Two job opportunities at the Parish Office

Sunrise over the graveyard at Christ Church Downend

Assistant Parish Administrator: this position is to assist the Parish Administrator. It is for 8 hours per week – Thursday & Friday 9am – 1pm. Administration Assistant: this position is for 10 hours per week – Monday to Thursday 9.30am – 12pm. Both are based in the Parish Hall on North Street Downend. Both positions involve being […]

Jo blogs: Fifth space

Interior of Iona Abbey

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 […]

Our Lent Teaching Series

Lent 2017 For forty days of Lent God leads us into a desert of reflection in which we withdraw from getting and spending and desiring, and, through fasting from the frenzied feeding of false desires, meditation on God’s Word, and acts of service, God opens our eyes to Christ’s presence in the world and frees us to […]

Jo blogs: Fourth space

Interior of Iona Abbey

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

Close up of a baby being baptised

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

Tower, Grand Canyon

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 […]

Architects are appointed!

It is a delight to update everyone on the progress we are making in the Building4Life project. Last week there were interviews with three architects and after much discussion and prayer the Building4Life team recommended MEB Design Ltd to the PCC. The PCC appointed MEB Design after having had time to read their proposals, see plenty […]

Rev Jo blogs: First space

Lee Abbey

Crosses are high in Celtic Christianity. They proclaim a Saviour who was lifted up for all to see, and a Redeemer who reigns high over all. They also serve the very practical purpose of becoming a focal point for all to gather round to worship. As we began a seven mile pilgrimage around the sacred […]

Rev Jo blogs: Growing spaces

The church at Iona

After the 24/7 week of prayer at Christ Church, the question that many are asking is when can we do this again? I think that many have experienced the work of God’s Spirit who creates a thirst for more of the life of that is found through simply ‘being with’ Jesus in the stillness of […]

Architects Interviews and Core Teams

Building4Life team interview prospective architects! Great news! There are three teams of architects who will be interviewed with a view to being appointed for our Church re-ordering project. Please do pray for these candidates and the Building4Life team who will be conducting interviews on Thursday 26 January at 7pm and Friday 27 January at 4pm […]