The Columban
Connections
st. columba’s church, knock
1
September 2015
RECTOR’S LETTER WEEK OF MISSION
SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY, 4TH OCTOBER OUR MISSIONER – THE BISHOP OF CONNOR THEME – CONNECTIONS Dear Parishioner, I invite you to come and participate in our Week of Mission from Sunday, 27th September to Harvest Sunday, 4th October. All parishes in our diocese will be planning a similar week during this year. Our missioner will be The Bishop of Connor, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy, and we look forward to welcoming him back to St. Columba’s for this very significant week in the life of our parish. Bishop Alan has chosen the theme “Connections” and will be exploring ways in which we can connect our faith with experiences in our daily lives. Whether you are actively involved in St. Columba’s, an occasional attender, or have not been with us for some time, you will have a unique opportunity during this Week of Mission to: ❖ COME: ❖ LEARN: ❖ SHARE:
To services during the week To activities in local community venues To the Hog Roast Barbecue and Barn Dance on Friday, 2nd October The meaning of spiritual growth and personal faith The meaning and purpose of life The meaning of connecting faith with our daily lives In the worship of your church In the fellowship of the planned activities In socialising with members of your church family
Bishop Alan met with the Mission Team, Select Vestry members and myself as the programme for our Week of Mission was being prepared. St. Columba’s will host the daily services and the evening activities will take place in local community venues. This is an exciting and engaging programme of worship, cooking, learning, discussion, fellowship and fun for all ages! It would be lovely to welcome members of local churches, neighbours and friends to join us throughout the week. Details of the full programme will be available in our Week of Mission leaflet and as our Week of Mission approaches please note these activities in your diary and indicate your attendance at: 2
YOUNG FAMILIES COOKING NIGHT MONDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 8.00pm An informal evening of food, chat and fun in the Rectory kitchen with Bishop Alan. Contact Victor Dukelow by email: VKJ.dukelow@ntlworld.com or phone 9029 0625 by Sunday, 13th September to confirm your place. QUESTION AND ANSWER EVENING TUESDAY, 29TH SEPTEMBER 7.30pm An interactive evening of discussion in Bloomfield Collegiate School chaired by Mark Simpson from the BBC. Supply your questions for the panel by using the cards available in church before Sunday, 13th September. The panel will include Bishop Alan and three well-known personalities. Your question may even spark the debate! STRUGGLE OF FAITH SEMINAR THURSDAY, 1ST OCTOBER 7.30pm Bishop Alan will lead this seminar in Knock Golf Club sharing his personal experiences of the struggles he has encountered. There will be an opportunity for small group discussion and feedback. Contact Murray Hunter by email: murray_ hunter79@yahoo.com or phone 9076 1295 to book your place. Refreshments will be served. HOG ROAST BBQ & BARN DANCE FRIDAY, 2ND OCTOBER 7.30pm Contact Elizabeth Leonard by email: elizabeth.leonard@me.com or phone 9065 3162 during September for an evening of socialising, fellowship, fun and a hoedown for all the family with Bishop Alan. Proceeds in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. It will be a source of great blessing if we can all spend this week united as a parish family - how encouraging if every family could be represented. The gospel stories describe people putting their faith in Christ and depending on Him – and so should we. During our Week of Mission we will have an opportunity to reflect, develop and strengthen our faith so that we can know Christ better and make Him known more clearly each day. Please support our Week of Mission with your attendance and prayers. This is a fresh start and great opportunity for us all as we can still learn much more about our faith. Yours in His Service
3
SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER Thursday 3rd (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry. Sunday 6th 8.15am
The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Joe McKee James 2: 1-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 7: 24-37
(Green)
10.30am All Age Worship and Holy Baptism with Dedication of Parish Organisation Leaders followed by refreshments. Reader John Robb Mark 7: 24-37 7.00pm Compline Reader Tillie Heyburn Matthew 6: 1-18 Thursday 10th The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry. Sunday 13th 8.15am
The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Back to Church Sunday Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 7: 24-29
