Robin's Sabbatical

Home Again Home Again

2008-09-27T09:35:00.004-02:30

I arrived home at 1am on Thursday morning. It was a six hour flight from London to Montreal. Sitting next to me was a young man returning home to Halifax. He had just spent two and a half months in Uzbekistan as a fireman on their oil rigs. Interestingly, he had trained in 2000 at the fire training station in Foxtrap. On the flight home, we travelled over Labrador, the first part of North America we saw. After the flatness of England and France, it was so wonderful to see the tree covered hill and lakes of central Labrador and to know you close to home. I had a three hour stop over in Montreal. It was a summer day, 24C and sunny. So I went outside for a while. Many Orthodox Jews were arriving , all dressed in tradition black garb with curls and prayer shawls. Going to Israel I would guess. Then a flight home to clear skies and 3C. It was good to return. Now back to the mundane things of life (it reminds me of the mandala painting I did in Iona during week two; a mandala is a painting divided into parts representing your life and the bottom part of the circle represents the mundane of life). So off I go to finish the laundry and cut the grass. In the glorious Newfoundland sun.

Heathrow

2008-09-24T09:36:00.002-02:30

I have arrived at Heathrow Airport (from where I now type this) and am awaiting my flight home. I leave in two hours. Yesterday I attended Choral Evensong again at Canterbury Cathedral again. Another great song by the boys and mens choir, a piece by Vaughan Williams, Let every corner of the earth sing (I think it was called). It rained yesterday and today. And I finished my time in England with kippers and bread for breakfast. I am glad to be coming home. See you all soon.

Canterbury

2008-09-23T07:02:00.003-02:30

After finding my hotel, Millers Arms Hotel, which took a bit of walking around, quite a job with my backpack, I then started exploring Canterbury. I am staying in the heart of the old city with its narrow cobbled stoned roadways. I attended Sung Evensong last night at Canterbury Cathedral, a must for any Anglican !!!!, (what a great choir). I also attended the 8am Eucharist this morning. it was held in St. Gregory's Chapel, where a plaque asks us to remember Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1945-1961. Being a member of the local Council of Churches, it was wonderful to know that Fisher was a founding president of the World Council of Churches, a good connection for me. He was the first Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Rome, John XXIII, in 400 years, when he visited in 1960 and reopened the dialogue. This morning I visited St Dunstan's Church, where the head of Sir Thomas More is entombed. While in England last month, I saw the episode of the series, The Tutors, where Sir Thomas More was beheaded. Visiting the church brought that show home to me. Now I am off to visit more sites and then in the morning, the train to Heathrow and home at 1am on Thursday.

Paris

2008-09-23T06:57:00.002-02:30

I arrived in Paris at 4pm on Sunday. Then I went exploring. I went to the Arc de Triumph (or something along those spelling lines) and it was free admission. Climbed to the top and had a wonderful view of Paris. I was amazed at how white all the buildings are. I then walked to the American Cathedral but I was too late for their 6pm Taize service, to which I was invited by the clergy from there who had visited Taize. Unfortunately the church was locked. Just down the street is the imitation flame of the Statue of Liberty and the tunnel where Princess Diana died. Then a walk over the Seine and on to the Eiffel Tower. By the time I reached the top, it was night and Paris sparkled with all its lights. I then phoned my children, and Bethany said being in the Tower was better than her studying English. I left Paris Monday morning, arriving in Canterbury via Dover ferry at 3pm, on a wet day.

Silence and Light

2008-09-21T06:49:00.003-02:30

We have just celebrated the Eucharist and I am preparing to leave Taize to catch the bus and train to Paris for the night. The music will remain, especially since I bought two CD's, one of singing, one of music. Last night, to prepare for this morning's Mass, at the end of the evening worship was held the Vigil of Light, where everyone had candle and the church was lit with light. Their candles are dripless and go out after four minutes, like magic. One thing that will stay with me is the silence of Taize. At every service after the reading is ten minutes of silence. It is a wonderful time of prayer and reflection. It is amazing too how over 700 people, mostly young people, can be silent that long. The silence does feed the soul. (On the Taize site, you can listen to songs, see the music, hear the bells and also hear the Saturday night worship through Domradio (either live or recorded). The one I attended is recorded there. The link is Prayer & Song, then MP3 & Broadcast)

Adjusting

2008-09-19T18:09:00.002-02:30

Like ny commnity life, you gradually adjust. Taize is more enjoyable now, I am more aware of the routine, I know a few more English speaking people, and the weather has warmed up, a bit. Tonight's worship ended with the cross icon in the centre on the church, laying flat, with a candle on it. People gathered around to pray. Icons and their adortion has never been a part of my faith journey and I am still mystified by it, especially the attraction for young people. It might be a Eropean mentality or maybe a Roman Catholic mentality.
Br. Aylos, the head brother, who took over on Br. Roger's death, spoke to us last night. He had been with Pope Benedict in Paris on Sunday. And I was in Paris at the same time, but I didn't see Benedict. Those from North America met with a brother from Philadelphia yesterday, 5 Canadians and one American, plus three Americans from the Anglican Cathedral in Paris visiting for the day. He explained some of Taize style and purpose. One thing is that Taize has evolved and is still evolving to meet the needs of the young who come. One example is simplifying the worship.
One last thought, Taize is best visited with others not alone. Despite the numbers, it can be a lonely place if here by yourself. It is not as suited to single visitors as Iona is.

