Issue 1/2018. Coracle. Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. special edition. The magazine of the Iona Community

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1 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 2 Coracle Iona Abbey Capital Appeal special edition Issue 1/2018 The magazine of the Iona Community

2 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 3 Christine Jones The Iona Abbey Capital Appeal We need to raise a minimum of 2.7m to upgrade the Abbey accommodation to provide hospitality and renewal for generations to come, and we are asking for your help 1 For 70 years now, thousands of Iona Community guests, volunteers and staff folk of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds have shared in the common life in the iconic setting of Iona Abbey. They have worked and worshipped together, shared meals, talked and laughed, and reflected on the Iona Community s concerns for justice and peace in the world. For many, this experience has been life-changing as shown by the stories featured in this issue of Coracle. Thousands of pilgrims, tourists and day-trippers also come to Iona every year. Many worship at the Abbey, where they experience the Iona Community s imaginative, inclusive style of worship. Sadly, the presence of the Iona Community in Iona Abbey is under serious threat. Professional surveys of the Abbey accommodation undertaken in 2013 revealed that the essential utilities plumbing, electrics and heating would become unfit for purpose within 5 to 7 years. For the Iona Community, the prospect of being unable to provide hospitality in the Abbey did not bear thinking about. Our history shows that our ministry in Iona Abbey makes a fundamental contribution to our movement s message of faith in action. As former Iona Community Leader Norman Shanks said: We see ourselves as playing a part in the rebuilding of lives the accompanying of people on their own journeys, seeking to contribute to the rebuilding of the Church, and seeking to play a part in the reshaping of wider society through social and political change. The Iona Community has therefore embarked on a major Capital Appeal to raise a minimum of 2.7m to upgrade the utilities and accommodation. The

3 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 4 project is complex and exciting in equal measure, and will achieve so much more than the required upgrading urgent as this is. I am hugely grateful for the heartfelt and imaginative ways people within and outside the Community have responded. We are also greatly encouraged by the active support of the residents of Iona. The threat to the presence of the Iona Community in the Abbey has put into sharper focus the critical contribution the Community makes to the fragile economy of the island and its reach. Islander Jo MacInnes is ideally placed to comment on this. Not only is she actively involved in community life but, as a professional fundraiser, has been involved in the Appeal from the beginning: For me, the most important and exciting aspect of the Appeal is about place. People of all faiths and none are profoundly affected by their experience of our tiny island, and the Iona Community has a unique opportunity to make that connection between place and purpose by using the Abbey for its original purpose and echoing the historic endeavours which established Iona s global profile. The good news is that, through the gracious generosity of so many good folk around the world, sufficient funds were raised for Phase 1 of the building work, which started in December 2017 and will be completed in June By the end of Phase 1, there will be a new entrance and a lift providing access to the first floor for people of all abilities a milestone. We are currently raising funds for Phase 2, which will include the upgrading of all essential utilities, the renovation and insulation of the bedrooms, and the installation of a renewable-energy heating system. We are very close to our target of 2.7m, and are asking for your help in closing the gap. This is such an exciting time, full of energy and hope. Every donation will make a difference and add to the many blessings already received through the Appeal. And as we journey together, we are learning that it s not all in our hands thank God for that. l Christine Jones is the Coordinator of the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Iona Abbey refectory life David Coleman What the Appeal will deliver l Greatly improved accessibility l Three bedrooms and bathrooms adapted for guests with reduced mobility l Modernised electrics and plumbing. Facilities upgraded to current standards l Simple, warm, comfortable single or twin bedrooms and new bathrooms l The installation of renewable energy (in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Iona Renewables) l A refreshed programme of activities with an extended guest season (contributing to the local economy) l The protection of existing jobs and the furthering of employment opportunities l Opportunities for young people through volunteering, student placements, development and learning l The appointment of an Urban Networker to develop inclusive community at the Abbey and continue to make Iona accessible for people from marginalised groups l Placements for church work and sabbaticals l The creation of a gathering place for people seeking personal and social transformation. Can you please help make this happen? If you have not yet donated to the Appeal, would you consider making a donation now? And if you have already given, would you consider another donation to help with Phase 2? Please see page 18 of Coracle for how you can support the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Thank you. 2

