SUMMER SERVICES. Holy Communion Festival Service 25 th June 9.30 am 11.15am. Holy Communion Holy Communion 30 th July 9.30 am 11.15am 2.

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1 SUMMER 2017 SUMMER SERVICES 18 th June 9.30 am 11.15am Festival Service 25 th June 9.30 am 11.15am 30 th July 9.30 am 11.15am 2.30pm Magnus 900 Mass 27 th August 9.30am 11.15am 3 rd September Science Festival Service Contacts Minister: Rev Fraser Macnaughton Tel: FMacnaughton@churchofscotland.org.uk Pastoral Minister: Rev June Freeth Tel: JFreeth@churchofscotland.org.uk Scottish Charity SCO 05322/CCL No We are experimenting with a new format to Grapevine in this edition and would welcome any views or opinions readers may have. Sails in St Magnus: St Rognvald's Journey to Jerusalem These hand- painted sails were created by four local artists for the 1993 St Magnus Festival. The inspiration for the artwork came from the 12 th - century Orkneyinga Saga, which tells of Earl Rognvald s epic journey to Jerusalem in the 1150s. He took with him Bishop William, and several shiploads of seafarers, warriors, and poets. On their return to Orkney, the saga tells that the longships were hauled up onto the shore in front of the cathedral, and the sails were taken into the nave to dry. As well as the paintings by Mary Scott, Andrew Parkinson, Dave Jackson and Erlend Brown, the sails are adorned by poetic lines from George Mackay Brown. The sails have been displayed in the cathedral several times and are hung here once more in 2017 to mark the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus. #Magnus900

2 FROM THE MANSE How do we respond to difficult times. The summer is meant to be, for many, a time of refreshment and recuperation, of holidays and relaxation. And yet how difficult it is for us to switch off and find that place of quiet and of peace, of rejuvenation. Here is one suggestion which you might like to consider. A Day Without the News Go through the entire day without watching or listening to the news or reading the newspaper. Try your best to shut out the outside world, and concentrate on your own world instead. If someone you encounter wants to talk about current events or the political scene, politely inform him or her that you re taking a short break from things over which you have little control and are focusing on things you can command. Following the news day after day can induce a feeling of depression and helplessness. Taking a respite from the constant negativity of the world scene can be rejuvenating. Fill up the time you normally devote to following the news by doing anything else you love to do talk to a friend, read, listen to music, go for a walk, visit your favourite restaurant and make sure you take note at the end of the day if you feel different from the way you normally feel. As with anything in life, you won t know till you try it. And at the end of that day I offer this short reflection. May my commitment to not harming others through my thoughts, words, and deeds inspire me to work to bring peace to all beings with whom I share this world. THE WANDERER RETURNS! NOW WHERE WAS I??? Yours Fraser It was a delight to be back in the pulpit of St Magnus Cathedral, especially on Easter Sunday which, by a nice quirk of fate, was also St Magnus Day. Fraserʼs invitation to me was both kind and generous, and I appreciated it very much. Cristine and I have such good associations with the time we resided in the Cathedral manse. Itʼs hard to believe that 16 years have elapsed since I stepped down from the Cathedral pulpit, following the opening of the St Magnus centre. When Christine and I travelled up from Glasgow to Orkney, following our furniture van through a blizzard 26 years ago, Kirkwall seemed a very small place; nowadays, when we drive from our home in rural Orphir into Orkneyʼs City and Royal Burgh, Kirkwall is very definitely the Big Smoke. The Easter weekend saw the beginning of the Magnus 900 activities to mark the martyrdom of Orkneyʼs saint. Having been commissioned by the St Magnus International Festival to write the libretto for a contemporary opera about Magnus Erlendsson, in collaboration with Orkney- based composer Gemma McGregor, I went back to the Icelandic sagas to remind myself of the details of the stories about Orkneyʼs patron saint. Two stories in particular jumped off the pages. The first was the tale of Magnusʼs role in the battle at the Menai Straits. Appointed as cupbearer to King Magnus Barelegs of Norway, Magnus astonished his boss by carrying only a Psalm book. When the king asked Magnus what on earth he was playing at, the younger man replied, "I have no quarrel with these people. My

