As a former church chorister , organist and choirmaster , Archbishop John has a passionate interest in church music being ‘ done well ’, whether complex musical settings or just simple hymns and songs , believing that it can do much to enhance quality , spirituality and effectiveness of many an act of worship .
He also enjoys a wide variety of music , watching sport – especially cricket and rugby – playing golf very occasionally , cooking and walking . He is married to Jo , an emergency nurse practitioner , and they have two grown-up children .
One of our own , Andrew McHaffie , grandson of St Oswald ’ s stalwarts , the late Joyce and Bill McHaffie and nephew of Morag , returns to the church on Harvest Sunday 14 October when he will speak about the work of the RNLI and his role in the organisation .
Formerly the youngest person ever to be appointed coxswain of a lifeboat when he took charge of the station at Tobermory , Andrew was further promoted to the post of Fleet Coxswain with responsibilities across the UK .
Not that the McHaffie ’ s were ready to surrender the role with the RNLI on Mull ! Andrew was succeeded as coxswain by his younger brother David .
In fact , one wonders whether accidents and disasters follow the Clan McHaffie around with Dad Neil , in addition to his role as Principal Teacher ( Pupil Support ) at Tobermory High School , being a First Responder and Coastguard volunteer on the island .
PILGRIMAGE- PRAYING WITH YOUR FEET
In modern times there has been a growth of walking as a leisure activity , and for many this offers the time of spiritual reflection . Even Protestant churches , which are often said to be too intellectual , have taken up such activities . Luther called Pilgrimage a ‘ good spiritual exercise ’, but he was sceptical of pilgrims trying to ‘ earn ’ their salvation by such enterprises , as they did not understand that God gives His grace ‘ unearned ’.
Many experiences these days spiritual refreshment as they start alone on a pilgrimage either on one of the many St James ’ ways , or if they join a group of pilgrims , organised by many churches . Most pilgrims experience their walk as a special life changing event , some speak of it as of the most important journey of their life .
When you are walking , even the ‘ soul starts moving ’, you do not only get to know yourself , but come into contact with landscape and nature , and also with those that would have gone before you on the way , saints , even
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