London. After we'd agreed to share the taxi she called and changed her train ticket, so we're now on the same train. But we're not in the same cars -- and it seems that most of the seats on this train are reserved -- good thing I booked mine before heading out to Lindisfarne last Friday!
Yesterday was blustery day. I spent the morning going to the Heritage Centre where a copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels is on display. (The orignal has been taken to the London Museum for safe keeping.) There is also an interactive copy. Prepared by one man, Eadfrith in either the late 7th or early 8th century it is a truly amazing document, and the technology that lets you turn pages, magnify sections, have it read to you ... the list goes on, is truly also an amazing accomplishment of technology. If you want to see some of what I saw click here.
The afternoon was blustery and Graham said that the forecast was for more rain and increasingly strong winds, so, feeling the need to go out for one last visit I donned my waterproofs (jacket and trousers), pulled up the hood and set off for the Heugh, and the beach below. The winds were fairly fierce, and I was very glad that I had the waterproof suit. When I got to the beach I did wonder what had possessed me to make this final journey until I looked down. There at my feet I saw some limpet shells and I knew why I was there.
The night before, when we were reflecting on our experiences of the day and the week so far, Carol shared with us an image from someone else. She spoke of the limpets, a little sea animal with a conical shell that fastens itself to rocks and moves slowly over the surface feeding when the tide is in and it is safely protected, but which, when the tide is out, fastens itself solidly to the rock and stays there while battered by the forces of nature. As long as it remains solidly attached to the rock it stays safe.
She went on to tell us of a woman who had come on retreat to Lindisfarne, and who had taken limpet shells home with her. She took photos of limpets, and at home made sure that there were limpet shells in all of her favourite sitting spots. The shells were to remind her that as long as she attached herslef to God, and remained as solidly connected as the limpet, then she would be all right. The shells and photos were there to remind her, so that when her connection became more tenuous, she would be reminded to reconnect to God and all would be well.
I loved the imagery of that, and had wondered with Anne Marie (back on Iona) what the conical shells were. It was the captain of the boat that took us to Staffa who introduced me to limpets and told me what they were. So there I was, limpet shells at my feet, and just waiting to be gathered, as reminders for me, and also as something to take to our evening reflection before worship to share with the others. I gathered enough to satisfy me and then headed down the beach to the other path up. Back at the Open Gate I shed my very wet waterproofs (and yes, they were indeed waterproof!), laid out my shells to dry and relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, working on my reflection for the evening.
We used the shells as part of our reflection during the evening prayers downstairs in the chapel, making me doubly glad that I'd gathered them. But i didn't get any pictures of them on the rocks -- the tide was too high and I wasn't willing to get too close to the edge of the water -- I didn't want to put the waterproofing of my hiking boots to the test!
I'm hoping that I'll be able to find some limpets in Sussex (if we make it to sea!) and take a picture there. If I do, I'll be sure to post it!
And now, I've just left Newcastle -- free wifi on the the train (how civilised is that!!!???) as well as an outlet for my laptop -- and I'm NOT travelling first class!
Yesterday was blustery day. I spent the morning going to the Heritage Centre where a copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels is on display. (The orignal has been taken to the London Museum for safe keeping.) There is also an interactive copy. Prepared by one man, Eadfrith in either the late 7th or early 8th century it is a truly amazing document, and the technology that lets you turn pages, magnify sections, have it read to you ... the list goes on, is truly also an amazing accomplishment of technology. If you want to see some of what I saw click here.
The afternoon was blustery and Graham said that the forecast was for more rain and increasingly strong winds, so, feeling the need to go out for one last visit I donned my waterproofs (jacket and trousers), pulled up the hood and set off for the Heugh, and the beach below. The winds were fairly fierce, and I was very glad that I had the waterproof suit. When I got to the beach I did wonder what had possessed me to make this final journey until I looked down. There at my feet I saw some limpet shells and I knew why I was there.