3 conscience tells me it's not right to fight them. I would sooner die than fight an unjust battle." This is an astonishing story, particularly when set against the background of a savage Viking culture of war. This was happening at a time when macho Viking warriors with names like Thorfinn the Skullsplitter, or Eirik Bloodaxe, were strutting their stuff. (Mind you, for all we know, Thorfinn the Skullsplitter might have been a wee specky guy who was bullied in the school playground.) The second story that drew my attention was a much less well- known one. Before Magnus set sail on the fateful Easter journey to Egilsay to draw up a peace treaty with his cousin Haakon - unaware that Haakon had murder on his mind Magnusʼs mother Thora had arranged that Magnus and Haakon would come back to her house in Holm, after the signing of the peace treaty, for a celebratory feast. Haakon turned up, full of remorse. Filling him up with strong drink, Thora said the most extraordinary thing to her son's killer: "Be a son to me, and I shall be a mother to you." Overwhelmed by guilt and Thora's generosity of spirit, Haakon later embarked on a penitential journey to Jerusalem. When he returned to Orkney, he proved himself to be a wise and popular ruler. Haakon's dramatic turnaround seems to me to be as big a miracle as many of the reputed cures associated with prayer's at Magnus's grave in Birsay. Magnus Erlendsson was a good and just man. One charge that could be made against him was that of naitvity in relation to the intentions of Earl Haakon; there would be truth in that, but Orkney's saint has things to say to us - especially about making peace with justice. Magnus died for the peace of Orkney. He was a bridge over troubled waters - a bridge over which people who were once enemies could cross. What we need today are not more walls to keep people out, but more bridges which permit and encourage dialogue and reconciliation. Both Jesus and Magnus insist through time that there must be another way, before it's too late. Magnus Erlendsson of Orkney is a worthy saint: but, whisper it, his remarkable mother may be even greater. ST MAGNUS WAY The first section of the walk commemorating St Magnus was launched on Monday 17 April 20 with pilgrims tackling the 12.5 mile route from Gurness to Christ s Church in Birsay. The theme of this stage is Loss. Ten members of St Magnus Cathedral were amongst the 48 walkers including 2 runners setting out to Christ s Church, Birsay. The route was mainly along the shoreline with a short road section and a taxing traverse along the side of Costa Hill into a strong headwind. The Walk will eventually wind its way to St Magnus Cathedral in 5 segments totalling 55 miles. It will in part follow the probable route taken by St Magnus s bones on the journey to Kirkwall which had become the seat of power in Orkney at the time. Just after 4 pm most walkers had reached St Magnus Church Birsay where they were revived by very welcome soup and drinks. While tired and windblown many of the group were turning their minds to the next sections and when these were to be launched. For interested members the next 4 sections are Birsay to Dounby on 27 May - 10 miles. The theme is Growth. This will have been launched by the time the Grapevine is issued. Dounby to Finstown on 16 June 10 miles. The theme is Change. Finstown to Orphir on 19 August. A shorter walk of 9 miles with the theme Forgiveness. Orphir to Kirkwall on 9 September a taxing 12.5 miles. The theme is Hospitality. For intending walkers they should log on to which provides all the information required.

4 St Magnus Cathedral West window On the occasion of the unveiling of the stained glass West Window Grear McCartney wrote: The theme of the window is Light, both physical and metaphysical, and the design exploits the splendours of Light that I associate with Orkney. During winter the blue glasses will dominate. As they will also in summer mornings, but after Easter, and throughout the long summer light, the afternoon sun, setting fire to the top circle, will shower a Golden Radiance into the nave. George Mackay Brown writes that Nowhere in the drama of Light and Darkness enacted with such starkness as in the north and so most of the symbolism is drawn from Isaiah s vision that The people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light. Orcadians see a Great Light in the Flotta Flame which inspired the Golden Circle in the tracery. This Circle also links Orkney with her ancient history since it is formed by superimposing the plan of Maeshowe which G M Brown calls The Great House Death upon the Ring of Brodgar which G M Brown calls a Dance of Sun. In the centre shines The Cross, - the midwinter splash of Light, the supreme symbol of the Victory of Light over Darkness. St Magnus, another Great Light, is symbolised by the Battle axe of his martyrdom at the topmost point of the window. At the base of the design Mainland rises from the seas which encircle Orkney, the cliffs of Yesnaby on the right, the Lowlands on the left. Fish in the sea, corn on the land, show Orkney s material wealth, but Two Fish and Five Heads of Corn remind us of Christ s ministry as is taught to us by the Four Evangelists - Sages standing in God s Holy fire - who occupy the central panels. Christ, the Lamb of God, stands amid five Primula Scotica on Yesnaby Head five blood- stained flowers for the Five Wounds, the Chalice and the Corn for Communion. This image along with others, come from Edwin Muir s poem Transfiguration Flower and Flock entwined as in a morning field. Above The Lamb I have placed the Lion of St Mark - Muir s vision the they walked in Peace, the Wild and tame together:. In the panels above are the Bull of St Luke and the Eagle of St John - The painted animals assembled there in gentle congregations. Angel and Eagle soaring upwards to the Great Light symbolise Man s imagination and Aspirations, Lion and Bull symbolise his Strength and Courage. To celebrate the founding of the cathedral in 1137, I have shown St Rognvald Sailing to Byzantium - the design is derived from a carved stone at Smiss in Gotland, the chequered sail to mark his skill at chess. For a long time the cathedral was part of the Archdiocese of Trondheim; to mark this long link with Norway I have incorporated a Crucifix made at Trondheim in the reign of Olaf Haroldson - the St Olaf whose kirk at Kirkwall led to the town being so named. Viewed from a distance the overall design should resolve into something like a sunflower whose centre, The Cross, expresses the desire in Muir s poem that...he will come, Christ the discrucified.his Cross dismantled...and the tormented wood...grow into a tree in a green springing corner of young Eden. At the top of the window, the Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, sanctifies the Battleaxe and instrument of God s purpose, and calls to mind the great Hymn, attributed to Charlemange, Veni Creator Spiritus, which called forth Divine Inspiration on those seeking Enlightenment.