10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments hosted by Mothers’ Union. Reader Mothers’ Union member 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 7: 24-29 Preacher: Canon Walter Laverty Intercessions Mothers’ Union member 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Noel Higginson Exodus 14: 5-31 Reader Noel Higginson Matthew 6: 1-18 Thursday 17th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 20th 8.15am
The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller James 3: 13 -4: 3, 7-8a Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 9: 30-37
4
9.30am
Family Communion Gospel Sophie King
10.30am
Morning Prayer with Holy Baptism followed by refreshments hosted by the Art Club. Reader Billy Nelson Proverbs 31: 10-31 Reader Esther Templeton Mark 9: 30-37 Occasional Prayers: Billy McAlpine
Mark 9: 30-37
7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Eileen Anderson Exodus 19: 10-25 Gospel Clergy Matthew 8: 23-34 Thursday 24th Saint Matthew (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry. Sunday 27th 8.15am
Week of Mission
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Linda Wilson Psalm 139: 1-10; 14-18 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 8: 1-11 Preacher: The Bishop of Connor, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy Intercessions: Elizabeth Leonard
7.00pm
Evening Prayer Reader Clare Best Psalm 139: 1-10; 14-18 Reader Jill Armstrong John 8: 1-11 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine Preacher: The Bishop of Connor, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy
(Red) (Green)
Holy Communion Reader Murray Hunter Gospel Karen McAlpine
Psalm 139: 1-10; 14-18 John 8: 1-11
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 (9065 5500) The readings are from Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website: www.coiknock.org 5
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR HARVEST Saturday, 3rd October, 10.30am - 12.30pm No flower arranging skills are necessary. A willingness to help is all that is required. Children and young families will be particularly welcome to help with the decorating. Refreshments in the Rectory!
Harvest Thanksgiving Services Sunday, 4th October 8.15am
Holy Communion
10.30am All Age Worship followed by refreshments Preacher: The Bishop of Connor The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy 7.00pm Choral Evensong Preacher: The Bishop of Connor The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy
Flower Rota for September 2015 Sunday, 6th September...............................................Peggy Pook Sunday, 13th September......................................... Jean Lockhart Sunday, 20th September.........................................Paddy Nesbitt Sunday, 27th September.............................................. Carol Willis 6
Sidesperson’s Rota 6th Sept
- The Sadlier Family
13th Sept
- Liz McCaughey and Jack Dunlop
20th Sept
- Yvonne and John Robb
27th Sept
- Eleanor and Geoff Launchbury
From the Registers Our Joys
Holy Baptism Sunday, 9th August Polly Ella Bicker Coggins 89 Ballycoan Road SERVICE OF MARRIAGE BLESSING Saturday, 4th July David and Holly Leonard 28 Knockdene Park South
Our Sorrows
Christian Burials Friday, 31st July Charles Gault 13 King’s Road
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 7
Connections We have had an exciting twelve months in our family as our two children have been planning their weddings. They took place this summer, one in July and one in August. Our son was married in Hampshire and our daughter here in Northern Ireland. It has been fun finding the different people from our lives on a guest list and even more interesting observing how they both have so many different friends from various stages of their young lives. Those connections with such a wide range of people are such an important part of who we all are and how people have influenced and indeed helped shaped us. I look forward to being with you at the end of September as we spend time reflecting together on the subject of “Connections�. In my role as bishop I find so much disconnection of people from church and church from community and indeed of people from Jesus, who is the one we believe who brings meaning and purpose to our daily lives. It is this disconnection that we will reflect upon as individuals and as a parish community. There is also the difficulty many of us have on the faith journey, of struggling to make sense of our own faith through difficult personal circumstances or the enormity of suffering in the world that is hard to comprehend or for some bad experiences of church. During the week we will spend together it will be good to see how we can find ways of strengthening our own personal faith and connecting it with our daily lives. We also need to discover new ways of sharing our faith with others as we build connections and relationships with the local community in which we are called to serve as individuals and as a faith community. Grace and peace to you all. +Alan
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.