The night before, when we were reflecting on our experiences of the day and the week so far, Carol shared with us an image from someone else. She spoke of the limpets, a little sea animal with a conical shell that fastens itself to rocks and moves slowly over the surface feeding when the tide is in and it is safely protected, but which, when the tide is out, fastens itself solidly to the rock and stays there while battered by the forces of nature. As long as it remains solidly attached to the rock it stays safe.
She went on to tell us of a woman who had come on retreat to Lindisfarne, and who had taken limpet shells home with her. She took photos of limpets, and at home made sure that there were limpet shells in all of her favourite sitting spots. The shells were to remind her that as long as she attached herslef to God, and remained as solidly connected as the limpet, then she would be all right. The shells and photos were there to remind her, so that when her connection became more tenuous, she would be reminded to reconnect to God and all would be well.
I loved the imagery of that, and had wondered with Anne Marie (back on Iona) what the conical shells were. It was the captain of the boat that took us to Staffa who introduced me to limpets and told me what they were. So there I was, limpet shells at my feet, and just waiting to be gathered, as reminders for me, and also as something to take to our evening reflection before worship to share with the others. I gathered enough to satisfy me and then headed down the beach to the other path up. Back at the Open Gate I shed my very wet waterproofs (and yes, they were indeed waterproof!), laid out my shells to dry and relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, working on my reflection for the evening.
We used the shells as part of our reflection during the evening prayers downstairs in the chapel, making me doubly glad that I'd gathered them. But i didn't get any pictures of them on the rocks -- the tide was too high and I wasn't willing to get too close to the edge of the water -- I didn't want to put the waterproofing of my hiking boots to the test!
I'm hoping that I'll be able to find some limpets in Sussex (if we make it to sea!) and take a picture there. If I do, I'll be sure to post it!
And now, I've just left Newcastle -- free wifi on the the train (how civilised is that!!!???) as well as an outlet for my laptop -- and I'm NOT travelling first class!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Few More Pictures
Here are a few more shots from our trip to Inner Farne
I hope you enjoy them!
Arctic Terns on the attack
A benign Arctic Tern
My favourites!
We're just looking!
Photos courtesy of Jackie Walton
I hope you enjoy them!
Arctic Terns on the attack
A benign Arctic Tern
My favourites!
We're just looking!
Photos courtesy of Jackie Walton
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Beach and Dunes at the Snook
This is one view of the dunes at the Snook -- they call this land flat -- I'm not sure what they'd call Windsor/Essex since we did a fair bit of climbing!
The beach and dunes
The beach -- tide's out ... gives you an idea of how we can have a causeway of five miles .... though that's on the other side of the Snook. The Snook is attached to the Holy Island by a long thin neck of land.
This is the other side of the Snook -- the house gives you some idea of how high the dunes are.
The beach and dunes
The beach -- tide's out ... gives you an idea of how we can have a causeway of five miles .... though that's on the other side of the Snook. The Snook is attached to the Holy Island by a long thin neck of land.
This is the other side of the Snook -- the house gives you some idea of how high the dunes are.
The Snook, Holy Island
The causeway joins Holy Island at the Snook, an area of dunes and slacks(damper, low lying areas within the dunes). We went to spot orchids and all the other beauties of creation to which we are becoming more attuned. We found several different varieties of orchids, and also discovered that many spots where orchids have grown in the past are bare. It isn’t clear whether this is because some of them bloom only every other year, whether they have been lost (dug up!), or simply that because this has been a dryer, warmer season, the orchids have already bloomed and died back.
This is either a common spotted orchid or a north marsh orchid -- they intermix, so it's hard to tell!
And this, I believe, is a Helleborine, but NOT a Lindisfarne Helleborine.
We were on the alert for the Lindisfarne helleborine which is rare and only grows on Holy Island. We found only a few, and they are not the best – but Graham held one so I could capture it with my camera and share it with you.
And as we were walking we were reflecting on creation all around us, offering prayers of thanks for the beauty that surrounded us, and joining with the Creator in declaring that it was very good indeed! (Or as one of my fellow sojourners said: it’s actually better than good, it’s downright marvelous!) And all growing wild in dunes and slacks!
This is either a common spotted orchid or a north marsh orchid -- they intermix, so it's hard to tell!
