The Columban The Berlin Wall 1961 - 1989
st. columba’s church, knock, march 2017
Rector’s Letter
Dear Parishioner,
THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING WEDNESDAY 22ND MARCH AT 7.30PM I invite you to attend our Annual Easter General Vestry Meeting which will take place in the Church Hall on Wednesday 22nd March at 7.30pm. While all Parishioners are encouraged to attend, it is only Registered Vestry Members who are eligible to be nominated for the positions listed below, and who will be able to vote during the election process for their selected candidates. Each year at our Annual Easter General Vestry, the following elections take place for a twelve-month period: 1. People’s Churchwarden 2. People’s Glebewarden 3. Select Vestry Members 4. Honorary Auditors As this is a triennial year, the following elections are also required for a three-year period: •
4 Parochial Nominators (these are the four parishioners who participate in the Board of Nomination which is chaired by the Bishop and also includes five Diocesan Nominators to appoint a new Rector when a vacancy arises in the parish.
•
4 Supplemental Nominators. As the Church of Ireland Constitution states: “The names of the supplemental nominators so elected shall be placed in order on a list in accordance with the number of votes received; in any case of equality of votes the order upon the list shall be determined by lot. Any vacancy in the number of parochial nominators shall be filled
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by the person whose name stands highest on the list of supplemental nominators”. •
2 Diocesan Synodspersons to represent the parish at the meeting of the Diocesan Synod which will take place later this year.
•
2 Supplemental Diocesan Synodspersons to represent the parish at the Diocesan Synod if a Diocesan Synodsperson is unable to attend. Their names are recorded in rank order.
•
Diocesan Synodsperson and Supplemental Diocesan Synodsperson under the age of 30 years old.
In addition to these elections I will deliver my address, featuring a PowerPoint presentation, which will cover many of the exciting developments which took place during our 120th anniversary year, culminating in our most successful Christmas tree Festival. My address will also be forward looking, as together we seek to embrace fresh opportunities and challenges with confidence throughout 2017 and further strengthen our connections with the local community. The Honorary Treasurer, Mrs Gillian Sadlier, will present the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31st December 2016 on behalf of the outgoing Select Vestry, which clearly reflects the income and expenditure of the parish along with the many charities which we have generously supported. May the words of this collect from the Book of Common Prayer focus our minds and preparations for the Annual Easter General Vestry Meeting: Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the church is governed and sanctified: Hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth, to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Yours in His Service,
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SERVICES IN MARCH Wednesday 1st 10.30am 7.30pm
Ash Wednesday Service for Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion Service for Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion Preacher: Karen McAlpine
(Purple)
Thursday 2nd (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 5th The First Sunday in Lent (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Irene Gray Romans 5: 12-19 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 4: 1-11 Intercessions Karen McAlpine 11.00am All Age Worship followed by Lent Lunch (Please note time change) Reader Sunday School Matthew 4: 1-11 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Esther Templeton Deuteronomy 6: 4-9, 16-25 Reader Esther Templeton Luke 15: 1-10 Occasional Prayers Jill Gillespie Thursday 9th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 12th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm Thursday 16th 10.30am
(Purple) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Friday 17th 10.30am
St. Patrick Holy Communion
The Second Sunday in Lent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Jayne Martin Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 3: 1-17 Holy Communion followed by refreshments Reader Brian Gillespie Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 3: 1-17 Intercessions Marie McCordick Late Evening Office Reader Eileen Anderson Luke 14: 27-33
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(White)
Sunday 19th The Third Sunday in Lent (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Romans 5: 1-11 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 4: 5-42 Intercessions Karen McAlpine 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Sophie King Hazel Macpherson Lucy Armstrong John 4: 5-42 10.30am Morning Prayer Reader Helen Donaghy Romans 5: 1-11 Reader Chris Heatley John 4: 5-42 Occasional Prayers Elizabeth Leonard 7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Billy McAlpine Ephesians 6: 10-20 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 2: 13-22 Thursday 23rd The Annunciation of our Lord (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 26th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Mothering Sunday (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Colossians 3: 12-17 Gospel Clergy John 19: 25-27 Holy Communion Reader Clare Best Colossians 3: 12-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 19: 25-27 Intercessions Helen Donaghy Evening Prayer Reader Gerald Hill 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 Reader Gerald Hill John 9: 1-41 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine
