The Columban
The Island of Iona
st. columba’s church, knock
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June 2015
RECTOR’S LETTER PATRONAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS SATURDAY 6TH JUNE & SUNDAY 7TH JUNE I invite you to join us for our Patronal Festival Celebrations as we remember with thanksgiving the life of Columba. This year we will be reflecting on how we can be influenced, through Columba’s legacy of Mission and Community, in two specific ways:
Saturday 6th June 7.00pm Choir Concert in the Church
Our Organist, Dr Joe McKee and Choir, will be joined by the Reverend Dr Peter Thompson (organ), David McCann (cello) and Grahame Harris (small pipes) for an inspirational concert in the beautiful setting of our church. We are very fortunate that such distinguished musicians are participating in this. It promises to be an enjoyable evening which will be followed by celebratory refreshments. A warm welcome awaits visitors and our neighbours from the community who would like to join us. The proceeds will be given to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.
Sunday 7th June 10.30am Patronal Holy Communion Service
We look forward to welcoming the Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan, The Most Reverend Dr Richard Clarke as our preacher at this service. We are very privileged that he will be with us and sharing in our worship on this significant occasion. I have invited the leaders and members of all our Parish Organisations to join us for this service as we come together to celebrate Columba’s life and learn how his example calls us to mission. We have, in Columba, a patron saint who demonstrated the importance of faithfulness, study and courage in the opportunities and challenges of life. Despite the division and disappointments which Columba experienced he moved forward to establish a monastery in Iona, emphasizing that new beginnings are possible. How often we need to be reminded about this in our daily lives especially when we encounter difficulties. Columba’s influence was mainly through the corporate life of the monasteries and churches that he founded. I hope and pray that we can all bring Columba’s faithfulness, courage and vision to our parish work each day. Yours in His Service,
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SERVICES IN JUNE Thursday 4th 10.30am
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Transferred) (White) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Sunday 7th 8.15am
Saint Columba (Transferred) Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Romans 15: 1-6 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 12: 20-26
(White)
10.30am Patronal Holy Communion followed by refreshments hosted by the Ladies Guild Reader Patrick Good Romans 15: 1-6 Gospel Clergy John 12: 20-26 Preacher : The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan Intercessions Elizabeth Leonard 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Eileen Anderson Micah 7: 14-20 Reader Eileen Anderson Matthew 28: 16-20 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine Thursday 11th Saint Barnabas 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 14th 8.15am
The Second Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Billy Nelson 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10, 14-17 Gospel Clergy Mark 4: 26-34
10.30am 7.00pm Thursday 18th 10.30am
All Age Worship Service with Sunday School prize-giving followed by refreshments Reader Sophie King Mark 4: 26-34 Late Evening Office Reader Carol Willis
Luke 7: 36- 8: 3
(Green) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
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Sunday 21st 8.15am
The Third Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 4: 35-41
9.30am
Family Communion Gospel Emma Craig
10.30am
Choral Matins Reader Reader Occasional Prayers
Brian Gillespie Mary Beard Elizabeth Miller
1 Samuel 17: 57– 18: 5, 10-16 Mark 4: 35-41
7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Gospel
Victor Ryan Clergy
Romans 11: 25-36 Luke 8: 26-39
Mark 4: 35-41
(White) Thursday 25th The Birth of Saint John the Baptist (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 28th 8.15am
The Fourth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 Gospel Clergy Mark 5: 21-43
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Gospel Intercessions
7.00pm
Evening Prayer Reader Robin Haldane Reader Robin Haldane Occasional Prayers Jill Gillespie
Joy Montgomery Karen McAlpine Noel Higginson
2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 Mark 5: 21-43
Jeremiah 11: 1-14 Luke 9: 51-62
Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange to 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 4
Sidesperson’s Rota for June 7th June 14th June 21st June 28th June
The Dukelow family Eileen Anderson and Ann McGarvey Patricia and Patrick Wilson Lilias Smith and Pauline Darke
JULY/AUGUST PARISH MAGAZINE Any articles or photographs for publication in the July/ August parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 10th June. His contact details are as follows:10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT Tel: 9042 4390
Email: colmaged@outlook.com
We all love to see photographs of people enjoying our Church activities. So we can all benefit fully from this, and for reproduction purposes, it is very important that photographs are clear and in focus. Many thanks
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.
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 5
St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock.
