The Columban
“While shepherds watched their flocks by night...”
st. columba’s church, knock, december 2015 and january 2016
Front cover courtesy of an Art Club member
RECTOR’S LETTER CHURCH REFURBISHMENT Dear Parishioner I am writing this letter on the day the refurbishment work at the West End of St Columba’s has commenced. It is good to be at this exciting stage following months of detailed and careful planning. This is a major project for us to undertake and I am most grateful for your enthusiastic support and encouragement. It is essential that the Select Vestry addresses the needs of our growing congregation by providing the facilities and the space required for fellowship and refreshments following services thus giving us the opportunity to connect with each other. This good news story is a very positive way for St Columba’s to conclude our busy and inspirational programme as part of the Diocesan Year of Mission. The work would not have been possible without all the fundraising events which have been supported by you and members of the community along with a most generous legacy given for this specific project. I wish to convey my grateful thanks to those who have financially supported this work, to the Glebewardens, Jim Stevenson and Mark Reid, members of the Property Committee and Select Vestry for all their hard work, time and commitment which they have shown to the future development of our church.
CHRISTMAS I look forward to the completion of this work in time for our Christmas services when we will come to celebrate the Incarnation of Christ entering into our world in human form. This is the good news which we all need to connect with and hear. For many people Christmas can be a time of joy and celebration with attendance at carol services, school nativity plays and family parties but for others it can be a time of great sadness or despair. At Christmas we need to remember those who are less fortunate, perhaps living in poverty or even homelessness, and who may not even have the basic necessities. We think especially of those in our local community. I encourage you, therefore, to support the work of Christians Against Poverty by placing non-perishable food items in the shopping trolley each Sunday. I hope that the true meaning of Christmas can be expressed and reflected not by bright fairy lights, tinsel and expensive presents but by connecting with one another, especially those for whom this is a difficult time by simple acts of love and kindness. Caroline, Charles and Henry join me in wishing you God’s richest blessing for Christmas and throughout 2016.
Yours in His Service,
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SERVICES IN DECEMBER Thursday 3rd 10.30am
Saint Andrew (Transferred) (Red) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Sunday 6th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Reader Joe McKee Gospel Clergy All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Hazel Macpherson Choral Evensong Reader Noel Higginson Reader Noel Higginson
(Purple)
Philippians 1: 3-11 Luke 3: 1-6 Luke 3: 1-6 Isaiah 40: 1-11 Luke 1: 1-25
Thursday 10th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 13th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Philippians 4: 4-7 Gospel Clergy Luke 3: 7-18 Holy Communion Reader Clare Best Philippians 4: 4-7 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 3: 7-18 Intercessions Gina Greeves Blue Christmas Service
Thursday 17th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion with Carols for Senior Parishioners followed by seasonal refreshments in the Choir Vestry (Transport provided)
Sunday 20th 8.15am 9.30am
The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Hebrews 10: 5-10 Gospel Clergy Luke 1: 39-45 Family Communion Readers Emma Craig and family Luke 1: 39-45
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10.30am 7.00pm
Morning Prayer and Holy Baptism Reader David Craig Reader Michael Sadlier Occasional Prayers Holy Communion Reader Billy McAlpine Gospel Karen McAlpine
Micah 5: 2-5a Luke 1: 39-45 Karen McAlpine Isaiah 10: 33 – 11: 10 Matthew 1: 18-25
Thursday 24th Christmas Eve 10.30am Holy Communion 8.00pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
(Purple)
Friday 25th 9.00am 10.15am
Christmas Day (White) Holy Communion Reader Billy McAlpine Hebrews 1: 1-4 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 1: 1-14 All Age Worship (Children present a gift at this service) Reader Charles Auchmuty Luke 2: 1-20
Sunday 27th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Saint John the Evangelist (White) Holy Communion Reader Billy Nelson 1 John 1: 1-9 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 21: 19b -25 Christmas Songs of Praise and Holy Baptism Late Evening Office Reader Fiona Haldane 1 John 5: 1-12
Thursday 31st The Holy Innocents (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
SERVICES IN JANUARY Friday 1st 10.30am
Sunday 3rd 8.15am
The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus Holy Communion
(White)
The Second Sunday of Christmas (White) Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Ephesians 1: 3-14 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 1: 10-18
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10.30am All Age Worship and Holy Baptism followed by refreshments Reader Grace Owens John 1: 10-18 7.00pm Compline Reader Clare Best Matthew 2: 13-23 The Epiphany (Transferred) (White) Thursday 7th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 10th 8.15am 10.30am
The First Sunday after the Epiphany The Baptism of our Lord (White) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Acts 8: 14-17 Gospel Clergy Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22 Holy Communion Reader Suzanne Allen Acts 8: 14-17 Gospel Clergy Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22 Intercessions Karen McAlpine