And this, I believe, is a Helleborine, but NOT a Lindisfarne Helleborine.
We were on the alert for the Lindisfarne helleborine which is rare and only grows on Holy Island. We found only a few, and they are not the best – but Graham held one so I could capture it with my camera and share it with you.
And as we were walking we were reflecting on creation all around us, offering prayers of thanks for the beauty that surrounded us, and joining with the Creator in declaring that it was very good indeed! (Or as one of my fellow sojourners said: it’s actually better than good, it’s downright marvelous!) And all growing wild in dunes and slacks!
Lindisfarne, Holy Island
We started our first evening with a conversation about the “Two Books” and what they meant for us. The first book is creation which God created and deemed good. The second is scripture. Our week is to be spent reading the two books – truly seeing and seeking to see God in nature and to use what we see to reflect upon our spiritual lives and how we are shaped by our experiences.
Our first daytime adventure was to go and look at the geology of Holy Island, to see what was there, how internal forces changed the shape of the Island. Most of the rock underlying Holy Island was sedimentary, so we saw the limestone, filled with fossils of early marine creatures, and varying in colour from grey to black.
Marble/limestone with fossils
Limestone with fossils
But dolerite, (known in Northumberland as ‘whinstone’) forced its way up in molten stage, and so we have the breaking of the flat, horizontal planes with the thrusting dolerite. Part of the heat and pressure changed the limestone to a marble/limestone mix – and you can see in the photo the meeting of the planes.
The vertical rock is dolerite, met at its base by the limestone/marble mix through which it forced its way.
It’s enough of a marvel on its own but it is also a metaphor for us and for our lives. Often our lives are smooth and level, until something, not necessarily of our own choosing or making, forces its way up and through them, changing the shape and texture of them, leaving them transformed for all time. Like the limestone, we don’t have the choosing of life’s events. Unlike the limestone, we do have the choosing of how we will respond, of how we will take the changed circumstances and use them or be used by them.
Another aspect here is the cliffs that are made of shale - weak rock that crumbles easily. It too was shaped as the glacier flowed over it, forcing it into curving shapes as the glacier moved relentlessly on.
So we are encouraged to reflect on our lives, what their composition is and what impact life’s events have had on them. What has transformed us? How has it transformed us? How have we responded in the past? How do we choose to respond today? How will we prepare ourselves to be better equipped to deal with the unknown challenges that may lie in our future? Where do we find our strength?
That’s my reflection for right now. Recognising the shaping influences, looking for positive influences, identifying jagged or distorted places which need healing, or battered and worn places into which we need the gentle, renewing and energising life of God.
As Graham pointed out, we can’t control life’s events, but we can choose whether we will invite God to use those events to make us better or allow them to make us bitter.
The reference for our reflections began with Isaiah 51:1-2 “Look to (remember) the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn .... “ which was an invitation to look to our own history, and how we were formed...
Our first daytime adventure was to go and look at the geology of Holy Island, to see what was there, how internal forces changed the shape of the Island. Most of the rock underlying Holy Island was sedimentary, so we saw the limestone, filled with fossils of early marine creatures, and varying in colour from grey to black.
Marble/limestone with fossils
Limestone with fossils
But dolerite, (known in Northumberland as ‘whinstone’) forced its way up in molten stage, and so we have the breaking of the flat, horizontal planes with the thrusting dolerite. Part of the heat and pressure changed the limestone to a marble/limestone mix – and you can see in the photo the meeting of the planes.
The vertical rock is dolerite, met at its base by the limestone/marble mix through which it forced its way.
It’s enough of a marvel on its own but it is also a metaphor for us and for our lives. Often our lives are smooth and level, until something, not necessarily of our own choosing or making, forces its way up and through them, changing the shape and texture of them, leaving them transformed for all time. Like the limestone, we don’t have the choosing of life’s events. Unlike the limestone, we do have the choosing of how we will respond, of how we will take the changed circumstances and use them or be used by them.
Another aspect here is the cliffs that are made of shale - weak rock that crumbles easily. It too was shaped as the glacier flowed over it, forcing it into curving shapes as the glacier moved relentlessly on.
