June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 1
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A message from our Rector Dear Friends On behalf of the members of St Colmanell’s Church I would like to thank you for taking the time to read through this brochure and to invite you to our Church Fete on Saturday 11th June. Once again the members of our Outreach Committee have been working extremely hard to ensure that there is a full afternoon’s entertainment for all the family. As well as the usual stalls and entertainment we look forward to welcoming Rainbow Ponies and the Godmodex Bus (gaming ministry) this year. We also have the famous ‘Ahoghill Bake Off’ with three sections: Celebration Cakes for Adults, Cup Cakes for children and an open section for all ages with Bread – why not try your baking skills! This past year has been an exciting year for the members of St Colmanell’s Church with our 150th Anniversary Celebrations. During the year we re-reroofed the church with the help and generosity of many people within the church and the local community. As a result of our ‘sponsor a slate’ appeal we raised just over £35,000! We were truly blessed and would therefore like to express our gratitude to everyone who helped with this project. We also hosted our Christmas Tree Festival, “Unto us a child is born” which turned out to be a real blessing in bringing people together and presenting the Gospel message in a fresh and inspiring way. As a result of the Christmas Tree Festival over £15,000 was raised for the Children’s Hospice and our Church Roof. Once again I would like to thank friends, family and all who supported our Festival. Our Church has stood as a testimony to God’s love for generations and it my prayer that it continues to witness to his amazing grace and love and that many people come to put their trust in Jesus. Our services are at 11.30 am and 6.00 pm every Sunday and a warm welcome awaits you. As well as our Sunday Services there is an open invite to join us at our organisations which meet during the week – details of which are included in this booklet. Once again I would like to invite you to join us for our Fete and to wish you and your family God’s richest blessing and peace Yours in Christ’s service
Gary Millar
The Rectory, 42 Church Street, Ahoghill, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 2PA 028 2587 1240 June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 3
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Bible STUDY
If you would like to spend an hour and a half on Tuesday night from seven thirty to nine o’clock in the company of likeminded people – then the Cabin is the place for you! Led by our rector, the Bible comes alive and time virtually flies until the meeting is closed, with all standing to say the Grace. Subjects range from – “Where is the Church today?” to “What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?” and Saint Paul’s explanation of them in the book of Romans and Corinthians.
Group discussion is encouraged and everyone comes away feeling they have contributed to the evening. So, why not join us?
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Half night of
PRAYER I am not a member of St. Colmanells Church of Ireland, but I attend some of their events. One that I have found so beneficial and rewarding in my Christian life is ‘Half Night of Prayer’. These are once a month on a Friday night from 7:30 – 12 pm in the Church and you are free to come and go as you like. As you walk up the path to the Church you can start to feel the nearness of God, and as you quietly enter, you are met with a sign on the inside door which reads ‘Whosoever that art that enterest this church, leave it not without one Prayer of GOD for thyself, for those who minister, and for those who worship here’. This sets the scene that this is a church that hold prayer highly when you enter the church the atmosphere is peaceful and revere. Rev. Millar has a leaflet on which he has decided a topic to base his ‘Half Night of Prayer’ on, and in this leaflet he has scripture which relates to this topic. He also has prayer stations, which are placed around the front of the church and at each of these he
has information and small tasks to make you think about what you are praying for and what you should pray for. I find these very thought provoking and inspiring and as you are on your own, you can take your time at each station. Because of the atmosphere and setting I feel a real closeness and safeness to God and there are no distractions whatsoever. You can clear your mind and it’s just you and God. There is music played low and the words of the songs coincide with the topic for the night. You can take time to sit in the pews and pray, take time to reflect and bring your problems or thankfulness to God. Gary and Gillian are always there if you need someone to chat to. I would highly recommend these evenings if you have burdens, blessings to be thankful for or you are there to pray for someone else. True to his word Gary is there to 12 o’clock as on many occasions I can testify, so never think at 10:00 it’s too late, put on your coat on, go and be Blessed in God Presence at St. Colmanells Half Night of Prayer. June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 7
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John Finnegan Steven William Potter telephone: 028 2565 7677 | 028 2565 7202 Email: office@potterfinnegan.com Web: www.potterfinnegan.com June2016 2016 •• St. St.Colmanells ColmanellsChurch Church 8 • May
