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Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord,
the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4
Church Magazine March 2020
KEEPING IN TOUCH
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One of the challenges of the coming weeks is trying to keep in touch. We hope to do that in a number of different ways, firstly through this magazine and an opportunity to connect with you and pass on some information. We appreciate that not everyone is online and is able to access information through facebook or youtube. We will be trying were possible to give out weekly service sheets, information and to keep in touch. (This is all dependant on government advice!)
If you would like to receive a paper service sheet / newsletter through your letter box in the coming weeks please contact Marie Kane on 028 9337 3706. Some of the easiest ways to stay in touch can be via text message or email. We would really love for you to contact us and pass on your email or mobile phone number. This means we can keep in touch easily and quickly.
Please email islandmageepresbyterian@gmail.com or text 07393 445227 with your relevant details. We will of course keep these secure following all Data Protection Requirements.
If you are online we hope to use Facebook and Youtube to keep in touch and also allow us to worship together. Get online and LIKE our Facebook page and subscribe to the Youtube channel.
www.facebook.com/IslandmageePresbyterian
Search for IslandmageePresbyterian or find links through Facebook.
DON’T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH USING THE CONTACT INFORMATION ABOVE IF WE CAN HELP IN ANYWAY. Minister: Rev Peter Bovill 65 Low Road, Islandmagee
Phone: 028 93382203 / 07795694499
Co. Antrim, BT40 3RD
Email: islandmageepci@gmail.com
GOD’S PROMISES
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Life for all of us is a series of valleys and mountain tops. Sometimes the valleys are no more than a rut in the ground, while others feel like the Grand Canyon! However, it is most unusual to find everyone, all over the world, in the same valley at the same time. But we have to remember, that it is a valley, it doesn’t go on forever and with God’s help we will come out again stronger and better than before. In these days we are being bombarded with negativity, but we are not a people without hope. Our hope rests in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, His promise of salvation for
everyone who believes, and our certainty of the resurrection to eternal life. Our current situation, with extreme precautions in place and restrictions on movement, has been compared to war years, so I am going to suggest that we go back to an earlier and simpler time. Turn off 24hour news, limit the time you spend reading newspapers and on social media. Instead concentrate on good news and a positive outlook. A good place to start is in reading God’s word. The Bible is full of God’s promises to uphold His people in times of trouble and trial and now is the time for us to claim those promises as our own. It seems that no matter where I have turned in recent days the verse at the top of this page has been there, and for me it has been a tangible reminder that God is with us and that He loves us. Or, there are others:
I will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:8 My help comes from the Lord. Psalm 121:2 Father God, as we walk through this valley of the shadow of death let us fear no evil, for we know you walk with us for our safety and protection. Amen Fiona Gray
KEEPING CLOSE TO GOD Not being able to meet together to worship God and encourage each other in our faith means that for the foreseeable future we need to look for different ways in which we can keep close to God. God has graciously given us his word and prayer in order that we might grow in our relationship with him. Over the coming pages you will find resources for you and your family to encourage you to both hear from God and to talk to him.
Weekly Prayer Time Can I encourage you to pause on a Tuesday evening between 8 and 9 to pray, knowing that in those moments we are praying together. You can use the prayer points that follow and look out on Facebook for specific points each week.
We are blessed to have so many ways that we can engage with God’s word. Dwell is a bible listening app seeking to keep scripture in our ears and in our hearts. In response to the current situation the team at Dwell have decided to provide churches free 60-day access. I am already a subscriber and appreciate the different genuine voices of those who read the text (6 available / 3 different versions) and the music which has been composed exclusively for scripture. Why not copy the link below into your web browser and sign up to listen to God’s word.
https://dwellapp.io/signup/with/sgCeW3 All you need to do is say that you know me!
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BIBLE 2020
5 Did you know that by 2020, 80% of the world’s adults will own a smartphone? Never before in human history has there been such an opportunity to reach out across the world with the Bible. The Bible Society NI is passionate about reaching everyone with God’s Word. Why? Because, like us, they believe that the Bible is for everyone.
