Church in the open

Celebrating church outdoors on a calm warm sunny day, filled with bird song, filled my heart with gratitude for the wonder that led me to dare to be a priest.


Called first and foremost to follow Christ.

Grown in obscurity, in unlikely places.

Called again to lead Christ's people.

Called in weakness to walk in Christ's strength.

Called in emptiness to share Christ's fullness.

Called in poverty to share Christ's riches.

Called in darkness to share Christ's light.

Called in the ordinary to reflect Christ's beauty.

Called to serve Christ.

Strengthened, equipped, enriched and beautified.

Called by Christ alone.

- Ruth Burgess, the Iona Community.