Thursday 23 October 2008

Wildlife of Iona and Mull

Sheep in reflective mode safely grazing on Iona














A colony of shags with the odd larger cormorant

























Tuesday 14 October 2008

Bishop's House, Iona













The fellowhip was blessed to be able to stay and worship at Bishop's House. This is a House of retreat, run by the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles of the Scotish Episcopal Church. Built in late Victorian times, as well as homely accommodation it contains the beautiful St Columba's chapel, which holds twice daily services in season. Excellent full board is provided. There is an ineffable sense of the Lord's peaceful presence here, that captures the heart.










Iona-Bath Fellowship





Three slightly different photos of our fellowship, one including the photographer, but missing most of the Bullamore's! Taken in the library of Bishop's House on our last evening.
Left to Right: Joanna; Ba; Elizabeth; Jenny; Ann; Margaret (standing); Win (Cross-legged); Margaret; Rose; John; Pat; Mary; Ena (standing); Carmen (cross-legged); Jeanie; Ruth; Eileen (kneeling); Gina (standing); Mary (standing); Muriel (kneeling); Chris; Simon (kneeling, where present); John

Monday 13 October 2008

Iona Abbey




Iona Abbey, now restored as a magnificent place of Christian ecumenical worship, a permanent community, and retreat centre. Photos are respectively:
A dragon Boss;
Celtic Window;
A first Glimpse of the Abbey from Fionnphort;
Iona Abbey from Dun I, the highest point on the island with Bishop's House to the right, the Ferry and Mull beyond;
St John's Cross replica in front of St Columba's Shrine;
A traditional sailing Brixham trawler, with Iona Abbey behind;
Iona Abbey from the top of Staffa, some 10 miles away




St Columba



St Columba landed on Iona from Ireland in 564, and founded the original Abbey with his followers. He lead the spread the of the Gospel across Scotland and to Northern England. The statue is on the eastern wall of Bishop's house, looking west over the lands he brought to Christ. The window is in Iona Abbey, whilst St Columba's bay, where he landed, is at the southern tip of Iona. Note his crook is inward facing, as an Abbot, rather than outward facing, that of a Bishop.

John & Pat Bullamore

Our Leaders, John and Pat. John gave a exposition of the Book of Revelation (an onerous task in 1 week!) whilst Pat lead us in Christian Meditation. They are soon to leave the Bath area to minister to the people of Goldsborough, near Knaresborough, Yorkshire.

Monday 6 October 2008

St Martin's Cross, Iona Abbey





St Martin's cross, the earliest on the island being 8th century, with Biblical scenes. (Above) Eastern face of the cross


Together in His name

Under the leadership of Rev John Bullamore, of the parish Swainswick and Woolley, near Bath, an ecumenical group of Christians connected with Churches near Bath, Somerset made their way to Iona, a small island off Mull, Scotland, in September 2008 as a pilgimage, retreat and a means to become closer to God. This site has been set up to enable the fellowship to continue, and specifically the sharing of photographs and memories Counter

Free Counter

Followers