Icons

2008-09-17T17:40:00.005-02:30

The Church of the Reconciliation, as the Church in the Taize Community is called, is very orthodox looking, from the onion shaped steeples to the many icons around inside. Plus candles galore. I am amazed at how all the young people just spend so much time in the front the icons. At the evening worship, each night, when lot of the brothers leave, the others move near the front, and the icon of the crucifixtion is brought into the centre behind the brothers and people just pour into te centre to kneel before the icon and pray and worship. Part of it might be that the vast majority of people here are both Roman atholic and from Europe, especially Germany and Poland, where the use of icons is very pevelant. The music is very soothing as you worship, but very much in the monastic tradation of repeating the phrase, over and over. But in that way it is also very similar to contemporary charismatic Christian music, especially such as Graham Kennedric's from England. Still cold nights and mornings here in Taize. It does warm up. And bread and cheeze every breakfast.

Oddities

2008-09-16T10:49:00.002-02:30

After two days at Taize, I have noted four oddities, to me anyway. Firstly, at the first service sunday night, there was no welcome or explanation or introduction to what the service would be like. It was assumed you knew what to expect, and for those returing that was true. Plus many first time visitors are part of a monthly Taize service at home. It felt like he brothers entered to worship and you were just joining them. Learn as you go. The second oddity, is that to begn the service, everyone faces the Altar at the front. But for the reading of the scripture, everyone turns around from their kneeling or sitting position to face the reader at the back. Then after the reading in French and English, you turn again to face the front. Thirdly, every morning at the end of the prayers, the bread and win of the mass is shared, but it feels strange receiving the bread and wine with out going through the service itself. As well, the wine is offered but only for intinction. Fourthly, where so much is sung in different languages, even though the English words are there, I sometimes feel lost. I can now know the wisdom of the 23rd article, woship should be in the anguage understanded by the people. I m sure this is how people felt when mass was in Latin, a bit lost, but still caught up in the mystery and majesty of worship. The music is good, the fod is basic, the sun is hot but cool nights, and the French wine under the full moon is good.

In Taize

2008-09-14T13:41:00.007-02:30

I arrived safely in Taize today at 2pm. What a beautiful sunny day here in France. Not many English speaking over 30 year olds here. A couple from Australia, a couple from Vancouver, one man from Kent in England and a lady from Colorado, USA plus myself. I am in a dormintory with five other men. I have met two Germans and a French man who I am staying with. Yesterday's travels went not so easily. I left Jocelyn and Steves yesterday in south London (Forest Hill) at8:30am. I finally arrived at my hotel in Paris at midnight. Firstly to get to the train to Dover I had to go to London, but there was work on the local tracks so I went south before going north to central London. I had to switch trains in Ashford and arrived in Dover just as my ferry was leaving. So instead of the 12:40pm ferry I got the 3pm ferry. What a lovely crossing, though, sun and a light breeze. And what boats on the Channel. We arrived in Calais just to miss the train. So another hours wait. Then first it was a regular train to Lille (one and a half hours) before connecting with the high speed train to Paris (one hour). Then the Metro in Paris to my hotel. I had no euro change for my ticket and it wouldn't take my credit card (as all the booths were closed). Luckily one of the families on the train that I had chatted with gave me a ticket. The Paris subway is fairly easy to use. Then this morning early to Gare de Lyon station to get my train and bus ticket to Taize. Then a well deserved slow breakfast on the sidewalk across from the station as the sun rose. The high speed train to Macon, another 2 hour wait and finally the bus to Taize. The past two days have been full of waits, for each leg of the travel. But I am here now and ready to be open to the Spirit's leading. The train and bus ride to Taize was relaxing. Seeing the French countryside for the first time was very good to see. The picture is of the Gare de Lyon, the train station where I caught the train to Marcon, where I caught the bus to Taize. The other picture is of the village of Taize, the religious community of Taize is behind the town.

British Library

2008-09-12T20:00:00.002-02:30

My trip to St. Pancras Station to try to book my chunnel trip, took me close to the British Library. So I made a visit. Quite a fascinating place. Many original documents. The Magna Carta is there. As well many ancient religious text, both Christian and other faiths. Original writings from many geniuses of the ages, such as Michelangelo, De Vinci, Darwin, etc. Several pieces from Shakespeare. Original text from authors such as Jane Austin, Thomas Hardy, etc. And musical scores from Beethoven, Handel and on. And my daughter, Bethany, would love the originally words from the Beatles, including one John Lennon wrote on the back of first birthday card for his son. So much history, so much creativity, so much that has given enjoyment and meaning to people over the ages. A great visit

Hi Oh Hi Oh Its off to France I Go (Hopefully)