CONCERT The Parish Choir Joe McKee Choral Director Revd Dr Peter Thompson organ David McCann cello Grahame Harris small pipes
Saturday 6 June at 7.00pm. Donation to Parish Funds £5. Children free. There will be light refreshments after the concert.
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Choir Concert Saturday, 6 June at 7.00pm The Parish Choir, along with guest instrumentalists, will be presenting a Concert in the Church on Saturday, 6th June as part of this year’s Patronal Festival. Please come along with your family and friends to support this event. We are suggesting a voluntary contribution of £5 from adults with children coming free. After the concert there will be refreshments in the church and on the lawn. This event will be the Choir’s principal contribution to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund, so please come and enjoy the music while supporting an important aspect of parish life. Thanks. Joe McKee
Flower Rota for June 2015 Sunday 7th ………………………………....................Carol Willis Sunday 14th ……………………………...................... .Irene Gray Sunday 21st……………………………............Esther Templeton Sunday 28th …………………………….............Margaret McKee
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 Assistant Priest (028 91458706). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during June: Rector
Assistant Priest
Thornhill Park Victoria Court Wandsworth Crescent Wandsworth Road Weavers Mews
Upper Newtownards Road Tullyard Way Winston Gardens Wynard Park Wanstead Road
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2015 General Synod Report This was the first year of a General Synod triennium so there were a lot of new faces in Armagh. Congratulations to our own Elizabeth Leonard for being one of them. There were new faces elected to the Pension’s Board as well, including the Rector who is, no doubt, anxious to keep an eye on his long term financial prospects. Congratulations to him too. The legislative emphasis in recent years has been on finance and, in particular, pensions. The situation there seems to have settled a bit this year. This year, relationships and ethos were the topics of choice, specifically in regard to dignity in Church life, the prevention of bullying and harassment and the management of long term clergy illness. Synod adopted a formal Charter committing the Church to building and supporting harmonious relationships across all Church structures, upholding the right of all to be treated with dignity and respect and seeking reconciliation where there is disagreement or conflict. The Representative Body is charged with developing policies to give effect to this Charter for approval by the Standing Committee and the Synod. All individuals will have a duty to uphold the Charter and these rules in all aspects of Church involvement. Provisions were also adopted to deal with long term clergy illness, whether mental or physical, to ensure that any loss of office so arising, or any resumption of work which may be involved thereafter is based on medical advice. Some provision for financial help was also made giving dioceses access to the former Severance Fund which has rarely been used. Continuing the ethos theme, Synod also approved an environmental Charter encouraging parishes to cut down waste, increase environmental awareness and reduce the impact of climate change. There was also a motion calling for the reduction or elimination of VAT on remedial work to protected buildings, no doubt reasoning that if the public/state is demanding that such structures be preserved then the public should help bear the cost. The Liturgical Advisory Committee reported that “Thanks and Praise”, a supplement to the Hymn Book is expected to be published in early autumn. There are also to be related publications, “Sing to the Lord”, a guide to the use of hymns related to the Lectionary and a “Companion”, giving background information to the hymns. A discount of 15% will be offered for pre-publication orders. It was also reported, in regard to the relationship between the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church, that the various events required to bring about interchangeability of ministry have now taken place. The possibility of Methodist rectors is no longer theoretical: it is now real. Michael Davey
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All Age Worship Many thanks to everyone who supported the RNLI on Sunday, 3rd May when we raised the fantastic amount of £159.85. Our next All Age Worship service is on the 14th June which is the second Sunday in June. This is also our last until after the summer break. We are raising funds for Children’s Heartbeat Trust who have been supporting families of children with heart disease in Northern Ireland since 1984. The trust works closely with Clark Clinic at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children to ensure that children with heart disease and their families receive the best care, treatment and support possible. They provide financial support for a variety of equipment and resources from chairs for parents on the ward to helping fund pioneering tele-medicine in the ‘Heartbeat Suite’. They also provide accommodation above the clinic for parents to use when their child is being treated, this allows parents to stay at the hospital in comfortable surroundings, in what is often a traumatic time both for the child and the parent and is invaluable to parents who would otherwise have to travel long distances to and from the hospital. Please plan to be with us on Sunday, 14th June and support this very worthwhile cause. I hope everyone can enjoy a break over the summer and we hope to see you all in September when All Age Worship will be back on Sunday 6th.