7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Eileen Anderson Isaiah 55: 1-11 Reader Eileen Anderson Mark 1: 4-11 (White) Thursday 14th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 17th 8.15am 9.30am
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany (White) Holy Communion Reader Irene Gray 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 2: 1-11 Family Communion Readers Anna Dukelow and family John 2: 1-11
10.30am 6.30pm
Morning Prayer Reader Yvonne Robb Isaiah 62: 1-5 Reader Tony Greeves John 2: 1-11 Occasional Prayers Roberta Rogers United Belmont & District Council of Churches Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Venue to be announced in the Pew News)
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No Service in St. Columba’s Thursday 21st (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 24th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Brian Acheson Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Clergy Evening Prayer Reader Carol Willis Reader Carol Willis Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine
(White) 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a Luke 4: 14-21 1 Corinthians 12: 12- 31a Luke 4: 14-21
Numbers 9: 15-23 Mark 1: 21-28
Thursday 28th The Conversion of St. Paul (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 31st 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (White) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 Gospel Clergy Luke 2: 22-40 Songs of Praise Healing Service with the Laying On of Hands Reader Tillie Heyburn John 4: 19- 29a
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 6
Blue Christmas Service Sunday, 13th December at 7.00pm This service, first introduced to St. Columbas four years ago, has been very much appreciated by parishioners and members of the community. The service is for all those for whom Christmas is a difficult time, possibly through bereavement, illness, unemployment, loneliness, trauma, anxiety, worry or sadness. The following words of introduction offer support and encouragement, which is then reflected throughout the service. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. For the yoke that was weighing upon them, and the burden that was upon their shoulders, you have broken in pieces, O God, our Renewer”. This is a quiet and reflective service with readings, hymns, prayers and silence which offers an opportunity to escape the commercialism of Christmas. It focuses on the true hope and light which God provides to us all in the Christmas story through our faith. There will be an opportunity to light a candle to remember a particular situation of pain or darkness in your own life. The church will remain open after the service for those who wish to stay for a time of further prayer and reflection. The Rector
Holy Communion for Senior Parishioners in St. Columba’s Parish Church on Thursday, 17th December at 10.30am With Christmas Carols and seasonal refreshments Please phone the Parish Office (9065 6891) Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 1.00pm, to arrange your transport.
Private Holy Communion It is always a privilege for the Clergy to conduct private Holy Communion services for those housebound parishioners who will not be attending Christmas services in St. Columba’s. Please telephone the Parish Office (9065 6891), Monday- Friday, 9.00am – 1.00pm by Friday, 4th December, to make an appointment if you would like a private Holy Communion service in your home.
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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 (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706). The Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the Residential and Nursing Homes throughout the parish during December. The Clergy will also be conducting private Holy Communion services in the homes of those parishioners who are unable to attend any of the Christmas services. In addition to requested parish visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during January 2016: Rector Assistant Priest Abbey Park Ardvarna Park Alder Crescent Ascot Park Ardgreenan Drive Ballyhanwood Road Ballycoan Road Ballyregan Park Ballylenaghan Heights Ballyregan Road Barnetts Court Mews Barnetts Crescent
Flower Rota for December 2015 Sunday, 6th..................................................... Maureen Fleming Sunday, 13th................................................................Jane Scott Sunday, 20th........................................................ Lindsay Brown
Flower Rota for January 2016 Sunday, 3rd.................................................................Carol Willis Sunday, 10th.....................................................Rosemary Coffey Sunday, 17th............................. Geoff and Eleanor Launchbury Sunday, 24th ...............................................................Irene Gray Sunday, 31st............................................................ Vi McMeekin 8
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
From the Registers Our Joys Holy Baptism 18th October
Casper John Peter Lees
Kirschen Bungert 16 Germany 1st November Kian John Baxter 4 Bridgelea Avenue, Conlig
Our Sorrows Christian Burials 13th November Mr William John Hodges 64a Kings Road
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Sidesperson’s Rota Sunday, 6th December
The Ryan Family
Sunday, 13th December
Jill and Brian Gillespie
Sunday, 20th December
Jayne and Ronny Martin
Sunday, 27th December
Rosemary and Ivan Coffey
Sunday, 3rd January
The Kelly Family
Sunday 10th January
Maureen Irwin and Moira Saunders
Sunday, 17th January
Roberta and Alan Rogers
Sunday, 24th January
Yvonne and John Robb
Sunday, 31st January
Helen Donaghy and Chris Thompson
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS Saturday, 19th December 10.30am- 12.30pm No flower arranging skills necessary! Gifts of flowers and a willingness to help is all that is required. Children and young families will be particularly welcome to help with the decorating.
