June 2012
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Parishioner, PARISH DINNER AND AUCTION OF TALENTS: FRIDAY, 8th JUNE I invite you to attend our Parish Dinner and Auction of Talents which takes place in the Grand Ballroom of the Stormont Hotel on Friday, 8th June, at 7.00pm. This will be a lovely way to celebrate our Patronal Festival as together we give thanks for the life of our patron saint, Columba, and also raise much needed funds to begin the essential refurbishment that our Church Hall now requires after many years of extensive use. Tickets for this major fundraising event need to be purchased in advance from Moranne Noad (tel: 028 90793704/email: noadfamily@hotmail.com). You may also reserve a ticket by completing the Ticket Order Form which is on the church notice board. The ticket price of £30 includes: • Drinks reception upon arrival • Three course dinner in the lovely surroundings of the Grand Ballroom • Opportunity to purchase a talent(s) with Noel Thompson as our Guest Auctioneer There will also be an opportunity to win one of these generous ballot prizes: • Oil Painting of Ballyconneely Beach by Bob Killen • Overnight accommodation voucher at any one of the Hastings Hotels • Midweek Escape in the Killyhevlin Hotel – 2 nights B&B with one 4 Course Dinner for up to 2 Guests sharing • David Lloyd 5 Day Family Trial Pass The full auction catalogue can be seen on pages 13-16 in this edition of The Columban to enable you to select the talent(s) for which you wish to bid, or to place an “Absentee Bid” if you are unable to attend. This can be done by placing it in a sealed envelope in the Churchwardens’ Post Box at the back of church from Sunday, 27th May to Friday, 8th June or by bringing it to the Rectory. By placing an absentee bid you are authorising the Auctioneer to bid on your behalf up to the limit of your bid. The absentee bid is irrevocable and non-cancellable. If your absentee bid is successful you will be contacted as soon as possible to arrange for payment and delivery of the card giving details of how to redeem the Talent. The Auctioneer will purchase your item at the lowest possible price below your maximum bid. The Auctioneer reserves the right to advance your bid at the going increment. I want to thank the members of the Fundraising Committee and the Talent Committee for all their hard work and detailed planning which they are undertaking to ensure that this will be a most enjoyable evening for the benefit of our parish. However, the full potential of the evening will only be realised through your support and attendance. It would be wonderful if the Grand Ballroom was full to capacity on the night with all seats occupied by parishioners and friends. This would result in your Select Vestry being able to start the Church Hall refurbishment at the earliest opportunity. That would be great news. Let’s rise to the challenge! Yours in His service,
Parishioners are invited to check-in ASAP and make a last minute booking for our
!
F
C L AL A N L I
Parish Dinner and AUction of talents on Friday, 8th June In the Grand Ballroom, Stormont Hotel Don’t be left at the Gate! Get on board and help us raise funds to fast-track to a fab new-look Church Hall Tickets: £30 p.p. includes drinks reception and three course dinner. Top ballot prizes on offer! Dress code: smart-casual – no partner required Auctioneer: BBC NI’s Noel Thompson. See pages 13-16 for full auction catalogue! For tickets contact: Moranne Noad tel: 028 9079 3704 or email: noadfamily@hotmail.com
SERVICES IN JUNE Sunday 3rd 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Trinity Sunday (White) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Romans 8: 12-17 Gospel Clergy John 3: 1-17 All Age Worship and Holy Baptism followed by refreshments Reader Jonathon Roche John 3: 1-17 Choral Evensong Reader Brian Gillespie Ezekiel 1: 4-10, 22-28a Reader Brian Gillespie Mark 1: 1-13 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
Thursday 7th St. Columba (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 10th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The First Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Ronny Martin 2 Corinthians 4: 13 – 5:1 Gospel Clergy Mark 3: 20-35 Sunday School and Crèche Prize Giving Service followed by refreshments Reader Grace Owens Mark 3: 20-35 Late Evening Office Reader Elizabeth Leonard Luke 7: 11-17
Thursday 14th St. Barnabas (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 17th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Gospel Clergy Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Holy Communion Reader Linda Wilson Gospel Clergy Intercessions Clergy Holy Communion Reader Jill Gillespie Gospel Karen McAlpine
(Green) 2 Corinthians 5: 6-17 Mark 4: 26-34 Mark 4: 26-34 2 Corinthians 5: 6-17 Mark 4: 26-34
Romans 9: 14-26 Luke 7: 36-8:3
Thursday 21st (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Sunday 24th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Birth of St. John the Baptist Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Tony Greeves Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Gina Greeves Evening Prayer Reader Elizabeth Miller Reader Elizabeth Miller
(White) Acts 13: 14b-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80 Acts 13: 14b-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80
Malachi 4 Matthew 11: 2-19
Thursday 28th St. Peter (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (028 90655500). The readings are from Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:
www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
PARISH PRAYER God, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711
JUNE SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 3 . ........................................... Chris Thompson and Aaron Wilson rd
Sunday 10th.......................................... Irene Gray and Margaret McConkey Sunday 17th.......................................... Joy Montgomery and Jennifer Johnston Sunday 24th.......................................... Rosemary and Ivan Coffey
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CRECHE PRIZE GIVING SUNDAY, 10th JUNE, AT 10.30AM
