Why Do People Visit Iona? Here are some answers and insights

I read a beautiful article/ebook today by worship leader and writer Kathy Galloway.  She put into words so much of what I have felt.  Here is a description and the link to the piece “Eternity Dipping Into Time.”

The passion which Iona still evokes, its enduring hold on the religious imagination, demands a deeper questioning than that suggested by a long-ago saint in an obscure location. At least part of the answer lies in the appeal of what has come to be known as Celtic Christianity. 

Perhaps there is something in the soul of 21st-century Westerners, tied as we are to mortgages and clockwatching, to Sunday morning 11am and the routines of suburban life, that is moved by the image of wandering, free-spirited Celts, by the resonance of rock and sand and turbulent seas, and by a faith that seems rugged and passionate and essentially life-affirming.

“Eternity Dipping into Time” is a celebration not only of the religious history and spiritual resonances of Iona but also of the physicality of its landscape, seasons, ecology and its human story. In these Kathy Galloway shows how numerous factors come together to support a grounded and engaged spirituality that answers a longing in the human soul for something that we label as Celtic but which is also completely of today’s world.

Eternity Dipping Into Time by Kathy Galloway

Finding Our Way Home: Lessons of Healing and Hope

         Hallelujah! It’s a good thing to sing praise to our God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting….God heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds….  Our Lord is great, with limitless strength …Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn.                                                                                 (Psalm 147: 1, 3, 5 The Message)

I am back.  Filled with gratitude for the gift of a sabbatical, I can sing praise to God with renewed energy and hope.  Here are some excerpts from my first sermon back on Sept. 9.  (From Fall Series – Stop, Look Listen:  Life Lessons from Sabbatical Adventures)

You may have noticed that I was away for three months.  I have missed you – individually as friends, brothers and sisters in Christ.  And I have missed you as the congregation whom I love and feel honored to serve.

I certainly experienced a different rhythm during this extended Sabbath time.  It felt strange not to be preparing for worship or sermons or classes.  I did not look at my calendar or wear a watch.  Sleep, eat, read, write, wonder, walk—these were some of my priorities.  I focused on being and not doing.  I did not need to be productive or efficient.  I was more aware of God’s presence and peace and hope.

Stop, look, listen—this is what we tell kids when they cross the street.  It also describes my sabbatical.  I will share some of what I saw and heard and learned today and over the next few months.

I have thought about ways God healed my broken heart after such a difficult year.My mom died in April.  Jackson was so sick for months.  Joshua broke his leg at the end of April.  And I was not sure if we were going to be able to take the trip we had planned.   And I have been thinking about home—what it means to be home.

Retreat at Kirkridge Retreat Center with Scottish worship leader John Bell It was healing to sing with people for four days. What if worship was a movement in our relationship with God from Wow!  Sorry..Oh…Why? Please …Thanks..Yes.

Being at home—I spent time writing, reading, wondering, and preparing for my mom’s memorial service.  Being at home gave me time to see things differently, declutter, have a garage sale, and sense a new openness in my home and heart.

Trip to California—It was a trip back home in many ways – home town, home church, the “village” who raised me.  I led the service for the mom in the church where I was baptized as an infant, grew as a follower of Jesus, and was ordained as a pastor.  I learned again to share grief.  God was healing my broken heart.

Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia—Jeffrey and I attended worship in renovated church where people of all incomes, races, education, and backgrounds come together to worship.  Artists help the congregation participate in creative worship.

Trip to Scotland– Three weeks of exploring a land I have longed to visit , home of my Cochran and Stewart ancestors, home of my Presbyterian/Reformation roots.  The cities of Edinburgh, Oban, Stirling, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen were rich with history and beauty.  The island of Iona has been a destination of Christian pilgrimages since 600 AD.  Worshipping and hiking there filled me up.

So today I am back home with you.  And we have gathered around the Lord’s table.  During my sabbatical I celebrated communion in Philadelphia, in Edinburgh at St. Giles Cathedral and in the ancient Iona Abbey.  Jesus, the Bread of Life, broken, offered, shared.  The Body of Christ around the world.  Today we gather around the table.  We are fed.  We are home.  Amen.

My Sabbatical Ends and New Adventures Begin

Door at Iona Abbey, Isle of Iona, Scotland.

A door opens to the next adventure. The boys head back to school tomorrow. I head back to work after a summer sabbatical of exploring new places, resting, reading, wondering, wandering, grieving, celebrating, and knowing God’s deep presence.

Come hear more about my sabbatical journey this Sunday, Sept. 9, in worship at Willow Grove Presbyterian Church.  I will share some stories, some surprises, some pictures and some ideas for ways God may be leading our church into new adventures of sharing Christ’s love.  Come for worship.  Come for lunch.  Come for handshakes or hugs of welcome.  I have missed my friends at Willow Grove.  It is good to be back home.