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PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD This year our parish Christmas card features the top section of the nativity stained glass window in the side aisle of our church. It will be very familiar to you, especially to those who sit beside this window during church services. The Christmas card illustrates one of the central themes of this season - light shining through the darkness. While there is darkness at the top of the card it is the clear bright light shining through the window which features so strongly with its rays stretching out as it connects with our parish, community and beyond. The light of Christ coming on Christmas Day guides us clearly through those periods of darkness which we experience in our daily lives. As we will hear in the Christmas Gospel, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) May the rich symbolism of this card encourage us to focus on the light of Christ which cannot be extinguished. It is this bright light which provides us with the hope and confidence which we require to sustain us in our daily experiences. I thank the Art Club members who designed Christmas cards and congratulate Muriel Arndell whose card was chosen. The Rector
Saint Columba’s Craft & Hobby Circle Our last meeting of 2015 will be on Monday, 7th December in the Choir Vestry and it seems no time at all since we returned after the summer break. I am delighted to tell you we presented The Rector with £50 towards Church Funds which was raised through our monthly donations and I sold some jams at a craft fair last month. The first meeting of 2016 will be on Monday, 4th January when we will be demonstrating how to make a brooch from felt. Kits will be supplied at a cost of £3.00 which you will be able to start and then complete at home. Just bring a needle with a good eye but not a tapestry needle. Wishing everybody a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2016 Remember - 7th December for chat and refreshments and on 4th January for the demo. Carol 11
The Parish Week of Mission was held from Sunday, 27th September to Sunday, The Bigger Picture 4th October, with an imaginative and varied programme devised Earlier this year I moved to a by newthe Bishop Alan Abernethy, the Rector job, and with this move also came a and the Mission Team. The theme change in mind-set. In my previous was ‘Connections’, with a specific work my focus would have been on focus on how we can relate faith to treating a single in my new role,the daily life and usepatient, it to help deal with however, the focus is on the health of everyone in the many different situations we encounter. Our Missioner community. It often involves taking a stepReverend back and Alan looking at the was the Bishop of Connor, The Right Abernethy, bigger picture toattry and addressservices a problem or led issue. Quite often when who preached the Sunday and activities throughout I do this I gain a lot of perspective that I had not initially considered or the week. Bishop Alan’s informal style of preaching and discussion appreciated, the due theme to being busy or other things that are going on at the time. exemplified and encouraged interest and involvement.
Thought for the Month
There are opportunities to realise and appreciate the bigger picture frequently in my daily routine. Every week in our services at St Columba’s we take time to reflect on the week, and consider friends, family, the parish community, and the local and global In his sermon September, Bishop spoketrying of two communities in on our27th prayers. When I am busy orAlan am stuck people had influenced him. One Patrick Gallagher, a to solvewho a problem it is sometimes easywas to get overwhelmed Roman Catholic resident Island, whom with a small detail. One of of theAchill best solutions I havehe formet thisand is togot to know while still a student at Theological take my dog, Rocky, for a good long walk. The College. Rather than answering a calling clear air allows time for some much needed to the Priesthood, Patrick had decided to perspective and I always feel refreshed stay at home and care for his orphaned and readyPatrick to jump back inthat and the siblings. believed histackle devotion problem afterwards. Rocky it to his siblings was Of a course reflection of loves God’s as well so everyone is happy! love for us. Bishop Alan said that this
SUNDAY
was an abiding truth: knowing that we are As Christmas approaches we are nearly all loved and cherished by God and that it is likely to be busier. Atconnection. this time ofThe yearother it is important to make that all too easy to get carried away with how much you have to do, person was Madge (Bishop Alan’s mother), who, although she whether sorting Christmas presents for ones, felt loved itbybeGod, did out not,your through circumstance, feelloved accepted or her entertaining family and friends the many preparations by local parish church. Madgeand believed that God’s grace that not go hand-in-hand with that.Christians. I know, however, was reflected in her fellow Bishopthat Alanregardless said that of hoped how busy I will remember take time think the he thatI get, God’s grace should to become realand for us andofhelp bigger picture with – theother true message and celebration us to connect people, especially thosethat whoChristmas may not relate to the Church. is all about.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! MONDAY Christine McKee
