Quartz at St Johns Dumfries
It’s the summer, but just in case you are unable to take time out to stand on a bridge and watch the water, here is some light to bathe in.
There is something important about the way in which just experiencing somethings builds us up. Or simply brings a smile to our faces and a good feeling. If you fancy some more thought though, then ways in which we can use and learn from water are discussed further here (#SensingSpirituality).
We have been busy in the last couple of weeks, so here is a short overview of some of what we have been up to.
We gave away around twenty “Contact Cards” to people we chatted with over the course of the afternoon at Caerlaverock castle. Other artwork was available in a box in the centre of the Labyrinth.
If you a curious about what sound foraging is, then have a listen to Jen Mac or visit Jen Mac music. It made an interesting addition to the sound environment when reading and walking the labyrinth. Perhaps, in the future, we will be able to collaborate on something like this Martyn Bennett track.
So what did people think of the experience?
“Here are some pics for you from today – we very much enjoyed being part of things and hope for more…”
A Ukrainian lady thanked me for the labyrinth and said it was really important to have time and space to reflect.
“I had a nice chat at the labyrinth with a Romanian chap who was happy to be away from his kids for some personal moments looking at the various exhibits in the castle grounds…
So, he was encouraged to walk the labyrinth after some explanations, taking his time to slowly walk the path to the centre and read some of the literature there. Talking afterwards, he seemed to really appreciate the experience as a way to clear his mind of petty thoughts.
Later I wandered over to the stone carving area and had a go at some stone fettling…looking over at the other person chipping away at a block I recognised a young face from one of my own stained-glass workshops in Lochside! We had a nice chat and then the Romanian guy from earlier walked over and I discovered he was the lad’s father! That was a very nice moment of completing some kind of circle of personal connections. I understood a little more of God’s love for us all as a community of beings in his great world.
Overall, I really enjoyed the experience of being part of a small community of believers transcending time for an afternoon and offering folk an opportunity to unwind as they walked the labyrinth of their own dreams and expectations. They all had their own experience of following a path laid out…the rest is up to God.”
While I’m working on a report about all the activity over midsummer, here is a wee glimpse of some of the other art I have been working on.
This is a set of nine illuminations described as fruit of the Spirit. Drawing them has helped me think about the presence of God. Perhaps a little like the disciples walking down the road to Emmaus. The presence is there, and experiencing it is like tasting fresh fruit on a warm and tiring day.
Following that story though, the question I have for the Church in the cultures I live in is; does the manner in which we break bread and share wine reveal the presence of Jesus in these every day experiences?
The collection of 9 illuminations is available for download via my patreon site.
We will be holding a Midsummer Forest Church service on Sunday the 25th of June. We will meet at the castle road end car park near Caerlaverock castle at 3pm.
https://goo.gl/maps/RQ8FqEaXA3Bpcst26
(54.97845046765338, -3.5229645328674453)
We will walk up the hill to Wardlaw iron age fort. This is a farm track with steps. There are no facilities at the top, so please dress appropriately and bring a snack!
Having cautioned you, the reward for walking up the hill will be the opportunity to bathe in some woodland with views over the Solway. We will meet in Christs name and share his peace, whether you consider yourself a close friend or are simply curious – we meet in peace.
We will use a variety of poetry, music and reading to compliment the messages placed in creation from the dawn of time. Hopefully this will be more than just Church outdoors and the saunter up the hill will help us worship and restore relationships.
As this Sunday is close to midsummer we will also reflect on the themes of light, the sun, and pausing to contemplate. The place we are meeting is an ancient watch hill, so a good physical, and metaphysical, vantage point.
Meet in car park, gather and share peace
“We meet in Jesus name. Whether you consider yourself a close friend or are just curious, we meet in Christs peace. Peace be with you”
share a sign of peace.
The summer solstice occurred in the middle of last week. It was the longest day and the shortest night. The amount of daylight we experience had been building up all year, then stood still, and will now decrease. You could use the journey up the hill to think about your year so far, and then pause to reflect in the fort, or simply enjoy the experience! If you want to chat about what you are thinking with someone, make eye contact (sometimes thoughts happen best in discussion out loud) however if someone doesn’t make eye contact they are not being rude, they are just being busy with their thoughts (some people think best in private).
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. 23 But if your eye is bad [spiritually blind], your whole body will be full of darkness [devoid of God’s precepts]. So if the [very] light inside you [your inner self, your heart, your conscience] is darkness, how great and terrible is that darkness!
Matt 6:22,23
Start Walking!