Roberta Rogers
An House Not Made With Hands This is the title of some books discovered in the choir vestry during a spring clean. The book, which was written by a parishioner, for our centenary year, details the history of St Columba’s Parish from 1896 -1996. It includes the history of all the organisations in the church from their inception, with many interesting photographs. It is an enjoyable read and is a must have for all historians. The books are at the west end of the church and are available for a donation of £5.00. Proceeds to go to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Maureen Beckwith 9
Improvements to the West End of the Church Over the past year the numbers attending the 10.30am service have been increasing with more parishioners staying after the service to enjoy refreshments and conversation together at the west end of the church. This has been a most encouraging and welcome development in our parish. Initially refreshments were only served after the All Age Worship service on the first Sunday of each month. Since September, however, refreshments are now also being hosted on the third Sunday by one of our Parish Organisations. While this is good news those who avail of the refreshments currently have very little space to talk to each other and enjoy their tea or coffee. Inevitably parishioners are rubbing shoulders with each other trying to ensure that their refreshments do not spill on the ground or worse still onto those in their company. The current layout of the west end of our beautiful church building is becoming over-crowded for the serving of refreshments in a safe and enjoyable environment. As a result the Property Committee and the Select Vestry have been giving very careful consideration to improving the west end of our church to create much needed additional space for parishioners and visitors to enjoy their refreshments in a more spacious environment. They have collectively sought the advice of an architect who specialises in church buildings to prepare plans which will open up the west end of the church to relieve congestion. The plans propose the removal of the last three rows of pews on the main aisle and also from the side aisle inside the main door in line with the altar frontal cupboard. In addition a new wooden floor covering would be fitted over the opened up area which would be practical for the serving of refreshments and also benefit the acoustics in the church when the choir sing from the west end during services. A tea-point would also be installed to facilitate the serving of refreshments in a safer and more professional manner. The new floor covering will extend over the existing badly worn stone slabs which will remove the risk of people accidentally tripping as they enter and leave the church. A dirt entrapment flooring material will be laid in the entrance porch. The Select Vestry has recently submitted these plans to both the Diocesan Office and also the Representative Church Body in Dublin for their consideration as it is required to do. Should approval be given by both the diocese and the Representative Church Body the plans will be published in the summer edition of the Columban.
Jim Stevenson and Mark Reid (Glebewardens) on behalf of the Select Vestry.
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Bishop of Connor’s Visit It was a great delight to welcome the Bishop of Connor, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy to our All Age Worship service on Sunday 3rd May. Along with the help of the children at the service he told and explained “The Parable of the Sower”. He shared the need for the word of God to fall on “good soil” and prayed that we would hear the word and then use the opportunities to share God’s Word with others. Parishioners enjoyed meeting Bishop Alan during the refreshments following the service. Bishop Alan will be back with us throughout our ‘Week of Focus’ from Sunday, 27th September to Sunday, 4th October when he will be leading us through this specific week of services and activities. The theme for this week will be ‘Connections’. I encourage you to save these dates in your diary.
Afternoon Badminton Club To end the year’s play on Tuesday, 29th April we provided ourselves with a simple but delicious lunch in the Church Hall kitchen. The dishes were washed, put away and no one would have guessed we had a party! Play began in the main hall but it was soon time for good wishes for a happy summer. The Club resumes at 2pm on Tuesday, 8th September and we have space for new members. Kyleen Clarke
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Brownie notes We are glad to say that Janie and Hazel arrived from Doves and certainly seem to be enjoying Brownies as they enthusiastically join in the activities. On our first week back after Easter we sowed our Grow Wild seeds. These had arrived free from Kew Gardens as part of a project to encourage everyone to grow many more wild flowers. They are coming along nicely and we hope that the glebewardens will be able to find us a small part of the church grounds where we will be able to plant them out for all the congregation to see. We also held a mini Olympics evening where the games ranged from potato and spoon races, obstacle races, dressing the dummy (a team game), crawling on all fours races and backward running races. The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the medals and for some strange reason the bronze ones were the most popular. The photographs show the Brownies taking part and the final lineup of medal winners. Thankfully everyone won a medal. We are hoping the weather will improve to allow us to have more outdoor activities for the rest of the year. Beth Cairnduff
R Saturday, 6th June Concert ES FO T A D Sunday, 7th June 10.30am Patronal DIARitY R U Holy Communion O Y rk it or miss !) The Most Reverend (Ma Dr Richard Clarke Archbishop of Armagh Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan Sunday, 14th June Sunday School Prize Giving
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Church of Ireland Gazette
While attending the General Synod in Armagh the Rector visited the Church of Ireland Gazette stand in his capacity as Chairman of the Church of Ireland Press Ltd. He is pictured with our former curate, the Reverend Robert Ferris, who is the Assistant Editor Online and the Office Manager, Ella McLoughlin.