A young families’ cookery night, with Bishop Alan and his wife, Liz, was held on Monday evening rectory kitchen.of our Here, Bishop and Liz employed Our sincere thanksin to the Christine, a member parish choir,Alan for sharing this with us. their culinary skills, while sharing stories about their lives and those of their children. A fig goat’s‘Thought’ cheese will starter was followed by a honey and orange chicken dish (a Theand February be written by Tony Greeves firm favourite of Bishop Alan and Liz’s children), while a ‘death by chocolate’ torte rounded off the gastronomic delights. The cookery night was an excellent way of getting to know Bishop Alan and Liz in an informal setting and those present were
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All Age Worship Many thanks to everyone who supported the USPCA on Sunday, 1st November when we raised just over £80. On Sunday, 6th December we shall be raising funds for Christian Aid who are celebrating their 70th Anniversary this year. On Sunday, 3rd January 2016 our fund raising will be for SOS NI. They are a volunteer led charity that is making a real difference to children, young people and adults on the streets of Belfast during the night time economy period. It offers a unique mobile service that can be located wherever it is needed. Trained volunteers and medical staff operate from specially designed and equipped vehicles deploying satellite foot and mobile patrols to extended areas of need. This ensures that professional caring services are delivered to the vulnerable in times of crisis when required. I hope to see you at our All Age Worship Services in December and January and enjoy a chat and cuppa. Roberta
‘An House Not Made With Hands’
The Select Vestry have agreed to commission an update to Betty Rainsford’s history of the parish: ‘An House Not Made With Hands’. This will cover the period from the parish centenary, in 1996, to next year’s 120th anniversary, in June. Gerald Hill has kindly agreed to research and write the update, which will be available at our Patronal Festival. Betty’s excellent book will be reprinted to include the updated material. I do hope that many parishioners will avail of the opportunity to purchase a copy as we mark another milestone in the history of our beautiful parish church. As part of his research, Gerald will be contacting the leaders of parish organisations and I would ask that those people provide timely information to ensure that work on the update progresses apace.
The Rector 13
Christians Against Poverty ( CAP ) Christmas can be an expensive time of year for everyone. The charity Christians Against Poverty supports less well off families by providing food hampers. Will you please help families who are struggling financially this Christmas and become involved with the CAP Christmas Hamper appeal? A large plastic container has been placed in the Church for your contributions. Below are listed items which you may wish to contribute and which form a major portion of a hamper.
Suggested Contents: STAPLE FOODS: Spaghetti / Pasta / Rice JARS OF SAUCE: Bolognese / Korma / Curry / Chicken / Beef Sauce TINNED FOODS: Tuna / Sweetcorn / Peas / Soup / Ham / Beans / Spaghetti PUDDINGS: Rice / Custard / Fruit DRINKS: Tea / Coffee / Fruit Juice HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: Washing Powder / Washing - up Liquid / Soap, Shampoo, shower gel / Toilet rolls, Baby Wipes, Kitchen Rolls. SWEETS AND TREATS: Box of Chocolates / Mince Pies / Christmas Pudding / Pringles / Crisps OTHER ITEMS: Crackers / Christmas Items / Family Gift Packs / Toiletries Gift Pack Please give lovingly and generously, Many thanks, MURRAY
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Pause Following on from our ‘PAUSE’ in the Parish Hall in November we are planning to meet in December 2015 and January 2016 as follows: Wednesday, 2nd December at 10.30 am – The Culloden Hotel for coffee/ shortbread/mince pie. Tuesday, 15th December at 10.30 am – Clements at Ballyhackamore for coffee. This is a new venue for ‘PAUSE’. Do come along and join us for a quiet coffee away from the hustle and bustle all around us. Friday, 8th January at 10.30 am - The Park Avenue Hotel for coffee. Monday, 25th January at 10.30 am – Binkies beside the cinema at Dundonald for coffee. If you are free please do come along to as many of the venues as you wish. If you have never been before come and see who is there. It is completely informal. In December it will be a peaceful break in the run up to Christmas and in January it will be a relaxing time to recover from the festive season. I look forward to meeting with some familiar faces and, hopefully, some new ones. If you require help with transport or further details please contact me. Eileen Anderson (9020 3684)
FEBRUARY PARISH MAGAZINE Any articles or photographs for publication in the February parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 13th January. 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 15
St. Columba’s Children’s Christmas Party for members of our Sunday School, Crèche, Youth ETC, Doves, Brownies and Mums & Tots
in the Church Hall Saturday, 5th December 2015 3.00pm-5.00pm Greet our very special guest in church with Christmas songs… Parents: Please speak to an organisation leader for more details!