Their heart is to see the lives of
people in Northern Ireland and all around the world changed by the Word. To help us to see this dream come true we in First and Second Islandmagee have signed up to the Bible Society’s global Bible reading movement - BIBLE 2020. BIBLE 2020 has the vision to see EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE reading the Bible aloud EVERYDAY in 2020 HOW CAN YOU JOIN IN? •
Get the app (or see the list of daily readings in the page that follows) and read the short
passage ALOUD each day for a week, a month or even the whole year! (available to download from the App Store and Google Play) •
Watch others sharing the Bible in their own languages The great thing is we will be reading the same passage on the same day with our worldwide Christian family! Over the coming weeks we will have our own online resources for you to engage with and we hope to hear
from others within our church family here in Islandmagee. There are also lots of other online service resources from across PCI and other denominations. You may have time to search those out but if not here are some I would recommend. Maze Presbyterian Church - www.mazepc.org Granshaw Presbyterian Church - www.granshaw.org (daily devotions and services) Nearly all the local presbyterian congregations have something online (facebook / webpage / youtube)
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LET’S PRAY - PCI
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We are people of prayer & our first resort in times of uncertainty is towards the one who has ultimate control. To quote the late Dr Billy Graham, “We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.” Right now we take our lead from the apostle Paul. Writing to the church at Philippi, where he had once been beaten & imprisoned, Paul tells the believers in the book of Philippians not to worry or to be anxious about anything. Instead, Paul instructs them they should pray for God's blessing & make supplication for his protection & do it all with thanksgiving. SUNDAY Health Service •
Pray for those who work in healthcare, whether they are nurses, porters, doctors, carers, ancillary staff or suppliers. Pray for safety and strength as they work. Pray for stamina and re silence.
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Pray for the NHS as staff cancel operations, reorganize services and learn how to best deal with this great upheaval.
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Pray for those who have been awaiting operations and now have to deal with the
disappointment of their appointment being cancelled. Ask God to grant them patience while they continue to deal with their own discomfort and pain. •
Pray for first-responders who are tasked with triaging, testing, and treating increasing numbers of people who arrive in hospital suffering from the Covid-19 virus. Ask God to give them patience, wisdom and a gentle spirit as they work to navigate fears and offer effective treatment.
MONDAY Patients •
Pray for those people who are presently unwell in hospital or at home and need God’s loving touch because they are suffering the effects of Covid-19. May they feel God’s power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.
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Pray that the Lord will take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or presently under quarantine.
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Pray that those who are currently unwell would be patient as they take time to get better. Pray that those they live with will be protected as well. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.
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Pray for the families of the 5000-plus people (as of March 14, 2020) who have died. Ask God to comfort the broken-hearted and to strengthen those who mourn, assuring them that God has promised to be close.
PRAYER TUESDAY Global and National Concerns •
Pray for political world leaders as they work with healthcare organizations and the medical community to develop next steps. Pray that all would be united for the common good.
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Pray for the leaders of the World Health Organization and other important agencies as they give advice to the global community.
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Pray for refugees and migrants around the world whose living situations might leave them vulnerable and exposed. Lord protect them and be ever present with them.
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Pray for those countries that have been hardest hit by the virus so far and regions that are in
lockdown. •
Pray for the homeless at this time. Help us to be kind and compassionate to the most vulnera ble in our communities and to seek out opportunities to serve them and show them our love
WEDNESDAY Churches •
As churches do not meet in their usual buildings, pray that the congregations would still have a community heart and concern for one another.
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Pray that people would be able to find a way to worship meaningfully.
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Pray for church leaders as they offer insight and wisdom to their congregations and communities. Ask God to give them opportunities to be voices of reason, clarity and grace.
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Pray that God would calm fears and that his people would be reminded we have a different identity—one of boldness, not of fear.