The annual prize giving service will take on Sunday, 10th June, at 10.30am. At this important service, our young people will receive their prizes for church attendance and Sunday School attendance throughout the year. Continuing the tradition which began last year, our toddlers will also receive their prizes for Crèche attendance at this service. Our children will be actively participating in the All Age Worship service which will be followed by refreshments at the back of church. It is essential that all our young people and toddlers are at this service to receive their prizes and I would ask all parents to ensure that they can attend St. Columba’s on that day. They have all worked very hard throughout the year and I hope that they will be in church to personally receive their prizes from the teachers and myself. It is always a great delight for the entire congregation to see our younger members coming forward to receive their prizes with their smiling faces. I want to thank the Sunday School Superintendent, Beth Cairnduff, the teachers, the Crèche Co-ordinator, Suzanne Allen, and all the parents who assist on the Crèche Rota for their hard work and support throughout the year. The Rector
CLERGY PARISH VISITING It is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during June: Rector Kingsway Close King’s Vale King’s Brae Mount Regan Avenue Dunlady Manor
Curate Comber Road Finchley Park Kensington Drive Isoline Street Lower Braniel Road
I wish to thank Hazel Reid for organizing the Christian Aid door to door collections in our parish so efficiently. She has worked so conscientiously to ensure that there were collectors for all the districts in our parish and local community. I also thank those parishioners who kindly assisted with the collections last month. Together they have all worked very hard to promote Christian Aid and to raise money to support those who are in such great need throughout the world. The total amount collected will be announced in church when all the money has been received and counted. The Rector
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE Thank you to everyone who enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee at our last All Age Worship when we helped to celebrate the 21st birthday of Bothar and raised £60. At All Age Worship Tea and Coffee on Sunday, 3rd June, we will be raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis NI. Cystic Fibrosis is one of the UK’s most common life threatening inherited diseases, and is caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of the cells within the body. It is vitally important that those with Cystic Fibrosis receive appropriate healthcare to ensure a better quality and length of life. Please stay for a cuppa and a chat, and support this very worthwhile charity. Roberta
KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE!
This month’s article must be the most unique article I have written for The Columban...being somewhere above Greece, travelling at 556 mph at an altitude of 36,000 feet en route to Jerusalem! My Easter break is being taken as a pilgrimage, a journey to the Holy Land with a group of people from various parts of Down and Dromore, and Connor. It is an opportunity to visit places and meet the people of such an amazing land. As you know, I have an adventurous spirit...a desire to see different parts of the world linked with what God is doing in our world. The idea of pilgrimage is part of the ancient practice of taking time to pray, to journey together and to learn and to reflect on the experience. One does not have to go far from home to go on pilgrimage. Day in, day out, we can see our lives as pilgrims, journeying together and sharing life together. The same is true of the Christian understanding of mission. Very soon our parish team will be heading off to Zambia...a mission experience team abroad...a team of parishioners at home...a team sent out by this parish. As a team, we are extremely humbled and immensely grateful for the magnificent support we have received from all sections of the parish through their fundraising over the past months, and would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have contributed both financially, as well as in so many other ways, to our travelling fund. If you need any more information about Zambia, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the team. Every Blessing, Robert
DOVES As we come to the close of another year, it is an opportunity to reflect on everything we have enjoyed together. This year, we have regularly had six boys and girls attending each Friday and are very encouraged by this. Having a greater number of children allows us to plan a wider range of activities. Together, we have danced and sung, played instruments, cooked, read stories, played games and shared nights with the Brownies. One of our favourite times is when we are being artistic. Many of you will have seen for yourselves how talented we are when you supported our craft stall on Sunday, 6th, May. With your help we raised £235 – thank you! We are going to use the money to buy games for Alan and the team to give to children in Zambia. We have already been looking at catalogues to see what we can buy. It is vital that we continue to recognise the valuable contribution that the younger members of our organisations make to our family and fellowship in St. Columba’s. Without everyone’s unique talents and gifts, our worship and service of God would be so much poorer. Alan and I are privileged to spend our Friday evenings with the Doves and would like to say a big thank you to them and their families for their support during the past year. By the time you read this, we will have finished our meetings until September. Hopefully our final evenings – to Stormont Park and the beach – will have been blessed with good weather. We would welcome more boys and girls aged 3-6 to join us on Fridays at 6.30pm in the new academic year! Karen