4 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 5 Carol Kirkpatrick A shared and very marvellous experience Islander Carol Kirkpatrick and her husband, Davie, are among the islanders who have donated to the Appeal. Here Carol writes of the many very good friendships made Over the last two decades Davie and I have run trips from Iona to the Isle of Staffa on our boat the MB Iolaire of Iona ( We love doing this and every day is enjoyable with something remarkable happening. Every Monday and Wednesday we have guests from the Iona Community. The passengers arrive at the pier and are taken out on an adventure to see Fingal s Cave and sometimes puffins. After these folk leave the jetty a member of staff usually comes to Tigh-na-Traigh and we have a bit of a catch-up and a blether. On one of these occasions the staff member told me that there would be no group on the next usual day, although there were guests in the Centres. She explained that perhaps they might not manage such a long trip as they were unfamiliar with boats and the sea. There were youngsters as well as older people. They belonged to the Kinship Carers/Urban Priority Areas group from Glasgow and many had been living under difficult circumstances. I suggested they come down at 5pm when Davie was finished with his usual run, as I was sure he would take them out on the boat to give them at least a chance to experience it. This is what happened: A group of adults and young children appeared, and I thought they were all very quiet. They boarded. Since it wasn t too rough I decided to take my three-year-old grandson Finn aboard too. Finn likes the Iolaire but he likes people more and was full of smiles directed at everyone on board. His little golden head bobbed up and down as he of- 33

5 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 6 fered out his strawberries to share. Some of the wee ones on board were a bit shy. There were a few grannies and some really young children. We set off. Finn managed to inveigle a place beside a wee girl of similar size up at the stern of the boat, positioned on the red carpet. He chattered away in his gobbledegook way. As we crossed the Sound the waves got bigger. We were heading for Erraid, hopefully to see the seals there. I think the folk were quiet because they were nervous. Then one wee boy shouted out: We are going to sink! as he looked over the stern at the waves. There was a general air of tension after that. As we sailed towards Tinker s Hole we spotted a couple of seals on the rocks. Everyone drew their attention to these dark lumps sprawled on the distant boulders. They were quite impressed and forgot about sinking for a while. Our patron HRH The Princess Royal It was soon time to turn and go home and people were starting to relax. All of a sudden, as we left to cross back to Iona, there was a splash and then a flash of something shiny and grey. The water around frothed up as dolphins came alongside the boat keeping pace, diving under the bow and jumping and cavorting around the Iolaire. There were lots of them. Everyone, young and old, let out collective sighs of wonder. It was a great moment and all were smiling, laughing, pointing and just enjoying the company. The dolphins didn t disappoint and seemed to be joining in with it all. I have been aboard often and seen many things but the atmosphere and the dolphins at play that evening was outstanding. All too soon we were back at the pier ready to get off. As one wee boy left the boat he turned and shouted to Davie, Thanks, Mister, for getting the dolphins to come for us! I had a job persuading the ladies on board that the privilege had been ours, for without them, as well as the dolphins, we would not have had that shared and very marvellous experience. I d like to say how much Davie and I have enjoyed carrying Iona Community guests to Staffa. We have made many very good friends, whom we cherish, and have been honoured to provide this service. l From Iona of My Heart, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2018 Priority Areas photo Martin Johnstone. Used with permission As Patron of the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal I am delighted by the Iona Community s campaign to renovate the monastic buildings at the Abbey because I recognise the unique nature of this heritage site which offers hospitality as was originally intended. The distinctive pattern of community life at Iona Abbey is fundamental to the spiritual and economic well-being of the island and the impact reaches far beyond Iona. I am encouraged that considerable progress has been made towards the target of 2.7 million for the renovation project which will improve accessibility, accommodation and environmental sustainability. This initiative will enable the Iona Community to extend an inclusive welcome to people from all walks of life and to build on its commitment to issues of poverty, peace and social justice. It deserves all our support. l Photo Jeremy Makinson 4

6 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 7 Iona: a crossroads of the world Thousands of Iona Community guests, volunteers and staff people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds have shared in the common life at Iona Abbey. To so many people, this experience has been life-changing Joel Dopico, Presbyterian Reformed Church, Cuba: It is hard to express in words how many feelings the visit to Iona made me experience. The nature and the sunset, the colours, the peacefulness. The other thing that made a large impression on me was the ability to bring so many people from all over the world and of different faiths together. To be able to meet them and worship with them. This was a very fulfilling time for me. I met people from Germany, Australia, the USA, Scotland, from different paths and different theological backgrounds. We were on the same journey: the journey of living spirituality and action for justice and peace in the world. Rufino Olmedo, Paraguay: Life in community was amazing working together, singing and praying. I can also never forget dancing at the ceilidh in the village hall. Life in community made me stronger in faith. I learnt through sharing with other people regardless of their nationality, denomination, race or other things. Peace and beauty are found in perfect combination in Iona. It is the most magical place in the world and is a piece of paradise. God blessed me in many different ways there. Now I have lots of friends around the world. When I arrived on Iona I never thought that my life would change forever. Thanks Iona and to the people who run the Community, who opened our hearts and made us feel so welcome. God bless you. Hanna Azar, Palestine: I have good memories of Iona since it was a great time with lovely people 5