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Pray that the church would be a calming presence and radiant light in the face of so much confusion and darkness.
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In this time of great anxiety, pray that God’s people would be ready to meet the world with the comfort and hope that only the good news of Jesus Christ can offer.
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Pray that we as God’s people would be reminded of our hope in Christ & the truth that our Saviour who died & rose for us has already overcome the world. Pray that we would be people who read his Word and take both his call and his promises to head & heart.
THURSDAY Economy and Welfare •
Pray for those whose jobs or hours have been cut due to economic downturn.
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Pray for parents who are struggling to work, care or find childcare are for their children.
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Pray for those who are anxious about their financial security as a direct result of this crisis.
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Pray that churches would look for ways to reach out to families in their communities to provide for them and show them the love of Christ.
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Pray for the help that local foodbanks and other practical organizations can bring to families in need in these days. Pray that the stock in foodbanks would be sufficient to meet the demand.
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PRAYER FRIDAY Researchers •
Pray for people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world.
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Pray for the people developing better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication to eliminate the disease’s spread.
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Pray for senior medical and scientific officers in Ireland and the UK as they analyse the situation and apply their knowledge of medicine and science to this illness.
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Pray for researchers and biologists as they work to develop a coronavirus vaccine. Pray for
wisdom, insight and quick success in their work. •
Pray for those who are involved in the production of additional ventilators and other necessary medical items at this time of emergency – may they speedily gain the skills they need. Pray also for wisdom that those in management will know the priorities to adopt.
SATURDAY Vulnerable / At Risk •
Pray for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from Covid-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty.
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Pray for those who are immunosuppressed and are especially at risk as the virus spreads.
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Pray for those facing financial hardship.
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Pray that God’s people will be able to meet the opportunities that may present themselves over the next number of weeks as people reveal their need of help and assistance.
Every year First and Second Islandmagee contribute to the work of the Presbyterian
Children’s Society. We normally gather donations around the date of our Children’s Day Service. Please check out the Presbyterian Children’s Society website for more info on the services they provide and to watch short video clips explaining the importance of their work. At this time of community pressure with Covid19 families can find themselves in need of small grant or longer term financial support due to sudden changes in circumstances. If you or someone you know needs this type of financial help please speak directly to Peter Bovill who is able to access the grant scheme available to ministers. This assistance can be accessed quickly and privately.
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HOW CAN YOU HELP LOOK OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURS This is a time for looking out for each other. We have obvious restrictions about how we can do that but we can still let people know that we would like to help. You could use the sample flyer on the next page or write your own note to let them know you are there to help. Post it through the letter boxes in your street and make sure no one feels alone.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY In the coming weeks we won’t be able to come together as we have been so used to doing. We won’t have those face to face conversations that help us catch up and keep in touch. It’s time to lift the phone. Why not choose one or two people a day from our church
family or from your friends and family and phone them for a chat. Let’s ensure no one feels lonely in the coming weeks.
GIVE TO THE STOREHOUSE (OR VOLUNTEER) Whitehead storehouse continues to function and over the coming weeks will be seeking to help those for whom things have become more difficult. If you need help or know someone who might need help please contact Peter 07795694499 in confidence. If you would like to donate to the storehouse, items can be left at the Spar in either Islandmagee or Whitehead or contact Peter.
GIVE OF YOUR FREE TIME AND VOLUNTEER There are opportunities to volunteer and I think that will increase in the coming weeks. Whitehead Storehouse have asked for volunteers in the last week - contact them through their facebook site. The Spar in Islandmagee have also asked for volunteers with deliveries - email ‘thesparshop@gmail.com’.
Over the coming weeks there may be
opportunities within our own church family to help out. Send your email / mobile to Peter at islandmageepresbyterian@gmail.com or 07393 445227 to join the list.