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PARISH FINANCE MATTERS TO EVERYONE As the year draws to a close, we are appealing to everyone who presently contribute financially to St. Columba’s to do so by the 31st December 2015. This will ensure that your contributions will be allocated to you in this financial year. Contributions received in January 2016 cannot be included in the 2015 figures. Your personal statement will be posted to you during January 2016. The Select Vestry is grateful for all contributions received from parishioners during the year however there are still many families belonging to the parish who DO NOT contribute financially. We would ask those families to consider some form of regular giving to the Church. We understand that people like to contribute in different ways. The parish’s preferred method is by Standing Order, which allows us to forward planning and also reduces administrative work. Those who contribute by Standing Order will still receive Mission and Charity envelopes. If you prefer to contribute by Free Will Envelope, then please contact the Parish Office to arrange this i.e. Karen Patterson (Parish Administrator) 9065 6891 (MondayFriday, 9.00am-1.00pm) or email: office@coiknock.org Parishioners who are UK taxpayers may elect to contribute under the government’s Gift Aid scheme. This enables the Select Vestry to reclaim income tax on the amount given providing a significant and vital source of additional income to parish funds. Standing Order forms and Gift Aid forms are available on the table at the back of church. Josephine Kelly (Honorary Treasurer) Victor Dukelow (Assistant Honorary Treasurer) Ronny Martin (Gift Aid Secretary)
Christian Aid Thank you to all the parishioners who attended or contributed to our fundraising coffee afternoon to celebrate 70 years of Christian Aid. The fantastic sum of £222 was raised and this will be presented to Christian Aid on Wednesday, 18th November at the Ladies Guild meeting. At our event we also sold approximately £700 of Traidcraft goods. Joyce and Jim Stevenson 17
Sunday School Sunday, 6th December.............................................10.30 All Age Worship Sunday, 13th December............................................ 10.30 Sunday School Sunday, 20th December.......................................9.30 Family Communion Sunday, 27th December.....................Church Service – no Sunday School Sunday, 3rd January.................................................10.30 All Age Worship Sunday, 10th January................................................ 10.30 Sunday School Sunday, 17th January...........................................9.30 Family Communion Sunday, 24th January................................................ 10.30 Sunday School Sunday, 31st January................................................ 10.30 Sunday School Well done to Henry, Emma and Hazel who read with great confidence In November. December will be a busy month with Advent craft, drama and stories. The children will be singing on 6th December, Christmas Day and 3rd January - we hope to have large numbers throughout the Christmas season. Don’t forget our Children’s Party on Saturday, 5th December 3-5 pm. Happy Christmas to all the children and adults involved in Sunday School. Joyce Stevenson
Thank You
Thank you very much to the parishioners and parish organisations who very generously donated blinds to the Church Hall. We have now ordered these and hope to have them installed as soon as possible. These will be of great benefit to everyone who uses the hall. The kindness shown has been fantastic and we would like to thank you for the blinds which will cover the eight large windows in the hall. On reflection it was decided not to proceed with blinds for the eight small windows, in keeping with the hall’s tradition. These small windows never had curtains and so it was decided that blinds were unnecessary. The Rector
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Mothers’ Union A Festive Movie Night, open to all members and parishioners, will be held at the Tudor Cinema in Comber on Tuesday, 1st December. The movie night, including refreshments and snacks, will cost £10 per person. If you would like to come along, and perhaps bring a friend, please call me to book your place. Looking ahead to our 2016 programme we will be joined on Tuesday, 5th January by guest speakers from the Apex Clinic. Apex provides a gold standard of physiotherapy treatment in Northern Ireland from assessment and providing an accurate diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation. Apex treat both elite athletes and not so sporty individuals. They have clients of all ages from children of 3 years old upwards treating both long-term pain and more recent injuries. In February we plan to support family life in a practical way. We will be packing soap bags for families with unexpected hospital stays. We will also be collecting crockery, cutlery sets, pots, pans and baby/children’s clothes for local families who have faced domestic crisis or have had to leave the family home. These items will help those families as they make a new start and rebuild their lives. Members and parishioners are invited to get creative by making activity quilts for adults with dementia. The quilts will be distributed to local nursing homes. Activity Quilts are also known as Fiddle Blankets and are designed to help those who have dementia who may have become very bewildered about their environment. That, in turn, can cause them to become agitated and begin plucking at their clothing. These quilts provide a valuable distraction and a constructive activity. The aim is to maintain fine motor skills with buttons, zips, ribbons and Velcro and provide stimulation and conversation topics. Between now and our February meeting there is a call for all members and parishioners can become involved by: • donating baby/children’s clothes and household items such as pots, pans, crockery and cutlery; • donating soap bags, soap, flannels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hotel size shower gel, combs and paper tissues ; • making Activity Quilts for adults. Instructions for making activity quilts are available in the Church. All donations and creations can be left in a collection box in Church. Our meeting in February will provide the opportunity to sort and pack all that has been donated to ensure it is ready for delivery. Much needed and well earned refreshments will of course be provided. Katrina (07954 577107)