St. Andrews, Horseback riding, Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Returning Home

Pilgrims…. pilgrimage… I have heard these words many times on my travels throughout Scotland.  This trip has been a spiritual pilgrimage for me.  I have longed to be here and see this land of my family and spiritual ancestors for years. Today I fly home to New Jersey.  I am ready.  This trip has been full of blessings, surprises, insights, great joy, fun and deep peace.  I look forward to reflecting on my trip and sharing my experiences through conversations, sermons, classes and writing.

A few highlights of the last days.

Tuesday, Aug. 7 – In Pitlochry, we took a hike down to the river to the dam/fish ladder where salmon migrate.  Then we walked back to town and looked in many of lovely shops.  It is a quaint town with many interesting buildings and shops.  We decided to drive the scenic tourist route from Pitlochry to St. Andrews, which means narrow windy roads.  It is a gift to have the time to go slow and enjoy a slow trip.  The scenery was lush green hills with sheep in every direction.  The further we drove, the more narrow the road was and then we saw that the fences were gone.  Sheep were next to the road munching grass or resting. We finally arrived in St. Andrews only to discover that our B & B that was “near” St. Andrews was actually 11 miles south in rural Upper Largo.  It was an amazing setting overlooking the Firth of Forth.  Had dinner at the only restaurant in town and enjoyed our stay.

Wednesday, Aug. 8 - Drove to St. Andrews and found another B & B in town on Murray Park.  We thoroughly enjoyed exploring this town – university buildings dating back to 1400′s, chapel, ruins of cathedral (largest in Scotland at the time) and of course golf courses.  Pam and her husband Mark are golfers so she could appreciate the Old Course more than I could.  I could picture Prince William and Kate walking around campus and having a pint in a pub.  Such a lovely town.

Thursday, Aug. 9 – One of my lifelong dreams was fulfilled – I went horseback riding in Scotland.  We drove west of St. Andrews to Cupar and went to Barbarafield Riding School.  I was part of a group of 10 riders that day.  Two of us were interested in cantering (smooth fast gait, slightly slower than a gallop).  I rode a fine black horse named Rief.  If you saw the movie ‘Brave,”  Rief was my Angus.  It was one of the rides of my life.  We were riding in rural Scotland surrounded by green rolling hills, sheep and cows.  Our guide took Helen and me out of the group so we could canter along the stone walls in the fields.  It is like flying to me.  Cantering is so exciting and joyful for me.  I could not stop smiling.  After horseback riding we drove north to Aberdeen.  We explored University of Aberdeen and some of the large buildings downtown in this granite port city.

Friday, Aug. 10 – We took a boat ride around the harbor to see some of the big ships. Then we drove south about 3 hours back to Edinburgh.  We staying in a lovely hotel near Princes Street and enjoyed walking around on a warm evening with all the people here for Edinburgh Festival.  After dinner we walked through Princes Gardens until almost 9:00.  A wonderful last night in this beautiful city.

Sat., Aug. 11 – I am going to breakfast and then catch our taxi to the airport. Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement.  God’s blessings abound and I am grateful.

Pam and I in the ruins of the St. Andrews Cathedral built in the 1200′s.

Riding Rief west of St. Andrews – a lifelong dream fulfilled.

Rolling hills of Scotland to walk, trot, canter.

Palace of Holyrood, St. Giles Cathedral and trip to Paisley

Here are some highlights of the last few days.  I will post pictures soon.  God’s presence is in the midst of the beauty and joy of being with here.

Saturday, August 4 – We took a taxi to the airport and got Jeffrey and the boys checked in.  We were surprised that bags can weigh 70 lbs going back to the states.  (only 50 lbs allowed coming over). Hard to say good-bye.  I took the bus back to City Center.  Then Pam and I took city tour of Edinburgh on double decker bus on a glorious sunny warm day.  We hopped off at Holyrood Palace and enjoyed a wonderful audio tour of this historic palace full of exquisite tapestries, amazing ancient abbey, and lovely gardens.  We had tea at Clarinda’s Tea Room on Royal Mile.  Then we hiked up Arthur’s Seat – about 800 feet.  A good hike but the fog rolled in so we could not see much.  We took bus back up the hill and went back to the flat.  We had dinner at Conan Doyle restaurant.

Sunday, August 5 - On Sunday we went to worship service at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. So meaningful to worship in a 500+ year old church, hear the sermon preached where Reformation leader John Knox preached, hear the soaring voices of the choir, gather around the communion table in a circle to share bread and wine, and give thanks to God for disciples through the centuries. Then we explored the kilt and tart an weaving center on the Royal Mile. Lunch in Grassmarket at Bee Hive pub. Tour of St. Giles and back to flat to rest up. Enjoyed performance of acoustic folk guitar player at Royal Oak pub last night. Today we drive to Paisley to explore Cochran ancestry and then up to Pitlochry. Blessings abound. Prayers for safety driving on the roads appreciated.