So we are encouraged to reflect on our lives, what their composition is and what impact life’s events have had on them. What has transformed us? How has it transformed us? How have we responded in the past? How do we choose to respond today? How will we prepare ourselves to be better equipped to deal with the unknown challenges that may lie in our future? Where do we find our strength?
That’s my reflection for right now. Recognising the shaping influences, looking for positive influences, identifying jagged or distorted places which need healing, or battered and worn places into which we need the gentle, renewing and energising life of God.
As Graham pointed out, we can’t control life’s events, but we can choose whether we will invite God to use those events to make us better or allow them to make us bitter.
The reference for our reflections began with Isaiah 51:1-2 “Look to (remember) the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn .... “ which was an invitation to look to our own history, and how we were formed...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 8 - July 13
The Abbey at Iona
A view from Dun 1
On the pilgrimage
St. Columba's Bay - on pilgrimageSorry, I'm too lazy to edit and post these notes separately - just skim!
July 8, 2006
Today was Staffa day, with morning prayers as usual, and an open session followed by an early lunch (run, Puffins, run!) Then off to the quay to board the boat for Staffa. Staffa is an incredible island, with the basalt columns shooting up from the sea. Out of the boat, and follow the path, which fortunately has a railing, though the rail wobbles a bit .... along the way to Fingal’s cave. The other path – stairs and then a trek along the cliff top takes you to the puffins, but I thought that my adventure on the pilgrimage the day before meant that I should give the extra climbing and walking a miss. The first photo shows you the climb -- if you can see the little landing mid-way - turn left for Fingal's cave, slight jog to the right and keep climbing for the puffins!
A couple of other views of Staffa
So I got back on the boat, and was entertained by the captain and his mate. They gave us information about the islands that we could see around us, and then took us along to the bay beneath the cliff so that we could enjoy the puffins at sea, as well as watch them fly up to gather near the people (who protect them from seagulls)
July 10, 2009
Moving day – up before 6, bag downstairs ready for the van by 6:15, into the refectory where the 4 early leavers, plus early riser Mark, gathered for tea and breakfast. Then off to the quay to catch the ferry by 7. Onto the bus in Fionnphort, and on to Craignure, where shortly afterward we caught the ferry for Oban. We had some time in Oban, time to make sure we had reserved seats on the Glasgow train, and to have lunch before we boarded. We arrived in Glasgow just before 4, where I discovered that the 4:00 train for Edinburgh was running just minutes late. I stepped onto the train, the doors close3d behind me and I arrived in good time for the train to Berwick Upon Tweed – actually, I was early, which meant that I could arrange transport to Lindisfarne after the tide turned, and go to a nearby hotel and have dinner, to be picked up and driven to the Open gate when the causeway would be open.
We timed it so well that the taxi was about the third vehicle to begin the drive across. The causeway is some 5 miles long, and there is a waiting point should you arrive too late to cross. Some of the drivers had gotten out to wander the area while waiting for the tide to turn and the taxi just pulled around them and headed across – it helped that the taxi was a high riding van since there was still water on the causeway when we began. Around the island are lists of tide times/tables, along with a poster which shows what happens if you do not pay adequate attention – the vehicle in the photo has water to its widows – suggesting that the tide comes in like it does on the Bay of Fundy and you might find yourself in feet of water.
I’d been told that the causeways are usually shingle, but this is a paved causeway. The taxi driver told me that is was a special tar that was used, but that the causeway still requires a fair bit of maintenance because of the wear and tear of the salt water bath it takes every day. I’d like to go back and look at the causeway, but have yet to get my bearings.
But as we were driving across the causeway, the island captured me. There’s something about the atmosphere, even though when the tide is low there are tourists everywhere (those of us who stay past the turning of the tide are in a special category!) There’s something about these mystic Celtic Isles! And there’s something about being able to settle, to look at all of the sights that appeal, but also about being able to take the time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, and to have the time to be able to sit quietly in the chapel spaces, and relax in the chapel gardens, or even the garden of the B&B (or retreat house)
I arrived at The Open Gate at 8:30 and was shown to my room (en suite!!!!), advised when breakfast would be, and told when evening prayers would be held (9:00) though there was no pressure to attend.