BROWNIE NOTES Our Easter party took place on Friday, 30th March, and the best part of the night was the Easter Egg hunt when the Doves joined us to search for approximately 50 eggs scattered throughout the hall. Over the Easter holidays, we were given the task of observing the wildlife in our gardens for our Wildlife Observer badge and then we brought in our photographs on the first meeting after Easter. A wide variety of animals and birds had been seen and we finished the badge by doing bark and leaf rubbings. Due to the Beetle Drive on Friday, 27th April, we enjoyed a night out in the Lazy River at the Lisburn Leisureplex. The white slide and the green slide, with its rubber rings, proved to be the most popular with everyone, and even the leaders were seen on them as well! We are now looking forward to the Jubilee Party at the beginning of June and are making our pompoms for our cheerleader item. Rumours are there might even be a sleepover! Beth Cairnduff
CHOIR TABLE QUIZ “It Will Be All Right On The Night”. This is the choir’s routine comfort for Gerald after the inevitably disastrous final practice for the Carol Service. It was dusted down and used again as sorely-needed comfort for the Rector on the eve of the quiz. In the absence on holiday of both our Leader and his Deputy, it would not be unfair to describe the rest of us as headless chickens (Ed. chickens?). But once again the comfort was justified. At the eleventh hour Jean took charge, everyone rallied round, instant last-minute decisions were taken, the food and wine appeared from nowhere and, quite astonishingly, the multitude was fed and watered… a miracle that in future years, when suitably embellished by the passage of time, may well outshine that of the Loaves and Fishes. Thus it was that more than sixty people enjoyed another excellent evening of mental gymnastics, refreshments and great crack. Billy McAlpine, by now a fixture as quiz-master, dreamed up a series of excellent questions. Most of these were comparatively easy to answer but just a few were tricky enough to let a winner emerge. This left everyone feeling that they had done really well and that it was just bad luck that they hadn’t won themselves. Karen, Kieran and Alan checked and wrote up the scores with their usual efficiency, and Jim Best brought along a first-class loudspeaker system. Members of the choir raided their treasure chests for the ballot prizes and served the excellent refreshments at half-time. Only one answer was seriously challenged, but Billy rose to the occasion by ruling that the challenger’s answer may have been the right answer but his own answer was just as right…well, it was nearly as right as the challenger’s answer which, yes, on reflection was right, but as the right answer was no more wrong than his nearly-right answer, neither would be taken as the wrong answer and so both would be accepted as the right answer! This diplomatically convoluted explanation so baffled everyone that an otherwise certain riot was averted. In the end, the winners, by the convincing margin of one point were Emma’s team of choir members cunningly named “Dead Loss”. This brilliant misrepresentation of their talents, together with their unexpected tactic of withholding the joker until the very last round, completely bluffed “Fat kid always wins at see-saw” who had been well in the lead when it started. But Emma’s tactics had lured them into a sense of false security and they were not one little bit pleased when the result was announced. Finally, a fine painting of a cherry tree was sold privately for a substantial sum after being unsuccessfully auctioned by your scribe. The suggestion from the assembled company that he had better not give up his day job was treated with dignified disdain. The evening as a whole raised the magnificent sum of £500, and the Choir would like to thank most sincerely everyone who took part in the quiz, as well as all those who gave of their time or talent to make it the success it was. Tony Greeves
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BADMINTON On Tuesday, 1st May, the ladies of the Tuesday Afternoon Badminton enjoyed a lovely early ‘Summer Walk’ to Belvoir Park on one of the bright, dry days at the beginning of the month. Half way through, we warmed ourselves up with a hot chocolate and half a bun each at the Lock Keeper’s Cottage. Please note, we shall be back to the more serious exercise of chatty badminton on Tuesday, 4th September at 2.00pm! Florence Browne
(left to right): Edna Stanley, Florence Browne, Anne Clarke, Kyleen Clarke, Lee Brewster (photographer: Margaret Jordan)
M.U. ACTIVITY GROUP BEETLE DRIVE A most enjoyable evening was had at the Beetle Drive held on Friday, 27th April. The dice was well ‘shook’ and quickly passed on, just in case you could get the final number you needed for calling Beetle! There was fun and laughter, plenty of food and some people took home prizes for the highest, and lowest, scores! We raised the magnificent sum of £282 for the Zambia Travel Fund. Maureen
NAUGHTY MUMMY As they waited for the bus, a mother asked her young son to tell the driver he was five years old because then he would ride for free. As they got into the bus the driver asked him how old he was. “I am five years old,” said the little boy proudly. The driver had a son of his own that age, and smiled. “And when will you be six years old?” he asked. “When I get off the bus,” answered the boy. 10
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Invitation Jubilee Party St. Columba’s 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Sat 2nd June Bring your friends! Entrance £3 (includes lunch) Games – Sponge the Curate – Side Shows Proceeds to a school in Zambia RSVP Beth on 028 9087 4047 (There will be a small cost for some side shows. Recommended spending money – £2 per child.)
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee DIAMOND JUBILEE SERVICE in DOWN CATHEDRAL
in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Down on Saturday, 2nd June at 3.00pm Preacher: Lady Christine Eames Each person will receive a Jubilee New Testament as a gift in memory of the occasion Those attending are welcome to bring a picnic and to have it in the Cathedral grounds, or in the Narthex if wet, after the service.