Monday, August 6 – We (I) drove from Edinburgh west past Glasgow to Paisley.  Found the museum and asked about Cochrans who had lived there. My research suggests that Clan Cochran came from Vikings who settled in Renfrewshire – Paisley area in the 10th century.  And the fighting Cochrans have a long history in this area, battling England and protecting Scottish territory. Robert Cochran was Provost (mayor) of this exceptional town of weavers where they made exquisite woven Paisley shawls in mid to late 1800′s.   Very exciting to see the place some of our ancestors lived.  Then drove in heavy rain from Paisley to Pitlochry on the scenic route – miles of lush green hillsides dotted with sheep.  Arrived back at B & B where I stayed with Jeffrey and the boys.  Had fabulous dinner of salmon and veggies.  And a large drum and bagpipe band marched right in front of the restaurant.  We had hoped to hear the concert after dinner, but pouring rain cut it short.  They still played in the pouring rain.  Today we explore Pitlochry and then drive to St. Andrews.  Grateful for this time to explore the past and present.

Sister Pam Arrives

Next chapter in my summer adventure – sister Pam Dudgeon has arrived!  After her plane landed at 10:30 on Thursday, the Cochran sisters toured Edinburgh Castle.  Beautiful day here to take in all the street performers on Royal Mile as the month long festivals begin.  Jeffrey and the boys fly back on Sat. so we are enjoying one more day together in this beautiful historic city.

My sister Pam Dudgeon and I at Edinburgh Castle on Thursday afternoon.

Dinner at pub on Royal Mile. Pam and I had fish and chips and Stewart Lager.

Iona, Stirling and Pitlochry – Stewart Royalty and Queen Concert

Our adventure continues.  Each day brings new opportunities to explore the past and the present.  My hope is that our trip includes some special experiences for the boys and Jeffrey in the midst of my celtic adventure.

On Friday the boys borrowed golf clubs from the hotel and we walked to the back bay of Iona so they could golf on the golf course. Very windy and cold conditions but it was a spectacular view!  No fees, the holes were not marked well and watch out for the cows and sheep on the fairway!

On Saturday we boarded the ferry to leave Iona.  A 10 minute ride across Sound of Iona to go over to the island of Mull.  It is an amazing sight to be on an island and see so many other islands. And we did have a treat – after worship on Wednesday night we saw dolphins swimming in the Sound of Iona. We boarded the bus for the ride across Mull – a windy and lovely drive. Then we boarded the huge ferry for the ride back to Oban.  People speaking many languages, many dogs and a plethora of cars all on board.

Then we took a taxi to ride back up to our B & B where we had left our car.  Jessie McFarlane was our lovely host.  She said to me before we left, “You will find a deep peace on Iona.  I have been there many times and I always feel God’s peace there.”  She was right.

Unit 23 Skatepark in Dumbarton.

We drove east and then south to Dumbarton through Loch Lomund State Park.  So beautiful. And we found the place – the largest indoor skatepark in Scotland called Unit 23.  Joshua was thrilled!  He spent 2 hours there riding his metal scooter and celebrating that his leg had healed.Then we made the short drive to Stirling to our B & B to relax and watch the Olympics. It was a full day of traveling.

Sunday we drove up the hill through a medieval town to Stirling Castle.  The views of Stirling the valley below were lovely.  Stirling Castle’s strategic position on a high volcanic crag has been a key to Scotland’s history.  It was a castle built buy and used by the Stuart/Stewart kings and royalty.  Surely this lovely lady is one of my long lost cousins. When I said to her, “My mother was a Stewart,” she said, “So pleased you have come back.  Welcome home.”  Since there are so many Stewarts branches in Scotland, I am not sure yet how our branch connects to the royalty, but it was exciting to be at the castle.

 

Then we drove north to Pitlochry.  James and Anna May had recommended this lovely town.  It sits on a river and is full of shops, hanging flower baskets and walking trails.

 

 

And there is an outstanding theater there where performances of all types are presented.  For Jackson, I bought tickets to a tribute concert to the band “Queen.”  He likes their music and they were one of my favorite bands in the 1980′s.  It was a great concert.

 

 

Then we drove back south to Edinburgh.  We are staying at the same flat where we were the first week.  It is a great place for a our family to spread out.

Yesterday I spent the morning at the Scots People Center on Princes Street working on my genealogy.  I will write another post about that.  I am learning that genealogy research is certainly multi-facted.  One question I need to keep asking myself is, “What do I want to know?”  Is it the names of  my ancestors?  Places where they lived in Scotland, Ireland and the United States?  Am I trying to find living relatives?  I enjoyed searching the sources at the center along with over 100 other people all at personal computers in a large space.  There is a passion for genealogy here.

Last night we went on a Ghost Walk through old Edinburgh.  Fascinating tour of some of the stories of haunted hotels and vaults under the South Bridge. Our guide dressed in a black cloak was an excellent storyteller.  It is strange to go on a ghost walk at 9:00 pm and it is still light!  Half way through the tour we walked down into the dark vaults lit only by candlelight.  Ask Joshua about the stories of ghosts we heard when you see him.

Today we are enjoying a relaxing day here.  My sister Pam arrives tomorrow from Pittsburgh and the Jeffrey and the boys fly back to NJ on Saturday.  I continue to be grateful each day to God for this gift of travel, adventure, family time & memories.