The Columban st. columba’s church, knock
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Berlin
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March 2015
RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner,
CHRISTIAN UNITY St. Columba’s is an active member of the Belmont and District Council of Churches. I am always encouraged to see the good representation from our parish at the three united services each year. At present these take place on Advent Sunday, the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and also at Pentecost. We worship in the liturgical tradition of the host church thus providing an opportunity to experience different forms of worship. In previous years the lay members have organised an interesting programme of meetings with visiting speakers. The clergy also meet each month for fellowship and prayer together. As a recent Editorial in the Church of Ireland Gazette reminded us “It has become increasingly clear, as the decades of modern ecumenical movement have gone by, that ecumenism is not to be seen simply as being about doctrinal debate and agreed statements, but is also, and perhaps more dynamically, about Christians being and acting together in the world. Showing our unity in prayer, praise and service is vital in working out the vision of the Church’s unity.” As a parish we will have an opportunity to demonstrate and share that unity in a unique way during this month. I am delighted that my clerical colleagues from Knock Presbyterian Church, Knock Methodist Church and St. Colmcilles Church, Ballyhackamore have accepted an invitation to preach in St. Columba’s at the 10.30am services. I look forward to welcoming them and hope that you will be able to attend on these dates: Sunday 1st March The Reverend David Moore, Minister of Knock Presbyterian Sunday 8th March The Reverend Robin Waugh, Minister of Knock Methodist Sunday 15th March Fr. Ciaran Feeney, Parish Priest of St. Colmcilles, Ballyhackamore In their sermons they will be exploring ways of how our Christian faith can provide us with the hope that is required to sustain us in those difficult and challenging situations which we all experience in daily life. They are all good friends of St. Columba’s and have worshipped with us on many occasions. You are most welcome to invite a relative, neighbour or friend to join you for these historic services as they preach here for the first time.
Yours in His service, 2
Sunday 1st March 10.45am Instrumental Music 11.00am All Age Worship followed by
Shepherds pie and Beans
Lenten Lunch in the Church Hall Come along and join us! Voluntary contributions in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Tickets for catering purposes only are available from the back of church. 3
SERVICES IN MARCH
Sunday 1st The Second Sunday in Lent (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Irene Gray Romans 4: 13-25 Gospel Clergy Mark 8: 31-38 10.45am Instrumental Music 11.00am All Age Worship and Holy Baptism followed by Lenten Lunch in the Church Hall Reader Anna Dukelow Mark 8: 31-38 Preacher The Reverend David Moore Minister of Knock Presbyterian 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Victor Ryan Genesis 12: 1-9 Reader Victor Ryan John 8: 51-59 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine Thursday 5th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 8th The Third Sunday in Lent (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 2: 13-22 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Clare Best 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 Gospel Clergy Preacher The Reverend Robin Waugh Minister of Knock Methodist Intercessions Clergy 7.00pm Compline Reader Robin Haldane Matthew 10: 16-22 Thursday 12th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 15th The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday) (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 2: 33-35 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Henry Auchmuty Luke 2: 33-35 10.30am Morning Prayer followed by refreshments hosted by the Mothers’ Union Reader Elizabeth Leonard Exodus 2: 1-10 Reader Gillian Sadlier Luke 2: 33-35 Preacher Father Ciaran Feeney Parish Priest, St. Colmcilles, Ballyhackamore Occasional Prayers Jill Gillespie