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MERCY SHIPS - AMINATTA’S FACECLOTH 12 Over the last couple of months we have had the opportunity to both hear about and to support the work of Mercy Ships. Here is an article by Dr Michael McBrien (a member of Ballylinney Presbyterian Church - find out more at www.michaelatmercyships.wordpress.com/ ) who was due to come and give out the prizes at our BB display! Her wide eyes follow me as I approach her cramped bed space at the end of another day working as an anaesthetist on board the Africa Mercy with Mercy Ships during their 10-month outreach in Guinea in April 2019. The square blue facecloth covers her face from
the eyes down as that is how she has maintained her dignity for several years. When I explain through the translator that I am Michael the anaesthesia doctor, and shake her hand that is warm, soft and accepting, she palpably relaxes and removes the cloth to reveal the nakedness of her deformed face, defiant eyes still following mine as we connect at the most basic level. She must sense the reflex movement of my gaze to assess the lopsided circle of tumour engulfing her lower face, diameter of a dinner plate, distorted mouth off centre, helpless thoughts of how does she eat, perceiving that she breathes easily for now through patent nostrils that circumnavigate the carnage below. But she is not a ‘her’, her name is Aminatta,
she is 17.
Aminatta is defined for now by the gross lower jaw tumour that has deprived her of dignity and probably love and affection for several years. Aminatta has courage, she confidently replies to my basic questions with muffled speech, defiant almost and keen to show me that she is up for this. Aminatta knows that this can’t go on for much longer, whether ending in malnourishment, infection or suffocation.
But
Aminatta doesn’t let my eyes go. She is assessing me as much as I am assessing her. How I admire this 17 year old girl who travelled independently to the ship from neighbouring Sierra Leone, what life story is written behind those communicating eyes? What desperation has led her to make the journey to this worldwide Christian organisation who seek to bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor? Maybe Aminatta’s positivity towards me flowed from my handshake, as close an act of acceptance that she may have experienced in some time prior to contact with our nurses, or maybe it was because I consciously fought to keep her gaze for all the time I was speaking
MERCY SHIPS
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to her. The game at this stage is how much trust can I get her to place in me and the skills given to me through the training I have received. Anaesthesia and surgery the following morning to remove the tumour uses all of the resources available to Mercy Ships patients, and more.
Initial placement of a breathing
tube under sedation, monitoring line to accurately measure her blood pressure, and how valuable that was as the haemorrhage in the middle of the 4 hour surgery threatened to exceed our ability to infuse the freshly donated blood from 5 crew members. Two scrub nurses feed the surgeons’ hands with instruments, removal of the tumour before
reconstruction of the tissues with sutures and skill. Emergence from anaesthesia and transfer to our recovery area, circumferential white bandages forming the boundary and normal contours of a face now restored, but which will never be perfect. What an ordeal for a 17 year old girl to endure. Aminatta has experienced more pain and heart ache than most will experience in a lifetime. But perhaps she will also experience more love and acceptance on this ship than she has ever experienced before. So many different people here to make a difference to her life, through sacrifice of time, relationships, finances and home comforts. Their reward is in making that difference, not just to Aminatta and the other patients, but to the lives of other crew members, influencing others who are supporting them from home, living out their purpose of conviction, being free from many worldly constraints, and all the time growing to know God more intimately. Aminatta will take a day or two to look at herself in the mirror.
She’ll touch those new
contours with wonder and disbelief. She will maybe even reach for a facecloth with which to squeeze warm water over her features, content that she no longer has to use it for covering
what was once her identity, nakedness and shame. Welcome back to the human race, Aminatta. Michael McBrien
SPRING IS ON IT’S WAY—GARTH WILKIN
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I think I can safely say that everyone and that includes us grumpy farmers (and the not so grumpy ones as well) looks forward to Spring. You may be surprised to know that there are "not grumpy" farmers - I met one once in Fermanagh, they all seem quite happy down there, I can't remember his name, it was a long time ago. The run up to Christmas tends to lull us into a false sense of security. All that tinsel and good will to all carry on is all very well but as I know only too well that come January in various parts of Islandmagee we are going to get battered stupid by rain, hail, snow and wind, especially wind. In order to withstand these rigours of nature I decided in 1982 that a good solid type of physique was required to keep my feet on the ground so to speak. I abandoned my ambitions to be a scrum-half along with any thoughts in the recesses of my mind about dieting a long time ago. Prop forwards are what is required, so I endeavour to look like one at least, it hasn't been difficult. January wasn't bad at all this year, then we had February, with storms Ciara, Denis and Jorge following on behind. The behaviour of these three individuals was atrocious, once in a lifetime will be enough for those boys and girls. I feel like I have been fighting wind and rain constantly all month and March started badly as well but it has eased up although
St Patrick's Day did turn out bad.