I settled in and did arrive (a few minutes late, I fear) for evening prayers. The format is very different from Iona and yet there is a similarity. For the core of the faith is Christian, and there is no “official” Celtic spirituality, but rather a flowing and blending that has arisen from their understanding of their relationship to God, to their community and to their world (which includes the natural world and not simply the human world) A new phase, a new adventure. The person welcoming me is actually the person who will be leading next week’s retreat, and he affirmed, as did Iona, that participants are encouraged to choose how much they will be involved, to feel free to take part in as much or as little of the activities as meets their needs, and to guard against becoming overtired I’m looking forward to learning more, but first I have time to catch my breath and become centred in Lindisfarne, leaving Iona behind for the time being, or at least, letting Iona settle into my being.
July 11, 2009
What a glorious change. No rising bell, no morning tasks. Breakfast was pleasant, and Ruth, the co-director told me that they believe that The Open Gate should be a gentle place for the renewal of spirit.
No morning prayers on the weekends at The Open Gate, though breakfast is timed so that those who wish to go to St. Mary’s and take communion may do so and still be back in time for breakfast. I’m uncertain about St. Mary’s, thinking that the United Reformed Church gathering this evening might be more appropriate to my needs at this time. (All plans are subject to speed of dinner service – reservations are required for Saturday evening, and mine is for 6:30 – and I was lucky to get that! It seems Saturday evenings are very, very busy, though Jackie was surprised to hear that the first place I enquired - at 11:30 this morning - was already fully booked for tonight, and the second place I asked is willing to accommodate me in the bar, but the dining room was also fully booked!
Lindisfarne is a very interesting place. The churches co-operate with one another to meet the needs of spiritual pilgrims, complementing the services, not competing. For this reason the URC offers a service only on Saturday evening, so if I miss this one I will have missed my only opportunity to be with them, though I visited their chapel and their sculpture garden this morning. I have a leaflet from them that plans a silent walk around Holy Island, with directions for viewing and meditating as you go. It says that it will take 3 hours and I was thinking that I might like to do this walk tomorrow. But Jackie who is also staying here was talking about going to somewhere close to go and see the puffins. Our conversation revealed that there does not appear to be any cliff climbing involved, and perhaps I will go with her (she has a car and so is able to drive to the starting point which is not on the Island), so the walk around the Island may be delayed either by the time we’re gone, or until Monday. Puffin trips are weather dependent so she is planning to call tomorrow morning to find out if the trips are on or not.
July 11, 2009
I finished dinner in good time for the service at the URC Centre (St. Cuthbert’s) Those who were present early were asked to read prayer requests during the service. The Centre is open all week and in the entry is a tree with stained glass pieces hanging from it. Visitors are invited to write their requests on the paper provided (Post-It notes) and add them to one of the pieces of stained glass. These requests are gathered prior to the service, and it was these that we were asked to read at the appropriate time. Already I’m wondering how we could adapt this for our use – having a place whee the requests could be written at any time during the week, and incorporating them into the prayers o the people.
We began with singing “Be Still for the Glory of the Lord...” Though we counted only 12, it was lovely, and it was a lovely service, taken from the “Wee Worship Book” from the Community of Iona, but it followed a familiar format. In lieu of a meditation we reflected upon the OT reading of David dancing before the ark as it was moved to Jerusalem. After the service we discovered that there were 3 Canadians (all staying at the Open Gate), 6 Americans, and 3 locals, one of whom is not truly local, but has been living here and soon will be moving on to Canada to work at one of the L’Arche communities in Nova Scotia, probably in Cape Breton. It has been an amazing discovery for me to learn just how many young people are using their first years after university, or between university years, to work as volunteers in a variety of communities. They were present in Iona, they are present in this community, and they move on from each experience to another one, giving of their time and themselves generously and cheerfully. They come from all over the world, are from a variety of backgrounds, but care passionately about the world and the people of the world. Most of those I have encountered are working in ecumenical settings – not affiliated with a specific denomination. There is a lesson here, and we’d do well to learn it if we truly wish to connect with them in their faith journey.
