Role
As Abbey Warden I have the privilege of being part of the Iona Community’s team working in Iona. My main responsibilities are overall care of our life and work here, especially worship and programme, and ensuring the Abbey is a place of welcome to all.
Biography
My first visit to Iona was a family holiday in 1971 and the seed planted then, slowly began sprouting over the next decade, bursting into flower in 1984 when I first stayed in the Abbey! My journey with the Community continued, working in the Edinburgh office as part-time secretary in the MacLeod Centre fundraising team. After several years of ‘shorthand and typing’ work for various church-related charities, I was nudged towards ordained ministry and my training coincided with being on the Community’s New Members Programme.
After twenty enriching years as a URC minister, mainly in two priority areas in Glasgow, I stepped back from ‘formal’ ministry and since then have held various roles within the Community, and the mainland congregation I’m a member of.
I’m part of the Interfaith Relations CCN and passionate about embracing God’s love and wisdom in people of all faiths/cultures, and none; we have so much to learn from and with each other, and from and with the earth and all its creatures – we are all part of the same eco-system.
What makes me laugh?
Seeing the funny side is vital to a healthy life, and living in community gives so many opportunities to laugh out loud, even during a service!
What moves me?
So many things!
Hearing personal, moving stories from friends and strangers; the courage people have of sharing their vulnerability and the difference that makes to trusting each other; the wonder of creation on our doorstep; being held and freed by community; justice and peace-focused ecumenical worship in the non-denominational Abbey; the mystery and immanence of the divine; life in all its potential; finding buds of hope in the earth, in nature, in people…
USA North East