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7.00pm Tuesday 17th 10.30am Thursday 19th 10.30am Sunday 22nd 10.30am 7.00pm Thursday 26th 10.30am Sunday 29th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Clare Best Ephesians 2: 1-10 Gospel Clergy John 3: 14-21 St. Patrick (White) Holy Communion St. Joseph of Nazareth (White) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Passion Sunday) (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Hebrews 5: 5-10 Gospel Clergy John 12: 20-33 Holy Communion Reader Suzanne Allen Hebrews 5: 5-10 Gospel Clergy John 12: 20-33 Preacher The Reverend Canon Walter Laverty Intercessions Clergy Evening Prayer Reader Fiona Haldane Exodus 7: 8-24 Reader Fiona Haldane Luke 22: 1-13 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine The Annunciation of our Lord (Transferred) (White) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Palm Sunday (Red) Holy Communion Reader Billy Nelson Philippians 2: 5-11 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 11: 1-11 Morning Prayer Reader Yvonne Robb Isaiah 50: 4-9a Reader Chris Heatley Mark 11: 1-11 Preacher The Rector Occasional Prayers Clergy Palm Sunday Praise in Knock Methodist Church Preacher: The Right Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher No Service in St. Columba’s
Full details of our Holy Week services in April Columban 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 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.coiknock.org 5
HOLY WEEK This year we look forward to welcoming the Bishop of Clogher as our Holy Week Preacher. Bishop John McDowell is well known to us all as he was Rector of our neighbouring parish, St. Mark’s, Dundela before moving to the Diocese of Clogher just over three years ago. By way of introduction to his sermons, we thank him for sending this short article… The Rector has asked me to write a word or two about the theme which I have chosen for Holy Week. You might say that Holy Week has only a single theme; a theme that is both heart breaking and heart lifting. That theme centres round what it cost the Father to recreate His image in us through the passion and death of His Son. The New Testament knows only one appropriate response to that sin-bearing love - to surrender our lives to it, gladly and forever. I simply want to look at some of the elements of that theme through the words of the eighteenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel. The week begins with the hosannas of the triumphal entry of a great King into a Holy City. It ends outside the walls of the same city with possibly the most important words ever spoken “It is finished”: in the language of the New Testament a single word, “Tetalestai”. The Cross is the turning point of all history. With the story of the Cross (and very little else) a small group of Palestinian artisans and a strange Pharasaic Jew called Paul began to subdue the whole Roman world of the Mediterranean and left the religion of their fellow countrymen as a broken vessel in their wake. Two thousand years on you and I are part of the story of that remaking of humanity and of the world or at least we can be as we are drawn closer to ourselves and to God through the power of the Cross. The Rt. Revd John McDowell Bishop of Clogher
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Holy Week Lunchtime Speaker at Knock Methodist Church Monday 30th March to Maundy Thursday, 2nd April, 1.15pm – 1.45pm in Knock Methodist Church. Wendy Johnston is the wife of Reverend Richard Johnston, Superintendent of our Belfast Central Mission. They are originally from Australia and have 3 daughters in their 20’s. Wendy, who has a way of making the Scriptures come alive, will tell the story from Scripture.
Good Friday The conductor of our Good Friday Three Hour Devotions this year will be The Reverend Dr. Heather Morris, a former President of the Methodist Church in Ireland. Our parishioners will recall that she was the preacher at the evening Holy Week services last year in St. Columba’s. We look forward to welcoming The Reverend Dr. Morris again as she leads us through these solemn devotions and meditations.
Private Holy Communion Services It is always a privilege for the Clergy to conduct private Holy Communion services for those housebound parishioners who are unable to attend Easter services in St. Columba’s. To arrange a private Holy Communion at your home please telephone the Parish Administrator (9065 6891) by Friday 20th March to make an appointment.
Holy Communion for our ‘Senior’ Parishioners in
St. Columba’s Parish Church on
MAUNDY THURSDAY, 2nd April, at 10.30am With Holy Week Hymns and seasonal refreshments Please phone the Parish Office 9065 6891 (Monday-Friday 9.00am-1.00pm) if transport is required. 7
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
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 (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706) to enable them to take careful note of the details.