When I introduced myself to the minister, he commented that we are from sister churches. The United Reformed Church is a uniting of the Presbyterians, the Congregational, and the Church of Christ. We compared notes on our similarities and our differences (no Methodists in their union, and no Church of Christ is ours). He was leavingSunday morning for a week’s holiday in London. They were going by train and visiting all the sights that tourists do. He commented that a simple movie night for them meant a drive of 160 miles, and tides had to be taken into account. He said if you wanted a movie evening you might as well book a hotel or B&B for the night. It certainly put things into a new perspective. And that’s simply living on a tidal island! Fancy having to build in a ferry or two as they do on Iona. And I never even saw a movie theatre on Mull – perhaps there’s one in Tobermory ... Videos and DVD’s would definitely be more the thing there!
July 12
Good morning, Lincoln Road!
It rained during the night, possibly heavily, but the morning brought clearing skies – and the boat trip is on. The first sailings were full, so we are booked on the noon sailing, leaving here at 10:30 – more later!
What a glorious day! The sky was “interesting” but the seas were calm, other than the usual roll of an open boat. We saw a huge variety of sea birds, and seals sunning on the rocks. The seals largely ignored us. They’re obviously used to the boats coming round and know that the boats don’t land and though people may be close, they will not be close enough to hurt them. But they were basically silent. Seals have an eery call, sounding mournful – but not this bunch!
We landed on Inner Farne Island (the cruise was of the Farne Islands, and we left from Seahouses) As soon as we left the concrete causeway that led from the boats to the board walk we were under attack by the Arctic Terns. Apparently, as soon as the board walks were built, the terns decided that this would be a good nesting space, and so there are hundreds of nests with young terns either in them or close by. The arrival of people sets off the parent birds who immediately attack – and I do mean attack. We were warned to wear hats. I was thinking it was to protect us from bird droppings, which is indeed part of the attack, but more importantly, it was to protect our heads from the sharp beaks, since the adults don’t simply swoop close, they attack. One man, who was hatless, was bleeding from the pecks to his head. Trying to get past their nesting area was like running the gauntlet!
But once past, we found other nesting areas (fenced off to protect the birds.) There were cormorants and shags, other species I’ve yet to identify, and there were puffins, lots and lots of puffins.
Puffins are the clowns. They’re cute, timid, and awkward. When they fly their feet stick out to the sides of their bodies. When they land, it is with resignation - they put their feet down and sort of plop down. But they are cute, and they capture the hearts and imaginations of most people. I managed to get some fairly good pictures of them. Now to find internet access that gives me sufficient time to add some pictures to this, or to somewhere else.
We enjoyed our hour on the island, but did not relish running the gauntlet to get back to the boat. As we were headed back we found a young Arctic Tern that was on the wrong side of the fence. It was trying to get back to the nesting area, and kept sticking its head through the chicken wire fencing to see if it could just go directly back. It was much too big for that! So, diving parents and lots of people notwithstanding, I thought I’d see if I could encourage it to turn around (it was getting farther and farther away from the gap in the fence it must have come through) and head it back to safety. I stood directly in its path, which did indeed prompt it to turn around and walk the other way. It stuck close to the fence, and every time it thought I might have disappeared, it turned around, saw me and would turn back around and walk farther. Before we were finished, it almost seemed as though it was turning around, like a typical kid, to ask “Are we there yet?” Only to sigh and turn back around and keep on trucking. When we reached the opening, it stopped, moved forward, hesitated, and then moved well into the protected area. I didn’t stick around to see if it would be foolish enough to come back out again. I thought that I’d done my random act of kindness for the day and couldn’t miss my boat for any further rescue missions!
After our hour on the island we set sail for our home port. The ride back was a little choppy, but we were dressed for the spray, and since we were sitting in a more protected area, we got less spray on the way home than we had on the trip out!