5 Candles in the Cathedral Lighting candles has long been a sacred ritual in all traditions, creating precious moments in our own and other people's lives where we pray for loved ones, friends, and ask for or give support. The lighting of the candle of Remembrance and Hope is a central part of Cathedral Sunday worship when these beautiful words written by Ron Ferguson are spoken: We light this candle in remembrance and hope, to call to mind Magnus and Rognvald and all the saints and all of those dear to us who have gone before, and as a sign of hope for future generations as yet unborn. Jesus said, I am the Light of the World, whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. If you would like to light a candle and say a prayer for someone you love or care about for whatever reason you will find candles situated in the north transept, behind the piano. Any donations made for the lighting of candles will be used to support outreach work to further the word of Christ in the world. ABOUT HEALING You will have heard this kind of story before. A married couple, together for 48 years and just beginning to enjoy retirement when... wham. Illness, serious illness, cancer. A cancer diagnosis for both of them, one after the other: breast cancer for her and then prostate cancer for him. Nothing in their lives had prepared them for this. Certainly they have suffered the aches and pains that can expected as age creeps on but nothing that optimism and a few medicines can t put right. And then suddenly their world is upside down as the medical profession moves into action: visits to the doctor, consultant appointments, visits to Aberdeen not once but oh so many times, Flybe, buses and waiting, oncologists, specialist nurses, surgeons, procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medications, plasma, blood transfusions, re admittance, side effects, stays at Clan. They learn a whole new vocabulary and hope for a positive ending. A dreadful time, all would agree. And yet, the talk in this household is of nothing but the positives: the professionalism, the treatments, the surgery, all the medical staff; and shining through these recollections and swamping all is the sense of love, care, compassion and healing that they both felt from their stays in Clan House. The question, What exactly do you mean by healing? led to a time of quiet reflection and reminiscences. The sense of healing, they believed, was very real, real healing for the soul. They talked of the power of the smile, every ready at any time from a staff member; They told tale upon tale of the helping hands offered by staff and fellow patients alike; They loved the early morning greetings from staff, warm and comforting, just knowing that there was someone there at the start of each hard day who, by touch and smile welcomed you into the new morning; They treasured the conversations with fellow patients, acknowledging that very often the person worse off than you was the one to offer solace, support or simply a loving hand. They mention the aromatherapy, the foot massage, the numerous treats available but come back again and again to the people. A further question: So how is this sense of healing created? Is it the Clan employees who create this life affirming support? Certainly!