7 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 8 from around the world. People who shared their stories and prayers. You are always in my prayers and in my walk wherever I go, and I pray to God to bless the Iona Community and to make it bigger to serve more people. Dora Nyamwija, Uganda: Iona has been a lifechanging experience for me. Coming from a tiny village in Uganda, it was beyond my wildest dreams that I would ever be working on Iona, meeting guests and staff from all over. Also, through the generous support of friends, guests, islanders, staff and members of the Iona Community, we all managed to come together to raise money for my project to build accessible toilets for special needs children in Uganda. When I return to Uganda, I will use the skills I have learned on Iona to get a job and to improve the lives of disabled children there. I hope the Iona Community is able to offer similar opportunities to other volunteers for many years to come. At Columba s Bay, by Peter Millar At Columba s Bay they met: two of Iona s countless pilgrims. He, a pastor from Zaire; she, a broker from Detroit. And battered by the autumn wind and rain they shared their stories twentieth-first-century stories rooted in contrasting realities, yet both embedded in a strange, life-giving brokenness. The hidden stories of poverty and torture, of cancer and loneliness; interweaving stories mirroring our global interconnectedness. And stories of faith; of God s unfolding in their lives through ordinary days. John Bell events in benefit of the Appeal Holy and Humorous four evenings of light entertainment with John Bell took place early in the year and raised 10, for the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. About the experience John said: It was great to be in four very different parts of the country where members and associates of the Community enthusiastically publicised, hosted and catered for these events. This was, for me, the Community at its best engaging with people who might know little of Iona, showing generosity and hospitality, and enabling a programme which was unapologetic about its roots in the Christian scriptures and tradition. l Photo from a John Bell event, by A. Murray And suddenly it seemed that for a moment on that distant shore they glimpsed that basic truth that truly we are one in Christ. l From Iona of My Heart, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2018 Iona Abbey crossing David Coleman 6

8 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 9 Friends for life What the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal means to young people 7 Katie, 19: I am supporting the Capital Appeal because Iona has had a huge impact on my life. There is not a better feeling than stepping off that small ferry onto the jetty, smelling the Iona air and knowing I m home. The Capital Appeal, for me, is ensuring that Iona remains my second home while giving others the same opportunity to spend a week visiting the island, getting to know new people and getting involved in the community. Being involved in Iona for 18 years has allowed me to make friends for life. It has also paved a way for my faith to grow. The environment and community that Iona offers are so homely and welcoming. Laura, 21: Staying at the Abbey is experiencing a spiritual community incomparable to anything else. The Iona Community is very dear to my heart. It has enabled me to grow safely in a family much larger than my immediate blood relatives. This is why I am part of the new Iona Youth Community. I am part of the growing community which feels simply wonderful, and I feel more included than ever before. Supporting the Capital Appeal will ensure that the Abbey remains accessible to families, and will give countless more young people the chance to experience the opportunities I ve had since my first visit when I was 4 years old. Maeve, 18: I have been visiting Iona since I was 6 months old and it has a very special place in my heart so many amazing memories have been made on the island and in particular in the Abbey at Community Weeks or Youth Festival. The Capital Appeal will make the Abbey much more accessible to so many new people, which is really exciting as it will allow all these people to experience the magic and beauty it has to offer. To help with the Capital Appeal we are having a mountain café for walkers in the Lake District, which we hope will raise funds and awareness for this cause as well as being a great day out on the hills. Freya, 16: This is a very important Appeal for the Iona Youth Community because having the Abbey accommodation fully renovated would give us the opportunity to go to Youth Fest, where we can meet many people from different backgrounds as well as learning the values that the Iona Community has taught us over the years. l Iona Youth Festival photo Iona Community Youth Department. Used with permission

9 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 10 Iona stories Iona is described as a thin place, where the boundary between earth and heaven is like tissue paper. Some wee stories about the Iona effect The power at work among us It was Friday lunch, a time for staff to relax together and eat up leftovers from recent meals at the Iona Centres. We had just said goodbye to a group of refugees and community workers who spent the week with us. It had been a moving week. One of the families was called back early to face a hearing on their right to remain in Britain. When I said goodbye to them at the ferry, they embraced me with tears in their eyes, This is the first time we felt welcome since we arrived in Britain, they told me. Humbling words to pass along to my colleagues on staff. At the lunch table, I was joined by a young man volunteering with us for a few weeks. Normally a cheerful lad with a scheme or two up his sleeve, he looked solemn. Do you ken what those people have been through, Nancy? It s just nae fair. He had been deeply moved by what he d heard from our guests. I reflected on the power at work among us. This young man had come to get his life straightened out. He d had a brush with the law. Someone in the Iona Community s network thought time on Iona would help him make a fresh start. In lots of ways, he hadn t had a fair chance either. Yet here he was, marvelling at the courage of refugees also trying to make a fresh start. Their stories lay beyond anything he could imagine, just as his story lay beyond my experience. gathered folk were draped and entwined in long paper chains. The climax of the worship, wellcrafted by an imaginative programme worker, was everyone jumping up and throwing off the chains to be led by the young man with boundless noise and whooping in a dance out into and around the cloisters of the Abbey. Perhaps one of the few times in his life that young man was in the lead and at the centre of everything. Yvonne Morland, a member of the Iona Community in Scotland A place at the table I travelled to Iona for the first time to join an LGBT week. While waiting for the ferry at Fionnphort I spoke to a man, who asked me if I was a guest for Nancy Cocks, an associate of the Iona Community in Canada Breaking the chains that bind us On my first visit to Iona, I was a guest travelling with a group of mainly young adults with learning disabilities. It was a mountaintop week, with the theme of Breaking the chains that bind us. One young autistic man, with no formed verbal speech and a lot of agitated energy, was the trigger for a number of revealing experiences during the week. But perhaps my most vivid memory was of the midweek guest worship during which the 8