TOOLS FOR CARPENTRY An organisation working with the deaf in Malawi is in urgent need of basic carpentry hand tools such as hammers, saws, chisels, screwdrivers and hand drills (but not power tools), for its trainees. They need not be pristine or new, as they can be re-conditioned and will be sent to Malawi under the auspices of the Zomba Action Project, which is based in Coleraine and supported by Coleraine Borough Council. They have staff in Malawi to supervise their distribution. Please help, if you can, by contacting Hugh and Elizabeth Miller (Tel: 90657619). Many thanks. Elizabeth Miller 11
ZAMBIA FUNDRAISING St. Columba’s has a long established tradition of supporting mission work. This has been reflected in our mission giving as well as in our prayerful support to those members of our parish who have travelled overseas in recent years. 2012 is the first time in the history of St. Columba’s that there has been a parish team of 10 people, selected by CMSI, going to work in Zambia this summer. The team will be led by the Curate and Jayne Martin, and includes Yvonne Robb, Olivia Budde, Helen Cairnduff, Ross Cairnduff, Laura Gillespie, Mark Gillespie, Alan Boyd and Aaron Wilson. Throughout this academic year, I invited each of our Parish Organisations to plan a fund raising event of their choice as an integral part of their programme to assist the Zambia team with their travel costs. The cost for each member of the team will be £1,600 and it is hoped that the parish can cover half of this cost through our fundraising initiatives. At the All Age Worship service on Sunday, 6th May, I invited a representative from each Parish Organisation to present details of their fundraising initiatives, which they did by placing their envelopes on the Alms Dish during the offertory hymn. On behalf of the Select Vestry, the Assistant Hon. Treasurer, Murray Hunter, presented the Curate with a cheque for £3,000 from the Mission and Charity Allocations, to be given to the school’s project on which the parish team will be working during their visit. I want to thank all our Parish Organisations for working so hard to organise such a large variety of exciting fundraising projects during the year to support the Zambia team in this practical way. I also wish to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to all those who supported these fundraising projects. There has been such a positive response to my request to support the Zambia Team across the whole parish. In addition to the financial support received from our Parish Organisations, there was also excellent support for our successful Parish Lent Lunch, Cash for Clobber and the recent Great Big Photo Exhibition. At the time of writing, the total amount raised through all the various fund raising initiatives amounts to £7287, including Gift Aid; and this is before the Cathedral Cycle Marathon, the Sunday School and Brownie fundraising activities have taken place. There will also be a final Cash for Clobber for Zambia at the end of June. This is an absolutely tremendous result and it clearly reflects the strong support that St. Columba’s places upon mission work and in the parish team travelling to Zambia during the summer. The Rector 12
TALENT FOR AUCTION Miscellaneous 1 Dog walking for 1 hour 2 Hand delivery of Christmas cards For 6 families in Belfast area (£20 per family) 3 Write a will 4 CS Lewis guided tour and afternoon tea For group of 10 on a Sunday afternoon 5 Typing/filing/secretarial 6 Cat minding for a week 7 Dog walking During a period of 4-6 weeks 8 Recording Church magazine For visually impaired for 1 year 9 Recording C of I Gazette For visually impaired for 1 year 10 6 visits to play scrabble For someone who is housebound 11 Speech editing 12 Latin translation 13 Compose personalised birthday verse Baking 14 Fruit cake Suitable for diabetic 15 Fruit cake Suitable for diabetic 16 Orange fruit cake 17 Victoria sponge 18 Lemon drizzle cake 19 Birthday cake 20 Christmas cake 21 Christmas cake 22 Strawberry pavlova roulade 23 Selection of home baking 24 scones, 36 shortbread, fruit loaf and chocolate cake – batches as required 24 36 mince pies at Christmas 25 24 “fifteens” 13
DONATED BY
GUIDE PRICE
Henry Auchmuty Roberta and Alan Rogers
£5 £20
Jill Gillespie Joan Whiteside
£50 £75
Eileen Brice Lilias Smith Sandra Lowe
£20 £50 £5 per hour
Gina Greeves
£50
Gina Greeves
£50
Frances O’Donnell
£30
Helen Donaghy Helen Donaghy Tony Greeves
£15 per hour £15 per hour £25
Evelyn Deane
£10
Evelyn Deane
£10
Diana Noble Pauline Darke Pauline Darke Eleanor Launchbury Eleanor Launchbury Meryl Townsend Sandra Gordon Kathleen Acheson
£10 £10 £10 £20 £20 £25 £15 £25
Kathleen Acheson Charles Auchmuty
£5 £10
Crafts 26 Cot quilt/quillow 27 Design and make evening/day dress Provide own fabric 28 Flower arranging demo for small group 29 Patchwork quilt Approx 74”x90” aqua/lilac/cream 30 24 hand made cards Birthday, baby, Xmas etc –can be provided throughout the year DIY 31 Light DIY for 4 hours 32 Complete car valet Wash, wax, wheels, interior, glass 33 Full day’s gardening Grass cutting, general tidy up, pruning, weeding etc 34 Powerhose driveway Approximately 2 hours 35 Powerhose patio Approximately 2 hours 36 Powerhose patio Approximately 2 hours 37 Powerhose driveway Approximately 1 hour 38 3 man gardening team for 5 hours During September 39 Advice/survey on garden maintenance Tree management, pruning, planting Baby sitting/childminding 40 20 hours of babysitting 41 4 hours of babysitting/ childminding 42 8 hours of babysitting Tuition 43 5 Piano lessons Half hour each 44 Piano lessons Per half hour 45 5 starter piano lessons Half hour each 14
Robbie McKeown Jayne Martin
£75 £150
Fraser Brice
£50
Ella Wilkinson
£125
Lynn Corrin
£50
Jim Stevenson Ronny Martin
£60 £50
Ronny Martin
£75
Roberta Rogers/ Helen Donaghy David Deane
£40
David Deane
£40
Aaron Wilson
£20
Tony Reid
£175
Alex Acheson
£20 per hour
Jennifer Johnston Eileen Scott
£100 £25
Dawn Macartney
£50
Gerald Hill Maureen Beckwith Lynn Ryan
£75 £15 £50
£40
46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
3 camcorder demonstrations for group Approximately 5 hours in total Wine tasting/lesson for group of 10 Wine supplied 4 “A” level chemistry lessons For AS or A2 2 bridge lessons for group of 12
John Collinson
£50
Jon Little (Master of Wine) Beth Cairnduff
£125
Joy Montgomery
£100
£100
2 hours of French or German Ian Noad lessons Beginner to A level (excluding June) Tutoring in basic literacy/numeracy Linda Wilson
£30
Yoga class for group of 10 4 bridge lessons for group of 4
Maureen Fiakkas
£30
William Geary
£100
Murray Hunter/ Emma Hill Murray Hunter/ Emma Hill
£50
BBQ lunch for 6 3 courses, wine included Sunday lunch for 4 at the Rectory
Brian Clements
£120
Auchmuty family
£100
Bridge evening for 12 with light supper & wine Afternoon tea for 2 in summer house Transport within parish if required Dinner delivered for 8 Menu to be agreed 3 course buffet lunch for 25 in Church Hall 4 X 12” pizzas delivered Toppings of choice plus soft drinks and dessert Christmas hamper Home made fudge, jam, chutney, oils, branded wine, cheese, tea, foods etc.