ST. COLUMBA’S GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR We are most grateful to Moranne Noad for collecting our Gazette copies each week from the Wingrove newsagent and bringing them to St. Columba’s. If you would like to subscribe to the Gazette and collect your weekly copy in church, please contact Moranne (028 90793704) or email noadfamily@hotmail.com for further details. She would be delighted to hear from you. New subscribers from our parish would be very welcome. The Gazette is a most informative and useful publication. It is a very effective way of keeping in touch with news and developments in both the Church of Ireland and the worldwide Anglican Church. St. Columba’s involvement with the Gazette is further strengthened through Patrick Good being the Secretary of the Board of Directors.
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Confirmation Service On Sunday 26th April it was a great delight to welcome the Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Right Reverend Harold Miller to our parish when he confirmed ten of our parishioners along with four candidates from St. Molua’s. It was a most joyful occasion as the young people, who were supported by their families, friends and parishioners, answered the questions which the Bishop put to them before he laid his hands upon them individually. The music throughout the service was inspirational and I thank our Organist and Choral Director, Dr. Joe McKee along with the Choir for all their hard work and excellent singing. The bible readings were read by Sarah Craig and Henry Auchmuty with great confidence. The candidates assisted with the collection which was for the Bishop’s Ministry Fund. Following the service the congregation joined in the celebratory refreshments of prosecco, Shloer and crisps at the west end of the church. This was kindly supplied by the candidates’ parents and served by the Catering Committee. In addition the Catering Committee members also kindly provided the refreshments in the Church Hall before the service when the Bishop met all the candidates and their families. I thank our Parish Administrator, Karen Patterson who printed the Order of Services for the 350 people who attended the service and our Parish Reader, Karen McAlpine who assisted me with the confirmation classes. These took place on Sunday afternoons since Christmas in the Choir Vestry. The three adult candidates followed a separate course. Please continue to pray for the candidates as they now begin their journey as full communicant members of the Church. Many of them received Holy Communion for the first time on the following Sunday at 8.15am. Canon Ken Smyth presided at that service and was assisted by Karen McAlpine which allowed me to sit in the congregation with my family on that significant occasion. The Rector
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I read a fascinating book because it was recommended by my daughters. The story balances science and family beautifully and made me question my own feelings about medicine, ethics, money and injustice. The book is called “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”; a true story written by Rebecca Skloot. I am so glad I read it. It is very likely that you will not have heard of Henrietta Lacks, but she contributed something so valuable to the world that her name will be known forever as HeLa. Henrietta’s story began when she was born in Roanoke, Virginia, into a black community. Her story takes us through her youth, her marriage and her children until aged 29 in 1950, she discovered she had cervical cancer. She was treated at John Hopkins Hospital, the nearest hospital to take black patients in segregated America, and it was here that doctors took tissue samples from Henrietta which were to change the future of medicine. Scientists had been trying to keep human cells alive in culture for decades but they all eventually died. Henrietta’s’ cells were different - they reproduced an entire generation every 24 hours and they never stopped. Her cells - HeLa - came to be known as the world’s first immortal human cells, being bought, sold and sent to laboratories in every part of the world. They have been used to help find treatments for many illnesses including cancer, asthma, Parkinsons and polio. If you have ever had an X-ray or used cosmetics it is likely that HeLa cells were instrumental in testing their safety. They are regarded as one of the most important scientific discoveries of the last century. Over the last sixty years countless tonnes of HeLa cells have been used for research, making drug companies billions of dollars whilst Henrietta’s family cannot even afford Health Insurance. Meanwhile the legal and ethical debate surrounding tissue ownership and research continues. However at the heart of this story is a woman whose name we should not forget and whose remarkable legacy should be celebrated.
Thought for the Month
Esther Templeton Our sincere thanks to Esther for sharing her ‘Thought’ with us. The June ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by David Beattie.