July 13
Jackie and I decided to do the “Walk Around Holy Island in Silence” tour that was laid out in a brochure from the URC. We agreed to keep silence, and we did that well. We’d catch one another’s eye when it was time to move to the next stage, but it was an opportunity to witness and pay tribute to all the evidence of God’s active presence in the world around us. We walked over a mile to the gates outside the castle, pausing to sit on rocks there to contemplate the view – the sea spread out before us, the castle behind us, the town left well behind, the grasses, wildflowers, mosses and lichens. All this beauty to a haunting accompaniment of the seals calling to one another. And, of course, the noise of the chitter chatter of others as they climbed toward the castle. It was amazingly busy though the castle was closed. Our directions were simple and could be followed by anyone anywhere: give yourself some space and simply look around you, noticing what is there - at a distance and close at hand. Notice the colours, shapes and textures. Watch how tings move in the breeze or wind ... how the water reflects the sky ... the movement of the waves (okay, if you aren’t near water that last part will be a challenge!) Resist your desire to think about what you are seeing. Watch simply .... give it no meaning .... see only creation being itself ...
We then passed by the castle and went to the walled garden, admiring the flowers that were there. They’re “old fashioned” flowers. The garden was designed and planted in the early twentieth century and has been kept to the original design. It serves as a reminder that there is and always has been beauty, even without a great deal of our intervention. It was also an opportunity to add the beauty of the fragrance of a garden to our awareness of creation. Here the instructions were very simple: Again, resist the temptation to name everything you notice; simply enjoy your God-given sense of smell.
We continued on our walk to a spot that overlooked rocks and the sea, and sat. Here we were invited to feel. To feel what we were sitting on, to feel the breeze or the wind or the stillness, to pick up a stone or rock and feel its texture and shape. Again we were invited not to think but to let it be.
The next stop was at a hide overlooking the Lough (lake). Hidden from the birds on the lough we were invited to listen. This proved a challenge initially because there was another group there, and one woman persisted in speaking at the top of her voice – she couldn’t find anything sacred about any of this. But then I doubt she ever stopped talking long enough to listen for the divine. Nor did she allow anyone else around her the luxury of silence. She took offence when another woman stepped into the hide, pronounced “too noisy” and withdrew. We both sighed with relief when they took themselves off and silence settled in the hide – and we could hear the chatter of the birds and relax into the peace and tranquillity of the lough. We listened to the rustle of the reeds, the call of the birds, the creak of the bench (or was that my knees???)
When we left the lough we followed the path to the sand dunes, at which point we felt a few drops, quickly put on our jackets and ... the heavens opened! Our jeans got wet, but we were mostly dry (lesson well learned in Mull – never go out without your waterproof handy!) – the rain was very, very heavy, but then it ended, and the sun returned and we continued our walk. We did not go down and taste the sea water – we’d done quite enough of that the day before, and we surely were aware of the feel of being wet!
Then we headed for the town (village, I guess) ... watching for the Pirri Pirri Burrs - an import from New Zealand that they are trying to contain and keep from spreading. So when we cleared that section of the path we “deburred” before carrying on. Along the way we paused to enjoy the dancing butterflies, the colours of the wildflowers, all the beauty that is so often ignored or taken for granted.
The instructions for the final part of our walk are excellent for wherever and whenever we can or will take the time:
Mull over what you have seen.
How have you met with God during this time? What might God have been saying to you? Might there be something to offer to your community when you get home .... Some new insight, a smidgeon of new peace or wisdom????
Take time to be with God, to let God speak with you as you prepare to follow God back into your community, symbolised now by Holy Island (or wherever you do this exercise)
Walk back, and as you walk back, give thanks for what you have seen, heard, felt, tasted and experienced. Let the experience become embedded in your memory - and walk knowing the grace of God.
Later ....
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thank You!
The seven mile pilgrimage has come and gone. I went on it, and survived! So thanks to all who supported me in their thoughts and prayers. It was a gorgeous day with some stiff climbing and boggy patches, but I made it from start to finish. I even managed a few photos which I hope to post - probably when I move on to Lindisfarne, since this is a fairly briskly paced programme - particularly for a non-programme week.
It has been a wonderful experience, but I need a breather so that I can begin to process all that has happened here, and share it with you.
