Dear Friends,

I am frequently reminded that spirituality in this region has a considerable amount to offer the wider church. It seems that a number of people make their way here to Argyll and The Isles searching for God, however they may understand that. This, surely, is a summons to us Episcopalians to deepen our own personal spirituality. In recent newsletters I have written about Liturgy. In particular, I have drawn attention to the Lectionary. This resource provides reading from Scripture for every day of the year. In particular, I would draw your attention to the daily Eucharistic readings: the Gospel passage. The Spirituality of the Gospel is not simply about reading it, but listening deeply in silence and so as Tolstoy would say “Being Formed By Christ.” So I urge you to spend a little time each day with the Gospel passage and allow it to touch your heart. If you would like to know more about how to use this time with the Gospel, then do get in touch with me.

STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL –

You will be glad to know that there has been a very positive response from many parts of the Diocese to the Stewardship Initiative. With each pack sent out to charges there was included “A Prayer for Argyll and The Isles” which I wrote as a basis for this renewal. In case you have not seen it or do not have a copy you will find it included at the end of this newsletter.

 

  

Diocesan Retreat 8^th-12^th October 2007

ONLY A FEW DAYS TO GO BUT STILL TIME TO BOOK.

Prayer in the Desert & Ocean. The Conductor will be The Reverend Mary Lewis. If you are interested in participating in this retreat please telephone or contact The College at Cumbrae tccumbrae@argyll.anglican.org

 or telephone 01475 530353.

 

“Exploring the Essence of Religion”

Bishop’s House Iona 5^th-9^th Nov 2007.

Running a retreat ourselves at Iona is a new venture for our Diocese and is an attempt to extend the season at Bishop’s House and also to give those who might not be able to come in a full group the opportunity to join a led retreat.

Dominic Ind is the Rector of St Saviour’s, Bridge of Allan. Drawing on “the big five” (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam) Dominic will give a taste of what these ancient paths teach. He was a member of The First Order of The Society of St Francis and is an experienced retreat conductor. (Fee £250). www.island-retreats.org  or telephone 01681 700800

 

Assisi 2008 – May 25^th – June 1^st

Once again Elspeth and I are leading a pilgrimage to the magnificent city of Assisi in Umbria, Italy. Our next pilgrimage will be following in the footsteps of Saint Francis but with new insights and locations! If you are interested in participating please get in touch with me.

 

Music at The Cathedral of The Isles

28th-30^th Sept – Alastair Chisholm will be leading a Scottish Music Weekend at The Cathedral, with illustrated talks and musical entertainment. On Sunday afternoon there will be a concert of Scottish music with the St Maura Singers. Cost £100

For details or to book, contact the warden of Cumbrae email tccumbrae@argyll.anglican.org or telephone 01475 530353

 

Harvest

It may be that some Charges will be having their Harvest Thanksgiving during October. So in your preparations you may be interested in the free Harvest festival resources that are made available by “HarvestHelp”. To order your free pack or for more information, call 01952 260699 or see the website www.harvesthelp.org

 

Welcome to The Scottish Episcopal Church.

A new leaflet about The SEC has been designed to give a brief overview of The Church and our beliefs. I would encourage all charges to order these leaflets from The General Synod Office in Edinburgh

 

 

British Food Fortnight -until 7^th Oct

-                      A celebration of all that is good about British regional food and farming. You might like to link this with your Harvest celebrations. For more information: www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk

-                      For worship resources

www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/publications/rural_worship/index.html

 

 

Lambeth Conference 2008 16^th July – 4^th August

From the 11^th to the 15^th of July 2008 the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles will be hosting four bishops and their wives.

 You may have gathered from  the media that +Rowan the Archbishop of Canterbury is working hard to keep the Episcopal Church in the US and the African Churches positive towards attending the conference. To this end I hope each charge will be using The Anglican Cycle of Prayer on a daily basis, which includes every Diocese in the Anglican Communion. The Cycle mentions one Diocese each day.

So that you can be informed about The Lambeth Conference and involve it in your intercessions please visit the website www.lambethconference.org

If you would like copies of The Lambeth Conference bookmark please get in touch with this office.

 

 

Rural Stress Helpline

RSH is an Arthur Rank Centre project offering a confidential listening service to those suffering stress or distress in rural areas. Information about this resource can be obtained from their website which you might promote in the district where you live. www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk  01247 685 3060

 

Exploring the Wealth and Wonder of Christianity

An evening series of conversations with the well-known writer Gerry Hughes SJ.

Mondays in October and November 2007 at 7.30pm, The Lauriston Jesuit Centre, Edinburgh for more information telephone 0131 477 5795

www.lauriston.org.uk  Email: cboles@lauriston.org.uk

 

 THE BISHOP’S OCTOBER DIARY

 

Ist Oct 12noon – Meeting at Diocesan Centre concerning the future ministry at St Columba’s, Gruline,  Mull

2^nd Oct – 11am Chapter meeting at Diocesan Centre

3^rd – 7^th Oct – London

8^th – 12^th Oct Diocesan retreat, Cumbrae

10^th Oct – Edinburgh – interviews for Provincial Lay Learning Officer

12^th Oct – 10am – Glenalmond Council

13^th Oct – Consecration of Mark Strange as Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness

14^th Oct – Mull

15^th Oct – 2.30pm Diocesan Centre, Diocesan Mission & Ministry Board?

18^th Oct – 2pm Glenalmond Education Committee

19^th – 21^st Oct – St Columba’s Portree, Skye

23^rd and 24^th Oct – Edinburgh

26^th -28^th Oct – AGM weekend, Cumbrae

 

The November Newsletter – material to be received by Friday 19th October.

 

Reflection.

 

THE ARGYLL AND THE ISLES PRAYER

Christ of The Word,

You draw us to yourself

In the Compassion and the Love of God.

You come to us

In the ancient and ever present

Beauty of this Land and its people.

You breathe on us

The strength and confidence of The Spirit.

You renew us

In the vision and holiness

Of the Island Saints.

In the Sacrament of Your Presence,

 We open ourselves to live

Your life amongst others

With generosity and courage.

Come to us Christ of the Word. Amen

 

In the love of God, +Martin. Oban.

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