Thursday 30th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (9065 5500). The readings are from Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website: www.coiknock.org
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From the Registers Holy Baptism Sunday 29th January
Our Joys Jack David Hugh Launchbury 32 Movilla Mews, Newtownards
Sunday 5th February Christian Burials Tuesday 17th January
Abigail Sarah Elizabeth Fee 5 Mill Gate
Our Sorrows Doreen Beatrice Thompson 19 Barnetts Road
Wednesday 25th January George Bond Limetree Residential Home, Dundonald Thursday 26th January
Thelma Frances Harris 22 Dalton Glade, Comber
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 Canon Ken Smyth (028 91458706). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during March: Rector Knocktern Gardens Knockwood Crescent Knockwood Grove Knockwood Park
Canon Ken Smyth Knockmount Gardens Knockvale Grove Knockvale Park Lacefield
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. Please do not assume the Clergy already know the information as situations change and there have been occasions when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (9145 8706) to enable them to take note of the details. Thank you. 6
FLOWER ROTA Sunday 5th March............................................. Joyce Stevenson Sunday 12th March.......................................... Margaret McKee Sunday 19th March........................................ Patricia Clements Sunday 26th March................................................... Carol Willis
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
SIDESPERSON’S ROTA Sunday, 5th March
The Ryan family
Sunday, 12th March
Elizabeth and Hugh Miller
Sunday, 19th March
Patricia and Patrick Wilson
Sunday, 26th March
Jayne and Ronny Martin
MUMS AND TOTS We have been pleasantly busy since starting again after the Christmas break with, as usual, a very happy atmosphere. As everyone now seems to arrive later we have decided to change our starting time to 10.00am but still retaining our finishing time at 11.45am after our sing song. Anne
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Sunday School 5th March ............................................ 11.00 am All Age Worship (Please note the time change). 12th March ........................................... 10.30 am
Sunday School
19th March ........................................... 9. 30 am Family Communion 26th March. ......................................... 10.30 am
Sunday School
Well done to Adam Moore who read so clearly at the February All Age Worship service. It was Adam’s first time reading and I would encourage more boys to join him and Robert as they read and say prayers in the future. The congregation enjoyed the enthusiastic singing of our anthem – ‘Thank you Lord for this fine day’. I look forward to seeing all the children at Sunday School in March Joyce Stevenson
APRIL PARISH MAGAZINE
Any articles or photographs for publication in the April parish magazine should be handed or emailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 8th March. His contact details are: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 8
Sunday, 5th March 11.00am All Age Worship followed by
Parish Lunch in the Church Hall Come along and join us! Admission: Voluntary contributions in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Tickets, for catering purposes only, available from the back of church. 9
Thought for the Month
I know it is a sign of advancing years but I just cannot believe how quickly time passes…and how busy we all are! I used to think that when retired folk said life was hectic, they were just trying to reinforce their usefulness to the community. Now I know differently! Perhaps it is just that some silver citizens do things at a reduced pace … and hopefully enjoy everything so much more! It hardly seems three months since we celebrated the wonderful festival of Christmas, and thanks to our congregation, our choir and our Rector we did indeed celebrate it. Then came New Year and time for resolutions, to make and to break! I decided this year to make a resolution which would consist of pure pleasure and would benefit me greatly! I did not give up cigarettes or sugar in tea because I don’t indulge! I did not vow to abstain from alcohol, as ‘a little wine for my stomach’s sake’ seems very sensible to me! I decided that my vow and indeed my labours of 2017 are to nurture my friendships, to ensure that not only will I value my friends and family anew but that they would know how much they mean to me and how much they improve my quality of life. Yes….a very selfish but potentially a very enriching