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ACTIVITY QUILTS FOR ADULTS When a person has dementia they may become very bewildered about their environment and often become agitated and begin plucking at their clothing. These quilts enable them to be distracted and provide a constructive activity. The aim is to maintain finger motor skills with buttons, zips, ribbons and Velcro and provide stimulation and conversation topics. The quilt must be firmly sewn to enable frequent washing. Finished size approx.. 22” x 22” (56cm x 56cm) Requirements: 1 fat quarter – these are squares of fabric available from shops which sell patchwork items and are usually good quality cotton fabric. 1 fat quarter of fleece Themed blocks 6 – 8 Themed decorations to include zip, button, Velcro, cord, ribbon etc. Method: 1. Attach the fat quarter to the fleece and stitch together firmly in a 2” (25mm) square grid 2. Add themed blocks. These should be reversible with tabs on bottom. They should be attached along the top edge of each themed block only. 3. Provide a tactile panel. This can be chenille or textured fabric or washable, crinkly material between layers eg. foil lined, crisp packet. 4. Add a block about 8” square with a zip in the middle and sewn all around thus making a pocket 5. Velcro can be attached to lower edge of tabs 6. Add ribbons/cords. They can be incorporated by affixing very firmly to either the background fabric or a themed block eg. tails on dog fabric, maximum length 5” 7. Bind finished mat with double binding and ensure all stitching is secure. These quilts can be donated to hospitals and care homes where they are used to help those suffering from dementia and also people recovering from a stroke.
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Mothers Union Afternoon Group Our season opened in September with a lively afternoon of stories and poems with Eileen Gibb. She had us in stitches talking about things which had happened to her and bringing back memories for us all. The October meeting had a more serious tone with a representative from Action on Hearing Loss talking about the problems faced when you have to turn the television up to its full volume. November saw a visit by Wesley from Sentry Hill in Newtownabbey. He provided pictures of the stately home and talked about the McKinney family who lived there in a time gone by. He entertained us with stories and events which had happened there and finished by giving us a warm invitation to come as a group on a visit. In December we have been invited by Judith Cochrane (MLA) for Christmas lunch in the member’s dining room at Stormont. Judith has arranged a tour of the building followed by a four course lunch. (I hope there is no dancing on the tables!) May I thank Rosemary (the best sandwich maker in Co. Down ) and all the other helpers for their hard work during the year. A Happy Christmas and a super New Year to all the members. Joy Montgomery
Activity Group The clocks have gone back and we are now settling into the darker evenings before the magic of Christmas During October we put our thinking caps on for our fundraising event and are delighted to bring you “Guess the weight of the Christmas Cake” (including container). The cake will be on display in the Church on Sunday, 15th November and every Sunday until 13th December, 2015. Maureen Irvine
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Youth Etc. Youth Etc’s building and team working skills were tested recently when the group went on an outing to Castlewellan Forest park. The activity for the afternoon was raft building beside the beautiful lake surrounded by trees in their autumnal glory on what was a gloriously bue sky day. The challenge was to build a raft that could support the weight of each team, which would be put to the test on the cold waters of the lake, brrrrrrr.....! Two teams were each presented with 6 logs, 4 plastic barrels and access to a bucket, full of lengths of rope. One team had 8 members and the other 9. After some thinking and head scratching the groups got down to work. Two rafts of varying quality appeared. The test was yet to come as they were introduced to the waters of the lake with the teams balancing precariously astride the barrels. A short venture onto the lake and an attempt at racing each other with one team clearly ahead. The boys wished they had tied their knots a bit tighter as a barrel popped up through the logs. With buoyancy affected and with an extra man on board they were soon to lose a crew member who swam through the chilly waters to shore. Both teams made it back to shore safely with some relieved parents looking on. It was great fun and really enjoyable for all. I have to say that the girl’s team were the winners on this occasion, again! David Kelly