10 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 11 the Abbey or the MacLeod Centre. I told him I was coming for the LGBT week: my first coming out that day, and it felt very comfortable. This man told me he was a minister of a church in the U.S. and remarked that the church had not always been kind to the gay community. His statement that it was all right to be gay and a Christian healed my soul. Our group was involved in the Thursday evening Communion, which somehow became a very pink service. Gathered in the abbey nave, with the rainbow flag spread out from where communion was served, it was beautiful to experience everyone gathered together in unity. We sang the song For everyone born, a place at the table. Annie Benjamin, a member of the Dutch Iona Group It wouldn t be the same without them The Abbey was to have two groups in it: pupils from Govan High, and member Fred Booth s adult group from Dumbarton Presbytery and his congregation in Helensburgh. For months beforehand, Fred wound me up about the mix. Abbey Warden Ian Galloway had said we would be in Abbot s House, which would at least give us a space where we wouldn t disturb the others too much. When we arrived we were instead strung out along the East Range with a Charismatic chiropodist and his wife at one end, and an 84-yearold couple at the other. Both groups wanted to go home, but at that time there were fortunately no boats on Sunday! God s image Last Saturday I sat in the Abbey at the welcome service. It was being led by a young woman, a member of the Resident group, with the assistance of other young staff and volunteers. None of them were clergy, none theologically trained, none even on the programme staff. She led a full abbey in worship with such grace, dignity, warmth and sensitivity that I was profoundly moved. The commitment, attention to detail and depth of participation that the service allowed was a model of teamwork by a group of people who had just put in a full and demanding week s work In the leadership of God s people in worship with such authority there was a powerful visible sign that God s image is equally to be seen in someone young, female, non-professional, and so we really believe that all are made in God s image. In the confident leading of singing, of praying, of breaking open the Word by such very young people there was a palpable sense of empowerment. I came away from the service confident that the Spirit still has work for us to do on Iona. l Kathy Galloway, a former Leader of the Iona Community From Iona of My Heart: Daily Readings, Neil Paynter (Ed.), Wild Goose Publications, admin@ionabooks.com Royalties from Iona of My Heart will be donated to the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Iona heart David Coleman It turned out that it was the first time that the young folk were with adults who had no responsibility for them, and the adults were with young folk who they were not looking after. Both groups really got to know each other as individuals and the week produced some amazing moments. The prayers led by the young folk at the Friday night communion were among the most heartfelt I have ever heard. When Fred s group had their reunion, they insisted I brought the Govan High pupils along because it wouldn t be the same without them. For years, individuals from both groups kept in touch. 9 Jean Young, a member of the Iona Community in Scotland

11 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 12 Out of an abiding love A taste of what Iona Community members are doing to help support the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal Highland Family Group, from Duncan Finlayson: The Highland Family Group and associates, with photographer Iain Sarjeant, have produced a 2019 calendar of Iona to be sold in aid of the Appeal ( On the 22nd day of each month the Iona Community prays for its commitment to hospitality. This extends from the domestic situation to global concerns involving displaced people everywhere, but it also includes the hospitality we offer to the guests who come to our Centres. So the refurbishment in the Abbey should be seen in the context of that commitment, ensuring that we can provide our guests comfortable and accessible hospitality into the foreseeable future. Irene Stok, Dutch Iona Group: This year I had lots of gooseberries in my garden, and so made jam and sold it in aid of the Appeal. The Iona Community means a lot to me. It s a group of people who live out the gospel by doing not just talking. The hospitality, inclusiveness and humour are so good too! Grampian & Tayside Family Group, from Brian Crosby: Out of an abiding love for our island home, we are holding a Big Sing and afternoon tea with home baking at St Margaret s Church in Broughty Ferry on 9th September. Fiona Squires will lead the Big Sing. Bob Thomas, from the Solent Family Group: I am walking 75 miles from St Columba Church, Fareham to St Columba Church, London, arriving for the St Columba Day service on 10th June. I have a wonky knee so a walk seems an appropriate way of raising funds to help make the Abbey Centre s accommodation more accessible to a wider range of visitors, especially those with mobility issues. The Iona Community s commitment to hospitality is important to me, and so is our commitment to social justice. So I m also raising funds for Friends without Borders work with refugees and asylum seekers. Glasgow East & Lanarkshire Family Group, from Stewart Smith: We had a coffee morning/sale in the Old Parish Church hall, East Kilbride. Iona has always been a place where people of all ages and backgrounds have been challenged and inspired to discover and live out what it means to be truly human. These new developments to the Abbey buildings will ensure that Iona continues to be for people of the 21st century what it has been for past generations a sanctuary and a light. l From coffee mornings to musical evenings, fundraising lunches to safari suppers there s lots more happening! More news to follow in Coracle and e-coracle. (Ed.) The hug David Coleman 10