Gloria in exelsiuis, Gloria in exelsius, Glo.ri.a
Christus natus est.
Together
Come I this day to the Father of Light,
Come I this day to the Son, morning-bright,
Come I this day to the Holy Ghost great in might;
Come I this day this day with God, blessing to find,
Come I this day with Christ, promise to bind,
With the Spirit of potion kind.
(NRSVA)
24 ‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!26 ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[a] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
34 ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
36 and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:24-39
We stand in an ancient fort, set on a high hill. What conflict did the builders fear, what statements were they making?
Trees grow through the ramparts, transforming them. The shape of the roman fort has been ploughed out of recognition. Who remembers the names of those who built these proud structures, or the taoiseach and emperors who commanded their building. We slow our minds to think at the speed of growing things, trees, earth, stone.
All living things grow, take time to wander, talk to the trees about being rooted. Reflect on where you draw your energy from and feel it tingle in your fingertips. Allow yourself to become aware of the presence of the comforter, bathe in the green and the presence of the sun.
O God, and Spirit, and Jesu, the Three,
From the crown of my head, O Trinity,
To the soles of my feet mine offering be;
Come I with my name and my witnessing,
Come I with contrite heart, confessing,
Come I unto thee, O Jesu my King –
O Jesu, do thou be my sheltering,
(South Uist, Celtic spiritual verse, GRD McLean
Walk down the hill.
May the God of life with guarding hold you,
The loving Christ with guarding fold you
Each night of life to aid, enfold you
Each day and night of life uphold you.
The grace of our lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore, Amen
Go in peace, to love and serve, Amen
Whilst researching making an early medieval bell (to use at Caerlaverock on Saturday) I stumbled on the Latin for ‘bell’ used in Irish/Scottish texts, which is Clocca. The similarity with “clock” struck me, and I went back to working metal.
I then started wondering about ways of telling the time, as in letting everyone know what hour it was rather than measuring the length of day. In monasteries bells tolled the hour. Some buildings with bell/clock towers still provide that service. We still ‘tell’ the time with ‘clocks’ even if they don’t ring or chime as much. On a ship bells ring to change watch.
Are the watches on our phones echoing the practice of an ordered day, inherited from monastic living?
and…
In what ways can we use the marking of hours to live our lives more intentionally?
Or even to become aware of sensing the presence of the divine in our daily lives.
References to the presence and use of bells can be found in Adamnan’s “Life of Columba” It is used to summon the community so that they can pray for a king fighting a battle far off and for the crew of a ship which is in trouble sailing into what is now called Belfast lough. It marks the hours in the monastery, and the account of Columba’s last moments on earth begin with the sounding of the bell at midnight.
Even earlier is is reported that they (campana) are used to summon monks to prayer by Ferrandus writing to Eugippius, and in the writings of Benedict of Nursia. Other words for bell like objects include: Signum, campana, and glogga
Becoming a patron of the arts used to be the privilege of the rich. Perhaps it would be seen as a duty, perhaps an expression of power and social ambition. Sometimes simply a tax dodge, but on other occasions passionate patrons could bankrupt themselves leaving contributions they believed contributed to the good of society at large. Through various web sites, or by establishing direct relationships, the opportunity to experience becoming a patron has opened up to those who can afford the price of an extra coffee a week.
Since you are reading this, you are probably already aware of the ways in which Quartz uses artwork online. We also make physical visual arts. Most are enjoyed free at point of access. There is usually a link between the two in each project we work on.
(I’ve posted the artwork from the photo on my patreon page. I’m working on making others more useful for digital displays and printing on service sheets).
On a larger scale artists working as Quartz have developed tapestries, massive installations, walk in labyrinths – and simple cards. They are a way of acting creatively with the world we exist in, with the wider communities we are part of.
In general, this is what artists do and have always done even though the tools change from gold leaf on vellum to illuminated screens. If you’d like to contribute your creativity through Quartz please get in touch to get involved!
Another opportunity the digital age presents are new ways in which many more people can become patrons of the arts and get involved that way.
It is possible for people to like and share their preferences online. In a similar way to encourageing people to visit a gallery in person, you can now share an experience worldwide through your smartphone and friendship networks. Instead of relying on centralised funding and commercial galleries anyone with digital access has the potential to help build up virtual galleries and networks that celebrate new folk art, emerging artists, or amateurs creating for the love of it.
Have you ever looked round social media platforms, Etsy, Patreon, or small high street galleries specifically to discover ways you can nurture artists?