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ZAMBIAN SCHOOL PROJECT UPDATE Dear Friends, The following is a Report endorsed by your Parish Mission Committee on the above Project. Following a very fruitful visitation to Zambia by a Parish team in 2012, it was agreed that we would play a part in this Project. Our involvement would be to finance the building of one of the classrooms in the Educational Facility. To date, with your most generous donations, the princely sum of £13,168 has been raised. This has been magnificent and we are most grateful for all your hard work and commitment. We have, however, been very concerned about the lack of information coming from both the Diocese of Northern Zambia and the Church Missionary Society (CMS) about the building of the new Educational Facility. As a result we asked CMS a number of specific questions about the building work and how your money was spent. What has happened so far is as follows; 1. The site for the School and other buildings has been made ready. 2. Brick making machinery has been purchased. 3. Cement and brick making materials have been purchased. 4. Two foundation slabs have been laid. 5. 25,000 bricks have been moulded. What has happened to our money? No classrooms have yet been built but £9,168 has been spent on the above categories, leaving £4,000 with CMS, which unknown to us had not been sent to Zambia. This has now been returned to the Parish bank account. Apparently, other sources of finance for the Project failed to surface and so progress has been very slow but there is hope that this will change in the near future. That being the case the Parish will then send the money to CMS and will recommence fundraising when they provide a report of the overall sources of funding for the Educational Facility. We continue to pray for the work of CMS and our friends in Zambia. Murray Hunter
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Ladies Guild Our guest speaker for October was Reverend Dr Pat Mollan from The Church’s Ministry of Healing at the Mount and she left a deep impression on all present. Pat spoke about how unsuitable she considered herself to be when first asked to lead this Ministry but no matter where she turned people were encouraging her to take this position and use the people skills she had been blessed with. All people in need are welcomed at The Mount and they are helped to find God’s peace and love within the walls. If we were unsure of the power of prayer the experiences Pat shared with us could only strengthen our beliefs. As I opened the promotional blurb we were given a card fell out which said “Here to LISTEN not to tell”. It’s often hard to find someone with the time to listen in this busy world so how wonderful to know that there is a special place just down the road from us. This month we are looking forward to our Christmas Dinner at Shandon Golf Club, we would be delighted to welcome anyone who cared to join us. Tickets are £25 per person and can be obtained from Maureen Beckwith (9048 6622) and Yvonne Cadden (9065 7388). Please make cheques payable to St. Columbas Ladies’ Guild. In January we return after the holiday with a Film Evening on Wednesday, 20th January 2016. We will also have a ballot in aid of Guild Funds. In the meantime may I wish all our members and friends many Christmas blessings and lots of happiness in the New Year. Imelda Shephard
Ladies Bowls Just to say we have been enjoying our Monday afternoon bowling with about 1213 ladies regularly present. We appreciate the new windows in the hall and trust they will keep the hall warmer in the cold days to come. Please call in any Monday afternoon - we can supply the bowls and any flat shoes will do. Phyllis Newton
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Railway and Model Club We did it!! We now have some swans for the lake, a flock of geese, and some ducks. We even have hens for the farmyard. This cost us about £15.00, and on our budget that’s a lot of money. (It is actually about 25% of our annual subscriptions.) If you saw the photographs in last month’s magazine then think of the items….. farmhouse , barns, sheds, station buildings, fencing, railway track etc etc, all donated by club members and other parishioners. If we had purchased the items it would have cost us a few hundred pounds. We have railway engines, again donated and on loan from club members. An engine can cost over £100.00 even for a small one. So again, many thanks to all who have helped us get this far Talking of friends, we will be including a backboard showing the rest of our village. We hope to have this painted by a well-known artist, who is also good on the bowling mat. By the time you read this, we will have completed our second open day. This was an opportunity to show what can be done with hard work, support and enthusiasm. On the evening of the 11th November, we were visited by a very excited group of Doves. The squeals of delight, as the trains moved past them, was wonderful to hear. A few mummies also appeared, obviously urged on by their children, and this completed a great evening for us. The Doves have already asked for a return visit, later in our club year, and we look forward to meeting them again. Have a wonderful Christmas, and keep rollin’. David Beattie
Men’s Club We have had a busy few weeks since commencing our new season. Numbers are steady and everyone is enjoying the fun and friendship. The club had the pleasure of hosting the after service tea in church on the 18th October. Thanks to the members who took part in my absence and also a big thank you to the parishioners who supported our efforts. We also played our first match of the season away to our friends in Stormont Presbyterian on Monday, 2nd November. It proved to be a great night all round and after a tightly fought contest our club won by a single point 42 to 41. By the time you read this we will have held our first talk on Monday, 16th November. Ivan Coffey’s talk on the foundation of St Columba’s will no doubt have been of great interest and informative. It only remains for me to wish the congregation a peaceful Christmas and New Year from all the members of The Men’s Club. John Robb 25
Art Club
The Art Club members wish to thank all their relatives, parishioners and friends who joined them on Saturday, 21st November to view their exhibition of paintings and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea, scones and shortbread. The many positive comments of the work displayed was very encouraging for the club members.
