We will meet outside the Crichton chapel at 2pm on the 3rd Sunday in the month as usual. This Sunday we may be dodging showers of heavy rain, so please dress for the weather!
Continuing the theme of the posts on this site, this Sunday we will spend time thinking about water. Some of the reading for the day from the Scottish Episcopal Church calendar are
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.”
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.
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!
Another view from Wardlaw (in November!)
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.
The plan – Midsummer forest church 2
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.
Intro
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!
Gathering on Rampart
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.
Reading from the bible
(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.
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.
Repeat Gloria (to gather)
Lords prayer (Old English version)
On rampart ready to walk down the hill
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.
In the car park, sending out (together)
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
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.
The Labyrinth
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 chantshelped 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.
Walking
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.
Place your finger at the entrance to the Labyrinth.
As you follow the path to the centre, let your mind wander. If something worries you, acknowledge it and lay it to the side for just now. Unwind.
In the Centre, take time out to rest in the light of creation. Light shines in the darkness. You are loved. You have the potential to do what is needed and are free to choose not to reject that which is laid on you.
Follow the path out again. If you meet something you let go of on the way in, aknowledge it with peace. Choose to pick it up – or not!
Return whenever it might be helpful!
Why not save this to your phone or print this and go outside? Follow the path with your finger.
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.
Monastic life
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.
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.
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!
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.
Gathering in 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.
Settling
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.
Activity
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.
Calling
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.
Kyrie
We will sing a Kyrie
Kyrie Eleison (echo)
Christe Eleison (echo)
Kyrie Eleison (echo)
Psalm 116
1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2Because 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. 6The 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, 9that 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”; 11in 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. 14I 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.
Reading
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.”
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.
Intercession
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.
For those of you who join us online!
Blessing
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).
Gill Swales handed in some resources about this organisation. The map in the picture charts where it is most dangerous to practice Christianity openly.
“Our very mission is called ‘Open Doors’ because we believe that any door is open, anytime and anywhere. I literally believe that. Every door is open to go in and proclaim Christ, as long as you are willing to go and are not worried about coming back.”
How aware are we of the experience of being persecuted?
What are the differences between the experience of disagreement with opinions or beliefs which we hold, and rejection of and opposition to the continued practicing of being who we are?
As well as campaigning and supplying resources intercessory prayer is also a way to support people. In wee small rooms it is possible to change ourselves and change the world.
This months forest Church will be a little different. It is midsummer midweek so we are doing special things on the weekends before and after it.
Walking as a way to pray
Before:
On the 18th of June at the usual time of 14.00 and usual place outside the Crichton chapel we will be training to contribute to the Stove Networks Creative Caerlaverock event. Some people are familiar with the Quartz use of Labyrinths and religious art in public, but this is an opportunity for anyone to experience how we go about doing it. There will also be the opportunity to have a go at walking a labyrinth and trying out some medieval chants.
After:
On Saturday the 24th of June from 13.00 -16.00 (with set up from 12.00) we will take part in the event we have trained for. The team don’t need to be there the whole time, but you will need to have been trained beforehand! There is also the opportunity to follow the example of brother Robert from the siege of Carlaverock in 1300 and explore physics by using a trebuchet.
On Sunday the 25th we plan to meet up on Wardlaw hill for a Forest Church Midsummer-ish service. This service will have it’s own page with full details.
“Creative Caerlaverock”
As part of the Stove networks “Creative Caerlaverock” project Quartz will be helping people encounter the earliest mention of the lands of Caerlaverock. This is from 1160AD when it was part of the Cistercian Abbey lands of Holm Cultrum. We will use a labyrinth and an interpretation of monastic life to help people immerse themselves in the spiritual experience of the environment and become more aware of this. People will be invited to walk the labyrinth and we have cards which introduce historical and contemporary ways of doing this. Once set up people can take part in this at their own time and pace. Members of the quartz team will also be there to answer questions and converse. Some of the team will also re-enact a simplified version of the monastic hours and have clothing and other replicas objects to provide an immersive experience of life in a C12th monastic community.