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Youth Etc. Ten members of Youth Etc. had a fantastic evening recently at Vertigo. This is Europe’s largest trampoline park in Newtownbreda. We all had great fun enjoying the different trampolines and dodge ball. This was an excellent choice of activity after a long and hard week of revision for our summer exams. We had an hour of great physical activity enjoying competitions with each other. We thank David Kelly for organising this event and are looking forward to our next activity. It would be good to see some new members before the summer holidays commence! Charles Auchmuty
Sunday School 7th June
Patronal Service -Children Welcome in Church
14th June
All Age Worship & Prize Giving
21st June
9.30am Family Communion
Well done to all the children who sang in May’s All Age Worship and to Emma, Hazel and Sophia who read the prayers so clearly. Sunday School classes have finished for this year, culminating in our Prize Giving on 14th June. We would love to see all our children at this service receiving their prizes and participating in the service in many ways. So far the Sunday School has raised £150 for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Well done. Joyce Stevenson
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LADIES GUILD Our penultimate meeting was a most enjoyable evening. Janet Williamson shared the ups and downs of her journey to the post of Principal of Royal Belfast Academical Institution. She explained to us how much she had always wanted to make her father proud of her and how thankful she was for the example and support she had received from her family. At the end of her secondary education here Janet showed great strength going to America and joining a class in a Senior school there. Here she learnt, with other non- Americans, that they were not accepted easily as part of the year group because they were outsiders. Her years in Oxford were also a steep learning curve. Success followed her here and she was elected President of the Christian Union, the first female to hold the post and at the end of her first year she became a Scholar. Teaching had never been a career choice until after recovering from a car accident a friend suggested she do a teacher training course and as soon as she stepped inside a classroom she was hooked, she had “accidentally “ found her dream career. Experience was gained abroad and eventually the opportunity to return home came when the headship became available at Antrim Grammar School. And so Janet’s success story continues, she has been awarded a Churchill Scholarship and goes to spend half a term in Australia next year. This evening with Janet was truly inspiring and she left us all wanting to hear more - maybe someday !! Imelda Shephard
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Men’s Club That’s it, all over and dusted for another year. It is hard to fathom where the time has gone. Having had a successful season the members of the Club gathered at the Coast Restaurant in Holywood for their Annual Dinner and prize-giving on the 8th May. Members and guests enjoyed an evening of fine food in equally fine surroundings. The customary toast and speeches were made before leading onto the main event of the evening. The Rector, in his capacity as President, presented the trophies to the various winners. He was ably assisted by Vice-Captain Jim Stevenson. The main Awards were given to: •
Jack Dunlop was the winner of the Paul Stewart Trophy.
•
Jonathon Launchbury and Jack Crockard lifted the Lamont Pairs Cup.
•
John Robb won the Canon Noble Singles Trophy.
•
The Captain’s Cup this year was shared between Jonathon Launchbury and his brother Andrew.
•
The Andy Armstrong Memorial Bowl was awarded to Jim Stevenson.
Everyone left in high spirits expressing their delight on the evening and praising the high standard of service and food afforded by the ever attentive staff of the Coast restaurant. Until we resume on the 7th September may we wish everyone a pleasant summer and we look forward to the possibility of welcoming new members. My contact details can be found in the magazine or website if any gentlemen want to know more about us.
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Mothers’ Union - Christian care for families Thank you to all Mothers’ Union members, parishioners and visitors who attended our Overseas and Area meeting on 5th May. It was fantastic to welcome guest speakers Jill and Janet, volunteers from Flourish NI, who delivered a hard hitting, harrowing and honest insight into human trafficking which is taking place globally. They pointed to a shocking fact that there are more people working in forced labour conditions than there were at the time of William Wilberforce. Yet the problem attracts much less attention than it deserves - often because it occurs in a manner that is hidden from the view of wider society. Examples were given of how human trafficking and forced labour is rife in our own community. Jill and Janet gave details of the vital work Flourish NI undertakes with survivors of trafficking and exploitation in Northern Ireland, helping people move forward and build better lives. They gave very practical examples of how we can all contribute positively to this issue - urging us to Sense it, Spot it and Stop it! We were reminded of the challenge captured in Proverbs 31 vs 8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy”. More details about Flourish NI and its vital work can be found at www.flourishni.org Katrina Dukelow
Doves Our bun sale exceeded expectations raising over £95. Thank you very much to everyone who contributed. We hope you enjoyed the buns. Our last evening will be 22nd May in Spoon Street, Ballyhackmore. All parents and grandparents are welcome to join us and also any other children who may be thinking of coming to Doves. I look forward to seeing you all then. We plan to resume on Friday, 11th September. Moira Saunders
