Dear Church Family In the autumn of 2001, I saw the advert for the post of Vicar of Christ Church Downend in the Church Times. On a very grey day Shahne and I travelled down from Crickhowell on impulse to take a look. As it happened, Dave Tooby was doing some work in the church […]
I bind unto myself todaythe strong name of the Trinity,by invocation of the same,the Three in One, and One in Three.Of whom all nature hath creation;eternal Father, Spirit, Word:Praise to the Lord of my salvation,salvation is of Christ the Lord. Waking up to what feels like a very different world 3 words are on my […]
By Jo Vickery In describing what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Bible has much to say in relation how resources are to be handled. Here are some principles of Christian Stewardship. Disciples of Jesus are those who put these principles into practice: Priority – Giving is to be top of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]