Clergy Parish Visiting It is always a great privilege for the Clergy to meet parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit, please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706). In addition to those requested, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during March:
Rector
Assistant Priest
Rosepark Meadows
Sandhill Gardens
Rosepark South
Sandhill Parade
Sandown Road
Sandhill Park
Sidesperson’s Rota for March. 1st March:.................................................................. The Dukelow family 8th March:.........................................................Alison and Brian Acheson 15th March:........................................... Helen Proctor and Liz McCaughey 22nd March:.....................................................Irene Gray and Joan Madill 29th March:....................................... Eileen Anderson and Ann McGarvey 8
Stained glass is remarkable stuff. It is easy to understand why it was so popular and why it became such a feature of church architecture. It was expensive, for a start, and it was only right that, as a mark of respect, the house of the King of Kings should be expensively adorned. It was also pictorial, presenting the bible stories to all who saw it, particularly, and importantly, to the many who could not read.
Thought for the Month
But all that does not explain its enduring popularity. The respect of the Middle Ages was based on a real fear of direct, perhaps immediate, intervention in people’s lives. We no longer think that way about our God, or our kings. Nor, happily, is illiteracy the problem it once was. There has to be some other explanation. For me, at least, that something extra lies in the way the richness of the colours and the endlessly variable interplay of light and shade can create, as it were, an extra dimension; a place where, just as poetry can let us experience emotion on a higher plane, we can see a little more clearly. I experienced this most profoundly in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin (Front Cover). In its intense blue light I began to understand mankind’s capacity for inhumanity and, simultaneously, the infinite power of hope and reconciliation. A different visitor would perhaps not be affected in the same way but I believe that no one could go there and be unmoved. The experience is not always quite so profound, nor does it need such a grand setting. Quite often, walking back from receiving Communion at St. Columbas, I see the blues and greens of the big window at the back of the church and my heart sings. And when, seconds later, I ask to be sent out to live and work to His praise and glory, I feel that I might actually have a chance of doing it. Michael Davey My sincere thanks to Michael for sharing his ‘thought’ with us. The April ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Gina Greeves.
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Mission 15
The Parish Mission Team started to meet in 2014 and have been planning the Year of Mission in our church. This diocesan initiative started with 24/7 Prayer. Our aim is to deepen engagement with Church life and Faith in St Columbas. Our three areas of focus are Church, Children and Community. The team members are: The Rector, Jill Armstrong, Clare Best, Murray Hunter, Elizabeth Leonard, Mark Ryan, Moira Saunders, Ross Thompson and Linda Wilson. The next meeting will be in the choir vestry on Wednesday 4th March.
Anyone in the Parish who wishes to join us for this meeting will be most welcome. Elizabeth Leonard.
Celebrating Achievement Congratulations to Ulster Aviation Society member Paddy Malone who was recently awarded the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) Association Annual UK Heritage Trophy (2014). This trophy recognises his contribution to the Observer Corps Heritage in the United Kingdom. Paddy’s award is in memory of the late John Simmonds and is known as The Spitfire Heritage Trophy. Some 25 ROC Group Associations compete for this each year. The photograph shows Edwina Holden MBE (the ROC National Heritage team leader) congratulating Paddy. Also shown are some members of the ROC Association’s National committee. 10
APRIL PARISH MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the April parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by 6.00pm on Wednesday, 11th March. His contact details are as follows:10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT Tel: 9042 4390
Email: colmaged@outlook.com
Railway & Model Club Building Work has begun at Columba...(Halt) Don’t get the wrong idea .... this is work on the Model Railway Layout!!! With all the lines laid and proved, we have a number of trains in operation, both express and branch lines. The layout is fairly complex but great fun to operate. Now the buildings are being constructed and put in place e.g. the local garage, the Bus Station, the Cafe/Ale House (known as The Rector’s Retreat), telephone boxes, bicycle sheds, workmen’s huts, a coal yard and watering points for steam engines. With this hard winter, we made a point of getting our barns and cow shed completed for the cattle and sheep. A number of roads and paths have to be laid to take the cars, buses and lorries which we now have. Construction of the Comber Viaduct moves on apace and tunnels are also being added. It’s all happening.............so watch the Church Noticeboards and THIS SPACE, or better still why not drop-in to see us some Wednesday evening. David Beattie.
