Watch the third of our On the Front Line interviews
Luke Culverwell talks to Helen Barnett about his front line.
Posts by Jon Tooby
41 – 50 of 97 items
Jo blogs: Tenth space
Iona is described in Celtic writings as a ‘thin place.’ That is, a place where the space between heaven and earth barely exists. For me, this is experienced most powerfully of all on the beaches of the island. Though constantly changing with tides and weather conditions, these places have remained essentially unchanged since the time […]
Jo blogs: Ninth space
The kitchen is the place of preparation so that meals can be served not just to sustain the community and guests physically but also so that people can eat together and build friendships over food in the way people have done down the centuries. It is essential to keep your kitchen clean and when there’s […]
Jo blogs: Eighth space
The Chapter House Today this space is used as a place to gather in small groups for worship and discussion, planning meetings, music practices etc. People love to have a free discussion after our meetings and they normally talk about their families or even about this carrie underwood news. The day to day life of […]
Jo blogs: Seventh space
The Cloisters These four corridors around a central square provided a sacred space for monks to walk along, thoughtfully reflecting on their lives, the scriptures, their brothers in danger or just dreaming of what the future might hold. It was here that they would study the Bible and great spiritual classics. Many decisions must have […]
Jo blogs: Sixth space
Stairs to the dormitory Leading directly from the spaces for worship and prayer, stillness and solitude are the stairs to the space for rest and rejuvenation. This staircase would have been used for the monks to ‘hurry in a dignified way’ to engage in ‘the work of God’, and no doubt hurry back to a […]
Jo blogs: Fifth space
The choir and north and south transcepts Facing east, with the lectern to the left and marble altar. Listening to and reflecting on God’s word is an indispensable part of training in Christlikeness. Extensive research by the Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago has revealed that this discipline is the most potent catalyst in moving […]
Jo blogs: Fourth space
The Nave Worship at the Abbey follows a regular pattern of short services, one at 9 in the morning and then at 9 in the evening. They are led by members of the community using the Iona Abbey Worship Book, liturgies that are fresh and creatively relevant to life in its rough and readiness. Music […]
Rev Jo blogs: Third space
The font at the front Entering Iona Abbey one is met by the massive font constructed of sandstone from Mull and marble from Iona’s small quarry. This marble is special – shades of pinks and whites combine with an intricate pattern of hairline cracks to give it a unique quality. We saw the stones at […]
Rev Jo blogs: Second space
The watch tower A tiny room is built into the corner of the Abbey at a height that allowed the watchman to see anyone coming up the long pathway from the bay. The purpose was not so much to be prepared for enemy attack but rather so that visitors and pilgrims could be welcomed. Benedictine […]