This is not an evangelistic outreach event. Quartz takes cultural sensitivity and inclusive use of religious art in public seriously. The team will need to be aware that all these activities need to be conducted out in a manner which the general public can participate in at the level they choose with integrity whatever their religious or philosophical beliefs. It is however an opportunity to explore the heritage of Caerlaverock, medieval monasticism and to create a shared space for honest chats about the things which make human being special. We should perhaps expect to reap without sowing and discover revelations in unexpected places.
Knowing your place is a difficult business. If you stand out, or seem to be adopting to high an impression of yourself people will feel the need to put you down. If you aren’t sure of your place then it can be difficult to accept praise that is intended to build you up.
If you identify with a group of people who have been despised, persecuted, criminalised and misrepresented for generations then actively having pride is necessary just to hold yourself in a place others would consider normal.
In Dumfries and beyond, the month of June is used to celebrate the presence of LGBTQ+ people within the community. While there are still people pushing anonymous hate mail through LGBTQ + office doors, and claiming to be doing so in Jesus name, the Church has work to do. Until the balance of “normal” in our community has shifted and it becomes clear that any such hate message sent in Jesus name is unrepresentative of the Church then we have work to do.
This post aims to help redress the balance. To help anyone reading this engage with this work, what follows is a collection of links to resources to help you explore, reflect on, and express your beliefs positively. Love will find a way.
This section is intended as a work in process, please comment and e-mail us to help it develop.
TA mi lubadh mo ghlun An suil an Athar a chruthaich mi, An suil a Mhic a cheannaich mi, An suil a Spioraid a ghlanaich mi, Le gradh agus run.
Doirt a nuas oirnn a flathas Trocair shuairce do mhathas; Fhir tha ’n uachdar na Cathair, Dean-sa fathamas ruinn.
Tabhair duinn, a Shlan’ear Aigh, Eagal De, gaol De, agus gradh, Is toil De dheanamh air talamh gach re, Mar ni ainghlich is naoimhich air neamh; Gach la agus oidhche thoir duinn do sheimh, Gach la agus oidhche thoir duinn do sheimh.
I AM bending my knee In the eye of the Father who created me, In the eye of the Son who died for me, In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me, In love and desire.
Pour down upon us from heaven The rich blessing of Thy forgiveness; Thou who art uppermost in the City, Be Thou patient with us.
Grant to us, Thou Saviour of Glory, The fear of God, the love of God, and His affection, And the will of God to do on earth at all times As angels and saints do in heaven; Each day and night give us Thy peace. Each day and night give us Thy peace.
Please join us at 2pm outside the Crichton chapel to spend time outdoors #SensingSpirituality
Please read on for more thoughts about what we are attempting to do.
The estate is full of many people doing this in their own way. Activities like Walking the dog or playing football are a normal part of peoples daily routine. You don’t tend to think of the benefits of them, or even seek them out each time because you hope that they will be beneficial. The habits are simply part of a healthy lifestyle like taking a bath to clean your body.
Every now and then though we become aware of just how good it is to be in a place. The way the mist hugs the trees, or the light shines on a drop of water or the experience of a particularly good match that you watch or play in can stand out and create a changed sense of awareness. Not only do you enjoy the moment, but you also become aware of the specialial-ness of it. These memories become treasures and help you form your identity and sense of self. They can be a reservoir of resilience when it’s chucking it down with rain and you don’t have the energy to hope for an enjoyable walk.
Take a moment and compare this with your experience of services in church, if you have any. For some the smell of the place, the flow of the poetry in the words, being with people and singing of thoughts through song becomes physical feeling of sound harmonised with the building and belief.
I was there when he set the heavens in place,
when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
when he established the clouds above
and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
when he gave the sea its boundary
so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
Then I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.
Proverbs 8: 27 – 31
Do you recognise who is speaking in these words?
Learning #SensingAwareness can be a process of learning to recognise the “Voice”, in unfamiliar places – or perhaps in familiar places too!
So this Sunday we will spend time doing the normal activities of meeting, walking, together in a park, talking, eating, and drinking; and they will become special.
Look out for a special Midsummer events – A Labyrinth at Caerlaverock castle, Forest Church on Wardlaw hill