8
Building Lasting Relationships Parish Link with St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen – 1 year on. Sunday, 29th June 2014 may be remembered by those parishioners who made “the trek west” to St. Macartin’s Cathedral at the start of a new era as we began our link with our fellow parishioners in Enniskillen. The Rector was invited to preach, some of our choir joined with those in Enniskillen Cathedral and our parishioners joined together to celebrate Holy Communion. The significance of sharing bread and wine was appreciated by all those in attendance. This was followed by a picnic at Enniskillen Castle where everyone mingled together in the less formal atmosphere to forge new friendships. Sunday, 7th September 2014 was a very important day in our parish as we celebrated our Sunday service with members of St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen who had made the reverse trek east. We hosted tea and coffee for our visitors before the service. The Sermon was preached by The Very Reverend Kenneth Hall. We followed this with a picnic lunch at Stormont Castle, as I am sure many of you will remember – we have the photos! Since then we have maintained our great relationship with the Cathedral. On Saturday, 30th May, our Mothers’ Union travelled to Enniskillen for their Summer Outing. They enjoyed a tour of the Cathedral and a delicious teatime meal hosted by the Mothers’ Union in St. Macartin’s. They spent time chatting to their colleagues, developing new and strengthening current friendships. A very enjoyable day was had by all. The building of relationships is important in life and this is a wonderful example of how we can all reap the benefits of so doing. I hope that more of our other organisations will continue this bond and strengthen the relationship with St. Macartin’s. As we prepare for our Week of Focus on Sunday, 27th September it is worth remembering the success of this relationship and we will continue to develop and build new relationships within our local community. We look forward to welcoming Dean Kenneth Hall to the 10.30am service on that day. The Rector will be preaching in Enniskillen Cathedral on Sunday, 18th October. “A relationship is not based on the length of time you spent together; it is based on the foundation you built together”. A lot has changed in the course of one year and many new friendships have been made through our parish link. We have been moving at great speed to further develop our parish. Our Parish Organisations are encouraged to visit their colleagues in Enniskillen as part of their programme during the coming year. It is hoped to plan a parish visit to Enniskillen Cathedral next year and also to welcome our friends from the cathedral to St. Columba’s. Dates for both visits will be arranged nearer the time.
9
Following the recent death of Cilla Black many younger celebrities paid tribute to the influence Cilla had on their careers whether it was as a role model or by giving them their big opportunity by appearing in one of her shows. This led me to think of the person who had the greatest influence on my career. In my first three years at Bloomfield Collegiate School I did not meet the Chemistry teacher because we studied science and I was taught by the Biology teacher nor was I ever given the punishment of being sent to her to get my nail varnish taken off using a bottle of acetone which she kept solely for that purpose. Miss Anderson was a larger than life character in her nylon overall (no white coats in those days) but her love of her subject shone through in her teaching. She was not afraid to do the odd “dangerous” experiment especially if it resulted in a few flashes and bangs. She had me hooked from about the third day in her class. Her North Antrim accent intrigued me and perhaps the fact that she was from a farming background like myself gave us a certain affinity. By the time I reached sixth form with only five of us in the class she was like our benevolent auntie and the sweets she gave us reinforced this. She encouraged us constantly not only in her subject but also in the others we were studying. When I later began studying Chemistry in the David Keir Building on the Stranmillis Road I found that her home was in one of the large terraces directly across the road. It felt she was still looking after me. After graduating I met her at the Former Pupils’ dinner and she was so delighted that I had secured a position in Gallaghers as a research chemist. But when I later decided to change career and became a teacher I again met her and she was so delighted that I would be passing my knowledge and love of chemistry on to another generation just like she had for me. I know she passed away some time ago but I am hoping that she thought I did as good a job in my teaching career. However the responsibility of having influenced someone else’s career was brought home to me recently when I met one of my former students in the Ulster Museum with her sons. Although she said she had really enjoyed Chemistry in my class her career took a different path. She has now realised that Chemistry is what she really loves and has just started studying for a chemistry degree with the Open University. One of her sons hopes to continue in the field as well. We are all in a position to influence others so let us hope it is an influence for good.
