2007 FCCC Pilgrimage to Iona

On September 20, 2007, eight Pilgrims from First Congregational set out for Glasgow, Scotland. From there we took a bus westward to Oban where we boarded a ferry to the island of Mull only to catch another ferry to our final Destination; IONA.

Why would anyone travel so far to visit a small island?

Just what is this place called Iona?

The Abbey	Celtic Cross	The 8 FCCC Pilgrims

Iona is a beautiful, small speck of an Island off the western coast of Scotland 3 miles long and 1 mile wide with 2000 acres in total area. It's highest hill is 332 feet above sea level and the rocks on it's western coast are over 2800 million years old, some of the oldest on earth.

Iona is considered to be the cradle of Christianity for much of Scotland and northern England and the center of the ancient Celtic Church's mission to Britain.

It is one of Britain's most holy and historic places and often described as a "thin place", a place where the material realm is only thinly separated from the spiritual.

In 563 AD an Irish Prince and Abbot named Columba sailed from Ireland to Iona with 12 other monks and established a Monastic settlement. Today there is a beautiful restored Abby built over the original site which is now run by the Cathedral Trustees and the Iona community. Ecumenical Christian worship is offered twice a day.

Iona is a sacred place of great natural beauty where the eight of us were privileged to join our prayers and hopes with the many thousands of pilgrims who went before us. I think I can safely say for all of us that our time in Iona was life-changing and continues to unfold its meaning into our lives daily. Not only was it an outward journey of beautiful landsacapes, cultural and historical experiences,meeting new people and eating awesome food!, but it was also a rich inner journey as well.

As is the way of a pilgrim, there were obstacles and challenges along the way, surprises, insights,questions, tears, and much laugher! There were deep and heartfelt times of sharing with one another. It is hard to find words to describe our experience, but there seemed to be a kind of wonder and simplicity that surrounded us. I believe that each of us in our own unique way returned home feeling a deeper connection and commitment to this Holy, wondrous Presence that permeates all that is around us and within us.. Perhaps more simply said,....It was a Blessing!

Prepared by Rev. Anne Bonney

The Sea Encircles Iona	The Island of Iona, Scotland	A Simple Prayer in this "Thin Place"

(CelticPrayer from Iona)

You are above me O God;  You are beneath;   You are in air;   You are in earth;   You are beside me;   You are within.  
O God of heaven;   You have made your home on earth;   In the broken body of creation.   Kindle within me;   A love for you in all things.