Shena Moorehead/ Paddy Nesbitt Kyleen Clarke
£100
Clodagh Reid
£125
Maureen Irwin
£200
Victor Dukelow
£40
Suzanne Allen
£90
£25 per hour
Musical 54 55
Flute duet for wedding/function Flute duet for wedding/function
£50
Catering 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63
15
£25
Accommodation 64
Mini break in cottage in Donegal Owners in attendance, isolated area near Portnoo, transport can be provided Mini break in cottage near Bushmills Excluding peak season
Elizabeth Miller
£200
Jenny Irwin
£150
66
Unframed oil painting “Cove Bay”
Gladys Lees
£70
67
Framed oil painting “The Rock Pool” Unframed pastel of family pet
Leslie Noble
£250
Billy McAlpine
£30
69
Golf for 3 plus lunch at Malone
David Craig
£100
70
Tennis lesson at Hawarden Steven Waters, professional club coach
Jayne Martin
£25
Moranne Noad
£50/£25
Brian Gillespie
£50/£25
Michael Lockyer
£180
Niall Armstrong
£100
Alan Leonard
£160
Patrick Good
£40
Jim Best
£180
65
Art
68 Sport
Airport transfers 71 72 73
Aldergrove/City (return) Up to family of 4 (excluding June) Aldergrove/City (return) Up to family of 4 Dublin (return) Up to family of 4
Leisure/Travel 74 75 76 77
Half day sea fishing on Causeway Coast For group of 3 or 4, lunch included Day’s sailing and picnic on Strangford For group of 4 Ride on Honda Goldwing trike 1 hour flight in private plane for 2 16
ARE YOU READY FOR DIGITAL TV? If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more of the following questions, then read on… 1. Do you want to be able to receive/watch television channels on your TV on and after 10th October 2012? 2. Do you get less than five channels on your TV? . Do you have any television that is not directly connected to any of the following: 1. SKY Receiver Box? 2. VIRGIN Receiver Box? 3. FREESAT Receiver Box? 4. FREEVIEW Receiver Box? . Do you have more than one TV in your home and are they connected to their own aerial? . Will you find it easy to use digital TV equipment? On 14th November 2007, the analogue terrestrial TV signal in Whitehaven/ Copeland, Cumbria, was switched off and replaced with digital television. This area became the first in the UK to successfully complete digital TV switchover. On Friday, 12th October 2012, the final switch over from the analogue terrestrial TV signal to digital will take place. This will affect Northern Ireland where there are three analogue transmitters that will be switched off, and four digital transmitters that will be switched up to full power. The digital transmitters are already working but are not yet operating at full power. This means that you do not have to wait until this October to make the change. Assistance is available for those people who are eligible. If you are aged over 75 and/or in receipt of the following: • Attendance allowance • Constant attendance allowance • Disability living allowance • Mobility supplement • Registered blind or partially sighted • Resident in a care home (6 months or more) Then you should phone 0800 40 85 900 to confirm your eligibility If you currently receive five TV channels or less, then you will need to consider one of the following options which I will go through in more detail in next month’s magazine: Freeview; Freesat; BTVision; SKY; Virgin. I have created a page relating to the digital switch over on the parish website at http://www.coiknock.org. Ivan Roche 17
MEN’S CLUB NOTES
Another Club year has drawn to a close with two important events, namely the AGM and the Annual Prize Giving Dinner. At our AGM, an overview of the past year was given by our outgoing Chairman, Alan Rogers, who reflected on the continuing quest for new members and the successes achieved by the faithful current members. The Hon. Treasurer’s Report was presented by Paddy Malone. Elections were held for a new committee, resulting in the appointment of a new Chairman, Andrew Launchbury, and the Captain for the 2012/2013 season, Jim Stevenson, with Ian McClune as Vice-Captain. Thanks were conveyed to our Club Chaplain, Robert, for his interest and participation during his time in the parish; and good wishes were offered for his new appointment, with an offer to bring south a team of bowlers to visit him at some future date! The Annual Dinner was held on Monday, 30th April, in Coast, Holywood, and was much enjoyed by an almost full complement of members accompanied by wives, partners and friends. In his speech, the Chairman, Alan Rogers, referred to the keenly contested Club competition finals this year, all of which produced close and exciting matches to the enjoyment of everyone present. Our Club President, the Revd John Auchmuty, paid tribute to Alan Rogers for his work and support for the Men’s Club, and thanked all the office bearers for carrying out their duties. He went on to say that whilst Club numbers might be small, the important thing was the continuing fellowship, friendship and support shown by members towards each other. A gift, with the good wishes of the Club, was presented to Andrew Launchbury and his partner, Fiona, to mark their forthcoming marriage. The evening closed with a ballot for a large number of prizes. This year, the prizes were kindly presented by the President’s wife, Caroline, to the competition winners as follows: Launchbury Captain’s Cup (Match Rinks Highest Average Score - Matches) Alan Rogers Paul Stewart Cup (Closed Singles) Jim Stevenson Tommy Lamont Cup (Pairs) Jim Savage and Geoff Launchbury Canon Noble Cup (Singles) Paul Rogers Andy Armstrong Memorial Trophy (Match Rinks Highest Average Score - Club Nights) Jonathan Launchbury I want to wish all the members well for what we hope will be a fine summer with plenty of time to enjoy the outdoor bowls and the garden, and safe travelling to those going on holiday to foreign shores. Geoff Launchbury 18
We are most grateful to Walter Peake for kindly supplying these photographs of the Men’s Club Annual Dinner and Prize Giving.
