The Community Reports from the October Community Week 2014

Arrivals — most folks arrived on a ferry blessed by a pod of dolphins leaping and playing as we crossed the sound.

First programme session - filling in the gaps with whom you don’t yet know well. And the very valuable sharing of news, of which a note was taken

Sunday - A bright sunny morning with a sermon struggling with the tough parables of Matthew 22.. The context of ‘default man’ began to permeate conversation. The dominant, homogeneous, grey-suited wielder of power.

Session with respectful ground rules… on the aftermath of the referendum, and our spiritual, emotional and other experience of the process and after. A safe atmosphere, where ‘yes’ and ‘no’ folks could reflect on how it had been for them ‘accepting the result’ that the majority of people on want to remain part of the United Kingdom…but...

Followed up on Monday morning - Some constructive suggestions and a five-point plan emerged. Following up and clarifying the earlier conversations, reflection on the international movement/Scottish-based charity identity of the - Our international profile does not preclude the Community from engaging in issues in Scotland.

Closing the Gap

John Harvey introduced the work following on from Neil Cooper’s (CAP) presentation at a previous Summer Community Week. Not just an IC project but working with various other organisations.

The final report of the ‘Closing the gap on poverty in Scotland’. Poverty Premium = additional cost of food, fuel, financial services and funerals. Kenny McBride was the part- time worker on the project who worked with local groups in Glasgow and Dunoon. Findings echoed those of Joseph Rowntree Foundation… urgency of getting these insights in public domain before the UK General Election.

Key recommendations…

The principle and practice of ‘Nothing about us, without us, is for us ’ should be used as a basis for implementing all of these recommendations. People in poverty should have a voice in all decisions that are made about how to tackle the Poverty Premium.

The Scottish Government should develop a plan for tackling the Poverty Premium in partnership with local communities who are worst affected. This should include the establishment of a challenge fund to pilot new approaches to reducing the Poverty Premium at community level.

The UK Government ’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills should commit to developing a strategy for substantially reducing the Poverty Premium in relation to food, fuel and finance over the lifetime of the next Parliament (2015–20).

Businesses which provide food, fuel or finance should commit to reducing the Poverty Premium , as part of their wider corporate social responsibility objectives.

Regulators should adopt a much more robust approach to tackling the Poverty Premium , and address the failure of markets in food, energy and financial services to treat low-income consumers equitably.

Local authorities, social landlords and others should explore the potential for collective purchasing of food and fuel and for district heating systems or community energy co-operatives in low-income neighbourhoods.

The partners in ‘Closing the Gap in Scotland’ should pilot a ‘community hub ’ approach to delivering a range of affordable goods and services (food, fuel, finance, etc) within one or more local communities in Glasgow.

John also presented copies of the work of the Poverty Truth Commission, which works in three-year cycles.

Iona Futures

Peter gave a report on the work of the Iona Futures Group for those who were unable to attend the AGM and also to give an update on progress since then.

The Iona Community has been working with volunteers in our centres on Mull and Iona for many years. In that time thousands of young people, and some not so young, have had the opportunity to learn more about themselves, to explore personal faith and consider life goals and directions, to make new friends and develop a commitment to the service of others, to become passionate about peace, social and environmental justice and learn new skills both practical and people centred.

This yields a rich harvest of people committed to a more peaceful, equal and generous world. Recognizing the influential role that many of these people have played over the years, the Iona Community now intends to develop a new programme of formation and training over a longer period.

We hope that the new Programme will offer:

• an intensive one year programme of personal, spiritual, vocational and global formation, including a nine month placement based on the island of Iona for young people (18-30 years) from different backgrounds and nationalities preparing them for a life of commitment and participation;

• a feeder programme for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, using the Centres on Iona and Mull as well as our base in Glasgow as the sites for developing personal life skills and gaining experience in specific work areas;

The Community will also offer:

• a short sabbatical programme for ministers and others who wish to explore the joys and challenges of life in community and the Iona Community ’s Rule of Life. • a programme open to people of all ages for people who wish to share in the common life for 6-12 weeks volunteering in our centres. • Continued and enhanced weekly programming at the Abbey for individuals and groups looking to explore important peace and social justice issues as well as to deepen their own spiritual journeys. Just as laboratories need to be re-equipped from time to time if they are to sustain the experimental practice they were built for, the physical environment on Iona now needs to be reconstructed to meet the expectations and challenges of the present day. The key improvements are in accessibility – installing a lift, removing bunk beds and providing new accessible bedrooms and washrooms, flexibility – providing personal space for reflection or study and facilities for group work, and sustainability – improving insulation and using renewable energy sources.

Iona – a place of learning

The Iona Community and the University of the Highlands and Islands have agreed to work in partnership to develop a range of educational activities on the island of Iona. Working with other partner organisations including Historic Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and the island ’s Community Council, the intention is to develop Iona as a place of learning and to support educational and economic development in Argyll.