2008-09-12T19:51:00.003-02:30

As some of you maybe saw on TV, there was a fire in the chunnel on Thursday. A truck over turned on a train. Well the tunnel has been shut ever since and all trips for the weekend are cancelled. I went to book my ticket today, planning to travel on Saturday, but alas no such luck. So then I went to book a bus from London to Paris (the bus goes on the ferry). Alas, all buses booked fully from all those originally booked on the chunnel train. I did book a bus for early Sunday morning but that would put me travelling all day and arriving Taize at 10pm. Plus I had already had me room booked in Paris for tomorrow night. So I have a ferry ride booked from Dover to Calais for 12:40pm Saturday. Gonna try and take the train from here to Dover, then the ferry and hopefully catch a train in Calais for Paris. Then a night in Paris to see a few sights. Then off at 9:50 on Sunday morning by train and bus to Taize. Who knew travel planning would take so much effort? The last time they had a fire in the chunnel it was closed for close to a month. I was planning to take the ferry back to Dover, so I could see the white cliffs. Now I get to see them both going and coming. Well a long day tomorrow. (I did get to see the white cliffs on the trip to France with the afternoon sun shinign on them. Just see the picture. They truly looked so white. I can see how they meant so much to many during WWII)

Local Food

2008-09-10T15:34:00.002-02:30

Being enjoying lots of fish and chips lately. Lots of grease. The interesting thing is that some stores deep fry the fish with the skin on. Still good. And for breakfasts, eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomato, mushrooms and black pudding. And in Scotland had haggis, neeps and tatties, which is the national dish with turnip and mashed potato. Must say I like haggis. Good to sample the local cuisines. Food on Iona was porridge and toast for breakfast, every day. Interesting how you can dress up porridge. They also are mostly vegetarian so lots of casseroles with vegetables. And they have a great book of graces.

Rain and More Rain

2008-09-09T16:03:00.002-02:30

It rained in Carlisle all morning. But slowed enough in the afternoon to do some sightseeing. I also attended Choral Evensong at Carlisle Cathedral. The Men and Boys choir sang. Small in numbers but good. Their anthem was Bach's Jesu Joy of man's desiring. Wonderful. Tomorrow if the weather improves I will go visit the Castle and see some of Hadrian's wall. At Mel's in Scotland, his bishop, Bishop Mark and his wife dropped in Sunday on his way to the next parish north. A great couple. He hung around with the Nfld bishop's at Lambeth and Percy invited Mark to come salmon fishing. It is so good to experience so much of the different spiritualities around this part of our Anglican Communion, and see how different we really all are.

Back in England

2008-09-08T16:23:00.002-02:30

I am now working my way back to London. I am now in Carlisle in northern England for a few days, then to London. I am due at Taize in France this coming Sunday. During the first week at Iona, one of the priest from London held a Taize service one evening, so I received a taste then. It was held in St. Oram's Chapel, the oldest building on Iona and was held in candle light. The singing was wonderful. There was also a German girl at Iona who had spent 14 months at Taize and she gave me some background. A bit nervous about going to France with little French ability. But i do have my sleeping bag for Taize. Every thing is very basic there.

Eastern Scotland

2008-09-07T12:17:00.002-02:30

I arrived in Golspie in Eastern Scotland on Friday via bus from Oban on the west coast. The bus drove the length of Loch Ness, but no sitting of Nessie. I am staying with Mel Langille, from Nova Scotia, who has been a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church the past five years (20 years before that in NS). Went with him to one of his three celebrations this morning. Yesterday he took me to Dunrobin, the ancestral home of the Sutherland clan, just up the road. A wonderful place. Queen Victoria stayed there for a few days and her bed is still there - horsehair mattress and all. They also had a display of falcons, owls and eagles on the ground. What great birds. Even when they fly just inches over your head. Mel is into bag piping and was out last night, so I read some Church Times (church newspaper) and started the book, The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas, coming out this week as a movie. I also watched a great movie, Priest. It deals with two Roman Catholic priests and their struggles, covering many issues - celibacy, homosexuality, seal of confession, authority, calling, forgiving, etc. It would be a great movie to watch in a deanery and discuss after. Very moving and thought provoking. I leave for England tomorrow, arriving in France later this week. It is interesting hearing the story of the Anglican Church here in Scotland. Very open and in the fore front of same gender blessings but that is rarely mentioned outside.

A Thin Place

2008-09-07T12:11:00.003-02:30

I had over the spring heard the phrase 'A Thin Place', a place where the divide between earth and heaven seems thinner than others. Rev George MacLeod, Earl of Argyle and the restorer of the Iona Abbey in the 1930's referred to Iona as a thin place, so we were told. And it is true. Iona does have that mystical experience to it. You come and are enveloped in its spirituality. It is hard to point out but it is there. I guess that is why so many Scottish kings plus some French kings came to Iona to be buried. In the closing Eucharist, the Warden, Malcolm King, a Scottish Episcopal priest, said you cannot run away from your problems to Iona but you face them and he used the Thin place terminology. My two weeks on the island were refreshing and spiritual. A great place to be. And the friendships you make there strengthen your life. It was sad to leave, but as they describe Iona, it is both a receiving and a sending place. It is not a place you can stay. And so with some sadness but a new energy I move on.