Unit 25 The Courtyard Business Park, 190 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, BT42 1HL
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Activ8 is an informal time of Worship, Healing and Ministry (for all age groups) this takes place once a month alternating between Ahoghill and Portglenone. It is a combination of old favorites and new worship songs, each month someone shares their Testimony on how God has changed their life and the great things he is still doing, which is a wonderful encouragement. For Michael and I to be involved in this and help to organise it and participate is really a blessing. We feel Spirit lead when choosing music relating to the theme chosen for each worship event. Meeting for practices and the fellowship this has brought between the two parishes is great. God’s word tells us to swap our spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise and personally for myself, I have found this has happened each time I have went into Activ8 with a burden in my heart. I leave changed, with burdens lifted and
filled up again with the Spirit, ready to face another week of whatever life has coming my way. Speaking to other people who attend Activ8 we know that God is working through this ministry, bringing healing, restoration and joy into their lives, which is our reason for bringing these worship evenings to Ahoghill and Portglenone. You may think that perhaps the songs will be too contemporary, or too loud or you don’t need healing, whatever is blocking you, can I ask that you make the effort and come along and attend the next evening and experience it for yourself. 8PM Last Sunday each Month Psalm 103:2-3 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Donna Ashcroft
A-Men Men’s Group Once a month a motley crew of the male of the species meet together for a time of fun and fellowship. Ranging from teenagers to just a bit older than teenagers (!) we meet to enjoy breakfast or, for the more competitive among us, a spot of 5-a-side football or archery to name but a few. With a different activity each month there is something for everyone and an opportunity to meet others and indulge in some male-bonding!!
We would love to see more men come along – it’s open to all so join us at our next meeting and bring a friend! The calendar of activities is on the screen on church during the announcements or for further information speak to Tommy Moody, Owen Fleming or Jeff Kyle.
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Working in ‘God’s Acre’
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ou know things have changed drastically over the years since our Graveyard Workparty was started back in 1991, when upwards of twentyfour parishioners turned up faithfully each Thursday night. There was a great feeling of camaraderie felt by everyone who came along, knowing that they were involved in doing something worthwhile, and that it was saving the parish a bit of money at the same time. Sadly though, over those years, many of those volunteers who gave of their time have sadly passed on, leaving a terrible void, which in a way has never been replaced. Surely within our parish with over three hundred families, some voluntary input would contribute in a small way to assist in keeping our church grounds in a presentable order. You know, by coming along that couple of hours or less each week, is as easy as jumping into your car and driving down to the coast; coming to church each Sunday, or even the time spent fiddling with i phones and i pads while watching television.
here at St. Colmanell’s where peace and tranquility is in abundance, and although involved in some practical work, there is a degree of satisfaction knowing that you are within ‘God’s Acre’ and very close to creation itself. Our present small band of helpers when finished up have been known to discuss such things as: how to solve the problems of mass immigration to the UK; sorting out our political problems here in Northern Ireland; or, was the Rector speaking of the ‘Chosen Few’ from a biblical context, or referring to our small assembly in the graveyard each Thursday evening? It might just be as simple discussion like, Who are the people driving over the grass? So why don’t you seriously consider coming along some evening if the weather is suitable, bring a pair of gloves, and there is every chance that you could get your hands rapped around the handle of a brush, and even throw in your tuppence worth to our after work chat just for starters.
We are certainly blessed with pleasant and beautiful church grounds
Frank Turtle, 2016. June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 15
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Drama Group The drama group came together in June 2015. A few of the parishioners under the guidance of Dr. Isy discussed providing some entertainment for the upcoming 150th anniversary dinner. Little did we think that from a small nucleus and a few rehearsals later over 30 people would take to the stage with sound, lighting, wigs and costumes to act, sing and dance for a enthusiastic audience. Some elements of the programme where performed again at the Senior Citizens Christmas party. The Barn Dance in February 2016 gave an opportunity for the group to perform a scene from Calamity Jane. The aims of the group: don’t take yourself too seriously and have some fun.