12 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 13 Jan Sutch Pickard At first hand Former Iona postmaster Crawford Morison has generously donated his collection of Iona stamps to the Appeal Crawford Morison, at 85 the oldest member of our Iona Community Family Group (Iona & Mull), has memories of the island which go back to his first visit in He was 17 years old, an apprentice in the printing trade, when he came to a Youth Camp. It was the tented camp at the North End later he had first-hand experience of the Village Camp, based in Roseneath, with the ramshackle accommodation behind and the Beach Hut where everyone dined. But that first encounter made a deep impression, as I found when I interviewed him. Drawn into the Community s youth work in Glasgow, with activity in Drumchapel and Govan, Crawford saw how that connected with what inspired him in Iona. He joined as a full associate in But long before that, working for a printing firm just on the other side of the river, and with an aunt who was financier for a bike shop next door to Community House in Clyde Street, he became a frequent visitor there, paying a membership fee which included a special rate for lunches. He enjoyed midday services led by Penry Jones, meetings of the Scottish Religious Film Society and Friday night dances, after which folk snatched a few hours sleep at Community House before making an early start to travel together to Oban to catch the King George. Crawford also remembers the annual Daffodil Fairs, and describes a fundraising activity called an Egress, which seems to have involved everyone leaving the building, walking round the block and paying at the door to come back in. Now he s making a unique contribution to the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal, based on his career. Visits to the Youth Camps became, after he married Moira, 11

13 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 14 holidays on the Black s croft at Clachan Corrach, with a growing family. Then, in 1988, they realised without needing much discussion that they were free to move to the island to live and work. There was a need for someone to run the post office. Over the years they had seen attempts to find it a permanent base. Crawford started his time as postmaster in a caravan. Then, 30 years ago, on 3 September 1988, he moved the post office into the shed opposite the Beach Hut. It only had half a roof and no water or electricity. He likes to remind people that by the time he left in 2001, it included Iona s first cyber-café! Crawford installed a computer in the lean-to behind the office and would bring customers a mug of tea while they were logged on. Community members like Larry Nugent greatly valued this facility. At times the post office can be very busy and very quiet at others. Just as his daughter Hilary, now the postmistress, knits and crochets in the lulls, so Crawford would be busy making hooked wool rugs. But he also followed up a life-long interest in stamps, by ordering first day covers. So he built up a collection of all those issued between 1990 and Each cover includes a set of mint stamps in a presentation pack and a set of stamps issued in post format on envelopes which have been datestamped in Iona. His collection includes a number of posters and of course material issued for the Columba anniversary in Crawford himself is not sure what the market value of this collection might be (member John Smith is investigating this). But he has donated it to the Community, in the belief that there may be people out there who would have a particular interest in these covers, singly or together. In our conversation, I was hearing a modest account of a life of consistent service. On the island, Moira as nurse and Crawford as postmaster had crucial roles. In the church, from taking part as a young associate in the visitation of the Gorbals, to being ordained an Elder in Iona Parish Church, Crawford has been involved in different ways: at one time playing the fiddle for services, reading the lesson and as a Presbytery Elder at the General Assembly listening out for a challenging message in the Iona Community Report. All the time, sometimes with wry humour, he has been in critical solidarity with the Iona Community which is something that money can t buy. l Photo of Crawford Morison, by Jan Sutch Pickard John Smith Unique collection While Crawford Morison was postmaster on Iona, he had the foresight to purchase at least one copy of every issue of British stamps. In addition, he created first day covers of almost every issue with an Iona postmark, retained all the posters issued to publicise new issues and acquired much other philatelic material relating to the issues. All the material is now with me, having travelled via the Glasgow office. I have material from every issue from 1992 to In total there are 260 issues represented. We have 320 first day covers with Iona postmarks, 260 other first day covers, 140 presentation packs, 150 Post Office posters and a considerable quantity of mint stamps, along with other material. I am currently discussing with some Community members and contacts in the philatelic world how best to maximise the benefit to the Appeal. There is much material with an Iona connection, including all the different postmarks used during the period. Of particular significance is the 1997 issue which included St Columba and coincided with the Community s own celebrations. Crawford has generated material from this issue which will be of worldwide interest. Any ideas to help maximise benefit to the Appeal would be most welcome: smithjmdj@btinternet.com l Photo of 1997 Saint Columba stamps John Smith 12