This partnership will focus on;

• providing summer schools in a refurbished Iona Abbey which would focus on the history and culture of the island and which would form part of the Iona Community ’s annual programme of residential weeks;

• Exploring the potential for residential weeks, and student placements as part of, or aligned with, UHI validated programmes, made available for UHI students based on Iona;

• Exploring the potential to develop research studies focusing primarily on the cultural heritage of Iona and its contemporary expression;

• Exploring the concept of Iona as a place of learning, and to contribute expertise to a development group the primary purpose of which would be to redevelop the Iona Community ’s MacLeod Centre. Members Reports – Sheila Doig

Not a theologian or academic… nor had any encounters with George MacLeod… About 1986, head of a primary school in Beaconsfield… invitation from Bishop of Oxford to raise money for the MacLeod Centre … stayed in Abbey with Ruth Burgess as programme worker. Thrill of accomplishing the journey.

Sheila had never come across such a welcome, together with such strong views, but which were not imposed on the children. Brought parties of primary schoolchildren year after year. The people were always there to match the children she brought. Sheila enjoyed being alongside people, not telling them what to do. Empowering, rather than organising.

Sheila has been fostering children since 2000. Has been able to bring children to Iona. Also now trains new foster carers. NB also has a family home on Islay - every holiday since five years of age. When her grandfather died the farm was sold to RSPB - Solar electricity(limited) , water from a burn. Happy for Community members to go and use the house.

Involved with homeless projects… frustration with organisations and the professionalition/ managementisation of caring projects. Believes in importance of treating people - even vulnerable - decently.

Organises the Iona Community presence at Glastonbury, together with David Osborne. This developed from a tent to a seating area with carpets, fire pit etc. A safe place for people to sit and be listened to. Also Holy Communion. . year after year a spiritual presence in the midst of the festival.. People now recognise the Iona Community, and come back year after year. Also helps with Ruth Burgess and others at Greenbelt.

======

Mike Minneter….

Mike asked - What are the shapes and colours in my life? How are they moving around? Single, 59 1/2 - Born Manchester … studied physics - worked in software in . Kayaks. 1989 Discovered Iona due to bad weather on a kayak trip … found work at Camas. Back to London, in 1992 got fed up with city computing. The technology was making money - joined “Movement for faith and justice today” . Good at computing - scope for using this to help people understand monitor and manage the environment.

Mike now works at the University of Edinburgh computing in geosciences helping researchers run climate models. “Supposing CO2 doubles, what would the consequences be? - Is there a connection with current extreme events?” Current excitement with seismic monitoring world-wide. … Based in Edinburgh University.

Joined New Members programme after 22 years as an associate following a regional plenary. At same time as worries about own RC church. Crisis of identity and vision in revised English Language liturgy, silencing of debate.. total absence of subsidiarity. Formed group in Edinburgh to pray for renewal (selves and the church) - Prayed Iona prayer.. Then after eight months Pope Francis was appointed. “if you think that’s a coincidence…” See “Joy of the Gospel” - a new, beautiful challenge to centralisation, delight in variety of theology, - in so many ways resonant with things we are comfortable with here…

Mike has a growing sense of urgency — from wondering, ‘what I am going to do when grow up to wondering what to do with the time I have left?” NB UK politics - a Kairos moment… how to engage with this, from having been a member of the Labour party.

“Anthroposcene” - the geological era that what humans are doing is changing the planet. Awareness that the science that he helps happen does matter, but the most important thing is to look at how people encounter the planet. Excited to be co-opted back onto the Camas committee. Worries that he might be too much of an armchair radical. “Don’t just work for the common good, but build community with the poor “ ( Pope Francis) Inspired to see the poverty truth commission in Glasgow - the building of beautiful, grounded relationships.

Ignatian influence - "looking for what draws me rather than what drives me”. ======

Torsten Haak – a non-member’s report

Torsten is originally from Hamburg. Seafaring family, grandfather captain on tall ships.. His father also went to sea until ultimatum from his wife. Growing up went to North Sea, small fishing places.

Lutheran at a Catholic school. Took complete part in everything. In secondary — confirmation - surprised at absence of RC fittings and practices. Test/exam for confirmation. Minister came to house. Discovered minister had been in merchant navy. Chatted with father. Go ahead, party, presents.