Ahoghill Community Guides The Ahoghill Community Guides Brownies & Rainbows is a fun loving energetic group of girls aged 4-18 years who meet every Monday evening in St. Colmanells Church of Ireland Hall. Our programme includes craft work, cooking, playing games and badge work which includes – staying safe on the farm, chocolate badge. We are also very much involved in church activities and take part in special services. We are now involved with the Village Traders association and have to set up our own flower boxes in the Church grounds and been judged along with the rest of the village. This year we are growing our own flowers and vegetables from seed and hope that we really prove to be green fingered! If you would like to join us as a Guide, Brownie, Rainbow or a potential leader we will be delighted to welcome you at St. Colmanells Church Hall, Church St. Ahoghill any Monday. Rainbows aged 4-5 years meet 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Brownies aged 7-10 years meet 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Guides aged 10-18 years meet 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm. June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 19
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St Colmanell’s
CHOIR “I will sing and make music to my Lord” Psalm 27:6 (NIV) “Let Christ’s teaching live in your hearts, making you rich in the true wisdom. Teach and help one another along the right road with your psalms and hymns and Christian songs, singing God’s praises with joyful hearts” Col 3:16 (Phillips) Fifteen years ago, I was invited by Rev Kevin Brew, the then Rector of St Colmanell’s, to fill the post of Organist and Choir Leader. It was clear to me from the beginning that St Colmanell’s had a band of faithful, dedicated and enthusiastic singers who wanted to offer their musical gifts in the service of the Church and to the glory of God.
great many church services and Choir practices. We meet for practice on Wednesday evenings and, while we work hard on our hymns, psalms, canticles and anthems, we get great satisfaction from our singing, our fellowship and the harmony within our membership. Members can often be overheard still singing, whatever the weather, as they make their way out of the church grounds at the end of Choir practice. Here are just a few comments from members about what the Choir means to them: “Being a member of St Colmanell’s Choir gives me the opportunity to express my faith through singing and praising God.” “It is a blessing and a privilege to be a member the choir - the psalmist “Being a member of St Colmanell’s Choir of says “Serve the Lord with gives me the opportunity to express my gladness and come into faith through singing and praising God.” his presence with singing” Psalm 100 “Being a Choir member While the membership of the Choir is very rewarding. We have wonderful has grown steadily over these 15 years, fellowship together but most of all, as we our purpose is unchanged - we want lead the worship, we are very aware that to give of our best in glorifying and we give the praise and glory to God.” worshipping Almighty God and to produce “I’m very proud to be part of what our meaningful music for the encouragement previous minister called “an institution and support of the congregation in St in its own right”. This, in my view, is a Colmanell’s. good description of the Choir as, in unity Our Choir has currently over 20 and harmony, we work to offer our best members covering a wide age range. praise and worship ministry under the Some members have joined recently loving and dedicated guidance of our while others joined many years ago - in Organist and Choir Leader. I value being one case 66 years ago. The total years of part of an organisation which seeks to service given by Choir members currently deliver a respectfully relaxed, reverent stands at 350; this total represents a atmosphere in which all can worship and 22 • June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church
experience the Lord.” Watching from the congregation, they And members of the congregation all look so happy, singing in harmony have also offered some comments on and blending together to produce how they are helped to worship through lovely music. 1 particularly love to hear the music ministry: them sing “Morning has Broken”. Iris’s “Our church would be poorer in accompaniment is just beautiful and worship without the input of the Choir and “St Colmanell’s is blessed with a Organist. The carefully Choir which is a pleasure and joy to chosen music of hymns, psalms, anthems etc bring listen to each Sunday.” an enrichment to our Sunday services. The Choir sing joyful music joyfully, and reflective leaves my skin tingling. So come and music with great feeling and sympathy. hear them for yourselves. You won’t be Only two words are needed to describe disappointed.” the Choir and Organist: exceptional and Our prayer, as Choir members and brilliant!” Choir Leader, is that God would bless all “St Colmanell’s is blessed with a Choir we do, that He would use our music to which is a pleasure and joy to listen to bring His message of salvation to others each Sunday. Psalm 147:1” and to build us and others up in the “I always look forward to hearing the Christian faith. Choir’s anthem on Sunday mornings.