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MUMS AND TOTS Mums and Tots recently enjoyed a morning of “dressing up and singing”. We had lots of fun playing with our toys and then having our “sing-a-long” at the end of the morning. The pictures show what a good time we all had! Mums and Tots have been growing from strength to strength over the past few months and there has been a great buzz in the hall every Friday morning. Great friendships are being made with young and not so young which adds to the vibrancy of the morning! Through everyone’s generosity, Mums and Tots were able to give the Church £200 towards the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. We thank everyone for their kindness and support. Mums and Tots finishes for the Summer on Friday 22 June. Patricia
M.U. Activity Notes For June 2015 Tuesday, 12th May 2015 was our last evening in the hall playing badminton and scrabble for this season BUT for the rest of May we can be found walking and exploring our lovely countryside. We are also looking forward to spending a day together on Saturday, 23rd May 2015 when we will be visiting Antrim Castle Gardens. As June approaches we can relax and enjoy the summer months, before returning in September. Maureen Irwin
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Railway & Model Club ‘Well there y’are ni’, as they say in Belfast. Our first ‘year’ of operations has ended, and what a year it was. From a standing start, we now have a large operating railway layout. Our first job on getting the go-ahead, from our Select Vestry, was to move a number of pieces of furniture from the room. Next we painted a couple of the walls, before bringing in some sturdy wooden tables saved from departure in a waste skip. These were firmly bolted together and covered with a suitable base fabric (bought at B&Q, on a Wednesday of course). Donations of railway lines, railway engines, various items of carriages, goods wagons etc. etc. arrived down at our room, from a number of generous parishioners’ former(?) toy boxes. A number of plans, for the railway lines were tried and the final one agreed a few months back. Now we have fixed our final track design and are working on the many items of scenery. Railway stations (see photograph), a church, a hillside farm (see photograph) and a number of houses for the local village have all been constructed. We even have a place of rest (aka a pub) known as The Rector’s Retreat, in our ever expanding village. All of this has only been possible through the tremendous work done by our club members, and the large number of donations from our church parishioners. Many thanks to one and all. Do come and see us when we start again in September.........although I have a feeling some members will want to keep going during the summer months!!!! Keep Rollin’ David Beattie
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Pause As I write this the sun is shining, the bluebells at Mount Stewart are in full bloom – summer is almost here! It is time to bring out the garden furniture and prepare for our long, hot summer. Before you start, please note when and where the next PAUSE will take place. Friday, 5th June - 10.30am: Neill’s Hill in Ballyhackamore Get the weekend off to a good start! I hope that I will meet lots of you there. If you require further details or help with transport please contact me. Eileen Anderson (9020 3684) A comment from a regular attender. To those of us who regularly attend Pause, it is an event to which we look forward. Eileen Anderson is to be commended for organising a different venue each month, where we share camaraderie and friendship over coffee/tea/scones in a welcoming atmosphere. It is an opportunity to get together with other Parishioners of St Columba’s and friends are also most welcome. Thanks must go to our Rector who always makes a point of attending. So do please come along and enjoy the ‘craic’. We would love to see new faces. Look forward to seeing you. Irene Gray
Replacement Hall Windows The windows in the hall are now 50 years old and are at the end of their life. The external slips holding in the glass are decayed in places with the putty falling away. One of the windows has been leaking badly over the winter resulting in water staining to the wooden floor. The opening light mechanisms also no longer work. The Hall Committee has given consideration to this issue and are proposing to replace the existing single glazed windows with new polyester powder coated aluminium double glazed windows to meet current Building Regulations. These windows will be similar in layout to the existing but have better heat retention in the winter with low level opening lights on restrictors to allow ventilation. The internal and external columns between the windows and gutters will require repairs as well. The total works are estimated at approximately £35 thousand and we now intend to seek quotations from contractors to undertake these works over the summer. Hall Committee 23
Legacy for St. Columba’s When in 2008 my beloved wife died she left a cash legacy to St. Columba’s. After consultation with the Rector we decided on a set of burses and veils in the four liturgical colours- a picture of these is in the October 2008 edition of The Columban. Since then we have observed that the altar frontal cloth in the Side Chapel has been deteriorating quite substantially and, as a family, and again following consultation with the Rector, we concluded that the only thing to do was to completely refurbish The Lord’s Table in the Side Chapel with a new frontal. We have now achieved this to the complete satisfaction of ourselves and the Rector so our holistic gift as a family to St. Columba’s is complete. Bill Hodges
