Worship Anthology. S. Craggs

      The Ironing-Board Communion

      REV. ELEANOR MACALISTER

       ‘Climb every mountain’ was the title of my final address to the congregation of Ellon Parish Church on 29 October 2006. Both worship and Communion were celebrated from an ironing board – and remarkably this ordinary household task took on something of a priestly significance. It is the story of one woman’s journey in ministry. I am fond of cooking – and so, in the manner of a cookery book, it’s essential to gather together your ingredients and follow the instructions. So . . . read on.

      READINGS: Ephesians 5:6–10 and Mark 8:31–8

       Ingredients

      One ironing board, one iron, one extension cable, two linen baskets, one filled with laundry needing ironed. The other holds a Communion cup filled with wine and a Communion plate holding a loaf, both items covered by a white tablecloth. From a distance, this just looks like another basket of laundry.

       Method

      Have the ironing board, iron and two linen baskets set up centrally on the chancel area prior to worship beginning. Ensure iron is plugged in. The linen baskets should be within easy reach. Conduct worship from the ironing board. When it is time for the address, ‘Climb Every Mountain’, switch on iron, and iron the laundry from time to time as one is talking. Cease ironing each time an extract is read.

      ‘Climb Every Mountain’

      Seeing me standing here ironing this morning is probably causing some of you to say to yourselves: ‘Eleanor has finally cracked!’ But, in fairness to myself, I think that many of you know that it’s been pretty hectic in the manse recently. We’ve been gutting for what seems like months. There’s a pile of stuff in the garage as high as my Mini . . . all of it going to good homes, except my car of course . . . and the ironing has been piling up. So I thought I’d bring it in here this morning, as Gary is running out of shirts.

      I love ironing! It’s the one household job I sincerely enjoy. Isn’t it lovely when you iron laundry fresh off the washing-line? What a glorious smell.

      It’s therapeutic, ironing, as far as I’m concerned. I can switch off as I watch the creases disappear. I can stand and mull things over in my mind. In fact, I have a notepad at the side of the ironing board because often, in this relaxed state of being, I have ideas for a sermon or an All-Age Worship idea or a prayer coming to mind. That’s when God sees an inroad into my often scrambled mind . . . taps me on the shoulder . . . and has a word with me.

      It was when I was ironing one day that I felt God calling me to the ministry. It was a bit of a shock, I can tell you. Not the sort of thing you’d expect while standing at an ironing board. I recall finishing the ironing and putting it away with this amazing feeling in my tummy. It was great! And, just to make sure I wasn’t imagining it, I got the clothes I’d just ironed, crumpled them up a bit . . . and yes, you’ve guessed it . . . began to iron them again. And the feeling . . . the sense of Call . . . was there . . . as strong as it had been ten minutes before. Ironing took on a different dimension! For many weeks, our children were the smartest-dressed in the school! And I had a very smug look on my face!

       Voice 1

       Wednesday 14 December 1988.

       This week, I had an experience that I have found both exciting and depressing. I have experienced the call to be a minister in the Church of Scotland.

       Exciting – because I have finally admitted to myself that this is what I want to do.

       Depressing – because I feel there is so much against me being able to fulfil this need.

       This call has been niggling and worrying away at me for what seems years. It is something I have fought against time after time, almost to the point of denying Christ.

       I put up many barriers, but they came down when I eventually admitted to Gary two weeks ago that this is what I wanted to do. It was through my own admission to him that I finally admitted it to myself and to God.

       I feel a great sense of relief and yet a great turmoil. I can’t think straight and have sometimes lost track of the days of the week. How can I be a worthy wife and mother and minister? That is what I find so depressing. I can’t deny my family – but I can’t deny this calling. I have been unable to sleep properly. The symptoms are similar to finding out that one is in love! Perhaps I will look back with cynicism on what I have written here – but I doubt it!

      So the process began. Application to the Church of Scotland Board of Ministry. The dreaded Selection School process! The acceptance, second time round, and four wonderful years at Aberdeen University. These were exciting times . . . and I managed to continue to be a mum and a wife and a student and gain a Second Class Honours (Division One). Talk about multi-tasking! And God was there every step of the way.

      A high point in this whole initial process was the Licensing Service. This was a special moment, organised by the Church Presbytery. In those days, that was the moment when you became a Rev. and could wear a dog collar!

       Voice 2

       27 June 1993

       Lord, this evening has to be the best! I will treasure every word spoken at my Licensing Service, and I can only say ‘thank you’ for all you have done through so many people. Thanks also for the amount of pleasure this occasion has brought to family and friends.

      From responding to the call way back in 1988, there have been many highs and not many lows. In 1997, for example, I achieved something I had always dreamed of ever since I was a wee girl – to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which I led.

       Voice 3

       Day 2. Wednesday 5 February 1997. (My 45th birthday!)

       Early rise – 6:30a.m. Set off for Jerusalem

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