Thought for the Month
Our sincere thanks to Beth Cairnduff for sharing this with us. The October ‘Thought’ will be written by Laura Stevenson.
10
St Columba’s Art Club
St Columba’s Art Club was formed in 1998. Billy Nelson was elected as Chairman and his late wife, Daphne, the Honorary Secretary with Muriel Arndell as the Honorary Treasurer. Founder members still attending include Joan Oswald, Etain Thompson and Kyleen Clarke. Bob Killen, RUA, has been our Facilitator/Tutor since the beginning and the picture shown above is one of his paintings entitled ‘Evening, Murlough’ We all feel very fortunate to have had so much professional advice and guidance from him, week on week, for so long. Over the years members, in addition to art on Thursday mornings, have enjoyed lunches, painting weekends, trips to galleries and have organised demonstrations by local artists including Julian Friers. This year the Art Club plan to hold a one day exhibition on Saturday, 21st November 2015. All will be very welcome to view the paintings and sample some tea and buns! The Club starts again 10th September 2015 at 9.30 am.
11
Men’s Club I trust you all had a pleasant summer and are getting ready to immerse yourselves into one or more of the many varied organisations within the church. Our programme for the incoming season is ongoing and should be finalised during September. In the meantime we will be opening our doors, as normal, each Monday evening commencing at 7.30pm. The opening night will be the 7th September and we welcome any gentlemen of the parish who would like to come along and see what we are about. We guarantee fun, friendship and fellowship. The Club are striving to widen its range of activities to suit everyone. New faces = New ideas. We look forward to meeting all existing members and new ones on the 7th September. John Robb, Honorary Secretary.
Bible Study Group The Bible Study Group is facilitated by the Rector and Alan Boyd and we extend a warm welcome to anyone in the Church who would like to join us. We study a book of the Bible with the aid of a study guide. This enables us to learn more about each passage and how it relates to everyday life. The group is informal and everyone can contribute to the discussion as they wish. If you would like to come and listen, that is fine also! New members will be warmly welcomed and there is no age limit. The group meets in the Choir Vestry from 7.30 - 8.30pm every Wednesday night, except for the 3rd week of the month when it meets on the Tuesday night instead. We will be commencing our meetings on Wednesday, 23rd September. Anella Gallen
All Age Worship Tea and Coffee Many thanks to everyone who supported the Children’s Heartbeat Trust on Sunday, 14th June when we raised £80 for a great cause. After the summer break tea and coffee is back on Sunday, 6th September and we shall be raising funds for our local Marie Curie Centre. I hope to see the usual faces and perhaps a few new ones. Roberta 12
Saint Columba’s Craft & Hobby Circle Summer would appear to have been and gone but did anybody see it at all? There was the odd day which was beautiful but a very peculiar season indeed this year. My motto is as long as I can get those marbled limbs over the side of the bed I am a very lucky girl and then I try to make the most of the day God has given to me. Each day is special and is not made by the weather but what we do with it! I hope you have had some ideas about what we could do or make to help raise funds for the “Church Hall Refurbishment Fund” and look forward to seeing you on 7th September and please feel free to bring a friend. Tea, coffee and great chat to be had by all. Carol 9079 9997 / 07831 345560 or Email: pchwillis@hotmail.co.uk
ACTIVITY GROUP For some years now, after our activity evenings in the hall finish, we go walking during the months of May and June. This year we explored Stormont grounds, walked by the River Lagan at Shaw’s Bridge and enjoyed the sea breezes along the Co. Down Coast. At the end of all our walks we can always find somewhere to have that welcome cup of coffee to round off the evening. All of a sudden Tuesday, 15th September is just around the corner and we will be looking forward to playing badminton and Scrabble again. So see you then at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall. Maybe some new faces will venture down to join us, where they will be very welcome. Maureen 13
