Chasing the Wind – Wild Goose Resource Group
10 July 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 16 July 2027 @ 9:00 am
Where is the Spirit moving today? Join the Wild Goose Resource Group for a week of exploration, creativity and discovery as we experiment with fresh approaches to worship and spiritual life. Through music, storytelling, conversation and shared experience, we’ll explore creative worship and participatory worship that invites everyone to take part. Together, we’ll question assumptions, try new ideas and discover how worship can be playful, inclusive and life-giving. Whether you’re involved in leading worship or simply curious about new ways of engaging with faith, this worship retreat offers space to learn, participate and be inspired.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 10.07.2027 – 16.07.2027
Led by: Wild Goose Resource Group (Jo Love, Jane Bentley and Iain McLarty)
About the programme
Worship has the power to connect us with God, one another and the world around us. Yet many of us can find ourselves longing for fresh ways to pray, reflect and participate that speak to the realities of contemporary life.
Led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, this programme invites you to explore creative worship that is engaging, participatory and rooted in community. Together, we’ll experiment with music, storytelling, conversation, prayer and imaginative approaches to worship that encourage curiosity, creativity and deeper connection.
This week is for anyone interested in exploring new expressions of faith and worship. Whether you’re involved in worship leadership, part of a church community, or simply curious about different ways of engaging with spirituality, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of opportunities to participate.
Set within the rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, this worship retreat offers space to learn, reflect and try new things alongside others. Through participatory worship, shared experiences and playful exploration, we’ll discover fresh ways of encountering God and one another.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Jo Love is part of the Wild Goose Resource Group and brings a passion for creative worship, Bible exploration and meaningful conversation. She enjoys helping people engage more deeply with faith through participation, imagination and shared discovery.
Iain McLarty is an experienced church musician who has worked extensively with the Church of Scotland and the World Council of Churches. Through music, worship and collaboration, he helps create engaging and inclusive worship experiences that encourage participation and connection.
Jane Bentley specialises in community-building and participatory music-making. Her work focuses on creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, contribute and discover the joy of participatory worship through music and shared experience.
What to expect
Each day will combine worship, reflection, music, conversation and creative exploration as we experiment with fresh ways of engaging with faith. Led by the Wild Goose Resource Group, the week will be highly participatory, inviting everyone to contribute, share ideas and take part in the experience.
Through a mixture of workshops, worship gatherings, storytelling, music-making and group discussion, we’ll explore creative worship that encourages curiosity, imagination and deeper connection. Together, we’ll discover how worship can be engaging, accessible and relevant to the realities of everyday life.
The programme will include opportunities to reflect on scripture, explore different approaches to prayer, and experiment with music, liturgy and creative expression. Whether you’re someone who regularly leads worship or simply enjoys participating, you’ll be encouraged to engage in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful.
Alongside the programme sessions, you’ll share in the daily rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, including worship, meals and community life. There will also be time to enjoy the island, connect with fellow guests and continue conversations beyond the formal programme.
The tone of the week will be playful, welcoming and hands-on. Through participatory worship, music and shared creativity, this worship retreat offers space to learn, explore and be inspired while discovering fresh ways of connecting faith, community and everyday life.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme is highly participatory. Rather than simply attending sessions, you’ll be invited to engage through music, conversation, reflection, storytelling and shared worship experiences. No previous experience of worship leading is required—just a willingness to join in and explore.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East