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NEW PREMISES CONVENOR Alan Rogers has served with distinction as Premises Convenor for our parish. Those who have requested use of the Church Hall for birthday parties, functions or other events will have appreciated his efficiency and practical support. Alan now wishes to retire from this position at the end of May and I thank him for all his hard work. I am very pleased that Mark Reid has accepted my invitation to be our new Premises Convenor. Mark currently serves as a member of the Young Families Committee as well as on the Property Committee and, in addition to those responsibilities, will commence his new parish responsibilities as Premises Convenor on Friday, 1st June. Should you wish to request use of our premises, please contact Mark on his mobile number 07810 648167 The Rector
FORWARD TO GENERAL SYNOD MOTION One might suppose from the press coverage that the meeting of the General Synod which has just taken place was one of great tension, confrontation and excitement. The reality was by no means so dramatic. In the run up to the Synod, the Bishops indicated an intention to bring forward a series of three motions dealing with human sexuality. A press suggestion that a proposed debate on gay marriage had been dropped was misleading. There was no such proposal. The motions, collectively, were along the lines of the composite motion which is contained in the article on the next page. However, some of the phraseology raised doubts in the mind of the Primate, who chairs the Synod, that the motions might be modifying the Church’s current teaching. There are strict rules about changing doctrine. It is not allowed to be done by a simple majority on foot of a quick motion. It can only be done through a lengthy procedure requiring, at various stages, the consent of not less than two thirds of each order (clerical and lay) represented in the Synod. In view of his doubts, the Primate ruled one motion out of order and the other two were then withdrawn. At the same time, the Primate called a meeting of the House of Bishops for the same evening. The following morning, the Bishops notified to the Synod their intention to bring forward the motion which is printed on page 21. It was debated on Saturday morning. There were a number of amendments suggested but the view most frequently expressed in debate was that the lead of the Bishops should be followed. In the event, that is what took place and the motion was passed without amendment. The motion was presented as doing three things. First, presenting the existing teaching; establishing the place we are at. Secondly, acknowledging that members of the Church had been hurt by unneighbourly treatment; recognising that the place we are at had not always been, but should be, a safe place. Third, to increase our awareness and the warmth of our welcome, requesting the Standing Committee to establish machinery to take things forward; enquiring whether the place we are at is the place we ought to be. Some have said that the reference to the Church’s existing teaching that “marriage is the normative context for sexual intercourse” suggests an exclusion of non-heterosexuals. However, the present teaching cannot be wished away. Furthermore, it impacts significantly on the heterosexual community as well. The passing of the motion does mean that the conversation which has already started, not least in a successful Synod conference last March, will definitely, and properly, continue. It is to be hoped that thereby some resolution may be found to the various problems and questions, both pastoral and doctrinal, which the issue raises. Michael Davey 20
GENERAL SYNOD MOTION The following motion on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief was passed by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland on Saturday, 12th May 2012, at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin: The General Synod affirms that: The Church of Ireland, mindful of the Preamble and Declaration, believes and accepts the Holy Scriptures as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ; The Church of Ireland continues to uphold its teaching that marriage is part of God’s creation and a holy mystery in which one man and one woman become one flesh, as provided for in Canon 31: ‘The Church of Ireland affirms, according to our Lord’s teaching, that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and life–long, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side, for the procreation and nurture of children, for the hallowing and right direction of the natural instincts and affections, and for the mutual society, help and comfort which the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.’ The Church of Ireland recognises for itself and of itself, no other understanding of marriage than that provided for in the totality of Canon 31. The Church of Ireland teaches therefore that faithfulness within marriage is the only normative context for sexual intercourse. Members of the Church of Ireland are required by the Catechism to keep their bodies in ‘temperance, soberness and chastity’. Clergy are called in the Ordinal to be ‘wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Jesus Christ’. The Church of Ireland welcomes all people to be members of the Church. It is acknowledged, however, that members of the Church have at times hurt and wounded people by words and actions, in relation to human sexuality. Therefore, in order that the Church of Ireland is experienced as a ‘safe place’ and enabled in its reflection, the Church of Ireland affirms: • A continuing commitment to love our neighbour, and opposition to all unbiblical and uncharitable actions and attitudes in respect of human sexuality from whatever perspective, including bigotry, hurtful words or actions, and demeaning or damaging