However, there is hope, the daffodils are out along the lane at the hill top and the buds are coming out on the thorns. Sure they might get a bit of frost or snow, but make no mistake about it Spring is on the way, and oh yes my fertiliser was just delivered this morning, which means the bill will be on its way too.
SPRING IS ON IT’S WAY—GARTH WILKIN
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Some people associate Spring with young lambs out in the fields having lamb races, but to get those lambs out into those fields an awful lot of time and effort has to be put in. If you see a shepherd at the minute you can count the number of matchsticks holding his or her eyelids open - its not 9 to 5, its 5 to 9 and beyond. But to us farmers that's all part of the job. St Patrick's Day is a marker for crop sowing and ground preparation although this tends to be dependent upon the amount of deluges we've had, some years work out okay, some don't. Getting on with it when the conditions are right is a big thing, don't go on too soon or in Islandmagee, you will get stuck. I'll tell you when I know Spring has sprung - not the lambs or the thorn buds bursting but a phone call. Only a veteran of many - too many - years farming will understand, for me it starts "Here Dad, where's the chain, could you come and pull me out, I've got the roller stuck at Mullaghboy?" Over the year's the timing of this phone call has varied little. It tends to occur every Good Friday as long as it falls in April. So off I go, chain on, roller pulled out and progress can continue. And every time I do it the thought always comes into my head, I kid you not -
And on the third day He rose again... how's that for a sign of Spring.
ISLANDMAGEE AND ME
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Holly Kernot writes ‌ I first came to Islandmagee after reporting on a veterinary conference nearby. I visited the peninsula as part of an extended holiday with my lovely friend Paul Crawford. I had never been to Northern Ireland before, and when Islandmagee came into view, I was instantly struck by its breath taking beauty. The name itself sounds like something out of a fairy story and the scenery certainly makes it look like something out of a book, being nestled between the sea and the countryside. My family and I have always loved Cornwall on account of its rugged scenery and the fact
it is steeped in myth and legend. The author Daphne Du Maurier based many of her famous books there, from Jamaica Inn to Rebecca. But I would be willing to bet she would have been inspired and fallen in love with Islandmagee in just the same way, had she ever set foot on these shores. Indeed, being a budding author myself (yes, I am one of those people,) I anticipate being equally inspired to put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, to use the modern vernacular, following my visits here. The names of the local places are so beautiful and intriguing. Tourists must be in their element going through the guide book and drawing up their travel itinerary for their
holidays here. What wonders await them! The romantic sounding Browns Bay, Kilcoan, Mill Bay and of course, the captivating costal walk at The Gobbins. The hidden gem that is Portmuck, with its harbour and windswept beach will always burn bright in my memory as the first shoreline I walked along in these parts and will always have a special place in my heart.
ISLANDMAGEE AND ME
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I have since visited many more times and have always found the locals so friendly and welcoming (even though I am not sure they all understand me and my Hertfordshire accent!) I often feel like I have stepped into a different era. To me, everything seems so laid back and friendly. Shop staff are all on first name terms with their customers, which is lovely. On seeing each other in the street, locals are happy to stop, chat and pass the time of day. Everyone smiles as they pass one another and bid one another good morning, afternoon or evening. It is a far cry from London, where people look at you as if you are mad if you smile at them for no reason! I commented to Paul that the community focused and laid back atmosphere puts me in mind of the television series Heartbeat, set in 1960s Yorkshire. I always felt like I was born ‘out of time’ but here, I feel in my element. I am still to get used to the local vocabulary and turns of phrase. But to my ear, the language and accent is so beautiful and lyrical. I particularly like how some people say ‘very good’ when listening to plans or activities. It is very upbeat and reflects the caring nature of the community.