Ladies Guild I write to you on a very wet Monday morning and it’s almost a relief that this wet and windy Summer is nearly over and we can now look forward to a glorious colourful Autumn. But thinking back I and many others would not have been able to enjoy the wonderful Waterfall Walk at Glenarrif if we hadn’t had the rain. So swings and roundabouts!!!!!!!!! We (the committee not the royal) are looking forward to the start of another year and are delighted to welcome Carol Fulton to our first meeting on Wednesday, 16th September at 7.45 as usual.Carol is Jean Fulton’s sister - a long time member of our choir, who sadly died earlier this year- and her topic is Belfast in the 1950’s. For those in my age group this will trigger many happy memories and so I thought it would be fun to have a rummage and find some photos from those glorious years and I will make a montage to display on the night. To start off here I am “ all dressed up” in my new school uniform ! We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back, perhaps you might bring along an old school friend to share the memories and our Ladies’ Guild. Imelda Shephard 14
The Ladies Guild presents…
“Belfast in the 1950’s” by Carol Fulton Wednesday, 18th September
Come and join us at 7.45pm in the Choir Vestry to share our memories! Everyone welcome. 15
Pause By the time you read this summer should have arrived and hopefully stayed for a while. I hope that every reader of The Columban has had time to relax and recharge, ready for the autumn activities. As usual, PAUSE continued throughout the summer. We had a good turnout at The Secret Garden and an even better one at The Culloden Hotel. Our next PAUSE will take place on: Wednesday, 30th September 11.15am at Belmont Towers for coffee. We will be joined by The Bishop of Connor, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy who is with us during St. Columba’s Week of Focus. Please note the time. The Bishop will join us after the Communion Service. If you are free, do come along. If you require transport or further details please contact me. We would love to see you. Eileen Anderson (Phone 9020 3684).
Firstly we would like to start by thanking Beth for all that she has done for the Brownies and young people within our church. We wish Beth and her family all the best for the future. Kathryn and I have some huge shoes to fill. We are looking forward to the challenge and are hopeful that our pack will continue to grow. We are always looking for new members and if you would like to join us please get in touch or simply turn up. Brownies will commence on Wednesday, 16th September from 6.30pm to 8..00pm and we hope to see you there! Please note the change of day. Amanda and Kathryn 16
Youth Etc. Youth Etc’s last outing before the summer break was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Belfast Kayak Academy supplied the kayaks and paddleboards for our trip to Ormiston House Lake, Belmont. We were one of the first groups to use this new venue and look forward to seeing it develop in the coming years. Youth Etc’s next outing will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, 5th September. The cost will be £11.50 per person. We will be going to Newcastle, Co.Down to the Greenhill YMCA national centre on the slopes of Slieve Donard where we will be taking part in Laser Quest. This activity is set in their woodlands where we will work in teams using state of the art laser equipment to beat the opposition. It is similar to paintballing without the paint or pain. For those attending, please wear suitable clothing and footwear for running around woodland and coping with whatever weather we encounter. Further details will be sent by text closer to the time. Youth Etc is open to all secondary school age parishioners and their friends. If you wish to join Youth Etc and are interested in going on this outing please send an email to David Kelly at davykly@ gmail.com
17
Mothers’ Union - Christian care for families Details of some upcoming Mothers’ Union events for your diaries : St Columba’s Mothers’ Union will host a coffee morning after the 10.30am ‘Back to Church Sunday’ service on 13th September. We should be grateful if members could bring buns, cakes and tray bakes to the back of church before the service commences. Funds raised at the coffee morning will be contributed to the Mothers’ Union ‘Mums in May’ initiative which helps to fund the development of the Mothers’ Union Literacy and Financial programme into Ethiopia. It will also help to finance the All-Ireland Mums in May Fund so that dioceses can continue to deliver projects such as ‘Away From It All Holidays’. Down and Dromore Mothers’ Union Young Members will host a Ladies’ Breakfast at Hillsborough Parish Church on Saturday, 26th September at 9.30am. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a relaxing breakfast and some retail therapy. The Guest speaker is Judith Cairns from “Love for Life”. Stalls include – Louloubel, Stella and Dot, Blue Door Studio, The Cake Bunker, Rockdene Honey and Jam and Jewellery from Barbara Long.
