Customer Reviews

Urban Iona: Celtic Hospitality in the City

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This book is a "winner"! Fr. Kurt Neilson is the Rector of the Episcopal Church I attend in Portland, OR. As a member of his congregation, I've been priveleged to hear magic in his 'sermons' that make deep, lasting impressions in his parishinors hearts and leave us spell-bound. By reading "URBAN IONA", I've discovered that Father Kurt, in addition to having a 'verbal' talent for 'story-telling' with the 'gift of the gab', is also an accomplished author. I highly recommend it to people of all faiths, and readers who have an interest in Celtic History of Religions and Mythology. IT'S A GOOD READ!
Urban Iona: Celtic Hospitality in the CityUrban Iona: Celtic Hospitality in the City

Kurt Neilson is my one younger brother. We are from a family of six sons. I thought I knew all there was to know about him, until I read Urban Iona. I was privileged to spend a weekend with him in Ireland during his pilgrammage and learned so much from and about him there. I learned more reading his book. On one level it is the search for part of our heritage, but more importantly it chronicles the process by which he and the members of his parish took this experience and applied it in a personal and community way. There are many sound bites (my copy is filled with "yellow stickees" marking the pages) but its strength lies in the coherent message of applied, inclusive Christianity being lived by him, his family and his parish family. I am so proud of him for having the courage to bare his soul in such a public way.

And the members of Saints Peter and Paul have done their namesakes proud. When we hear the phrase "team work" most of us picture a long pass in a stadium filled with people. Perhaps, after reading Urban Iona, we will picture the good people of Saints Peter and Paul and those from neighboring parishes who have joined them. Reference the mobile dental lab. Applied Christianity with a capital "C".

This is a book to be read and digested, not devoured. There is a message for us all here. Take the time to listen to it, and as I have done, listen again. You will be amazed at how loud the silence can be. It is inspirational in a very, very personal way. I believe there is more to come from Father/brother Kurt. I, for one, can't wait.

This was a very enjoyable book for me on several levels. First off, I feel fortunate to know the author. I have known him to be a wonderful family man, kind and spiritual. But what was fun for me was that I learned through his story-telling that he has a "spit-fire" nature as well.
Secondly, being of Irish decent, I too have a desire to visit Ireland. However, I did not grow up with such strong emotional tales of family history. Through Kurt's stories I felt transported along with him back to a place I hope to one day venture as well. There were times that I felt as if I were right there sitting next to him, taking in the beauty of the land and the mysteries of history.
Finally, through his book I learned more about his efforts along with others in his church to help our community. I am reminded through their efforts that there are many ways in which we can and should help.
Kurt, Thank you for sharing your pilgrimage through "Urban Iona"