On this World Environment Day 2024 we reflect on the interconnectedness of Creation and invite you to join us at our Environment related weeks on Iona and Mull.
Behold the Coastal Alabama azalea in its full springtime glory! She blooms in mid-March around the Spring equinox and shares her fleeting beauty for about a month until the hard rains of April disrobe her.ย ย
Two of our beloved canine companions rest eternally below her, embraced in her root mass. She is the year-round home of the residential Carolina wrens and the vacation home of migratory cardinals visiting from the Neotropics. ย
An occasional wood thrush passing through enjoys her hospitality. Itโs not just birds that find refuge in her boughs though, small green anole lizards share her branches throughout the year and bumblebees visit her blooms each Spring. ย
Every creature she shelters accepts its obligation in relations to all the others. All are busy at the work of the Kingdom.
This Coastal Alabama azalea demonstrates our interconnectedness. Philosopher Alfred North Whitehead reminds us that “Relations are what a thing IS.” The theologian Richard Rohr underscores this truth, highlighting that our holiness is measured by the depth of our connectionsโwith both humans and the natural world.
An Earth and Environment Day Prayerย
Triune God, we praise your handiwork, your design
and renew our vow to cherish and honour all creatures here below.
We accept our obligation to respect each linkage in your web of life
and enter into the bond of love by which the Holy Spirit
lifts us into relationship, service and humility.
In your name, and in the Wholeness of your grandeur,
we pray that your will be done. Amen
Ran Nisbett, moderator of the Iona Community Environment Common Concern Network.
Why not book your place on a creative and engaging environment themed week on Iona or Mull:
Deepen your journey into inter-connectedness with all of Creation. Join us at Iona Abbey or at Camas outdoor Centre on the Isle of Mull for one of these immersive and energising environment themed weeks:ย
Events
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Spring Work Week (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomCome and help us get Iona Abbey Centre ready for the 2026 season. This week is for energetic people who donโt mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.
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Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Gardening Sustainably
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomThis hands-on week offers practical skills, inspiration, and ways to care for the earth through gardening and daily living. Spaces are limited. Note this programme runs alongside the Time and Space Week.
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Writing the Island (fully booked)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomJoin Kenneth Steven for a week of walking and writing and discovering the Celtic Christian stories and places of Iona. Single room occupancy is available at no extra cost for this week.
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Time and Space – 3 nights (limited availability)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey for a three night stay. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Experience Easter on Iona (limited – 4 places available)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomJoin us for an unforgettable Holy Week and Easter journey on Iona in 2026. Experience a blend of solemn reflection and joyous celebration.
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Time and Space – 3 nights (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey for a three night stay. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Rewilding your spirituality
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you sometimes feel as if your spirituality has been โtamedโ? Join Arnd Corts for some spiritual rewilding on Iona!
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Time and Space 3 or 6 nights
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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New Members Week (FULLY BOOKED) or Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomA week for Iona Community New Members to gather on the Isle of Iona. For anyone who is not a New Member, come join us for a Time and Space week, share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space (1 place available)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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John Bell – Weathering the Storm (Fully booked)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomExplore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.
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Time and Space 3 or 6 Nights (3 nights Tue 19th – Fri 22nd – Limited availability)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space (fully booked)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Columba Week (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomJoin us as we celebrate St Columba. Weโll follow in his footsteps on Iona, discovering how his remarkable story resonates within us.
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Experiencing Nature, with Bob Gilbert (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomWith Bob Gilbert, explore Ionaโs landscape and natureโs role in Christian tradition as we seek an eco-spirituality for today.
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Practising Hope (fully booked)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomAn exploration and experience of hope from different dimensions - theology, spiritual, relational, community, worship.
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Wild Goose Resource Group Week 1 (limited availability)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomAn interactive week exploring creative, participative and playful ways to worship, led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, Jo Love, Iain McLarty and Jane Bentley.
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Time and Space
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life and enjoy the rugged beauty of Iona.
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Time and Space (limited availability)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Community Week 2026 (limited availability)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomA special week for Members of the Iona Community to gather together on the Isle of Iona. Note this week is only open to Members.
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Youth Fest
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomExplore faith, justice, and community through creativity, conversation, and connection at Iona Abbey. (YouthFest is for groups of 14 - 17 year olds).
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Family Week
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomWe warmly welcome families of all shapes and sizes to gather at Iona Abbey for a week of fun, creativity, and adventure on our beautiful island.
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Singing Week – Wild Goose Resource Group Week 2 (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomSinging Week with Lim Swee-Hong ๆ็ๅณฐ and the Wild Goose Resource Groupโs Iain McLarty and Jane Bentley.
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Time and Space
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Sound and Vision – Creativity Week (limited availability)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomJoin us for a week of late summer invention and creation. Youโll have the opportunity to enjoy readings, workshops, music, poetry, art and storytelling. Come to celebrate, learn, and explore, surrounded by Ionaโs stunning natural beauty.
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Time and Space (fully booked)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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Time and Space (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomDo you need some time and space in your life? Come to Iona Abbey. Share in community life at the Abbey and enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Iona.
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John Bell – Weathering the Storm (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomExplore how we can draw on our faith resources to navigate the unique personal and political challenges of the 2020s. With John Bell.
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Hopeful Imagination – Alastair McIntosh (FULLY BOOKED)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomAlastair McIntosh, renowned environmental activist and writer, will lead this week exploring how Celtic spirituality can inspire both imaginative reflection and practical action.
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Festival of Writing and Storytelling (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomJoin our Festival of Writing and Storytelling. Explore various creative processes, develop your literary skills, and enjoy fireside readings and storytelling. For writers and story enthusiasts of all ages.
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Politics, Power and Protest
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomIn an era of political polarisation and growing extremism, this week will be an opportunity to explore how we can engage well with politics in pursuit of justice and peace.
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Contemplation in Community – with Stephen Wright
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomCurious about contemplation? Experienced in the practice? We invite you to join us for this special week of contemplation in community with experienced facilitator, Stephen Wright.
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Winter Work Week
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomCome and help us prepare Iona Abbey Centre for a rest, at the end of the 2026 season. This week is for energetic people who donโt mind getting their hands dirty. This week is available at a discounted rate.
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Stillness in Community (Mon-Fri, 4 nights)
Iona Abbey Centre Isle of Iona, United KingdomJoin Quaker, and Iona Community Leader Ruth Harvey, for some days of gentle, stilling contemplative practices in the beauty of an Iona winter.
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