Relaxation

2008-09-04T11:02:00.002-02:30

The week at the "Mac" (MacLeod Centre part of the Iona Community) is going quite well. Friendships have formed. We have good presentations, plus good group discussions, including sharing in smaller groups. The discussion also continues each night at the pub following the 9pm Abbey service. Also as part of the week, we have done meditations and Tai Chi to help centre ourselves and get in touch with the Divine. Tai Chi is very relaxing. This morning we did it outside in the sunshine. However the midgets (flies even smaller than black flies started to become a nuisance). Also yesterday was a day. Some of us went to the west side of the island and took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. It is just as cold here as home. I did manage to stay in about 15 minutes. The beaches are so sandy though. The worship the past two nights in the Abbey have been creative and enriching. Two nights ago the focus was domestic violence against women. Last night it was a service of Accepting ourselves. This including a paper cut out of ourselves and a renewal of baptismal vows and anointing. All accompanied by much singing. Of course all Abbey services include the residents from the Abbey itself and the public. The week ends tomorrow morning as we hold a sending service in the Abbey at 8:15am and catch the 9am ferry to the Island of Mull, then a bus ride to the east side of Mull for the ferry to Oban. I am then off to Inverness (eastern Scotland) to spent the weekend with Melvin Langille, a priest from Nova Scotia now working in Scotland. He and I plus John Courage and others did ACPO together many years ago in Halifax. Then its the beginning of the trip sound to arrive in Taize for next Sunday, September 14

The Sun Does Shine

2008-09-02T13:26:00.002-02:30

We have had two fine days here on Iona. Yesterday we went to Staffa. What a great island. It has 5 and 6 sided columns formed from volcanic rock. It is just an amazing place. We could even walk into one of the caves formed by the water into the side of the island. The water was fairly calm and the sun shone most of the time. Today, I did the on road pilgrimage. We walked and paused and prayed along the way. The weather made it quite enjoyable. The people attending the week, while small in number, are great for discussions and chats. Most are Anglican but we also have a Quaker, a person from and emerging church, Lutheran, Roman Catholic etc. It provides a good mix for talking about the issue of sexuality and the church. More discussion tonight and the next two days on the topic.
The worship at the Abbey last night focused on domestic abuse and was very powerful. I am really enjoying the music they use from the Church Hymnary 4. Lots of contemporary but justice focused songs.

Week Two

2008-08-31T11:27:00.002-02:30

The second week on Iona began yesterday. I am staying at the MacLeod Centre now. It was built in 1988 and is more along the design of our Lavrock Centre. There are six of us in the room with bunk beds. There are only 15 of us registered with our two leaders, Peter and Ellie. People are from England Germany, Denmark, Australia and myself and another Anglican priest from British Columbia, via Australia. We are binding together and we joined the Abbey crowd, who are studying Britishness, for communion this morning at the Abbey church. Today is a relaxing day and tomorrow we begin sessions. In the afternoon, we will make a trip to Staffa, an island just north of Iona, with an interesting rock formation, caves and puffins. Felix Mendelssohn visited there and wrote his piece, Hebrides, based on his visit. Other famous people have visited including Queen Victoria. Hopefully it stays calm like today, as it is a one hour boat trip there and back. My chores this week are setting up, serving and cleaning up from lunch, plus every morning after 9am worship, cleaning the toilets. Humility galore!!!!

Pilgrimage

2008-08-30T07:19:00.003-02:30

Every Tuesday at Iona, they have either an on road or off road pilgrimage. I chose the off road. It is seven miles over the hills and bogs of the Island of Iona, visiting certain spots and pausing to reflect. The first stop was at the only place the road crosses itself on the island. At that crossroads,we reflected on the crossroads we face in life and decisions we must make. The next stop was at the abandoned marble quarry. The Iona marble is tinged with green streaks. The altar in the Abbey is made from Iona marble. The quarry ceased in the early twentieth century and the equipment is still there rusting. We reflected on the damage we can do to the earth. The next stop was at Columba Bay. Here on Pentecost Sunday in 563 St. Columba journeyed from Ireland and landed to begin the mission to the Picts of Scotland. This island became the home of his monastery to reach out with the faith. We reflected on beginnings and endings. We also had lunch here. The next leg brought us to the one pond on the island, the former water supply (water is now piped across the Iona run or tickle from the island of Mull) and the precious gift of water was the topic. The next leg was the Machair, the golf course and common grazing ground. We stopped for tea and flapjacks ( a type of oat cookie). Not sure what happens when a golf ball lands in some cow or sheep dung!!!! We went on over very wet terrain to the Hermit's Hut, a small ring of stones in a peaceful valley. We all became very quiet on this leg and reflected on the need to connect to God. It was then to the end at St. Oram Chapel, next to the Abbey, what was a mortuary chapel where many early kings of Scotland are buried. The pilgrimage began in mist and ended in rain. Needless to say we were all quite wet at the end despite waterproof clothing and good hiking booths. But there was something about doing a pilgrimage together that allowed us to journey on despite the weather. We were all one despite the hardships and we helped each other. It bound us together. I can see the power we gain as we work together. This was also seen as we did our chores in the Abbey together, chores such as setting up the tables, washing dishes, preparing vegetables, cleaning floors and toilets etc. A community was born even if only for a week.