Mothers’ Union Afternoon Group Naomi Palmer from Belfast City Council was the speaker at our March meeting. She talked on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We were all given hand held computers and a quiz was held to see how knowledgable ( or not! ) we were on all matters green. Prizes were awarded and afternoon tea was enjoyed by all. On May 11th twenty three members set out by coach to Antrim Castle Gardens. Unfortunately, as we arrived, the heavens opened and we had to retire to the conservatory for coffee, home made scones, jam and cream. The second half of the journey was to Randalstown Old Congregation Presbyterian Church. After a walk round the well kept gardens Tommy, the local historian, took us into the church. It is stone built and oval in shape (to stop the devil hiding in the corners!). After a very interesting talk the ladies of the Parish entertained us to lunch. The craic was great all day. My thanks go to all the members for their kindness and support both on the outing and throughout the year. Extra special thanks also to Rosemary for all her hard work and sandwich making. She is a definite treasure. Enjoy the Summer break and I look forward to seeing you all in September. Joy Stevenson 24
Columba of Iona (c. 521 -97) Missionary to the UK 2013 marked the 1450th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the UK. It was brought by St Columba from Ireland to Iona – a tiny island off Mull, in the Western Highlands. Columba was born in Donegal of the royal Ui Neill clan, and trained as a monk. He founded the monasteries of Derry (546), Durrow (c.556) and probably Kells. But in 565 Columba left Ireland with twelve companions for Iona, an island off southwest Scotland. Iona had been given to him for a monastery by the ruler of the Irish Dalriada. Why would a monk in his mid-40s go into such voluntary exile? Various explanations include: voluntary exile for Christ, an attempt to help overseas compatriots in their struggle for survival, or even as some sort of punishment for his part in a row over a psalter in Ireland. Whatever the reason, Columba went to Iona and spent the rest of his life in Scotland, returning to Ireland only for occasional visits. Columba’s biographer, Adamnan, portrays him as a tall, striking figure of powerful build and impressive presence, who combined the skills of scholar, poet and ruler with a fearless commitment to God’s cause. Able, ardent, and sometimes harsh, Columba seems to have mellowed with age. As well as building his monastery on Iona, Columba also converted Brude, king of the Picts. Columba had great skill as a scribe, and an example of this can be seen in the Cathach of Columba, a late 6th century psalter in the Irish Academy, which is the oldest surviving example of Irish majuscule writing. In his later years Columba spent much time transcribing books. Columba’s death was apparently foreseen by his community, and even, it seems, sensed by his favourite horse. He died in the church just before Matins, and it is a tribute to this man that his traditions were upheld by his followers for about a century, not least in the Synod of Whitby and in Irish monasteries on the continent of Europe.
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Time for Reflection Saint Columba •
Columba was called from a privileged background to dedicate his time and talents to the worship and service of Almighty God.
We too are called to exhibit this spirit of service in our daily lives. Our thoughts, words and actions should also be pleasing to our Heavenly Father. •
Columba demonstrated a love for people and animals but above all a love for his Father God.
We are called to follow this example recognising that the way we treat others should reflect how we ourselves wish to be treated. •
Columba served a living God.
We too must do likewise realising that we each have a unique role to play in the furtherance of His kingdom. •
Columba was known as the dove of the church and his message of the gospel travelled over many waters. His life was dedicated to the spread of the Good News.
We have a responsibility to share our faith with others and be a witness to our God in the world, community, workplace indeed wherever we are. •
Columba faced difficulty and hardship trusting in God as his strength and support.
We too depend on His love and care to enable us to face and overcome the challenges in our lives. •
Just before his death Columba wished his followers and companions would be at peace.
This should be our prayer for our world, our country, our communities, our church and ourselves. •
Columba, on the island of Iona (front cover), built a monastery dedicated to God.
We seek to maintain and improve the buildings in which we praise and serve God. 26
•
Columba was not always a saint. He copied someone else’s work, lied to cover up what he had done and he also had a bad temper. But he knew he was wrong, tried to say sorry and put things right. With God’s help he became a saint.
We too will make mistakes but we know God works powerfully through those who are weak. •
A guiding star above me. God was Columba’s reason for living and His hand guided and directed his life and witness to the gospel.
May the spirit of Columba be perpetuated through the ministry and service of our parishioners here in this church which bears his name. May we proclaim a living faith through word and sacrament which meets and addresses the needs of today’s society.
Prayer of Saint Columba Be a bright flame before me O God Be a smooth path below me, A kindly shepherd behind me Today, tonight and forever. Alone with none but you, my God I journey on my way; What need I fear when you are near, O Lord of night and day? More secure am I within your hand Than if a multitude did round me stand.