resolution! Keeping in touch with family, especially the wider family or overseas family is a good start. I remember how the young Mary rushed to tell her cousin Elizabeth the news that she was to have a child and in return hears Elizabeth’s happy news. This is a good pattern to follow, where finance and time allow. Jesus as a boy travelled with large numbers of family members to Jerusalem, hopefully some of those early friendships will have lasted his lifetime. It is such a joy to once again meet school friends or someone who once lived around the corner, with shared memories no one else will ever know or understand! I have started well! One recent and special evening involved three generations of one family, each of which I am pleased to call friends. Another involved lunch with longtime friends from a former parish and a visit from a childhood next door neighbour. A short trip to Europe with our closest friends will be such fun and will involve much laughter and some lovely meals. Jesus shared meals with his friends and I’m sure where fishermen were involved, with the potential to fall overboard ever present, there was much banter! Friendship and laughter balances the dark moments we all have to face in day to day living. A friendly smile, a pat on the shoulder or an unexpected phone call, all these things are a great tonic against the ailments of life. Jesus acknowledged his friends and his mother as he hung on the cross, urging them to comfort and support each other. How well he understood the need for human contact. Some people have a real knack for friendship. They never say “we must meet up sometime, or you must come for a meal……. and then do nothing! Guilty as charged! If they are like my cousin, John, they say things like, I’ve missed you, are you free on Tuesday at noon? I love that, it allows me to get organised and to see my friends and not feel guilty any longer! Fantastic! A wonderful saying I heard from the late Rev. Ray Davey, founder of Corrymeela is, “a
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stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet”. The profound simplicity of this statement is amazing. I know it to be true! Having spent so many years in Newtownards where I knew so many people, it was quite a shock to find myself in St. Columba’s where I knew so few. I need not have worried, as I found a warm approachable and friendly crowd! Indeed, crowd is the correct, if rather flippant, word for the congregation, for it feels as if we are all working together, relaxing together, learning together, praying together and singing together, whilst reaching out to others to join in! What more could God want for his church! His is the perfect example of friendship, laying down his life for us, not judging us by our weaknesses but encouraging us to build up our strengths. So you see my resolution really does bring me happiness and there is so much of the year to go stretching out in front of me, of us. May God grant that we all have the blessing of renewed, reinforced and reaffirming friendships in the days and months ahead. Jenny Smyth Our sincere thanks to Jenny for sharing her ‘Thought’ with us. The April ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Mark Laverty.
Ladies Bowls It is hard to believe that, although our season usually ends in March, this year we will have a couple of extra weeks because Easter is later. The ladies have been very loyal coming each week in spite of bad weather and colds. Last month we had our annual match with Knock Presbyterian, at Knock, and this month we will have our competitions. Phyllis
ALL AGE WORSHIP Many thanks for your generous donations at February’s All Age Worship, at which we raised a tremendous £140.16 for Save the Children’s Syria Crisis Appeal. There will be no coffee provided after the March All Age Worship, as we will be heading to the hall for the Lent Lunch. It will be business as usual the following week (12th March) at which we will be collecting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Hospices which provide specialist care to children, young people and adults with life-limiting illness. Thank you for your continued support. Suzanne
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SERVICES Our Holy Week services begin on Palm Sunday 9th April. This marks the beginning of the most solemn week in the church’s year. We look forward to joining with the Minister of Knock Methodist Church, The Reverend Britt Gilmore and members of their congregation for these shared services as we journey together towards the foot of the cross. As has been our established custom, the lunchtime services (Monday 10th April- Maundy Thursday 13th April) will be in Knock Methodist and the evening services here in St Columba’s. The preacher at the evening services will be The Dean of Down Cathedral, The Very Reverend Henry Hull and the conductor of the Good Friday Three Hours Devotions will be The Right Reverend Alan Harper, formerly Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland. There will be further details about these services in the April Columban. Please mark these dates (Palm Sunday 9th – Good Friday 14th April) in your diaries and make attendance a priority. The Rector.