Learning to do so online is a discipline – fight the algorithms which consume your attention! You can use your likes, comments, and subscriptions to shape the online world.
You can find my Patreon page by following this link
On Saturday the 24th of June Quartz will be presenting the opportunity for people to walk a Labyrinth. We will also interpret information about the first recorded farmers of the land. These were monks from Holme Cultrum Abbey across the Solway, which was at that time part of Scotland.
We will be doing this from 13.00 to 16.00 as part of the Creative Caerlaverock project which is exploring ways in which the community can engage with the castle and its grounds. The Castle itself is closed for safety reasons, but the grounds are open and access is free. If you are in the area, drop in. If you are reading this online and can’t travel hopefully you can try things out where you are.
We will be laying out a rope labyrinth which will hopefully be around 10m in diameter. Walking outdoors where the wind, birdsong and feel of the ground immerse you in the landscape is a special experience. We will encourage people to become aware of two of their abilities to sense which we think this activity is particularly suited to.
Some experiences are special. Life is more than just it’s physical components. There can be moments where we sense something that can be described as sublime. Mystics experience transcendence, and then spend the rest of their lives trying to explain it in a way which avoids disrespecting the experience. Whatever metaphysics you use to understand these experiences, taking time out to become mindful of the otherness of where you are, the specialness of this particular moment, can help enrich your ordinary experience of everyday life.
On this day it might be helpful to think about the length of time this site has been used (This land was once below the waves, could a roman soldier have walked here?)
The Monks at Holme Cultrum lived a lifestyle which cultured an awareness of otherness. This contemplative life was balanced with an active life though, where the presence of God is experienced in daily life. The Practice of the Presence of God is an account by the C17th monk known as Brother Lawrence. You can find a copy here.
More fully this is described as “Sensing a changed quality in Awareness”. If you can walk the labyrinth laid out on the grass then you might sense a change in the quality of your awareness of yourself and surroundings. The labyrinth restricts the path you walk, but perhaps this can free your mind to wander. By walking the labyrinth your experience of the lawn at the castle is changed. Perhaps you will experience inner change from walking.
Perhaps it will be as simple as having the opportunity to experience a moment of peace in what would otherwise be a busy day.
If attending a church service or singing beautiful chants helped the monks experience the transcendence of God, perhaps working in the fields, healing a sick person, or walking simply along a leafy lane, gave them moments where they sensed “Uncommonly good days” or the kingdom of God like salt in food or yeast in bread.
The days have been getting longer, now they become shorter. The sun stands still. It can be recognised as a time to pause, rest, and mark the change in the year. A labyrinth can help you do this.
Return whenever it might be helpful!
At one time Labyrinths were used by people as mini pilgrimages. Some were drawn on the floors of cathedrals, and may have represented a journey to Rome, or Jerusalem. They are much older though and have been a game played by children leaving winter and greeting the spring. This one is drawn by Simon Lidwell and is inspired by Iron age mirrors and wild geese swimming on the water.
As well as the labyrinth, we will also be presenting a collection of chants, prayers and readings from the history of monastic life in the area, from the 4th century to recent compositions. Monasteries used to regulate their pattern of life with special activities at certain hours. We will draw on this tradition by following a pattern throughout the time we are there. There will be a bell, the readings, some chanting and the opportunity to walk the labyrinth.
A very brief introduction…
Around the time that legal protection was extended to cover Christians in the roman empire, Christians also started to leave ‘normal’ society and seek the wilderness. Desert dwelling hermits and communities like those established by St Martin at Tours inspired Christian monasticism. The first example of this in Scotland is represented by St Ninian at Whithorn. This was probably followed by Portmahomac and Iona and then Lindisfarne. The way of life in a monastery was regulated by a rule, usually attributed to the founder, and these helped the community find a single-hearted focus on seeking God. Monks from the skelligs in the west helped rebuild culture after the destructive migration period, taking their customs and rules with them. Traces can be found in medieval manuscripts in the Italian alps.
The Benedictine rule then washed back into these island, and it is still the basis many communities of monks live by. Cistercians were the ones recorded as owning the lands around Caerlaverock and you can read more about how this continues to this day.
If you are interested, then community of Pluscarden abbey in the north of Scotland is a living example of monastic life in a building originally founded only a century or so after Holm Cultram.
https://www.pluscardenabbey.org/
Or find out more about what is going on where St Ninian lived:
This is the page of the Iona community. The combination of spiritual seeking and hard labour rebuilt the monastery there with trainee ministers and unemployed workers working alongside each other.