14 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :21 Page 15 Offerings of thanks Why folk feel moved to give to the Capital Appeal The invitation to be more truly who we really are Far and Wide, Stonehaven Churches Charity Shop, recently gifted a donation to the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Many church members and Far and Wide volunteers have been guests with the Iona Community over the years. Sarah Dickinson, who wrote this powerful piece, is one of them It is often said that Iona is a thin place: God feels close. This is true. It is a thin place not least because it is a beautiful place. There is something exposed and raw about Iona s beauty; it is not cluttered and busy but laid bare in its simplicity of rock, sand, sea and sky punctuated by fields of wildflowers, tufts of grass and stretches of boggy peat. Brilliant sunrises and sunsets speak to the soul and driving rain is a reason to come in and know the pleasure of roof and refuge, company and chat, as the elements rage. Iona restores and refreshes. Its beauty reveals God and calls me in a parallel way to a simpler less cluttered life which might also lay bare the presence of God. However, beyond the beauty is also the call of community. Sleeping, eating, worshipping, working, learning, playing, chatting, laughing, and even at times crying together is exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure. Being together in these many ways will over a week expose our vulnerability. It is hard to cloak our fears or our hopes when living so closely with each other and, at its best, we hear the invitation to be more truly who we really are. Community, I have discovered time and again, can offer us the profoundly transformative and paradoxical experience that as we are more bound together so we are more set free. Ultimately, there is something irresistible not about Iona but about God. When I am on Iona, I am daily reminded that God is over all, through all and in all. God is present through creation, present in the life of the other who I meet there, and present with me by God s Spirit. I remember who I am on Iona: I am His. I remember and experience what it means to be Christ s body, hands and feet in this world. I remember that to walk in his footsteps is to be called to love this beautiful, fractured and broken world. I don t have to go to Iona to be reminded of these things but in going I always am. 13

15 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :21 Page 16 One of the most moving weeks of my life David Parker and his wife recently gave a generous donation to the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal in memory of a family member and in thanks for their onetime experience of being guests at the Abbey: Very early on a dark April morning in 2012, my wife and I caught the train with other pilgrims from Lichfield Methodist Church for our journey to Iona. It is fair to say that none of us knew what the coming week would bring. Little did I realise it would be one of the most moving weeks of my life. The first thing you notice about Iona is that it is a wild and very beautiful place the wonderful scenery, all of God s wonderful creation, the rolling ocean, and most of all the peace and tranquility. On arrival at the Abbey, after room allocation, we were told which teams we were in for household duties and for serving meals! We were joined that week by a group of fellow pilgrims from the Wirral. We got to know them and bonded quickly, which helped to make the week very special. We all joined with the staff and gathered for worship at 9.00am and 9.00pm every day. Sitting in the pews, absorbing the peace, listening to the wonderful music and being conscious of the history surrounding us was amazing. The worship was simple and meaningful but challenging. As the week went on, my wife and I found that these times of worship became more and more important. A time spent with God. They say that Iona is a thin place where earth is close to heaven. I have never felt so close to God and heaven as I did in Iona. The staff and our fellow pilgrims made the week unforgettable. I returned renewed and challenged. It was a week I will never forget and I hope that one day I will return. The Community has kept alight our faith and commitment to the Kingdom Canon Christopher Hall has a life-long connection with the Iona Community and the island It gives me much pleasure to be able to send this donation from the Bishop Hall Legacy Fund. George MacLeod and my father were close contemporaries. Both experienced the Somme; both were awarded MCs. Both were Christian Socialists. In August 1958 George met our family off the George and enthusiastically showed off to us the recently discovered Columba s Cell on Tor Abb. He asked me what I was doing, and said I should get in touch if I was free the next summer. I did, and spent June 59 as Sacristan/guide with that year s new members. In August 60 Roland Walls took us to lona at the end of our year with him in Sheffield; we celebrated the Transfiguration in St Oran s Chapel. A fortnight later Viviane and I returned for a weekend on honeymoon, sleeping in a tent provided by Jenny Morton at the North End. At Sunday lunch my young bride was terrified to find herself sat next to George at the high table in the refectory. On Christmas Day 1981 our family shared the afternoon with our neighbours, the Booth-Clibborns, and met members John and Jean Williams. John suggested we join the week to be led by him, John Davies and Ian Fraser the following August. That was the first of many weeks we have spent at the Abbey, and we became associates. The Community has kept alight our faith and commitment to the Kingdom. That is an over-long exposition of the story behind this thanks offering towards the Capital Appeal. A pot labelled Iona Abbey Capital Appeal Member Jean Belgrove tells this touching story: I have kept in contact with a woman who visits Iona regularly and was in a sad place. Last night we had a long telephone conversation, and it was very touching: she said that her kitchen is adorned with photos of Iona, and each time she goes out she returns to put her loose change into a pot labelled Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. A commitment to peacemaking, social justice and the stewardship of creation David and Carol Myers, long-time friends of the Iona Community in Hope, Michigan, write: In a modern world where Christianity has sometimes become a tarnished brand, the Iona Community is an exemplar of how biblical rootedness and socially progressive faith can nourish a commitment to peacemaking, social justice and the stewardship of creation. We are delighted to support the Community s island presence, furthering its outreach. l Prayers in the south aisle chapel, by David Coleman 14