St. Colmanell’s
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
t St. Colmanell’s we have a strong focus on Youth Ministry and in helping our children and young people to understand God. Our Sunday school is led by dedicated, enthusiastic leaders with classes for children and young people from ages four to sixteen. Our KidsZone is made up of three fun classes to suit different ages. Bubbles, Splash and Xstream. KidsZone provides a fun, safe and encouraging environment for children to learn about the Bible and the wonders of God through activities, crafts, storytelling and singing. For our older children, we have YouthZone, our class for eleven to sixteen years olds. YouthZone focuses on how religion can be applied in day to day life, and how it can help our young people to understand the world around them. At the end of the school year our children
and young people take what they have learnt throughout the year and take part in a special Children’s Day church service full of praise. This is a great service which puts Sunday school right at the heart of the church, and acknowledges and thanks the children and young people for their contribution to church life. As well as our weekly lessons, our Sunday school is a great place for children to make friends and have fun. Last year we held a pyjama breakfast party as well as our annual Christmas trip to the cinema. Our aim is to teach our children and young people about Christ and his teachings in an open and friendly way that encourages them and helps them in their Christian faith. St. Colmanell’s Sunday school meets at 11.45 on Sundays at our church hall and is welcome to all. We look forward to seeing you there! June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 23
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STEPPING STONES CROSS COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP/AFTERNOON CLUB Established funded playgroup providing quality education for your child Caring, dedicated, experienced staff Daily outdoor physical play Excellent, extensive outdoor facilities Many learning opportunities for your child Most recent-Education and Training Inspectorate inspection comments:
“Among the strengths are the very good working relationships between the staff and the children” “The children respond positively to the adults high expectations for good behaviour”
March 2016-Social Worker comments: “Children were encouraged to play and carry out tasks as independently as possible however help and guidance was immediately available, if necessary. During the inspection there was evidence of positive staff/child relationships with children freely and comfortably approaching staff members for questions or for assistance. Overall this playgroup provides a safe, happy and very caring environment for the children attending.’
Parents’ Comments 2016:
“Alison, Florence and Kerry are a very dedicated team working well together to bring the best out of every child” “Staff have such a lovely attitude and are very interested in each individual child, plenty of outdoor play” “Excellent playgroup, staff are extremely friendly, helpful and caring. Couldn’t recommend it enough”
Pre-school children: MORNING SESSION
Pre/pre-school children (2yrs 10mths & upwards): AFTERNOON SESSIONS
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L.I.F.T Ladies In Faith Together ‘Woman, great is your faith’ Matthew 15 v 28 ‘For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them’ Matthew 18 v 20
In May 2014 The Reverend Isy Hawthorne-Steele joined our church on a two-year placement. While with us, she came up with the idea of starting a woman’s group. Our first meeting was planned, and held on the 9th of February 2015 with a meal together and was greatly supported. Discussions were held at the meeting regarding a name for our group and ideas for our monthly meetings. What was most important to us was that it would be God centred, enhancing our faith and walk with God and also to encourage fellowship within the church. We commenced our monthly meetings in our church hall on a Monday evening at 8.00 pm, these always began and ended with prayer. Our first talks focused on women from the Bible, which prepared us for our outing to Magheralin Parish Church to see ‘Beyond the Veil’ Wedding exhibition celebrating the stories of women in the Bible. As one of our ladies expressed, ‘It is the time we have discussing and exploring the role of women in the Bible
and the similarities relevant of women today in the 21st Century’ she found inspiring. This our first outing brought us closer together as women of faith. As our monthly meetings continued we enjoyed a variety of interesting speakers, crafts, music and games, all with a dose of fun and laughter while remaining God centred. A comment from one of our ladies sums this up, ‘I have enjoyed the fellowship, practical activities and visits organised for our monthly meetings’ We have been blessed by Rev Isy’s commitment, enthusiasm and leadership. Sadly, her time with us is coming to an end, and as one of our ladies commented, ‘We shall miss Isy and wish her God’s blessing’ A warm welcome will always await Isy and we hope to see her again soon. As a tribute to Isy we will endeavour to continue ‘Ladies in Faith Together’ always ensuring that it stays God centred.
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St. Colmanells Ahoghill Accordian Band Music Group
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round about April or May last year Gary had been talking to some of the ladies of the church when one of them happened to say that I had ran the Accordian band in Ahoghill here for years. So Gary said to me coming out of church one Sunday he had a “wee job” for me. Later on he asked me to get some of the band members together and play at the Christmas tea party. And I said no could not be done. But he just kept on barking at me like a wee yorkie. And that was the start. I called a meeting in the cabin for anyone who would have an interest in playing. To my surprise
12 people turned up. We only had about 5 or 6 Accordians among us. So we got the loan of 10 ace from Fenagh Accordian band and Killycoogan Accordian Band and that was the start. We now have around 15 or 16 players and everything seems to be going well. Only thing when we think we are done for a while back he comes again, that Gary yorkie, barking and biting got a wee job for the band. Good thing about it We are all enjoying it. We call ourselves St. Colmanells Ahoghill Accordian Band Music Group. Most of the people that play are all the people who played in the Ahoghill Accordian Band.