The Right Reverend Alan Harper
The Very Reverend Henry Hull 12
GARDENERS’ CORNER QUESTION TIME ROADSHOW From the “Blow my mind” variety of hostas to looking after onions who are feeling miserable, a wide range of topics was covered at the BBC Gardeners’ Corner Question Time held in the Church Hall on 26th January and broadcast on Saturday 28th. The Rector welcomed the large audience, the presenter Helen Mark and the panellists, Barbara Pilcher and Neil Porteous. There was plenty of interest in the knowledgeable and entertaining answers to the questions put forward by members of the parish and their friends. The panellist’s suggestions included keeping an eye on what is working for your neighbours as soil types and conditions are likely to be similar; weak and weekly feeds/little and often with fertiliser; using biological control of slugs by introducing wireworms.ie pests that devour the slugs from the inside; examples of divine scented roses; and the need to remember to rotate onions and leeks on a four-yearly basis. On the hot topic of restricting bamboo growth, the most novel suggestion came from the floor where the advice was to introduce a panda! On behalf of the BBC, Helen Mark thanked St Columba’s for again hosting the Roadshow - there is every possibility that they will come back. Patricia Clements
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St Columba’s Ladies Guild invites you to
on Wednesday 15th March At 7.45pm in Church. Everyone welcome! Refreshments served. Homelessness is about more than having a roof over your head. A home is not just a physical space, it provides a sense of belonging, roots, identity and a place of emotional wellbeing. Homelessness is about the loss of all of these. For many it is a damaging and isolating experience. People become and stay homeless for a whole range of complex and coinciding reasons. Tackling homelessness is about much more than putting a roof over people’s heads. Many homeless people face a number of issues in addition to, but often compounded by, their homelessness. Isolation compounded with the destructive nature of homelessness means that homeless people find it difficult to access the help they need. The Welcome Organisation adopts a non-judgmental approach to addressing homelessness issues. All of our services are based on the principles of harm reduction delivered through low-threshold services. We are recognized for accepting people ‘where they are at’ as opposed to where others think they should be. 14
Ladies Guild In January we welcomed Brian Watson to talk about Family History ----and what a great beginning to our year that was. After explaining the work of a genealogist, Brian encouraged us to explore our own families explaining that a lot of the information was free to all e.g. from 1864-1915 go to Irishgenealogy.org. Also census results can be found in the National Archives except for the 1926 census for Northern Ireland which was destroyed during WW2 in case the Germans got hold of it!, also the Northern Ireland Library service are very helpful for Ancestry. He then had us all laughing uncontrollably as he shared some census material and also epitaphs from gravestones. If you hear of Brian speaking anywhere else I would recommend that you go. Looking ahead we have the Ash Wednesday Service on 1st March at 7.30 pm. On Wednesday 15th March we hold our Charity Evening and we look forward to a visit from a representative of The Welcome Organisation. We are inviting our friends from the Belmont District Council of Churches so this meeting will be in Church - usual time 7.45pm. Do invite friends and neighbours to come along to hear about this wonderful local organisation. Keep warm and safe - Spring is on the way! Imelda
CRAFT AND HOBBY CIRCLE Where on earth did January and February go? We continue to meet on the first and third Monday of each month when we have a great catch-up over tea and coffee. We have some bits and pieces for sale such as Aida fabric suitable for cross-stitch and a variety of decorative and practical buttons together with card blanks and decoupage papers for those involved in card making. If you are interested in anything like this please contact me and I will look forward to hearing from you so we can arrange to meet or even to bring it to one of our morning meetings. Better still, come along and enjoy our company and chat. Carol 9079 9997 / 07831345560 / pchwillis@hotmail.co.uk 15
REFLECTIONS ON A DIVIDED CITY It is a freezing February morning in 1964 and I find myself travelling by coach from Freiburg University in the Black Forest of southern Germany, where I was studying, to Berlin, along with some 30 fellow German students. We are en route to visit their friends, now condemned to live in the communist sector behind the crude wall hastily erected only three years earlier, zig-zagging its way through the very heart of the city. It is a fascinating journey, prolonged by our detention for an extra four hours at the border crossing between West and East Germany by the local ‘Vopos’ (Die Volkspolizei, the Peoples’ Police) who do not appreciate the barbed humour of my high spirited companions. “Das Lacheln ist polizeilich verboten!” they shout, “Laughter is forbidden by the police!” Eventually we reach the city and make our way on foot through Checkpoint Charlie, the famous cross over point on Friedrichstrasse between the American and Soviet sectors. What an immediate and dreadful contrast! We were entering a dark and menacing world, largely unchanged since the massive bombing of the Second World War. Once elegant buildings still lay heaped in ruins, shabby