Scotland Photos

Hi Everyone,

I've got the new photos downloaded from the camera, so now it's time to share a few of the pictures. First, two from Iona Abbey, on the Isle of Iona in Scotland.

The photo on the left is of the Iona Abbey, with the oldest portions of the walls dating to the 13th century. The large section on the right is the Abbey Church, where we had our worship at 9:00am and 9:00pm each day. The larger section to the left includes the refectory, where we ate our meals together. Behind the refectory on the far left is the Abbott's House, where we had dorms, and where I slept with 5 other pastors (who sometimes snored antiphonally!). Between the refectory and the Abbey Church is a small chapel, St. Columba's Shrine, which is one of the oldest sections of the Abbey, with the stones in the lower section dating back to the 9th century. The photo on the right is of the Abbey Church, viewed from just inside the front door. In the foreground is the baptismal font, with a section of chairs behind it. The far end of the Abbey Church has the altar, with the choir seating in front of it.

There were many other ancient ruins on the island,and a number of standing crosses. The cross on the left is St. Martin's cross, the oldest on the island, dating to between AD 750-800. The photo on the right is of the ruins of the Iona Nunnery, which was built around 1200. It has not been restored.

While at Iona, we made a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa. On the left is a view that includes Fingal's Cave (on the right) and shows the basalt columns that are found only here and at Giant's Causeway in Ireland. On the right is a puffin, the small bird that finds protection from their mortal enemies, the seagulls, at the feet of people -- perhaps a parable of our protection from our enemies at the feet of God.

One of the most impressive parts of the trip to Scotland was worshiping in St. Giles' Cathedral (Church of Scotland) in Edinburgh on Sunday morning. The building was magnificent, and the worship was beautiful. It was a high liturgy with the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir singing and the Lord's Supper celebrated. It moved me deeply.

And finally, a few fun items -- first, a photo of yours truly in front of the gate to Edinburgh Castle. And second, a bagpiper -- what could be more appropriate to end the photos of Scotland?

Puffins!

We had a wonderful trip to Staffa yesterday. The captain of the boat said it might be "a wee bit splashy" on the way out, and we got drenched. Good thing I had my "waterproofs" -- waterproof jacket and over-trousers. It was the first time I've used them. The weather has been wonderful -- no rain to speak of.

Staffa was magnificent. The basalt columns and Fingal's Cave (which inspired Mendelssohn) were fantastic. And the puffins were delightful! They love people because people scare away the seagulls, their main predator. So when people gather on the top of the cliffs (where the puffin nests are), and wait patiently, the puffins will gather on the cliffs, often only a few feet away! They are adorable and make a wonderful cooing sound which reminded me of the contented sound some people make after a good meal. But their finding protection from their enemies at the feet of people reminded me how we find protection from our enemies at the feet of God -- "deliver me from the evil one..."

Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving Iona and heading to Glasgow, and then on to meet Karin in Edinburgh. I can't wait to see her again!

Service of Prayers for Healing

I attended the service of prayers for healing, and it was a blessing to have been there. It is not "charismatic," as some might expect from such a service. Rather, it was what it's name says. We prayed for healing -- body, mind, spirit, relationships, peace, and end of strife. I submitted names of some family and congregation members, and they were prayed for during the service, and there was an opportunity to go forward for prayers -- offered by the whole community -- for whatever anonymous need the person felt. You could go forward for yourself, for someone else, for some need in the world -- and it was anonymous. The congregation together prayed that God would heal whatever was causing harm. It was quite moving.

Today we will be taking a boat trip to the island of Staffa to see the puffins and Fingal's Cave, a remarkable geological formation that inspired Mendelson to write some beautiful music. Hopefully the weather will be such that there isn't much seasickness!