language; • A willingness to increase our awareness of the complex issues regarding human sexuality; • A determination to welcome and to make disciples of all people. The Church of Ireland is mindful that all who believe ‘there is no distinction’ and that ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:22–23) are in need of God’s grace and mercy. We seek to be a community modelled on God’s love for the world as revealed in Jesus Christ. We wish that all members of the Church, through the teaching of the scriptures, the nourishment of the sacraments and the prayerful and pastoral support of a Christian community, will fulfil their unique contribution to God’s purposes for our world. The General Synod requests the Standing Committee to progress work on the issue of Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief and also to bring a proposal to General Synod 2013 for the formation of a Select Committee with terms of reference, including reporting procedures. 21
CHURCH NOTICE BOARD After the Rector’s Easter Vestry address highlighting the restricted visibility of the existing church notice board from the King’s Road, the Property Committee brought proposals to the Select Vestry for discussion. Approval to proceed was based on the drawing shown below and an order has been placed for the production of a new sign. The existing notice board framing will be retained and relocated adjacent to the hedge at the King’s Road, as well as being turned through 90 degrees to ensure that the new doubled sided sign will be clearly visible from both directions. The new sign will retain the original green background and cream lettering giving a good visual contrast, with the new content laid out in a clear, easily read format and will include the COI cross. A new parish web address has been chosen (www.COIknock.org) for the benefit of having a concise and memorable name, and to allow for a better fit on the notice board than that of our current 28 character web address. The new web address www.COIknock.org will be linked directly to our current web address www.stcloumbas.down.anglican.org, and will eventually replace it. Jim Stevenson, Property Committee
NORTHERN IRELAND CALENDAR Once again, I am producing a Northern Ireland calendar. With the profit from its sales, I am hoping to make a donation to the Church Building Fund and also to Muscular Dystrophy – a condition from which my son-in-law died earlier this year. The calendar will have an A4 layout and will be provided with an A4 envelope, at a cost of £5 each. St Columba’s generously supported this venture last year and I am hoping that parishioners will be able to support my effort again this year. Orders can be placed by either speaking to me in church, or telephoning me on 90284905. Eileen Gibson 22
HERITAGE CHURCHES ST. COSMUS AND ST. DAMIAN IN THE BLEAN, KENT One of the glories of the English countryside is its accessibility to everyone, thanks to thousands of public footpaths, bridleways and cycle lanes. This terrific resource provides huge opportunities to explore and to make interesting discoveries. I made one such discovery in Kent where, on a summer afternoon travelling on bicycles, my wife and I found the beautiful and beguilingly named parish church of St. Cosmus and St. Damian in The Blean. This tiny centuries old church lies close to woodlands just two miles north of the city of Canterbury, with its famous and imposing cathedral so central to the faith of all Anglicans worldwide. It stands adjacent to a former salt road, now a public right of way that the Romans once used to convey salt from the Kent coast to inland towns and garrisons. The church commemorates two Arab brothers, Saints Cosmus and Damian, both doctors, who converted to Christianity and were martyred around AD 303. It dates from the end of the 13th century, with a north aisle being added by Victorian church builders in 1866. Remarkably, some glass fragments in one of the windows in the south chancel are of 13th century origin. The parish which gives the church its place name was once known as the Royal Forest of Blean, and the surrounding area today retains very old and extensive tracts of woodland. The wonderful church interior contains many features of both ecclesiastic and social interest. These include an octagonal font from the 15th century and a dignified memorial to the 80 sailors lost in December 1942 in the sinking of the warship, HMS Blean, which was torpedoed in the Mediterranean Sea off Algeria whilst on war service. We found the church while travelling along a new cycle way that today links Canterbury with Whitstable, an historic seaside town on the north Kent coast that was once home to England’s largest oyster industry. It makes for a round trip of about sixteen miles – but it’s a hilly route with long sections in gravel track, so be mindful of this if you should wish to follow us! Having said that, the reward at either end of the trail is the splendour of the cathedral at Canterbury or, as we found out, some delicious fried-while-you-wait doughnuts sampled on the quayside at Whitstable. Along the way, just like us, you can pause for rest and reflection at the parish church of St. Cosmus and St. Damian in The Blean. Ivan Maginnis 23
THE TITANIC PALL
Dean with beautiful Titanic Pall
The Titanic Pall was first displayed on Tuesday, 20th March, in St. Anne’s Cathedral, where it can be found on the south side of the east end of the nave. The pall, made of 100 per cent Merino felt, is backed with Irish linen and dyed an indigo blue, evoking an image of the midnight sea in which the Titanic finally came to rest. This stunning memorial to those who died when the historic ship hit an iceberg in April 1912 was created by Helen O’Hare and Wilma Kirkpatrick, textile artists at the University of Ulster. The 12ft X 8ft pall was the gift of the Friends of St Anne’s Cathedral.