Landscape

2008-08-29T07:22:00.004-02:30

Scotland is so much like Newfoundland and Labrador. Coming by train from Glasgow to Oban, which is on the west coast, reminded me so much of Western Newfoundland. The tree and hills and rivers and valleys. Very much like Gros Mourne. The only difference was more deciduous trees. On the coast, at Oban, I took a ferry to the Island of Mull. Then all of us going to Iona took a bus across Mull to Finnophort to take a smaller ferry (like the ones to Bell Island and a little shorter run than that) to Iona. Here on the coast it is very much like rural Nfld, or the southern coast of Labrador. Waves hitting against the granite headlands. Waves and sea. Hills and bog. And rain, drizzle and fog. The only differences is all the sheep in the meadows. We have seen one sunny day, Monday. But been RDF most of the time since. Very much at home. And seeing how others just marvel at the scenery, (one loved hearing the rocks roll as waves left the beach) reminded me of how beautiful our part of the world is and how blessed we are to live there with nature, a place that many others yearn for.

Week One at Iona

2008-08-29T07:11:00.003-02:30

Week One ended this morning with a leaving service in the Abbey Church at 8:15am. Then I walked to the jetty to say good bye to all my new friends who were starting their journeys home. This was a Family Holiday Week at the Abbey, so there were families there with children, from 2 years olds up to teenagers. There were also two church groups there with their priest and a groups of German Roman Catholic theology students with their teacher. I was the only Canadian and there was one American. My roommate was a young (25 year old) Scottish lad, the son of a Church of Scotland minister. It was good to become friends with Johnathan. The week was very relaxed, building community as we worshipped, ate and did chores together. I stayed in the restored Abbey which consists of the church, the refrectory where we ate and a cloister, the square walk about that was enclosed by all the buildings. It was good to chat and make friends and to share stories and life. For the closing Eucharist last night, they even recruited me into the choir, singing parts no less. The music is certainly one of the highlights of Iona plus their emphasis on peace and justice. I have only now discovered this Internet connection, so will try to add to the blog every day or two from now til I leave next Friday. Tonight I stay at a B&B and tomorrow go to the MacLeod Centre, the other building connecting with the Iona Community, for a week focused on Sexuality and Spirituality in the Twenty First Century.

Safely to Glasgow

2008-08-22T16:56:00.002-02:30

I started my journey this morning taking the 5:52am train from Norwich, switching in Peterborough and arriving in Glasgow at 1pm. We travelled through Ely, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. The trip began with the typical English rolling country side with sheep and cattle and farms. The farther north, especially north of Newcastle, near the east coast, it became more like Newfoundland, with hills and spruce and pine plus mist and fog and breakers on the North Sea. I do think I was a bit homesick. One thing that I was surprised at was the number of nuclear generating plants we passed on the way. I didn't realize the UK depended on nuclear energy so much. It is warm and partly sunny here in Glasgow. I did a walk about to see the sites. I am off again in the morning via train, ferry, bus and ferry to Iona for two weeks. I am looking forward to it, especially the second week which will focus on Sexuality, Spirituality and the Twenty First Century. But it will be hard work, sleeping in dorms and sharing the chores around the place. Hopefully I will survive!!!

Last Day in Norwich

2008-08-21T07:10:00.003-02:30

Yesterday I visited the RC Cathedral here. It is similar in design to our Cathedral. A Scott did design it, so it might be a relative of our designer. Also visited a lovely garden here, which contained a small tree that grew from a sprig of Queen Victoria's wedding bouquet. At the All Hallow's Guest House, next to the Church of St. Julian, and Mother Julian's cell, there were 5 of us staying plus Sr. Pamela, who runs the house. Sr. Pam was involved with worship at Lambeth both this year and in 1998. Another guest is Br. Mike form the C of E Carmelite order in Kent, Sr. Agnes form the RC Sisters of Mercy in Papua New Guinea and Paul and Wendy, he being a lay chaplain at a college in West England, I think. He is starting the ordination stream. It makes for great conversation over the breakfast and dinner table. I am off to do the Labyrinth at Norwich Cathedral now.

The Church of England

2008-08-19T13:36:00.002-02:30

The church here is different from home in many ways. One of the biggest factors is that it is the Established Church. Because of that, any person has the right to a baptism, a marriage or a funeral from the church, whether they are worshippers or not. I certainly would find it difficult to minister here, when I see my role as priest to encourage faith in others. But to do so, there must be some desire for a faith life. What seems to happen here is what I often try to avoid in Newfoundland, a cultural religion. People use the church's services because they can, not because it means a true faith celebration. But each culture must find its own way to spread the Gospel. I just know I would find it frustrating here, at first for sure.

Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary

2008-08-18T11:17:00.002-02:30

The past weekend has seen me exposed to a very different aspect of Christianity for me, the adoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Last Friday August 15 was the Feast of the Assumption of the BVM. Friday evening I attend the 5pm Eucharist at Westminster Abbey which celebrated the feast. On Saturday, Steve and Jocelyn drove me to Norwich. On the way we stopped at the Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham, England's Nazareth, which is devoted to Mary. On Sunday, I attended mass at the Church of St. John, Timberland, which is the parish church for the church of St. Julian. There we celebrated the Feast with bells and smells, procession and the Angelus, in Latin. Only the Angelus was in Latin. The servcie was modern rite, much liek the BAS. Still an enjoyable service. Afterwards there was wine and nibbles for two men celebrating their 80th birthdays. The I attended Festal evensong at the Norwich Cathedral, started in 1090 and now with the second tallest steeple in England, and again the Assumption. Then this morning I attended mass at St. Julian's church in the side chapel, built where Mother Julian's cell was. Following the Eucharist, we did the Rosary, the Glorious Mysteries, a first for me. Rather an interesting and expanding weekend. Forecast for the week is rain, but the sun has appeared here this afternoon. Must go be a tourist and visit the castle before evening prayer at 5:30 at All Hallows House, where I am staying with Sr. Pamela and a new guest, Br. Mike.

Three Churches in One Day

2008-08-15T17:49:00.002-02:30

I spent today in downtown London. It began in Southwark Cathedral on the south bank of the Thames River. It is the Diocese Steve Laskey lives in. Southwark Cathedral is also the church Shakespeare worshipped in fora few years. The restored Globe Theatre is near by, as is the replica of the Golden Hind, the boat that first went around the world. I also visited the Clink, the original one, run by the Bishop. Some horrible stores of what the Bishop did to people in his jail. Next I visited St. Paul's Cathedral. A large church full of monuments to war heroes. I went up the stairs first to the Whispering Gallery, then more stairs to the Stone Gallery then more steps to the Golden Galley, the very top of the church with a great view of the city of London.. The after walking the Mall to Buckingham Palace I attended the 5pm Eucharist (this being the Feast of Mary) with Steve and Jos at Westminster Abbey. The choir of Oxford College led the music. A very good service. A day of churches. Tomorrow its off to Norwish tomorrow with a stop at Walsingham Shrine on the way.

The Sound of Silence

2008-08-15T05:36:00.002-02:30

One of the first things I noticed yesterday coming to the Laskey's was the number of people around. Walking in Heathrow to the tube there were the constant string of people. The same in the tube. I am going to London proper today and I am sure the same will be there. It reminds me of Toronto and my return to Newfoundland. When I returned to Newfoundland the night of July 16, having arrived back late at night, after midnight, I sat on my deck under the stars, in the beautiful warm weather we had, with no wind, and in the darkness listened to the sound of ...silence. It was heavenly. After three weeks in Toronto, especially the last week with Amy at Dundas and Church Streets, within eyesight of the Eaton's centre, and all the noise, the people talking, the cars travelling, the streetcars rumbling, the sirens wailing, the helicopter to St. Michael's' hospital at all hours, .... coming home to silence and peace and quiet and just bathing in the moment that night, made me realize that I was home. The excitement of big cities and the fast pace life is nice for a while, but life in Newfoundland is home to me. I could never truly live any where else and be content. I am sure this six weeks will be good but coming home will be better. The simple laid back life is home for me.

I have arrived

2008-08-14T09:29:00.002-02:30

I arrived at the Vicarage in Forest Hill juts a short while ago. Steve Laskey has had to go and do a funeral. So I am going to lie down and catch up on the sleep that evaded me on the plane last night. (Six hour flight from Haliax that broguht us here 9:30am local time) One thing that I find enjoyable now, which I dreaded years ago, was chatting to the person next to you, and discovering a bit about them. For a brief moment in time, you connect with them and become part of their life, hopefully for the better. On the Halifax flight was a mother and her son, home to Colliers, returning to Toronto . On the England flight was a 12 yo lad returning home for 10 days, leaving his parents behind in Nova Scotia, where they have bought a new house. Then on the underground, a young lady was looking for a certain station and my helping her, with my limited knowledge, brought a spirit of thankfulness to her, to have some one acknowledge and help her. Another older lady asked me to remind her of the stop I and she were going to, if she fell asleep, for she did that last night and missed her stop. God places so many people in our path and it is a privilege to help them and connect with them for that short time. So I have ridden the underground and the British Rail and am now in Diocese of Southwark. Sunny and warm and time for a nap.

All Packed and Ready to Go

2008-08-13T19:17:00.002-02:30

I have everything packed in my backpack, a gift form the Parish of the Good Shepherd, and ready to leave for the airport. I will fly to Halifax and then to London, arriving there Thursday at 9:35am. Then I have to get my first experience with the underground, taking one train, then switching to another line and then to an above ground train, where I will stay with Steve and Jos Laskey for two days, before Steve drives me to Norwich. The excitement is building, but also the nervousness about being away so long, and in a whole new world. I met with Neil Kellett yesterday and he gave me two more books to read. Will start one tonight on the plane. Pray for me in my journeys. And keep in touch.