Mother’s Reward A man was decorating his new den and decided it was a good place to display all the awards he and his two sons had won at various athletic competitions. When he had filled two whole walls, he remarked to his wife that it was a shame she had no awards to contribute. The following day, she produced, neatly framed, the birth certificates of their two sons, and added them to the display. 27
Crossword Puzzle CLUES Across
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ANSWERS
1 Struggle between opposing forces (Habakkuk 1:3) (8) 2 James defined this as ‘looking after orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world’ (James 1:27) (8) 4 ‘The one I kiss is the man; — him’ (Matthew 26:48) (6) 5 ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in — , faithful in prayer’ (Romans 12:12) (10) 6 St Columba’s burial place (4) 7 Swirling current of water (4) 10 Loyalty (Isaiah 19:18) (10) 12 ‘God was pleased through the foolishness of what was — , to save those who believe’ (1 Corinthians 1:21) (8) 13 Camp where the angel of the Lord slew 185,000 men one night (2 Kings 19:35) (8) 16 ‘There is still — — — Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet’(2 Samuel 9:3) (1,3,2) 18 David Livingstone was one (4) 19 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (1,1,1,1)
Across 1 Care 3 Paradise 8 Null 9 Profaned 11 Legalistic 14 Closed 15 Stores 17 Missionary 20 Covenant 21 Thai 22 Trade-off 23 Eden
Down
Down 1 Conflict 2 Religion 4 Arrest 5 Affliction 6 Iona 7 Eddy 10 Allegiance 12 Preached 13 Assyrian 16 A son of 18 Scot 19 DVLA
1 See 23 Across 3 Where the thief on the cross was told he would be, with Jesus (Luke 23:43) (8) 8 Invalid (4) 9 Blasphemed (Ezekiel 36:20) (8) 11 Adhering to the letter of the law rather than its spirit (Philippians 3:6) (10) 14 Shut (Ecclesiastes 12:4) (6) 15 ‘This is how it will be with anyone who — up things for himself but is not rich towards God’ (Luke 12:21) (6) 17 Mary on Isis (anag.) (10) 20 Agreement (Hebrews 9:15) (8) 21 Native of, say, Bangkok (4) 22 Deaf fort (anag.) (5-3) 23 and 1 Across ‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of — to work it and take — of it’ (Genesis 2:15) (4,4)
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations!
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
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
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
THURSDAY
9.30am Art Club Bob Killen 9079 0210 7.30pm Choir Practice Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574
MONDAY
10.30am Craft & Hobby Circle (1st Monday) Carol Willis 9079 9997 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2.30pm MU 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 Gillian Popplestone 9080 3799 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 7.30pm MU 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 Stewart Beckwith Telephone: 9048 6622
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE:
www.coiknock.org
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 9047 1514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet. com
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Jon Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 9065 3511
ASSISTANT PRIEST The Revd Canon Ken Smyth 3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG Tel 028 9145 8706
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
JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Emma Craig, Jamie Sadlier
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
HONORARY SEXTON John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9087 0526 Mob 07989 469773
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN John Macpherson 10 Sandhill Gardens BT5 6FF Tel 028 9028 2076
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PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad
SELECT VESTRY Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Jonathan Stewart, Mark Ryan, Gillian Sadlier, Keith White, Moira Saunders
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Patrick Good Moranne Noad Ross Thompson (under 30)
HONORARY SECRETARY Elizabeth Leonard 28 Knockdene Park South BT5 7AB Tel 028 9065 3162 Email elizabeth.leonard@me.com
ORGANIST AND CHORAL DIRECTOR Dr Joe McKee 76 Sandown Road BT5 6GU Mob 07976 294574
HONORARY TREASURER Josephine Kelly 15 Manse Road BT6 9SB Tel 028 9079 6658
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 8 Lacefield BT4 3PA Tel 028 9079 3641
ASSISTANT HONORARY TREASURER Victor Dukelow 19 Thornhill Park BT5 7AR Tel 028 9029 0625
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 9065 5500
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
SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 9754 2198
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BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 9048 9884
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
CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 9065 0716 PREMISE’S CONVENOR Stewart Beckwith 26 Stormont Park BT4 3GX Tel 028 9048 6622
PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9514 0141 Email ivan.roche@me.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
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Moranne Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704
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: The Rector.........................................................................028 9047 1514 Patrick Good.....................................................................028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard...........................................................028 9065 3162
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