I mentioned earlier that to me, Islandmagee is like something out of a fairy tale. A place where dreams come true. The reason? Well, you remember I mentioned my very good friend Paul Crawford? He is now my amazing fiancée. So you see, dreams really can come true. I look forward to making many more happy memories in Islandmagee when Paul and I become husband and wife. I feel truly blessed to have met Paul and his lovely family and in turn, the wonderful people of this special place. Perhaps I will see you around the Island at some point, and I look forward to calling Islandmagee home.
FERMEN; (Ulster Scots) The beese are wattered in the byre
Timeless fermen, doon the years
The cassie clean of muck an mire.
Fae fether son tae son,
A group rinsed oot way shovel scrape
Hard wrought as ony , joy wai tears
An hi pushed in way pronged grape.
Niver stapp till toil is dun.
The kai all chouin cud an meel An the collie dug at owners heel .
David Moore
THROUGH THE EYES OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE 18 Jack McMaster writes ‌ In February, I was privileged to go to France for a ski trip, with school. We landed in Geneva airport in Switzerland and travelled in to France through the Alps. The bus trip was amazing! We were travelling along the flat - then mountains rose up from the ground, out of nowhere and I felt really small. Then I thought about how amazing it was that God created every bit of the world. As we progressed on the journey we were wondering if the snow was ever going to show up. Then we turned on to a zig zag road up to the top of the mountain and gained a lot of altitude very quickly. Alll of a sudden we were in a winter wonderland.
On my first day skiing I felt like an eejit, as there were little kids, half the size of me, whizzing down the slope past me - barely able to ski. As the week progressed, I gained more
confidence
while skiing and was able to progress and try new slopes, that were
harder
and
way more fun. On the second last day
our
ski
instructor
took us to another less busy ski resort. On this slope, we were wondering why we were doing it- as it was very easy and long. Then the instructor told us to stop and be quiet and a peace just fell over us, the alpine air was crisp on our lips and the valley was silent. You could have heard a pin drop! After this the last days were a whirl of fun and excitement. On the last day we were all gutted that we were leaving and having to head home to the rainy days instead of snow. But I was happy to get home and see my
family.
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Jay Macquarrie writes …
With all that is going on at the minute, I’m glad you have taken the time to read this article and hopefully you will get a bit more of an insight of what God is has been doing in my life. As you may know, I’m Jay, I’m 16 and I go to Carrick Grammar. I love music; I am currently working on my grade 8 clarinet and I also play the piano. This year I took on the responsibility of being leader of the worship in my school’s SU. It has been of course, a little bit stressful at times, trying to sort out music that everyone will enjoy and making it suitable for the instruments I have in the band. The largest anxiety I experienced with it was for our annual SU weekend in Castlewellan and the theme was perseverance. We looked at the story of Joseph and how he was able to persevere
through difficult and stressful times. It reminded me that no matter if the music went slightly wrong, the main purpose of it was to praise God and I think I had been forgetting that as I had been frantically trying to sort things out. The music ended up being a great success and it was actually some peoples’ highlight of the weekend. At this time, I believe it is so important that we don’t get wrapped up in what is happening around us, but we should focus on the bigger picture and find God at the centre of it. I also think it is really important for us to use the talents God has given us to glorify him, whether that be through music, preaching or even just the ability to have meaningful conversations with people and slip God into them when you can.
