Introduction

From June 21 through July 5, 2006, twelve pilgrims from Wisconsin will be journeying to Scotland. The heart of the journey will be a week spent on the Isle of Iona. This blog is meant to capture highlights of our travels and reflections on our experiences.

Of the twelve participants (nine women, three men; seven clergy, five laity), seven are members of First Congregational UCC, Appleton, Wisconsin, and an eighth belongs to Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Appleton. Three other pilgrims reside elsewhere in Northeast Wisconsin, and the twelfth pilgim lives across the state in River Falls.

Our agenda on Iona includes:

• Morning and evening worship at the Abbey


• Presentations and discussion about the history and natural history of the island, pre-Christian and Christian Celtic religion, and the modern Iona Community


• Participation in the Tuesday pilgrimage around Iona hosted by the Iona Community


• A trip to Staffa to visit Fingal's Cave and commune with the puffins


• Abundant free time for rest, reflection, and relaxation.