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It has been go go go the past few weeks and the Brownies have been having a wonderful time with lots of different activities. We have finished our, ‘Friend to Animals’ badge and had our Bring a Friend to Brownies Night. We went to the Ice Bowl for a fun night of bowling and finished off October having our joint Halloween party with the the Doves ! Amanda and Kathryn
Doves The dates for Doves until Christmas are shown below. I am currently organising a night out and once this is confirmed I shall inform everyone. Wednesday, 2nd December.......................................... Christmas craft Wednesday, 9th December............................................ Christmas craft Wednesday, 16th December... Doves join Brownies for Christmas The Doves will not meet on 23rd and 30th December. Wednesday, 6th January................... Meeting as usual The photographs show our toffee apples and our Halloween party. We all had lots of fun. Moira Saunders
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That was the year that was...
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PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations!
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
THURSDAY
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 6.30pm Doves Moira Saunders 07739 041392 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
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
9.30am Art Club Bob Killen 9079 0210 7.30pm Choir Practice Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574
FRIDAY
9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45-4.30pm Toddler Soccer 3-5 years Tim Wareing 07740 120788
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
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBAS Parish website: www.coiknock.org
Rector
The Reverend John R Auchmuty
St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG 028 9047 1514 johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
Assistant Priest
The Reverend Canon Ken Smyth
3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG 028 9145 8706
Parish Reader
Karen McAlpine
readercolumba@gmail.com
Diocesan Lay Reader (Emeritus)
Bryn Harris
028 9187 8816
Rector’s Churchwarden
John Macpherson
028 9028 2076
People’s Churchwarden
Jon Allen
028 9065 3511
Junior Churchwardens
Emma Craig, Jamie Sadlier
Rector’s Glebewarden
Jim Stevenson
028 9058 3381 07973 392448
People’s Glebewarden
Mark Reid
028 9028 4367 07810 648167 30
Honorary Sexton
Select Vestry
John Proctor
028 9087 0526 07989 469773
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens,Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Jonathan Stewart, Mark Ryan, Gillian Sadlier, Moira Saunders, Keith White
Honorary Secretary
Elizabeth Leonard
28 Knockdene Park South BT5 7AB 028 9065 3162 elizabeth.leonard@me.com
Honorary Treasurer
Josephine Kelly
15 Manse Road BT6 9SB 0289079 6658
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Victor Dukelow
028 9029 0625
Gift Aid Secretary
Ronny Martin
028 9079 0821 07526 396838 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)
Organist and Choral Director
Dr Joe McKee
07976 294574
Assistant Organist
Brian Clements
028 9079 3641
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Readers’ and Intercessor’s Co-ordinator
Muriel Arndell
028 9065 5500
Sidespersons’ rota Co-ordinator
Rosemary Coffee
028 9754 2198
Crèche rota Co-0rdinator
Lynn Ryan
07955 479065
Magazine Editor
Billy McAlpine
028 9042 4390 colmaged@outlook.com
Parish Webmaster
Ivan Roche
028 9514 0141 ivan.roche@me.com
C of I Gazette distributor
Moranne Noad
028 9079 3704
Bible Reading Fellowship notes
Evan Preston
028 9048 9884
Church flowers
Eleanor Launchbury
028 9028 1204
Premises Covenor
Stewart Beckwith
028 9048 6622
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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