Music has been my talent that God has given me to share with people, but I’d invite you to think about what gifts God has given you in your life, be thankful for them and more importantly, use them to the best of your ability. One of my favourite verses is Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength’. I love it because I think it is uni-
versal to all situations, especially like the one the world is currently finding itself in. We need to stop panicking about if we have enough toilet roll, or if we need to stock up more on pasta but instead to find God in the middle of
everything we
do. Jay MacQuarrie
Olivia Woodside gives us an insight into what it is like to start secondary school ...
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When everyone starts year eight they feel excited or nervous and sometimes a bit of both. When I started, I was mostly excited but there was a tiny part of me that felt quite apprehensive . It is a big change for everyone, especially moving from a smaller school. I would say not to worry as in your first few weeks you find yourself quite familiar with the school. In the first couple of weeks of school the teachers understand if you are late to a class as you are still getting used to moving schools and finding your way around. When you start year eight it is important to make sure you pack your bag the night before and check it again in the morning. If you are asked to get folders for your books for each class, add a label telling you which subject it is, in case you pack the wrong folder! At school everyone has favourite subjects. Mine are technology and PE, because in Technology most of the time you get to make really cool projects and in PE you get to do my favourite thing‌ sports! Lots of people think that starting big school is scary, I did too, but when I got there I realised I had nothing to worry about and it all turned out to be just fine. I would tell you not to worry and to relax this summer, because I’m sure everything will turn out just fine.
MEMORIES OF ISLANDMAGEE
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Over the coming weeks I hope that we will have the opportunity to reminisce about growing up in Islandmagee. Here are two set of memories to get us started … I have many happy memories of my childhood in Islandmagee. As children, we had so much freedom and during the summer we would walk to the shore and play among the rocks or in the sea until it was time to go home for lunch. We had no watches, but we told the time by the Adrossan boat which passed twice a day. So we also knew in the afternoons when it was time to go home for dinner. We also had the run of many of the
farms and enjoyed hay rides on top of the bales. No health and safety then!! Inace Henry I have happy memories of my childhood and growing up in Islandmagee. Belonging to 2nd Islandmagee Church I was in the Brownies and the Girl Guides and remember all the games and activities which Mrs Eileen Gray and her helpers prepared for us. I still remember the Brownie Promise to this day. Mrs Gray also taught in the Sunday School and the highlights of the year were the Christmas Party and the Sunday School trip. I always felt sad when these were over thinking it would be another year before they would happen again.
Then there was the choir and the socials, also organised by Mrs Gray. I think we are greatly indebted to people like her who gave and are still giving so much of their time and talents to the young people in our community. June Coyle Sailing Stiff breeze, five or six Fill the sails and spill Wind, reefs in place to Check the pace, all Sailors know the drill. Close hauled, on the winches Hard, pull the sheets back tight. Waves break over sharpened bow And a sailing yacht takes flight. Ready about; skippers shrill call Aye, ready, chime the crew. The tack goes in, across the wind Lee-ho and boom swings through.
Many a smile on hardened face In cockpit and on deck Crew clipped on, with harness Tight, to rail and cleet and jack. And the salty spray o’er the hood Soaks men, and sheets all trailing The yacht ploughs on, undaunted. Gentlemen; we’re sailing. Dedicated to Sean, JP, Big Roy, Wee Eric and Ocean Star. By David Moore
REVIEW OF THE CHURCH YEAR
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The sessions of First and Second Islandmagee met jointly in 2019, with the exception of those meetings when the election of new elders was the main item of business. We were pleased to welcome our new elders to our meetings following their ordination and installation as Ruling Elders at an uplifting and encouraging service on 28th April. At each of our meetings Peter led session in short studies on portions of scripture with the emphasis being on faithfulness, giving thanks and living for and honouring God in the duties of eldership within the congregation. Open or group prayer for the needs of the congregation and of individuals and for the mission of our fellowship followed.