16 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :21 Page 17 Poem by Gary An inspiring, diverse mix of people have been guests of the Iona Community over the years folk from church groups and community organisations, from the inner city and rural areas The author of this beautiful poem, Gary, came to Iona with a group from a drug rehab centre The heavens rest on khaki hills of heather, grass and daffodils. Crying springs that rise to earth will help to water her new birth. A lamb, just born, dappled mess, brings hope into the wilderness of straying souls and weeping hearts who ebb out as the sea departs. They came, those saints from Ulster s shores, to tell of Christ who, more and more, gave of Himself till, cross held high, that love which died for likes of I. Then galleys came from Viking shores, and Martyrs Bay, once white, grew red. And those who d told of love on high lay still on sand, all lifeless, dead. I rest a while with praying thoughts of what those Irish martyrs brought. Did waters kindly lap their wounds and take Christ s love to mainland ground? And am I here travelling now to sacred isle and healing days because they gave, as their Christ gave, the best they had for folk like me? The heavens rest on khaki hills of heather, grass and daffodils. Crying springs that rise to earth will help to water my new birth. A lamb, just born, dappled mess, brings hope into my wilderness. l From Iona of My Heart, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2018 Photo David Coleman 15

17 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :21 Page 18 Liz Gibson A tribute to member Larry Nugent Larry embodied what the Iona Community and its work at the Abbey are all about hospitality and faith in action I first met Lawrence in the late 1990s when I was the volunteer driver on Iona; he was the first person who used the wheelchair lift on the van. We reconnected when we moved to Oban at almost the same time. He was so pleased with his flat and was looking forward to welcoming folk there. Martyn and I were able to help with moving furniture in. He was a regular at the Argyll Family Group and was always on the ball championing those who needed support for mental and physical health. It was in the 1980s that Larry first got involved with the Iona Community. He became an associate, then a member, helping out at the Abbey and at Camas. Member Stewart Smith, who led the cremation service in Glasgow, said, Faith for Lawrence was never only a matter of words. Faith had first and last to do with action. In This Is the Day Larry wrote: Christian beliefs and values do not stem from social utopian thinking. They are practical. Faith, hope and charity are their working tools in situations where many feel that a rich society, living on tax cuts, has negated the moral responsibilities that would alleviate the growing deprivation of the poor. when he was going fishing and also his enthusiastic introduction to Hope Kitchen and what he described as its genuine welcome. Former Iona postmaster Crawford Morison remembers Larry s visits to Iona, also with rod and line. Crawford had an early cyber-café a computer in the lean-to next to the Post Office shed if you paid to use the Internet, he would bring you a mug of coffee. Larry was one of his best customers and appreciative too. May Larry rest in peace. l Photo of Larry Nugent, by Chris Polhill In Glasgow Larry was well known for his disability campaigning. On one occasion he chained himself to a desk in the City Chambers. Member Chris Mercer said, Glaswegians owe him a great debt of gratitude, as he fought for us! He certainly lived out his commitment to justice in the disability world. Member Margaret Stewart said, He never did anything by halves and kept committed to his principles. He could act as the sand in the oyster in an organisational situation, and how we need that in the church. There was more to Larry than his campaigning. Other interests included fishing and reading which he did avidly. Member Jan Sutch Pickard said, I enjoyed meeting him quite often when I had reason to visit Oban from Iona. I remember walking the length of the esplanade with him, in conversation, 16

