The Cloisters of Iona Abbey provided cover for getting from the residential building to the sanctuary and back.  Many of the original pillars holding up the cloister roof have been replaced over the decades.  The original pillars, old and weathered, still provide the pattern and design for the rest of the pillars.

The faith community of the past provides the pattern and design for the faith community of today.  The new pillars have the pattern of old but at the same time tell their own story that will hold up the next generations of faith communities.

Let us pray for the pillars of the past, present and future. They all hold up the faith communities of Jesus Christ.

God of the ages:
Jesus, yesterday, today and for ever;
Spirit breathing life since the dawn of creation;
give us courage to walk new paths with You;
open our eyes to the endless depths
of your mystery.

We give thanks for the pillars of our past who provided the pattern,
we rejoice for the pillars of our present who continue the work of the church,
we celebrate the pillars of our future as we make room for them at the table today.

Amen. Let it be so. Amen.

Adapted from A Pilgrim’s Guide to Iona Abbey by Chris Polhill

Photos : JBR photos

Iona Abbey Cloister older pillar

Iona Abbey Cloister Pillars older in the back ground, newer in the foreground.