Several members of session attended information and training events provided by the Carrickfergus presbytery and by the PCI including, in February, “EQUIP” in Ballynure and, from November, together with a younger member of the congregation, “Disciplemakers Network” in Assembly Buildings. Thanks are due to June Coyle and Sherman Hawthorne who were Representative Elders to presbytery and to Ronnie Nelson and John Ross who were Representative Elders at the General Assembly. Some of you may have been dismayed, or even delighted, to discover that you are now in the district of a different elder. New districts were sorted by November and any initial anomalies should soon be sorted out. Attendance at communion was pleasing with five opportunities for members to par-
ticipate in the sacrament. General attendance at worship varies, but it is encouraging that young families are notable by their presence each week and session would seek to further support our young families as they see a need. The less formal services held in the Community Hall on the first and third Sundays of each month are greatly appreciated by those who attend. Work and outreach with young people and children has continued and for that we are grateful to Clifford White and the large team of volunteers without whom this would have been
impossible. Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Brigade, Seedlings, Impact, Kingdom Kids and
YPOD and Clifford’s involvement in Scripture Union in Islandmagee Primary School have brought us as a congregation into contact with, and given us an opportunity to interact with some 100 young people aged 0 to 18 and with their families. A further opportunity to meet with even more young people was provided by the Salt Factory Sports in June and the Holiday Bible Club week and the Youth Week in August. Session also seeks to support those members of the congregation involved in Guides and Scouts in Islandmagee. It was with regret that we received Clifford’s resignation from the position of Youth Worker and he moved on at the end of the summer. Session has approved the appointment of another Youth Worker and the position is currently advertised.
REVIEW OF THE CHURCH YEAR
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A review of the Child Protection Policy by Peter, the Youth Worker and Heather Wilson, Designated Person from First and Liz Heggen, Designated Person from Second, was begun and session approved updates in May. This work is ongoing. Outreach to those who find it more difficult to attend church regularly continued through the “Together Services” which took place on Palm Sunday and Harvest afternoons and again towards Christmas. Going wider we also welcomed members of our community to a Harvest event in the Community Hall when we endeavoured to draw attention to the needs of the farming community and to express our gratitude for their part in the provision
of our food. A mere “thank you” is hardly enough to those who brought tractors, both old and new, and a combine harvester and who provided musical entertainment and barn dancing on the evening. At Christmas both “Coffee and Carols” in the Gobbins Café and “Carols by Candlelight” in Second were well attended and much appreciated. In February approval was given for the amalgamation of the Presbyterian Women groups in the two congregations to form one Islandmagee Presbyterian Women’s Group. This has proved a popular and successful move with an encouraging attendance at the monthly meetings. Another event for women which received considerable support was the “Fit for Life” outreach in June and thanks are due to those who organised the programme.
For each of us to continue to grow as disciples of Jesus, studying God’s word and talking and listening to him are the important “food” we need to take regularly. There was a pleasing response to the Prayer Week in February and to the Day of Prayer on Good Friday. Two new “Grow” groups started during 2019 and some 40 or more members now are involved in Bible study, usually on a fortnightly basis. Session would also encourage those who are involved in Prayerline on Thursdays in Second. The monthly prayer meeting for both congregations continues and all are encouraged to come when they can. Of course personal prayer and Bible study are also important and we ask any who need help in this direction to speak to their elder or to Peter. During 2019 we were sad to lose a number of our faithful members from our earthly congregation, but we rejoice that they now share in God’s glory. Among those was elder emeritus Martha Hill, who served on session for over 40 years. To all of the bereaved families we give the assurance of our continued prayers. Finally session appreciates the leadership of our minister, Peter, and thank him for all he does for each one of us. We would ask you to pray for him and for the work of Christ’s Kingdom in this place.
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HERE TO HELP In these uncertain days we want you to know that as a church family we are ‘here to help’ in anyway. From picking up shopping, posting mail, a friendly phone call or getting urgent supplies we would love to lend a hand. Please use the phone number below to get in contact.
07393 445227 As a church community we are praying for you. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” First Islandmagee: Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 105017) Second Islandmagee: Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 105075)