A large central cross is fashioned from lots of tiny crosses and hundreds more of these crosses, in different sizes and shapes, each individually stitched in silk, rayon, metallic and cotton threads, fall away towards the velvet rimmed edges of the pall, symbolic of lost lives sinking into the dark ocean. The vision behind the new pall came from the Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd John Mann. “The Cathedral doesn’t have a pall and really needed one,” he said, “The theme of the lost lives was inspired by Philip Hammond’s new Requiem for the Lost Souls of the Titanic which was performed for the first time in the Cathedral on Saturday, 14th April.” The commission took three and a half months from the first meeting with the Dean to the pall’s completion at the end of February. “A funeral pall has a cross in the middle and the background is normally violet, but we wanted to pick up some themes from the Titanic, namely the midnight sea. I felt there should be some silver and white there to represent the iceberg, but the girls came up with the idea of using multiple crosses,” the Dean continued. “By using crosses of different sizes they have created the impression that they are falling into the water, and set among these are more than 1,500 gold crosses and a number of Stars of David, each representing a lost life. This is a very special piece of stunning needlework that people will travel to see – from the central cross that sits like lace on water, to its rich velvet border, rippling Irish linen lining and the felt pierced with crosses on a restless indigo sea. Looking at the pall either from across the Cathedral or seeing the detail close up, it really catches the eye. It is worth a visit to St Anne’s to view this alone.” The pall was dedicated at a Service of Commemoration in St. Anne’s on Sunday, 15th April. For the next few months it will hang inside the Cathedral where it can be viewed by the many visitors expected to flock to Belfast to mark the 100th So Many Sinking anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. After that, it will remain into the Icy Ocean in the Cathedral to be used at funerals when required. Photographs kindly supplied by Max Corbett 24
JULY/AUGUST MAGAZINE Any articles or photographs for publication in the combined July/August parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Saturday, 9th June. Please note this date is earlier than usual. Many thanks
Saturday, 2nd June Young People’s Jubilee Party Saturday, 30 June ‘Cash for Clobber’ Collection th
DATE YOUR S FOR DIAR (Fund Y raisin
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FLOWER ROTA FOR JUNE Sunday 3 ................................................................ Patrick Wilson rd
Sunday 10th .............................................................. Kyleen Clarke Sunday 17th .............................................................. Jennifer Johnston Sunday 24th.............................................................. Irene Gray
HOSPITAL VISITING The Clergy would appreciate being informed if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer them pastoral support. Do not assume the Clergy already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370) to enable them to take careful note of the details. 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS SOMETHING FOR YOU? SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig 90472512 Patricia Wilson 90401066 Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stephenson 90583381 X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd 07833 391945 The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 90874047
WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 90657697 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 90592039
8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 90797125
7.30pm Senior Badminton Club Jill Spratt 07754 405511
MONDAY 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 90482113
7.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 90422101
2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) May Preston 90489884
FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 90651412
7.30pm Men’s Club Geoff Launchbury 90281204
3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788
TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Eithne Hobson 90797793
6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine
90424390
2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 90797155
6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff
90874047
8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 90808755
8.30pm H2O Mark Wilson
90761040
8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 90795155
Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 90471514
THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen
90790210
Please note, requests for the occasional use of Church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Mark Reid, on 07810 648167 26
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 King’s Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 90471514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 90870526 Mob 07989 469773 SELECT VESTRY Rector, Curate, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth Leonard, Ronny Martin, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers
CURATE The Revd Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com robert@stcolumbasyouth.org PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood, BT18 OHT Tel 028 90424390
HON. SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 90656183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber, BT23 5SZ Tel 028 91878816
HON. TREASURER Gillian Sadlier 70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG Tel 028 90403278
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 95140141
ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Christopher Heatley 17 King’s Crescent BT5 6PR Tel 028 90913873 JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Olivia Budde, Aaron Wilson
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 90583381 Mob 07973 392448
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Victor Dukelow Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Ross Thompson 27
ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Gerald Hill 6 The Coaches Brown’s Brae, Croft Road Holywood BT18 OLE Tel 028 90422101
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATOR John Holland Greengraves Cottage 8 Ballyrogan Park, Newtownards BT23 4SD Tel 028 91814036 PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 95140141 Email ivan.roche@me.com
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX Tel 028 90793641
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Ruth Pugh 147A King’s Road BT5 7EG Tel 028 90483459
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 90655500
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 90489884
SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 97542198
CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 90650716
CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Suzanne Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 90653511
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Office Hours Wednesday & Friday 8.30am – 1.30pm Parish Secretary: Janet Johnston Tel 028 90656891
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 90793704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com
Email office.knock@down.anglican.org
SAFEGUARDING TRUST The Rector, Select Vestry and Parish Leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact a member of the Parish Panel below, or any of the statutory agencies.
The Rector Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard 28
028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162