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PARISH TABLE QUIZ
(In aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund) Pentateuch, pig intestines, winklepickers, lactic acid, ghillies: just some of the answers to questions posed by the Magnus Magnusson of St. Columba’s (Billy McAlpine) at the Table Quiz on Friday 6th February.
Th Wine n
ers
Rather interesting topics that included ‘Sausages’, ‘Liquids’, ‘Footwear’ and ‘Biscuits’ had everyone wondering what questions Billy could possibly ask that we might be able to answer, never mind understand! Indeed, some questions, for some of us, would not have been out of place on Mastermind or University Challenge. However, Billy was thoughtful and, within each topic, there were not-too-difficult questions, including an ‘East Belfast Saints’ round. Yet there were a few that resulted in brain overheat and good-natured disagreement within the teams! Some answers were surprising. For example, I have been put off black pudding for life, having learnt that it contains blood (culinary knowledge is not my forte!) and I now know that the only English anagram of the word ‘fiendish’ is … (well, try and get it yourself, if you were not at the quiz). I also wish to thank the rector for his help as I struggled to remember how to draw the treble clef sign! As usual, each team had a distinctive and quirky name and the evening produced friendly banter and a little healthy competition. The winning team was ‘Gina’s Gems’. Question: Gina who? Answer… Our very grateful thanks go to Billy McAlpine for taking time and care to produce such an interesting quiz. His quizzes have become something of an institution at St. Columba’s and, if you haven’t been to one, you are missing out on a great night’s mental stimulation. Thanks also to Karen and Kieran for keeping a running tally of scores; to Jim for ensuring that we could all hear the questions and to those who arranged the catering. The Rector must also be thanked for ‘policing’ the quiz, as he moved from table to table offering encouragement and administering the odd clip around the ear for indecision. We are all looking forward already to Billy’s next quiz! Gerald Hill The total raised was £440.50 12
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Prayer and Reading Rota We would like more parishioners who would be willing to assist with leading prayers and intercessions at our 10.30am Sunday services. It would not be every Sunday but just whenever you can help. Please contact the Rector by the end of March if you would be able to assist St. Columba’s in this way. If you would also like to assist with the readings at the services please contact Muriel Arndell (Home 9065 5500) or Karen Patterson in the Parish Office (9065 6891) as we are always delighted to add new names to our rota. Thank you.
PAUSE Following on from our Pause for lunch at Hillmount Garden Centre on Shrove Tuesday we are planning to meet in March on the following dates. Monday, 9th March 10.30am Coffee at Neill’s Hill (Ballyhackamore) th Friday, 27 March 10.30am Coffee at The Ground Floor (Belmont Road) If you are free on one or both of these dates do come along for a chat. Bring a friend or two. Everyone is welcome. If you require transport please contact me, Eileen, 9020 3684.
THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING will take place in the Church Hall on Wednesday, 11th March, 7.00pm. All parishioners are encouraged to attend but only those who are registered can vote to elect:
The People’s Churchwarden The People’s Glebewarden 12 Select Vestry Members 2 Honorary Auditors
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Refreshments will be served during the meeting. 14
Decorating our Church for Easter
Saturday 4th April 10.30am- 12.30pm Gifts of flowers and a willingness to help are all that is required. No flower arranging skills necessary!
Children and young families will be particularly welcome to help. Refreshments in the Rectory.