And here is where you can find out more about another contemporary approach which draws inspiration from early communities on the Farne islands of Northumbria.
https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/who-we-are/introducing-the-community/a-new-monasticism/
We will be holding a Midsummer Forest Church service on Sunday the 25th of June. We will meet at the castle road end car park near Caerlaverock castle at 3pm. (54.97845046765338, -3.5229645328674453)
We will walk up the hill to Wardlaw iron age fort. This is a farm track with steps. There are no facilities at the top, so please dress appropriately and bring a snack!
Here is a curiosity to reflect on today. This is a league table ranking countries by what they contribute globally relative to their size.
You can read the definition of good which is used, how the rankings are calculated and view a breakdown into categories of contribution.
https://www.goodcountry.org/index/about-the-index/
Can you imagine a world where our elected leaders competed for our support based on their ability to organise contributions to science and technology beyond our borders?
Just in case you missed it, there are two opportunities to take part in the decision about whether the St Johns building can be used to conduct same sex marriages. Although, according to their conscience, clergy have been able to solemnise same sex marriages since 2017 the use of a particular building is the responsibility of the vestry
From the St John’s notices
On 25th June there will be a Table- Top Discussion event in the Hall after the Sunday service. This will be facilitated by Vestry members. The purpose of the discussion is to ascertain the general feeling of the Congregation about the matter. There will be no vote, as the decision has to be taken by the Vestry, having taken the views of the Congregation into account. It may be worth noting that the views of Vestry members, as in the rest of the Congregation, are varied, and no decision, one way or the other, has been made.
The Vestry in its meeting last month had further, lengthy, discussions about the question of whether we should allow same sex marriages to be conducted in our church building. A paper was circulated to all the Congregation on Sunday 11th June. There is also a tree with leaves for you to write your views. A box has been provided beside the tree if you would prefer to submit your view more discreetly. The box will be emptied and all views will be subsequently posted on the tree.
Pew Notes week commencing Sunday 18/6/23
We will be starting our midsummer Forest Church on Wardlaw hill later that the usual 2pm to allow people to participate in this discussion.
This Sunday afternoon we are meeting to explore labyrinths and the monastic tradition of Scotland. It will be a brief introduction, with feet on the ground activities.
We meet in Jesus name. Whether you consider yourself a close friend or are just curious, we meet in Christs peace. Peace be with you.
As we meet we remember those of the Christian family who have lived here before us, and those who have lived here loved by God before Jesus walked the earth.
We look out across the strath to the furthest place we can see, and allow our mind to wander through stories back in time to the earliest glimmer of the light of God we think of.
Then drawing back towards ourselves and our gathering today we look around and become aware of glimmers of God with us now.
Labyrinths are far older than Christianity, but Christians adopted them to help them pray, and carved them into cathedral floors. They can help people who cannot travel physically go on pilgrimages. The pattern helps shape our thoughts and guide our minds.
Monasteries adopt rules. One of the ways in which these rules help is to structure daily life around prayer. Prayer and labour, waking and sleeping, eating and reading, drinking and signing, all take place in a balanced order.
This activity combines both of these into an accessible activity for today. We will draw on the monastic liturgical tradition of the hours, and then walk the labyrinth. You are invited to use the journey through the labyrinth to reflect on the reading.
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth will proclaim your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
We will sing a Kyrie
Kyrie Eleison (echo)
Christe Eleison (echo)
Kyrie Eleison (echo)
1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“Lord, save me!”
5 The Lord is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The Lord protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
10 I trusted in the Lord when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”
12 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord—
in your midst, Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord.
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9 35-38
Still yourself at the start of the Labyrinth. You could simply use the pattern of letting go as you enter, resting in the centre and then revitalising yourself on the way out.
You are invited to reflect on the reading as well. On the way in remember ways in which you have experienced “The Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven”. At the centre rest, invite the Holy Spirit to comfort you. On the way out, allow imagined ideas of where the harvest might be experienced to come to mind.
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace of Christ,
of Christ the light of the world to you.
Deep peace of Christ to you.
The Spirit of truth lead you into all truth, give you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and to proclaim the word and works of God; and the blessing of God almighty be with us all, evermore
Amen.
We will then go and find some refreshment at the Crichton café and discuss plans…
Since it is midsummer in the middle of the week we will also be participating in Creative Caerlaverock’s launch event and holding a Forest Church service on the Hill of the Maxwells/Wardlaw hill.
(meet at 3pm at the small car park near the main road on the way to the castle – later than normal to allow people to participate in the same sex marriage discussion at St Johns after the 11 O’clock service).
