Springfield Seminarians - A Breath Of Fresh Air

This week I am tutor in residence to students from the AOG Theological Seminary, Springfield, USA, led by Dr. Debbie Gill, who has outstanding gifts.  They are at The Open Gate on Holy Island.  I have to give eleven lectures on Ancient Celtic Christianity and current Neo-Monastic Movements.

Before arriving they had visited St. Mungo’s Cathedral, Glasgow, The Cathedral of the Ides at Cumbrae, Whithorn Priory and Ninian’s Cave, and Borders Abbeys from Melrose to Dryburgh.

They warmed to the holy Celtic monk Pelgius, who calls us to adopt Christ's ways in the beauy of our origins rather than in the ugliness of our sins.  A new wave of judgemental theology which splits spirit from matter and damns everyone except 'the elcct' is sweeping parts ofAmerica's Evngelical church. They  acknowledge that God has given us free will and invite the Holy Spirit into all  parts of our lives

Each student has already accomplished missionary work in Asian and other lands.

They are being introduced to the practice of soul friendship. So, in addition to my lectures, I gave each student one hour of spiritual direction.

Each pilgrim creates a Vade Mecum -  a journal and scrap book containing photos, prayers, learning experiences, reflections and drawings as Jesus goes with them on their pilgrimage.

I have to leave them at 7.0 am Sunday morning in order to preach and deacon at the morning service at Holy Trinity Church Berwick.

Then I will lie down and sleep.