6 Clan anecdotes tumble out. The apparently endless time for a quiet word (and yet the work is always done) and the quiet show of concern if someone has not appeared at breakfast time, nothing intrusive but always sensitive and welcomed. The spontaneous offer to totally rearrange a work rota and provide transport to enable a chemo. patient to journey to a relative s funeral some distance away. The sharing of pain and suffering, laughter and tears with fellow patients weaves through this healing that is not physical but comes from within. And the answer to the questions? A smile, a touch, a word, a nod, a silence, a gesture, all centred in love. Iain Campbell Choirmaster Sheila and I first encountered the Cathedral Choir in 1995 during a flying trip to Orkney. She looked into the Cathedral on Sunday morning while the choir was rehearsing and said they sounded quite good! That Sunday morning s encounter was the deciding factor which brought us to retire here a few years later. So thank you to the choir for pointing out our destiny! We were both soon to become choir members. My moving from the ranks of the tenor section to conducting happened by chance/luck/destiny when Ed Holt decided to retire in September I agreed to stand in while a successor was found and was glad to hand over to Robert Wilson a few months later. For various reasons this didn't quite work out and when Robert had to retire for health reasons, there I was back in the driving seat! The addition of Michael Bell to the choir has been very welcome. Gradually the leadership has shifted more and more in his direction with the result that I can now happily return to the ranks. This will be rather in the Corporal Jones role as I ll still be there to fill in as necessary and make a nuisance of myself at times. It s perhaps worth mentioning our programming process. Heather, Michael and I meet three or four times a year to organise what we are going to sing in the next stretch (eg say Christmas to Easter) so as to give a mix of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar. Bearing in mind that some members of the choir have been with us for a long time this can become illuminating. Recently we sang O Thou the Central Orb which is a favourite of Michael s. After the service one member recalled singing it when the Queen unveiled the west window (do your own arithmetic here). One of the highlights of recent years has to be the Battle of Jutland service last May, on national TV and in the presence of royalty. This honour was enriched by the commissioning of a special anthem, The Golden Solstice to be composed by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The commission was accepted, a text was approved and we waited with bated breath to see what would happen, as by this time he was in poor health. Eventually I received a pencil draft which I went through and returned to Max for completion. Then he died, and the manuscript couldn t be found! It finally did turn up and, thanks to the efforts of a close friend, was prepared for publication...just in time for us to do it justice. As it was more or less his last completed work, we were privileged to be part of the process. Over the last fifteen years I ve seen some changes in the choir. The average

7 age is on the high side and one or two long-standing members aren t as fit as they were. Over the last twelve months we ve been fortunate to have acquired some younger members which has been great, We really enjoy having new blood and would welcome any other singers interested in becoming part of a friendly, supportive musical environment. Which brings me to the best feature of the St Magnus Cathedral Choir...the sense of comradeship and shared love of what we do. Sheila and I have made some good friends since we became part of this great bunch of people and we feel the warmth and support of a true family. It is such a privilege to be able to help lead worship in such a special place. St Magnus Centre Visitors are warmly invited to visit the St Magnus Centre whilst they are in Orkney. The Centre, which is located round the corner in Palace Road (opposite the Earl's Palace), is open from 9.30am until 5pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 10.30am until 12.30pm on Sundays. It features a 15- minute multilingual film on the story of St Magnus and the Cathedral. There is a coffee area, and souvenirs may be purchased. ST. MAGNUS JEWELLERY Please visit the St Magnus Centre to see the labyrinth pendants and crosses (available as pendant or brooch). These sterling silver pieces are hallmarked and handcrafted by a skilled local silversmith. Please feel free to ask to try one on. PANCAKE STALL. Last year s Cathedral Pancake Stall at the County Show raised the magnificent sum of 513 for the local Foodbank. You are invited to submit suggestions for the recipients of this year s Pancake Stall proceeds. This does not preclude suggesting the Foodbank again. Suggestions to the Minister by 23 rd July Guild News Usually the Guild finishes on the night of the AGM in March but some members thought that it was too soon. So on Saturday 8 th April 18 members met up at the West End Hotel for lunch to mark the end of the 2016/2017 session. We enjoyed a delicious meal and good company in relaxed surroundings. It was such a success that it may now be a regular occurrence! During the session as part of the disbursement of our funds, the St Magnus Guild supported all the National Guild Guild projects with the sum of ladies are planning to attend the Spring Rally in Westray in early May.

8 Read at Funeral service of St Magnus Cathedral elder Robert Kirkness God s Garden God looked around his garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. Gorgeous garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered peace be thine. It broke our hearts to lose you but do you did not go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home. Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness Garden of Daily Living To conclude our garden we must have thyme: Thyme for each other Thyme for family Thyme for friends Plant four rows of lettuce: Lettuce be faithful Lettuce be kind Lettuce be patient Lettuce really love one another No garden is without turnips: Turnip for meetings Turnip for service Turnip to help one another Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow. {UNKNOWN} PARISH REGISTER. Weddings APRIL 7 Sheree Peace and Graham Peace 8 Nicola Brannigan and Eric Grieve May 27 Karri Taylor and Liam Valentine