June 14, 2024
As we are preparing to say goodbye to Iona, the question was posed, “What will you remember? What will you take away from your time on Iona?” I reflected on this for awhile. Not having much of a background on the Book of Kells, Columba, or Iona in general, some of the lectures and teachings were a little over my head. While I certainly learned more about these topics, I had the feeling the week was really designed for a more advanced, well-versed crowd instead of complete novices. There were also some incredibly talented people in attendance. Those who composed music, wrote poetry, played instruments, and created art. I am not particularly skilled in any of those areas. I had anticipated a slow reflective week but there seemed to be activities all the time. I didn’t have as much “me” time as I had hoped. So while I expected to remember or take away amazing programs, creative experiences, or even personal insights born from reflection, none of those rose to the top when I pondered this question. What did rise up were three words:
1. PILGRIMAGE – This became a recurring motif throughout the week. I approached this sabbatical as a pilgrimage so every time I saw or heard an inkling of the concept, my ears perked up. Of course Iona itself has been a place of pilgrimage for the last 1400 years. It’s been fascinating to see how pilgrimage has transformed this mighty island and those who visit it. Then we spent an entire day of an “off road pilgrimage.” Why wasn’t it just a sight seeing tour? Because in every place we stopped, we learned about it’s spiritual significance, prayed, and sang. During that time I had a chance to walk with Alastair McIntosh, one of our keynote speakers, who actually does an entire week on “Life as Pilgrimage.” We had a wonderful discussion about what pilgrimage is and the three different parts that make up such a spiritual journey: departure, initiation, return. He may even be kind enough to send me some of his notes since I won’t be able to return later this year for it. He also told me that the Scottish Presbyterian Church voted within the last several years to endorse pilgrimages as a way of spiritual renewal. Given the history of the reformation doing away with every “catholic,” that was a pretty big step.
Even during worship one night, the speaker asked, “Every person goes on a pilgrimage for healing? What do you need healing for?” That’s a question I’m still pondering. But I will remember from this week “pilgrimage”: why people go on one, what they hope to experience, what healing they need, and how I am one in a line of billions who have experienced pilgrimage throughout the last 1400 years.
2. WORSHIP – Worship takes many forms both in an individual sense and in a corporate one. I found this thought to be moving and appropriate after my time in Taize and now in Iona.
I certainly did find times of meditation, especially in walking and being more aware of the presence of God all around me. I often heard Iona is a “thin place” where a fine veil separates heaven and earth. While I was reading different quotes on Iona, I came across this one.
Given the history, the beautiful surroundings, and the Iona community, I would agree it is a thin place. Is it more thin than other places? Cannot heaven reach earth in Virginia Beach, Knoxville, and other non-pilgrimage cities? Is it the place that makes it thin or the Divine? If it’s the latter, is not the Divine working in and through all things? I’m pondering how I can experience this “thinness” in more and more places.
Our corporate worship was well done with a variety of creative foci. During the healing service I was asked to read this poem as slowly as I possibly could. I will take away not only this poem but the experience of leading people in experiencing this poem. Try it. Read it as slowly as you can, out loud.
Worship also involved an agape meal for communion which was wonderful. As we start a Dinner Church at King’s Grant, I was able to get the liturgy and introduction for it. But the atmosphere certainly changed when we were around the table.
Finally, for our last evening service, we danced. Yep, dancing in worship. It took a few minutes to get us awkward frozen chosen up and moving but once they did there was no stopping us! I even have proof.
3. Which leads me to my last word, JOY! Iona has a feeling of family. You can feel it by watching how people interact, especially the staff and those who return year after year. It didn’t take long to be welcomed into the family. These folks became my Iona family for the week.
At meals we always asked if people were eating with us for the first or last time during their stay. If so, they were asked to introduce themselves, share their pronouns, and tell everyone their favorite fruit. Meals always involved dairy free, gluten free, and other dietary options to make sure everyone was accommodated. There was great emphasis on inclusion and acceptance for all people. We were asked to intentionally sit next to, walk next to, or share in conversation with different people throughout the week so we could get to know everyone. Laughter and joy filled the Abbey. Perhaps that’s why they proudly display this picture of Jesus on the community bulletin board.
So when it was time to say goodbye, joy was mixed with a twinge of sadness. I was touched that the entire staff walked us all down to the pier, said goodbye as we boarded, and then waved continuously until they couldn’t see us anymore. They lined up across the entire dock.
And our final view of them was pure joy!
The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor 
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