Mothers’ Union - Gilnahirk Area Service Ladies, Our Annual Gilnahirk Area Service will take place on Monday, 14th September at 8.00pm in St. Elizabeth’s, Dundonald. This is a lovely service and gives members from the five churches an opportunity to come together for worship and share friendship during supper afterwards. The Diocesan Chaplain, The Reverend Canon Robert Howard, will be assisting at this service and it would be wonderful to see a good turn out from our own parish. I feel it is very important to maintain the link between our churches so do please come along and support us. I look forward to seeing you there. Irene
18
New in Summer 2015! Our new Handbook has just been published - now renamed the Welcome Booklet – and has been redesigned to appeal to a wider audience. Instead of pages of text the booklet is full of photos of parishioners enjoying different events. Photos often say more than words. Each organisation is listed under new headings making them easier to find. The shortened text means that people can speak directly to the leaders for more information on each organisation using the contact list near the back. This new design gives key pieces of information on what we do and when we meet, while showing what a friendly bunch of people we are! QR codes, Facebook information, important financial forms and a new Response Form complete the line-up along with information on our Church Services and a few words from existing and new parishioners as well as the Rector. As last year, it has been kindly sponsored by Kirkwoods Funeral Directors and we thank them for their valued support. I hope you enjoy reading and using the Welcome Booklet. Karen Patterson.
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 Rector will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during September: Glenannsley Park, Bangor Lord Warden’s Glade, Bangor Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn Brown’s Park, Holywood Cedar Grove, Holywood Bridgelea Avenue, Conlig
19
NEW STAINED GLASS WINDOW A new stained glass window has recently been gifted to St. Columba’s by Caroline Cramp. This beautiful rose window is just above the large stained glass window at the West End of the church. It was designed and installed by Leadlines and David Esler Stained Glass Studio. For many years Caroline Cramp and her family have supplied the large lilies for the sanctuary on Easter morning. These magnificent flowers which symbolize new life and hope are an important part of the floral decorations in our church as we celebrate the joy of Easter. The placing of the lilies in the sanctuary has become a long and valued tradition within Caroline’s family. As she explains… “Why lilies? My Grandmother, Francis Baird, died in January 1952 and her nine surviving children thought she should be remembered in the Parish where she felt at home. Granny was allegedly born on an Easter Sunday and when the boys and girls went on their ways, they would come home at Easter to celebrate their Mum’s birthday (whatever the date). After she left us the family decided the best way to commemorate her birthday and a memory of a Rebirth should be to put the Easter lilies into the Church. My Aunt, Mary Baird (known affectionately by all the family as ‘Mouse’) was guardian of the lilies from 1952 until her death in 2009. Now I am the guardian of the Easter lilies, and I cannot last forever, I have commissioned this window so that this incredible family, and their faith in God, will not be forgotten.” David Esler has depicted this long and valued family tradition in the new stained glass window and has kindly provided this description:
20
“The two Easter lilies, (upper section) represent purity, hope and life capturing the spiritual essence of Easter and combine as a reminder of the flowers provided by the family over the years for the Easter services. Centrally the suggestion of a rising sun reminds us of Christ’s resurrection while stars of gold and silver symbolizing dreams on a ‘blue and dim background’ are inspired by the W.B. Yeates poem, ‘The Cloths of Heaven’. The gold and silver light is interwoven with the beautiful blues of the sky at morning, noon and night. In the bottom left hand panel is a mouse that is a personal reference to a family member and a link to the furniture maker, Robert Thompson, who featured a carved mouse on all his pieces of work.” I thank Caroline and Alan Cramp for supplying this beautiful gift which complements the existing four panel stained glass window at the West End of the church which was also designed and installed by David Esler. It will be dedicated following the completion of all the improvements creating additional space in that area. The Rector
21