Yesterday was our trip to the Isle of Staffa, home of Fingal's cave (inspiration for Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture [I think I have that right but will check later]. If you've been to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, then you might be interested to know that this is the other end. Staffa is also home to many, many puffins, who love being near people because they keep the seagulls away from them. Another gorgeous day, though those on one side of the boat were absolutely soaked before we reached the island. It was a much less eventful trip home. More later, but this is our last day on Iona so every last minute thing has to be squeezed in!
It has been a wonderful experience, but I need a breather so that I can begin to process all that has happened here, and share it with you.
Yesterday was our trip to the Isle of Staffa, home of Fingal's cave (inspiration for Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture [I think I have that right but will check later]. If you've been to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, then you might be interested to know that this is the other end. Staffa is also home to many, many puffins, who love being near people because they keep the seagulls away from them. Another gorgeous day, though those on one side of the boat were absolutely soaked before we reached the island. It was a much less eventful trip home. More later, but this is our last day on Iona so every last minute thing has to be squeezed in!
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009
The service was over an hour long, and more traditional than I had expected. We read an affirmation of faith that has me thinking about what I believe and what I don’t. As you may have guessed, there was something in the affirmation which I do not believe. It will be a good starting point for some contemplation and exploration about what it is I believe and what I do not. My statement of faith today would be very, very different from any statement I might have made or written when I was ordained in 1982. I’m hoping for some quiet time here so that I can reflect more deeply on it all.
Lunch was more “ Sunday dinner” than lunch. As a Puffin I was there half an hour before and they laughingly told us that this was the only time we’d need to set the table this way, and that it was the only time we’d need to be there half an hour before. Since Puffins were on duty we were responsible for serving and clearing as well as setting up. The server at the head of the table fills plates and passes them down. I sat at the other end, to help clear, and make sure everyone had what they needed. The meal was a choice of two cassolets (casseroles to North Americans – difference here being that casseroles do not contain legumes ) One was vegetarian and one had Meat!!! Meat only being served here twice a week, this is the staff’s big treat. And, being Sunday, there was pudding (dessert other than fruit).
In the afternoon I tried the Dun Ean climb but turned back. I’d taken a slight wrong turning and was afraid I’d get myself into trouble. I’m not a great one for heights, so am wondering why I set myself the goal. (Perhaps because it was there.) I went instead to the North Beach and took photos there. But I did take some photos from the point I did achieve on Dun Ean ... the most difficult part of the entire climb, I’m told.
At supper, one of the return visitors told me that none of the pilgrimage is as steep as Dun Ean and that the pace is gentle. So now I’m back to debating. The decision has to be made by tonight. I’ll keep you posted.
And now it’s time to learn more about Celtic Spirituality.
Today’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 15:20-18:10
Lunch was more “ Sunday dinner” than lunch. As a Puffin I was there half an hour before and they laughingly told us that this was the only time we’d need to set the table this way, and that it was the only time we’d need to be there half an hour before. Since Puffins were on duty we were responsible for serving and clearing as well as setting up. The server at the head of the table fills plates and passes them down. I sat at the other end, to help clear, and make sure everyone had what they needed. The meal was a choice of two cassolets (casseroles to North Americans – difference here being that casseroles do not contain legumes ) One was vegetarian and one had Meat!!! Meat only being served here twice a week, this is the staff’s big treat. And, being Sunday, there was pudding (dessert other than fruit).
In the afternoon I tried the Dun Ean climb but turned back. I’d taken a slight wrong turning and was afraid I’d get myself into trouble. I’m not a great one for heights, so am wondering why I set myself the goal. (Perhaps because it was there.) I went instead to the North Beach and took photos there. But I did take some photos from the point I did achieve on Dun Ean ... the most difficult part of the entire climb, I’m told.
At supper, one of the return visitors told me that none of the pilgrimage is as steep as Dun Ean and that the pace is gentle. So now I’m back to debating. The decision has to be made by tonight. I’ll keep you posted.
And now it’s time to learn more about Celtic Spirituality.
Today’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 15:20-18:10
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