A Kid Again

2008-08-12T11:24:00.002-02:30

As some of you are aware, for my last week in Toronto, Amy came to be with me for a holiday. In one of the books I read about sabbaticals, it said you should travel and have fun during your time away. Well the week with Amy, I became a kid again. We went to two ball games, which the Jays both won, Amy was the good luck charm there. We went to the zoo, the science centre, the museum, the CN Tower, Fort York (which Amy wanted to see),the hockey hall of fame and lastly Canada's Wonderland, where Amy and I spent a full day taking every ride you could, except for the water ones. We went on roller coasters galore and loved it. It is good just to relax, unwind and have fun no matter what age. Too often we do not take the time to just enjoy the simple pleasures of life, of spending time with one another and doing fun things. The sabbatical allowed me to do that with Amy, and come away tired physically but refreshed emotionally.

Two More Sleeps

2008-08-11T10:23:00.002-02:30

I am back again on the blog and only two more days before I leave for Europe for the next stage of my sabbatical. Lots to get done in that short time. I have been back now almost four weeks and it seems all I did was waste time. And time can easily be wasted. All the plans to do things around the house didn't get done (I can blame some of it on the weather, extremely hot the first week, and extremely wet the next three - not good for outside work). But the Protestant work ethic made me do a list of things to do while home, and not completing the list makes it seem as if time was wasted. But in some sense that's what holidays are for - a time to relax with no agenda and be refreshed. Still in the past few weeks, I did have dinner with friends, visited my parents, spent time with Amy, prepared for Europe and mowed the lawn between rain drops. The excitement is building for the trip. But not too much yet. Thanks to all who have read the blog, and your comments.

A Week to Read and Reflect

2008-07-07T17:35:00.002-02:30

Time does move so quickly. Tomorrow I leave the convent to go to a guest house down town to prepare for Amy's arrival on Wednesday. We will have a full week of tourist activities, including two baseball games. The time at the convent has been refreshing. Just giving yourself time to sit and read with no other pressures is a great gift. And to do that in the midst of a regulated prayer life allows your body and soul to get into a pattern where time seems suspended and your chief aim is to worship and learn. I have just finished a fourth book, The Revelation of Divine Love, by Dame Julian of Norwich, a mystic from the 14th century. From her sixteen visions given to her during her sickness in 1373, she reflects on God's love for us. What stood out the most was her constant refrain that we are always held in God's love, whether we know it or know. Nothing can remove us from God's love and that the journey of life is to discover and allow our selves to know that we are one with God in that love. I am thinking it would be a great book for a study at the Good Shepherd. Today is a grace day at the convent, meaning no worship today. But I was asked to read the Hebrew Scriptures at the Sunday morning Eucharist. A great privilege. I will end my visit Tuesday with the Eucharist and lunch (or dinner as it is called here at the Convent and by many Newfoundlanders.)

Books

2008-07-05T21:55:00.002-02:30

Neil Kellett gave me three books to read while away. All read. They are very interesting and very engaging books. They all struggle with trying to discover and be true to the real self and its interaction with the Divine. Very personal stories of three men and their struggles to find themselves and true living. One was an editor of a French fashion magazine, one a comedian, and one a monk and priest. I could see so much of myself in each one and their struggles. The search to discover our true spiritual self is a universal quest. I will comment on each one as time permits. Needless to say, the struggle for spirituality goes beyond any organized structure.

SSJD Worship

2008-07-04T17:32:00.001-02:30

Life at the Convent has a regular pattern every day, worship and eating, and free time in between. My days have been - eat pray read pray eat read pray eat read pray bed. The real schedule is 7:45am Breakfast followed by Morning Prayer; 12 noon Eucharist followed by dinner; 5pm Evening Prayer followed by supper; 8:10pm Compline. In between I have been reading and enjoying the good weather. The chapel is a bright westward facing chapel with the chairs in typical monastic style, facing each other accross the aisle. One of the aspects of worship that I find very meaningful, comes at the end of worship. At entering the chapel, people venerate the altar with a bow, acknowledging God's presence. At the end of worship, instead of bowing to the altar, both sides bow to each other acknowledging the presence of God in each other. It would be interesting to try that back at the Good Shepherd. It is a powerful statement about the presence of God among us. This is the chapel at the Convent. Worship was certainly a big part of all of my sabbatical , both in Toronto and in Europe. It is one thing that can unite people of faith, to worship and share the Lord's Table together, despite the differences in theology. As long as we can share the table, there is hope. Unfortunately in our Anglcian community, some have chosen not to share the table with those of us who are more progressive or liberal in thinking.