18 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :21 Page 19 News and letters Church Action on Poverty Voicebox CAP collection of testimonies and stories from people experiencing poverty: Tributes to members Barry Cummings and Ian M Fraser Iona calendar for the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal The Highland Family Group of the Iona Community, with photographer Iain Sarjeant, has produced a gorgeous 2019 Iona calendar, all profits from the sale of which will go to the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Size and price: 21cm x 21cm, 7.95 including VAT, 6.62 ex VAT. To purchase: The 70th anniversary of Camas The 2018 Iona Community AGM, 1-3 June at Renfield St Stephen s in Glasgow, will celebrate 70 years of Camas, the Iona Community s Adventure Centre for young people and adults on the Isle of Mull ( Columba Day celebrations, from Coordinator of the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal, Christine Jones Members, associates and friends of the Iona Community will be getting together within their local networks to celebrate St Columba s Day, 9th June. There will be Columba Day worship resources available from the Community s website ( and Gift Aid envelopes available for retiring collections: appeal@iona.org.uk Member Barry Cummings died on 28 December, Our love and sympathy goes to his wife and fellow Iona Community member, Pat, and all their family. Member Ian M Fraser died on 9 April, Our love and sympathy goes to his family. Full tributes to Barry and Ian will follow. Bread for the road I walked to Iona but even if you go by train, take the boat to Mull, then the Iona boat, you begin to feel that you are arriving at the edge of the world. And it s so peaceful, quiet, serene. Iona is pure and if you go with a pure heart your fear, anxiety, anger and pride melts away. These things do not last at Iona. I felt at home at Iona. It s a peaceful place but not a passive place. It s an active place where you can be renewed, invigorated and inspired to communicate with the world. When you go back whether to Glasgow or London or wherever you come from, to work for transformation, for justice and peace, for equity in the world, all that George MacLeod stood for you will have new energy and new inspiration. I feel personally that when I went to Iona I was re-energised to be on the frontline. Satish Kumar, from Iona of My Heart, Wild Goose The Iona Community is an international, ecumenical Christian movement working for peace and justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship. As a movement, community and organisation we pursue our purpose through the activity of our members where they live and work, and in our centres across Scotland. We seek to motivate and inspire people of all ages, from different backgrounds and cultures to learn more about life s meaning and purpose, and to commit to action for justice and peace wherever they live and work. Our Community was founded in 1938 by George MacLeod. The common task of rebuilding Iona Abbey in the context of the poverty and despair of the Depression became a hopeful sign of the rebuilding of community in Scotland and beyond. Our heritage on Iona and Mull, in Glasgow and other urban situations continues to inspire and challenge us as we live open to the possibility of transformation and act for justice and peace. Coracle is the magazine of the Iona Community (a charity registered in Scotland No: SC003794, Company No: SC096243). Views expressed in Coracle are not necessarily the policy of the Iona Community but the Community seeks the exchange of thoughts and ideas as a basis for finding common ground. Editor and formatting: Neil Paynter Administration: Karen Turner Template design: Jane Darroch-Riley and Neil Paynter Printed by McAllister Litho, Glasgow Paper from responsible sources; printed on carbon-captured paper Coracle the Iona Community, contents individual contributors

19 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :21 Page 20 How you can support the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal Keep Iona Abbey a living building by helping us to renovate the Abbey accommodation to make it more accessible, environmentally sustainable and fit for the 21st century Make a donation: l By credit card or debit card at (go to the Donate button) l By bank transfer to the CO-OP Bank, specifying Abbey Capital Appeal in the reference section, Sort code: , Account no: l By cheque, made out to The Iona Community with Iona Abbey Capital Appeal written on the back. To: The Iona Community, 21 Carlton Court, Glasgow, G5 9JP Make a pledge over several years: THE PRAYER OF THE IONA COMMUNITY O God, who gave to your servant Columba the gifts of courage, faith and cheerfulness, and sent people forth from Iona to carry the word of your gospel to every creature, grant, we pray, a like spirit to your church, even at this present time. Further in all things the purpose of our community, that hidden things may be revealed to us, and new ways found to touch the hearts of all. May we preserve with each other sincere charity and peace, and if it be your holy will, grant that a place of your abiding be continued still to be a sanctuary and a light. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Pledge forms available from the office (Tel: 44 (0) ), or at capital-appeal-information Organise a group activity: Iona Abbey Capital Appeal Gift Aid envelopes are available from the office. Promote The Pilgrim Pound Project : This initiative celebrates the journey Columba made to Iona and our own pilgrim journeys as part of that continuing story. A template for a small collecting box and instructions are available to download from for you to build up a small Appeal fund coin by coin, and to encourage donations from your friends, your church or at fundraising events. Contact us: appeal@iona.org.uk Find out more: capital-appeal-information 18

20 Redo final_coracle template 07/05/ :20 Page 1 A place of hope, they say: and in their thousands they journey, year by year, to this tiny island on the margins of Europe. Sunswept and windswept, yet always deeply a place of transformation. A sacred spot on earth: a pilgrim s place of light and shadow, energy and challenge. We need you, Iona, with your alternative vision, with your ever-present questions, your often uncomfortable silence. For you are a place of prayer, of Christ s abiding; weaving a rainbow of meaning through the endless busyness of our days, holding together the frayed threads of our fleeting devotion, opening a path for healing and for peace. Not momentary healing nor easy faith, but struggle, commitment, and an ongoing conversion are your gifts for our broken yet beautiful lives. Peter Millar From Iona of My Heart, Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, Cover photo: Iona rainbow David Coleman The Iona Community, 21 Carlton Court, Glasgow G5 9JP coracle@iona.org.uk