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CHARLIE HEBDO – A recurring nightmare! The rector has invited me to submit to the magazine, an outline of my sermon preached in St.Columba’s in the aftermath of two atrocities in Paris:‘Until recently few people in this country knew much, if anything, about the French satirical magazine, ‘Charlie Hebdo.’ Now, everybody associates the name with the appalling atrocity and another in a nearby kosher supermarket, that led to the deaths of seventeen people in Paris. The magazine, with its overtly secular agenda, has walked a tightrope at times in poking fun at religion and its central figures, in cartoon form. One of its subjects has been the prophet Mohammed, which has been met with a hostile response from many Muslim leaders. France, which has the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Western Europe, places considerable emphasis on freedom of expression. In a way that is a legacy of the French Revolution, over two hundred years ago – a society today in which all religions are tolerated, but one in which all religions have to earn respect. Most people, apart from religious and other fanatics, were horrified at the wilful violence, and loss of life in Paris. However, there were those in France, but also in this country, who, as well as condemning such acts of violence, were making another statement, against religions and faiths in any form. In effect, what they were stating could be summed up by the words:-‘A plague on all your houses.’ One writer, in an Irish paper, commented ‘Only religious faith is strong enough to motivate such madness in otherwise sane and normal people.’ Another commentator, echoing the sentiments of militant atheists like Richard Dawkins, suggested that religion is the cause of more suffering and war than any other human institution. Listening to such comments, it would be easy to get caught up in a web of negativity, overlooking the fact that Christianity and other world religions do promote a universal concern for others, and are exhorted to love the stranger in our midst, and even, to show compassion for our enemies. If we can grasp the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are offered an alternative and ongoing challenge to our basic instincts that cause so much hurt and misery in our world. The editorial staff of Charlie Hebdo paid a very great price for shocking 16
and even ridiculing the deeper held beliefs of others. Such satirical magazines prompt us to ask where are the boundaries between satire and blasphemy? It seems to me that the goalposts are changing rapidly on that question! Personally, I am an advocate of freedom of speech and expression, even when we find what is said to be unacceptable. I do not subscribe to the notion of a confessional state, which can be authoritarian and fundamentalist in nature. Perhaps the most evident examples today can be found in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, but attempts were made to impose such a structure on the people of this island, North and South, in the not too distant past! However, there is a world of difference between championing the cause of freedom and democracy and ridiculing the belief and cultural aspirations of others. Freedom and democracy in a society like ours, brings with it an obligation to act responsibly!! Regularly, in St. Columba’s, we are challenged to practise our faith in response to the needs of our world and society. Perhaps I can suggest, as we reflect on the events of recent weeks in France, and prepare to focus on Christian Unity Week (18th-25thJanuary) that one of our resolutions could be to ensure that, where necessary, there is UNITY: when in doubt there is LIBERTY and in every instance, there is CHARITY. In doing so, we can emerge from a focus on negative, deviant forms of religion and extreme political and religious ideologies, into constructive, compassionate Christianity. In recent weeks, we have had many examples, good and bad, of the restlessness of the human spirit. Hopefully, we find, on those occasions, when WE experience moments or times of restlessness: when WE are perplexed by the problems of life and maybe struggle to find meaning in our faith, a willingness to accept the challenge put to Nathaniel (one of the first people called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ) to ‘come and see’ and judge Jesus for ourselves. Thankfully, we have the freedom to do so, and the opportunity, if we care, to respond to our own call to discipleship, uplifted and encouraged by a trust in the living Lord! Ken Smyth (Assistant Priest)
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Flower Rota for March 2015
Sunday 1 ...................................................................Wendy Killen Sunday 8th...............................................................Roberta Rogers Sunday 15th.......................................................... Margaret McKee Sunday 22nd................................................................... Carol Willis Sunday 29th............................................. Palm Leaves & Greenery st
Time for Reflection You are invited to spend a few moments this month or, perhaps, each week or even every day to consider the following: ‘The miracle of the feeding of the 5000.’ (John 6: 8-13) You could ask yourself: Does the small boy contribute his lunch willingly? Would I give a stranger my lunch? Is what I have to offer too small or too insignificant? What might I do when situations seem hopeless? How will I overcome the challenge? Might prayer help?