Torsten’s mother was from Berlin so grew up going through the border controls and witnessing scare tactics. This fuelled Torsten’s dislike of military and uniforms. On finishing school began an apprenticeship as joiner/ cabinet maker. Then national service as a conscientious objector and was allocated to the main church in Hamburg and became joiner there. Three ministers, always in black, white ruffs. Seven conscientious objectors working in the church whose duties included making sandwiches and pouring wine for the parties. Became disillusioned with civic role of church. Wanted to study architecture - 4 yrs in Hamburg. Met Aileen in Hamburg. Applied to study in Edinburgh together. Then the chance to live and work in Japan! Wanted to go… grants to go as architect. Torsten also motivated by his interest in martial arts including Japanese archery and was good enough to be in the German national team. Aileen applied for exchange teaching English… she got her post but Torsten didn’t get his. Returned to Scotland to study European building conservation in Dundee, then Edinburgh world heritage trust as building advisor, regeneration scheme in Arbroath then Glasgow city heritage trust – national iniative of the Scottish Govt to invest in the cities. Historic Scotland and local authorities involved. Torsten set up the Glasgow trust including an educational programme of 120+ lectures, workshops, debates, training in 5 years .. 550 projects, £6 million in grants. An enabler and grant aiding body.

Peter came looking for a new Iona Community House and Torsten put him in touch with Four Acres Charitable Trust and the Lion Chambers. Sorting all the out takes a long time. In the meantime his agency has changed in character. Has recently given a grant to FACT to pay for legal costs of acquiring the building…. More is now going on. He has a commitment to rescues this - one of the earliest examples of a skyscraper construction in the world. ======

Trevor Jones A life of stories – another non-member’s report

People at Iona ask who you are, what you do etc. Parent, husband, chef, teacher - ‘Christine would say I’m hard work!’

At 16 his mother sent Trevor to college to train to be a chef. Two yearrs later went to work in hotels, restaurants then NHS. Then taught in college - one of the first teaching posts following “ROSLA” - still practicing how to write on chalkboard! At 27 transferred to main college - .. 1st child, 2nd child… cert-ed. At 31 moved to Crewe for promotion 3rd child. No more children planned. 34 - Started new dept in Wigan. Chris also worked at the college developing resources. …4th child. “Retired from child production”

At 45 both left college to start own business. National curriculum had changed in England. Practical stuff like domestic science etc vanished, reinstated as “technology” Own business.. tough. Selling a concept… vocational training for bottom academic end. Trevor and Christine worked together for 7 years but took its toll on family life.

At 50 went to work for AQA - Examination board, and Christine began ministerial training. 52 - final period of employment at a Redbank. Secure unit for 12-18 year olds -15ft fence- definitely residential. At 59 - invited to retire, but felt affronted. Packages offered. At 62 knew he was tired. In an area of work where you need to be on top of the game every lesson. 62 went to Trinity Church. At 64 retired again. So – ‘what did I learn in 39/40 years?’ Relationships are key. Learn to trust and be open. Try to take people at face value.

Then read “The Shack” which jumped off page and slapped him: put life in perspective.. Communication? Boundaries? At Christine’s church, boundaries have been difficult - It’s her job but minister’s spouse a difficult thing, but also caterer. Working with workers with special needs.

Faith: I have been coming to Iona for a long time. IC has had a significant impact on their lives, especially at Trinity - local church, no money, complete reorganisation…BUT Christine found where the money was – the circuit reserve fund. Indebted to John Polhill - as statistician - using figures to win arguments and to Ron Reid as been chair of management group. Family group a consistent support.

======

Member’s Report - Viv Davies

Reminded of childhood in N Wales - little Welsh methodist chapel — 82 yrs later, on this island that many down south have never heard of ! When Viv was 8 she was very seriously ill - hospital 6 months. Consultant called me his little miracle. Father said “Ask God to make you better. I thought I was going to get better anyway and left it to the village to pray.’ Viv wanted to be a nurse but parents thought she would not be strong enough. However he parents’ German Jewish doctor advised “Unless you let her be a nurse she will never forgive you’. So Viv went to Liverpool to train and then studied midwifery in London . Met Tony and got married. Unusual married life with Viv in Labrador, Canada and Tony in the Antarctic! 20 months separation! Now married 54 years .

Viv gave up nursing and raised two girls and adopted two indian boys. Living in Birmingham Viv volunteered with the Samaritans. Became an associate member and was one of the few new-ish members who met George MacLeod when Margaret Stewart brought George to Birmingham. Moved to Edinburgh due to Tony’s job- retired early – decided to finally become a member. Hallowed by Norman in the year that Kathy became leader.

In Edinburgh worked in the Ark - cafe for homeless folk-for 16 yrs. Brought two separate groups to Camas for a week. Humbling, nerve-wracking, challenging exciting ..moving. Viv remembers sitting down at the table with her group one of whom remarked, “people don’t sit down and eat with us!” Viv appreciated the support of Dot Stewart and Bill Kennedy.

Eight years ago moved to then discovered arthritis in back and knee. Thinking of Methodist covenant, ‘No longer my own, but yours/ put me to what you will / …let me be employed for you or laid aside for you’. Something to be reconciled to with age - “being laid aside for Christ” - but attends gym not to be a burden.