Joe Logan
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Knotty Knitters
he Knotty Knitters are a group of ladies who meet every Wednesday in the cabin from 2-4pm. We are a friendly bunch and everyone enjoys the fun and fellowship each week. We help each other with our knitting projects, have a chat, and most importantly, a cup of tea and something sweet! Originally the group was formed to knit items for the Christmas Tree Festival, it has grown since then and we currently have 23 members. We are involved in outreach and have completed Bootees and Twiddle Muffs for Antrim Area Hospital, knit Hats and Scarves for the Seaman’s Mission and knit 220 Easter chicks. Some of our work went to Africa.
We also have a few people, who, due to other commitments, cannot join us on Wednesday afternoons, but support us, and they are a very valued part of our group. We have also received donations of wool, ribbons, lace, buttons & material which we very much appreciate and have put to good use. We are having a stall at the summer fete where you can come see our work. If you would like to join us you will be made very welcome. From The Knotty Knitters June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 35
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Crèche @ the Cabin Every Sunday morning from 11.10am the cabin beside the Hall becomes a music-filled, toy strewn and generally very lively, noisy place. This can mean only one thing - the arrival of the youngest members of our congregation and the start of crèche! Crèche is open to all preschool age children and provides a valuable service within our church. As a mum to 2 preschool age children my involvement in midweek church activities is extremely limited at present and Sunday morning in particular is my main opportunity to have time to join with others to worship. Without crèche
I couldn’t fully engage in worship and prayer and enjoy the quiet time with God that church offers - crèche lets me have ‘me time’ with God and for that I am very grateful. My dedicated team of leaders (male & female) provide a safe place, week in, week out, for our preschool children, operating within the Safeguarding Policy of the church to allow parents some time to focus on God without distraction if they wish. If you would like to know more about crèche or would be willing to help out please feel free to speak to myself or Gary. Gillian Moody (Crèche Co-ordinator)
Messy Church is an in formal environment for all ages to explore and experience faith and worship through crafts, food and celebration. It is called Messy Church because you get Messy! People arrive and have a choice of 1012 craft activities which feed into the theme of the service. Following an hour
of crafts and other activities then there is the celebration. Then there is food! We invite you to come join us, in making things, eating together and celebrating how great God is. Our next one will be 24th September come join us for our Carnival messy church 11-1230! June 2016 • St. Colmanells Church • 39
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U P C O M I N G EVENTS AT ST. COLMANELL’S July - December 2016
July 4th - 8th
7 pm - 9 pm Holiday Bible Club Theme Finding Jesus under the sea.
Monday to Friday
For all childredn aged 4+ | Stories, Games, Singing, Challenges For more information please contact the Rectory on 028 2587 1240
8 pm
Table Quiz St. Colmanell’s Church, our Parochial hall
Ł5.00, max. 6 per team; Light supper will be provided. Also this year you can sponsor a round for Ł10.00! For more information please contact the Maurice Anderson on 077 1945 088
Oct 7th Friday
Sept 16th Friday
GRAHAM KENDRICK CONCERT 7.30 pm
Tickets - Ł 15.00 per person
SHOEBOX APPEAL - Last Collection day Ensure you have any shoeboxes filled and ready for collection before 30th October
Oct 30th Sunday
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CHURCH
TIMETABLE A warm welcome awaits you at any of our services C H U R C H S E RV I C E T I M E S 11:30 am
6:00 pm
1st Sunday
Holy Communion
Evening Prayer
2nd Sunday
Morning Prayer
Evening Prayer
3rd Sunday
Morning Prayer
Praise Service
4th Sunday
Family Service
Holy Communion
5th Sunday
As announced
As announced
Communion and Healing Service
10:30am 1st Wednesday 10:00am every Sunday in Portglenone
Activ-8
8pm last Sunday of month
ORGANISATIONS AT ST. COLMANELL’S Sunday Monday
Tuesday Wednesday 4th Friday
10.50 am 11.30 am 7.30 pm 6.30 - 7.30 pm 7.00 - 8.30 pm 7.30 - 9.00 pm
Prayer Group Creche, Kids & Youth Zone Youth Fellowship Rainbows Brownies Guides
7.30 pm 2.00 pm 7.30 pm 7.30 - 12.00 am
Bible Study Knitting club Practice Choir 1/2 night of prayer Ladies Fellowship (as announced) Mens Fellowship (as announced) Messy Church (as announced)
To keep up tp date with upcoming events please watch our FB page:
StColmanellsAndPortglenoneChurchOfIreland
For more information contact the Rectory on 025 2578 1240 www.apparishes.org.uk
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