Parish Photo Wall The Parish Photo Wall is located in the Church Hall. We would love each organisation to display photos of meetings and events each month. We need your help. Please take a few photos each time you have an event / outing or Guest Speaker and place the photos on the wall. They will be displayed for about 4 weeks (longer during the summer) for everyone to see, enjoy and to add colour to our Church Hall! Thank you. 18
Thank you to all those members who attended our last event in the Church Hall on the 3rd February. Fred Strickland, aka “The Bread Man”, shared with us his mother’s recipes for traditional Irish griddle breads. Fred prepared delicious pancakes, potato bread, soda, wheaten and treacle farls and at the end of the evening we happily tasted the fruits of his labour - accompanied by his homemade jams. The aromas wafting from the griddles were so good they tempted a couple of extra guests down from the Rectory. Looking ahead here are a few dates for your diary: 3rd March - Chasing Fame with Eleanor Launchbury. 20th & 21st March - A Celebration for St Dorothea, in our fellow area parish, St Dorothea’s Church. From 10am-4.30pm there will be floral and fruit displays, admission is free and refreshments will be available. 25 March 2015 - The Diocesan Festival service will take place at 8.00pm in Shankill Parish, Lurgan. Any members wishing to attend please contact Irene Gray, our Gilnahirk Area Representative (9065 3438), who will arrange transport if required or if there are large numbers wishing to attend from our area. 30th March -1st April - Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union. Every day a wave of prayer goes around the world as members stop and pray in the middle of the day for the work of Mothers’ Union and international issues. These daily prayers follow an annual pattern which means that every Mothers’ Union region is prayed for at least once during the year. From the 30th March - 1st April, Down and Dromore Mothers’ Union will be prayed for by Mothers’ Union members all around the world. 13th May - Down and Dromore Council at 7.30pm in Comber Parish. 21st May - Diocesan Indoor Member’s Tea Party, at 2.30pm in St Mark’s, Newtownards. The guest speaker will be Bishop Ken Clarke. Finally, just a reminder that our contribution to Mary Sumner House was due on 31st January. I should therefore be grateful if any remaining outstanding subscriptions (£20) could be given to our Treasurer, Jane Scott. Thank you, Katrina Dukelow
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There has been a slow start to Crèche in the New Year but hopefully numbers will pick up again very soon. If you know any parents with young children who are attending church, please encourage them to come along to our services and use this facility. Crèche is staffed by a great group of willing and able volunteers. We operate a rota system, but it is always good to have more people. If you think that this is something you would like to do or just want more information please come and speak to me. During March our Crèche children will be making Spring crafts along with a special activity for Mother’s Day. Once again I would also like to remind everyone that there is a box at the back of the church for any donations of toys for Crèche. Lynn Ryan
Brownie Notes Last Friday night was very special for Emma and Marissa when they were enrolled as full members of the Pack in front of their parents and the rest of the pack. We have also welcomed India who has transferred from another pack to ours as Friday night suits her much better. The Brownies have been working very hard on their Home Safety badges and now they can all safely make a cup of tea/coffee. They know under what circumstances 999 can be used and also when the precious time of the Emergency Services would be wasted. Additionally they have carried out a safety audit of their own homes. Hopefully doing this badge will mean they will have a safer life. On Friday 6th February we went bowling at the Ice Bowl to allow the quiz to take place. This was a very competitive outing. Our numbers are steadily increasing but please remember we still have spaces so if anyone is interested do please come along on a Friday night at 6.30pm. Beth Cairnduff
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St Columba’s Men’s Club presents
“Shipwrecked in the Antarctic”
Mr Raymond King will be telling of his experiences when he and others were shipwrecked in the Antarctic in November 2007 as the liner they were traveling in was struck by an iceberg.