Sisters of St. John the Divine

2008-07-02T17:18:00.000-02:30

I arrived at the Convent in North York on Tuesday, July 1, Canada Day. A quiet and peaceful setting in the middle of the big city. I am starting to read the books that Neil Kellett recommended, and I am fitting into the rhythm of the prayer life here, with morning prayer, midday Eucharist and evening prayer. Meals are all in silence, but to celebrate Canada Day, we broke silence and chatted over the meal last night. Good to get to know some of the sisters that way. Also some women are here for a month of discernment, Women at the Crossroads. One is from Nfld, a former parishioner at both All Saints and Good Shepherd, Susan Haskell. There is a calming and renewing energy to live in a community with a structured prayer life and peace to read and reflect. I am here until July 8. Rev. Trudy Gosse, also from Nfld, will be there the weekend. It was also very heart warming for them to prayer for me this morning, as this is my birthday, and some how they knew.

Pride Week in Toronto

2008-06-30T17:41:00.000-02:30

Pride Week has taken place in Toronto form June 22 to June 29. As part of the week on Sunday, they had the parade downtown Toronto that attracts over a million people. I was one of them. But also as part of the week, the Metropolitan Community Church has a service in the main square outdoors on Sunday morning. It had some rain before the service and during the first few minutes, but it cleared up. It was quite a moving worship time, consisting mainly of lots of singing by the church's main choir and their evening choir, plus two soloist. Rev. Dr Brent Hawkes preached. MCC is of no denomination but considers Christianity as one route to the Divine. And this is where not only MCC but progressive Anglicans differ from "Bible based" Anglicans. At the service, it was emphasized how welcoming and open God is to all, where as in the news about GAFCOM (Global Anglican Futures Conference) just having met in Jerusalem, the closed and restrictive membership and the great sin sin of sexuality was highlighted. It was moving at the service to see so many gathering in worship, form all ways of life. Gays and lesbians are often portrayed as hedonist and lacking in morality. It was not evident at the service. One touching point for me was sitting in front of me was a young gay man with his parents there with him. How supportive and affirming. Also in the parade a contingent of Proud Anglicans marched, letting others know that not all Anglicans are the same. Also parents of gays and lesbians marched. It is great that young people can know that their parents love them when others are trying to say they should repent and change. How faith works out in people's lives is so complicated. At Pride you see a different side of faith and life.

Trinity Divinity Associates Conference

2008-06-27T17:44:00.000-02:30

The conference ended on Wednesday. Walter Deller's thesis was very interesting. He contended that the fall of Genesis 3 introduced violence and patriarchy into human and divine relationships, and that it is the acceptance of that which takes away the church's preaching of and upholding human rights in many cases. His thinking involves a whole new way of reading the Bible and understanding its underlying principles. Much to think about in what he said.

Friend's Wedding

2008-06-27T17:40:00.001-02:30

I attended a wedding this morning at the Metropolitan Community Church here in Toronto. A gay couple, from Central Nfld, and friends of mine, were married there. I was delighted that they asked me to do the Scripture reading. As well I got to meet the pastor there, Brent Hawkes , who had done the theology course with me, at Trinity College, way back in the fall of 1980. It has been a week of reconnecting with friends. It helps to ground you in things much bigger than just the small world we often surround ourselves with in our home communities and churches. Rob and Rick's wedding picture. They are still happily married.

AIDS Memorial

2008-06-27T17:32:00.000-02:30

Last night I attended the AIDS Memorial Service at the AIDS Park in Toronto. It was a very moving moment, especially with so many around in tears for loved ones they remembered, whether parents, children, sibling or just friends. I remember Donnie Nippard who died this past fall from AIDS. I reflected on the sorrow that was present and how the church often treats those who have died of AIDS as undeserving or unworthy of sorrow, because they are "sinners". How far the church has moved from the Jesus who reached out and ate with those who others are rejected and abandoned. I am sure God was there last night with those who were remembering and in sorrow. It was a spirit filled time, painful but hopeful.

Trinity College

2008-06-24T23:50:00.002-02:30

Arrived Monday at Trinity College, Toronto, the school I graduated from 25 years ago. I am attending the Divinity Alumni Conference. Walter Deller, Principal of Emmanuel St Chad in Saskatoon is the keynote speaker. He was at Trinity a year ahead of me. Very heavy stuff on human Rights and the Interpretation of Scripture. It makes you think. Great to meet a number of others that I went to Trinity with, and to renew old friendships. The former Primate, Michael Peers, is also here. Enjoying all even the worship with all the incense and signing. BCP Sung Evensong Monday with Talli Choir. Celtic Morning prayer and BAS Eucharist. Conference goes until Wednesday evening. Trinity College Chapel is the picture. It was built in the 1950's and it is where I learnt to sing the offices of Anglican worship.

Welcome

2008-06-23T09:09:00.001-02:30

June 23 and I am ready to depart for Toronto to begin my Sabbatical. I will hopefully post thoughts, events and pictures here over the next three months and help people keep up with my travels and learnings. See you all along the way. It is November now and I will be adding pictures and editing the blog over the next few weeks. The new additions will be written in italics like here. This picture is of one of my two cats, Diesel, wanting to travel as well.