In Exeter worked in Gabriel house - hostel for homeless - for a couple of yrs. Now taken over by Bournemouth Churches Housing association. Sedentary occupation - knitting - (she showed us) Yarn-bombing in Exeter environmental campaign – locals puzzled! When Gaza war was flaring up, Palestinian Solidarity Group in Exeter had a vigil. Viv joined in. Also supports Global Centre: farmers in Uganda, encourage growing of pineapples, enabling children to go to school.

======

Member’s Report - Sylvia Cottle

Sylvia’s first contact with Iona was maybe around 1970. Came up to the Abbey. Didn’t know anything about the Community. Remembered statue in clusters. Was already a probation officer,. then worked in FE college on social care course. In 80s married Gordon, holidays at Ardnamurchan. Perhaps day visits first and to services in Abbey.

Sylvia remembers being struck by a display at the Crossing on Hiroshima. “ Here were Christians actually making political comments. Gordon became an associate. Sylvia eventually joined as an associate in her own right but was somewhat in awe of the membership. Then her brother died suddenly at 61. Some query about the kind of funeral - partner and son thought about a humanist funeral… then ‘God intervened’ - Humanist was busy! But a retired Welsh vicar available who used a Celtic blessing, “Deep Peace” recognised from Iona. Then nephew rang, and wanted to take ashes…to Iona.

Gordon decided to become a member, she didn’t want to just because he did. Maybe she should join something more about prayer? - investigated others, then finally decided … heard of two young men who were going to be interviewed - felt it might be time.

Caring for Gordon’s sister, Pauline, has been a challenge of practicality to her professional concepts e.g. client self-determination. They have visited Iona with Pauline, but not staying in Community situation - wouldn’t cope.

After suffering an aneurism Sylvia lost much of hearing in one ear and now knows what it is like to have a disability. It could happen again or hearing could go in other ear so what to do with life now? – Sylvia takes a full part in church life, Christian Aid, Fair trade, and has served as a school school governor.

Sylvia is still glad that she bit the bullet and joined the Community. ======

Member’s Report - Peter Coats

Peter has just started to write his spiritual memoirs -life has been a struggle with the church . As a child he feels he was a natural mystic. Loved the world as it was but not brought up with any religion. Father sent him to Sunday School.. “so you get their side of the story…” Fascinated by the church. Born in Huddersfield with a big Victorian cemetery…. Intrigued by the monuments to death…

Moved suddenly to Blackpool. No notice from parents. ‘Bloody great van and I’m off to Blackpool!’ Peter’s teenage years saw ‘a darkening of the light’. Had a sort of religious thing with Evangelicals.. ‘they almost got me’… became interested in Buddhism. Preferred reincarnation to this heaven and hell business.

Big life changes after university. Went to Nigeria as a VSO. Came home, got job in Jamaica, but went back to Nigeria to support friend Bob. Then everything went wrong… he got a letter from Jamaica saying the job is still available (he had managed to crash a Landrover against the only tree in the Sahara desert.. cost him a lot).

Jamaica… but doubts about the work in forestry he was doing. Found himself challenged on justice. The awfulness of what had happened to the people and the cheerfulness with which they got on with it. Peter was a bit of a hippy and fascinated by Rastafarians. Rastas were interesting, not like the evangelicals… thoughtful people. “Try reading the Bible as a story”.. so he took their advice and by the time he got to Kings… sort of ‘born again’. Went to Twelve Tribes meetings - had red white and blue bobble cap!

Other British friends left and so Peter was left on his own. Contract came to an end… was offered a good job with UNDP.. but thought should come home to work with Economic Forestry Group in Eskdalemuir. But spiritual interest would not go away.. had also got into astrology in Jamaica… the unity of everything.

Interest in faith and serving the Church grew so Peter decided to become an ordinand and was told to ‘do more church, more community things’. Resigned from forestry - planting spruces all over the dales. Did community service volunteering with Walsall Christian Council but spent his time cutting down trees for vicars all over the West Midlands. They said no.

Peter taught in a Steiner school followed by more forestry then came across the IC BUT began to understand and love the church and see it as the hope for humanity. The church is still sleeping. Jesus talked of incarnation - into us!

Some years later Peter’s father died fairly unexpectedly. Landed on Iona for Advent where he met Ron Ferguson and people of integrity, who were warm and genuine. Peter was on Iona at another Christmas when he received news that his sister had lost a baby. This hit him hard but there were no ferries and he feared, ‘Oh no, all these Christians will want to help! Fiona Squires was housekeeper and was a great help as was Larry Nugent who advised, “Go to Grant’s and get pissed”.

Peter became an associate thinking it was about time he joined something. Usually an outsider but became a Quaker, even an eminent Quaker, an elder in meeting house.

Left last forestry job in Nigeria, more or less kicked out.