CHOIR Visit from the Director of Music, King’s College Choir, Cambridge. Stephen Cleobury will be in St Columba’s on the evening of Friday, 11th September to work with the Parish Choir and the Choir of Cregagh Presbyterian Church. The choirs will have an open rehearsal from 7.00pm followed by a short service of Evening Prayer at around 8.15pm. There will be refreshments after the service. Millions of people across the world have listened on the radio to “Carols from King’s” on Christmas Eve, or have watched the choir on television. Dr Cleobury has directed the chapel music at King’s College for more than 25 years and is regarded as one of the world’s top choral conductors. He has previously held appointments at both Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. We are looking forward greatly to his visit. Parishioners and their friends are most welcome to attend this informal event. New Members At this time of year it is to be expected that we would be looking for new members for the Parish Choir! Potential singers of all ages will be genuinely made to feel very welcome. The Parish Choir gets through a significant amount of music each month, so there are obvious musical benefits (not least around sight-reading and aural awareness) for younger people who may be studying an instrument or involved in GCSE or AS/A Level Music. These music skills and attributes, of course, are not limited to any specific age group! Choir rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings and also before the principal services. If you are interested, please get in touch, either through my mobile number (07976 294574) or at joe.mckee76@yahoo.com. Thanks, Joe McKee
22
Give St Columba’s the Thumbs Up!..St Columba’s has its very own Facebook page! This summer we started a community Facebook page for the Parish. By ‘Liking’ the page you can ensure you will see all the latest posts, events, pictures and news that are added to the page. Facebook pages are a very easy, fun, free, interactive and effective method of communicating almost instantly. The page is regularly updated with links to Pew News, The Columban, Upcoming Events, photos and anything else the Parish wish to share with each other. To find the page on Facebook search for “St Columba’s Church of Ireland, Knock, Belfast” or you can go directly to the webpage; http://www.facebook. com/coiknock Once on the page - be sure to click ‘Like’ to ensure you see all the posts. If you would like to contribute posts, pictures or have events published on the page for all to see - that would be great! Send the information to the Church Office (office@coiknock.org), myself (jpst3w4rt@gmail.com) or become an administrator. If you would like to be a regular contributor, for instance for club events, - even better - you can post directly on the page yourself! Let’s see how many “Likes” the page can get! Jonathan Stewart.
THURSDAY MORNING HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE There are two aspects to the gathering for worship in St. Columba’s on a Thursday morning-fellowship and friendship. This Communion service starts at 10.30am and lasts about half an hour. During the service, from the Book of Common Prayer, those on the Parish prayer list are meaningfully remembered by name. The service, in the quiet and intimate setting of the Side Chapel, is spiritually uplifting and rewarding for all present. There has always been a regular core of parishioners who attend, but the increase in numbers over past months has been a source of great encouragement and we can assure a warm welcome to all. Following the short service, those who can stay behind move to the Choir Vestry for coffee and chat. 23
Sunday School I hope all the children had a brilliant summer (despite the weather). Sunday School starts again on 13th September and we hope our numbers will continue to increase. All boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 13 are welcome to come down to the church hall from 10.20am. The children take part in a wide range of activities including art, craft, role play and discussions. We aim to participate fully in the All Age Worship services with children reading the lessons, saying the prayers, singing an anthem and lifting the collection. We are looking forward to a busy year and welcome any church members. Sunday, 6th September
10.30am All Age Worship
Sunday, 13th September
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday, 20th September
9.30am Family Communion
Sunday, 27th September
10.30 Sunday School
Joyce Stevenson
OCTOBER PARISH MAGAZINE Any articles or photographs for publication in the October parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 9th September. 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
24
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
6.30pm Brownies Amanda Fee 07739 039750 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
TUESDAY
10.30am Ladies Badminton Gillian Popplestone 9080 3799 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 7.30pm 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
25
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE:
www.coiknock.org
RECTOR The Reverend 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 Reverend 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
26
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
27
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
28