St Columba’s Church Hall Monday 2nd March 2015 7.30pm. Light refreshments served. Proceeds in aid of Church Hall Refurbishment Fund All Welcome 21
Men’s Club Notes Following our last article, the Men’s Club entertained our friends from Knock Methodist in our annual bowling fixture. The night was filled with laughter, banter and some entertaining bowling. After a shaky start we managed to turn things round and came out victorious. The biggest winner on the night was the on-going fellowship that has existed between our two clubs over the years. The last match in this year’s programme is a visit to St Colmcilles on the 26th February. Monday 2nd March is our talk on the experiences of Mr Raymond King entitled ‘Shipwrecked in the Antarctic’ . Doors open from 7.00pm I would like to bring to the attention of our readers a very generous gift bestowed to the Men’s Club. When entering the main hall most of you will be aware of the notice boards depicting the names of members, both past and present, who have held the post of Chairman and Captain since the club was formed in 1959. We have now erected our fourth board thanks to the generosity of Mr Evan Preston. Evan has been associated with the Men’s Club for over 40 years. He held the post of Chairman in the 1976-77 season and also the Captaincy in 1979-80. He has been a very active and diligent committee member on many occasions. In his own words he has gained so much from being a member of the Men’s Club that he wanted to give something back to the club. We would like to say a massive thank you to Evan on behalf of all members, both past and present, for this gift. We can now continue to keep a visible record for all to see of the office bearers for years to come. John Robb (Honorary Secretary)
Doves
Since we returned from our Christmas break the weeks just seem to be flying by. We have enjoyed many activities including making lanterns, planting herb seeds, art & games. In the coming weeks we plan to have some seasonal fun for Valentine’s & St Patrick’s day. There will be no Doves on 20th February due to the half term school holiday. If you are 3-6 years old come & join the girls & boys in the lower hall on Fridays at 6.30pm. Moira 07739 041392
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All Age Worship Many thanks to everyone who supported Autism NI at our last All Age Worship service where we raised £93 for that great cause. There will be no tea and coffee at the next All Age Worship service as it is on Sunday 1st March and the Lenten Lunch will be served at 12 noon. On Easter Sunday, 5th April, the Ladies Guild will be serving tea and coffee after the All Age Worship service. Roberta
Mothers’ Union Activity Group This teddy needs a name and an owner. You will see it around the parish and for £1 you can guess its name. If you are right you can take it home. This is our fundraising scheme for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund and your support is much appreciated.
Youth Etc Youth Etc had an enjoyable evening ten-pin bowling at Dundonald. Sarah Craig was the overall winner. Well done Sarah! Good to have the boys put in their place. Youth Etc will visit Aunt Sandra’s Handmade Chocolate and Fudge shop on the Castlereagh Road on Saturday 21st March starting at 3:30 pm. We will be taking part in a chocolate workshop and hopefully creating some masterpieces. The cost will be £12 per person attending (including any parents). The workshop will last approximately 90 minutes. All youth are welcome. Please let David or Josephine Kelly know if you wish to attend. 23
Ladies Guild Our New Year got off to a great start with the delightful film “Bridges of Madison County”. As well as the love story, the scenery and the amazing covered bridges were beautifully captured on film. Thanks to all who turned out on a cold January night. May I draw your attention to our March event, Invisible Traffick-Slavery Near Your Door. More and more people are becoming aware of this disturbing trend which as the title says is happening very near your door. The Northern Woman Magazine published an interesting article in the November edition, giving a list of warning signs associated with human trafficking. Ash Redmond will bring us up to date with the work to prevent this worrying trend. As this meeting takes place on the 18th March it reminded me that our patron St Patrick was kept as a slave on Slemish. Is this our chance to actively promote our Christian calling in our year of Mission? The Ladies Guild will serve tea/coffee on the 5th April i.e. Easter Sunday to raise some extra monies for this cause. Imelda Shephard
From the Registers Christian Burials
Our Sorrows
6th January
Audrey Dunlop 21 Kirkliston Park. 12th January Annie Anderson 3 Knock Grove 22nd January Elizabeth Jean Fulton O.B.E. 5 Brentwood Park 24
Lent lasts for 40 days. The English word for Lent is an abbreviation of the Old English word ‘lencten’, or ‘lengthen’. At last Winter is over, and the days are getting longer. Can you find the following words in the grid?
Lent Forty Days Sundays Fasting Weekly Celebration
Resurrection Jesus Wilderness Indulgences Inward Spiritual Renewal
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Growth Cross Empty Tomb Redemption Daffodils Lencten
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations! WEDNESDAY 7.00pm Railway and Model Club David Beattie 9028 5868 7.30pm Bible Study Group Anella Gallen 9065 8077 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Imelda Shephard 9079 7683
SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) Superintendent Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381 Bubbles (3-5 years) Splash (5-8 years) X-treme (8-11 years) The Grid (11-14 years) 10.30am Crèche (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays) Lynn Ryan 07955 479065
THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen 9079 0210 7.30pm Choir Practice Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574
MONDAY 10.30am Craft & Hobby Circle Carol Willis 9079 9997 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2.30pm Mothers’ Union Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm Men’s Club John Robb 9058 1438
FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45-4.30pm Toddler Soccer 3-5 years Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Moira Saunders 07739 041392 6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047
TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Vi Dowie 9067 1051 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 7.30pm Mothers’ Union Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 9079 5155 8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Katrina Dukelow 9029 0625
Pause: Bi-monthly outings as arranged Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 Youth Etc (11 – 15 years): Monthly outings as arranged David Kelly 9079 6658 Young Families Group: Social events as arranged Victor Dukelow 9029 0625
Requests for the occasional use of church halls must be submitted to the Premises’ Convenor, John Little, on 07732 494151 or e-mail: little_large@hotmail.com
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE:
www.coiknock.org
HONORARY SEXTON John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9087 0526 Mob 07989 469773 SELECT VESTRY Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, John Little, Mark Ryan, Gillian Sadlier, Mark Wilson HONORARY SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 9065 6183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com HONORARY TREASURER Josephine Kelly 15 Manse Road BT6 9SB Tel 028 9079 6658 ASSISTANT HONORARY TREASURER Victor Dukelow 19 Thornhill Park BT5 7AR Tel 028 9029 0625 GIFT AID SECRETARY Ronny Martin 8 Gillycourt Manor 309 Gilnahirk Road BT5 7SL Tel 028 9079 0821 Mob 07526 396838 Email ronny.martin@sky.com PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Patrick Good Moranne Noad Ross Thompson (under 30)
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 9047 1514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com ASSISTANT PRIEST The Revd Canon Ken Smyth 3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG Tel 028 9145 8706 PARISH READER Karen McAlpine Email readercolumba@gmail.com DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber BT23 5SZ Tel 028 9187 8816 RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN John Macpherson 10 Sandhill Gardens BT5 6FF Tel 028 9028 2076 PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Jon Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 9065 3511 JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Andrew Kelly, Charles Auchmuty RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 9058 3381 Mob 07973 392448 PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN Mark Reid 54 Knocklofty Park BT4 3ND Tel 028 9028 4367 Mob 07810 648167 27
PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9514 0141 Email ivan.roche@me.com C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Moranne Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704 BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 9048 9884 CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 9065 0716 PREMISE’S CONVENOR John Little 59 Leathem Square East Link Road Dundonald BT16 2QL Tel 07732 494151 Email little_large@hotmail.com ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Parish Administrator/Financial Giving Secretary: Karen Patterson Office hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pm Tel 028 9065 6891 Email office@coiknock.org
ORGANIST AND CHORAL DIRECTOR Dr Joe McKee 76 Sandown Road BT5 6GU Mob 07976 294574 ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 8 Lacefield BT4 3PA Tel 028 9079 3641 READERS’ & INTERCESSORS’ CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 9065 5500 SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA COORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 9754 2198 CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Lynn Ryan 2 Ballyregan Road Dundonald BT16 1HY Tel 07955 479065 MAGAZINE EDITOR Billy McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood BT18 0HT Tel 028 9042 4390 Email colmaged@outlook.com
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 . The Rector.........................................................................028 9047 1514 Patrick Good.....................................................................028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard...........................................................028 9065 3162
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