street lighting barely glimmered and hideous blocks of grey, autonomous flats were the only signs of re-construction. Above all, haunted inhabitants shuffled through empty, desolate streets looking miserable, impoverished and utterly demoralised. Shops were bare and deprived of anything but the most basic goods. Surly service was the order of the day in the few dingy cafes that remained open. Floods of tears erupted when my companions bade farewell to their friends as we were obliged to depart after the compulsory 24 hour visa had expired. With a devastating sense of guilt we abandoned them, ashamed but relieved to be slinking back through Checkpoint Charlie to the lights, sounds, music and laughter of the Kurfürstendamm and the glitzy capitalistic showpiece into which West Berlin had been carefully transformed. Although I crossed the wall on several occasions in subsequent years, it was impossible to forget that first grim and harrowing experience, the shock of witnessing the population of a European capital city forced to its knees, cast by totalitarianism into abject submission. Such memories were to resurface again many years later in 2011 when Moranne and I, along with our friends, parishioners Freda and Rodney McDonald, visited the lovely old Hanseatic city of Rostock on the Baltic coast, formally in East Germany. One of our tours happened to include a visit to the former Stasi (East German Secret Police) prison and interrogation centre, surprisingly situated in a perfectly normal looking suburb. Just knowing 16
someone in the West, or worse still, attempting to communicate with them, was enough to be reported by neighbours, friends or even family members, rounded up in the little grey van and incarcerated for questioning. The most hideous aspect of the prison was the “punishment� room, reserved for those citizens who courageously opted not to co-operate. It consisted of a small underground concrete cell, without windows or light, the floor entirely covered in three inches of water. Prisoners were thrown in, naked and shivering, and abandoned for up to days on end, unable to sit or lie in the freezing water. To persuade the most stubborn, electric shocks were applied from live wires attached to the concrete walls. Unlike the appalling physical brutality of the Nazi Gestapo regime, inmates emerged from this pitch black dungeon ostensibly unmarked – but, in reality, stark raving mad, their minds and personalities destroyed for ever. And yet...28 years after its construction, the infamous Berlin Wall (1961-1989) came crashing down, virtually overnight, and a divided city (and nation) was re-united once again. Was this near miracle achieved by the superiority of US and Nato military might? Not so. It was made possible only through the indomitable resilience of the human spirit, of that indefinable, invisible yet irrepressible essence within ordinary men and women that no tyranny, however harsh and prolonged, can ever hope to extinguish. Tragically, there remain today endless examples of appalling cruelty and oppression throughout the world, sources of unspeakable suffering and pain. But these regimes will not last. As in East Berlin, the indestructible spark of human defiance and common decency will first flicker then burst into full flame, at the end of the long, dark tunnel of despair. Ian Noad Our sincere thanks to Ian for sharing these memories with us.
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Mothers’ Union At our February meeting we were joined by Maureen Magennis. Maureen who is a professional Blue Badge Tourist Guide and a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Guide Association (NITGA) shared with us much of her knowledge and experience of the tourism industry in Northern Ireland- what’s hot on the tourist trail and what’s not. With this year set to be the busiest on record for the Northern Ireland tourism industry Mothers’ Union would like to thank Maureen for her interesting and entertaining talk and wish her all the very best with this year’s busy timetable. On 7th March we hold our Projects and Overseas meeting. As detailed in last month’s Columban magazine we will be packing hospital soap bags and we are calling on the help of Mothers’ Union members and parishioners to supply the following items for each bag: small toothpaste; toothbrush; small soap; facecloth; comb; small packet of paper hankies; and a pen. Travel size shampoo and shower gel can also be included. Contributions can be left in the collection box at the back of the Church or brought along to our meeting at 8pm on Tuesday 7 March. Those with a talent for crafts might like to help by making teddies, chicks and Easter egg baskets, fiddle blankets, hats and scarves etc. These items will be used for Diocesan projects which include support for Women’s Aid and female prisoners at Hydebank. If you wish to help please contact any committee member. Katrina and Jill
Young Families Group The next Young Families event will be a ‘Cheese and Wine’ evening to be held in The Rectory on Friday, 24th March from 8.00pm. This particular Young Families event is for adults only and it will be a great opportunity to get to know others in a relaxed setting. Voluntary donations will be gratefully accepted on the evening to cover the cost of the event and also the Young Families Group’s contribution towards the recent Christmas Tree Festival - a total donation of £10 per person is therefore respectfully suggested.
It will be great to see you on Friday, 24th March. Please RSVP to evmacpherson@hotmail.co.uk. 18
Women’s World Day of Prayer will take place in Belmont Presbyterian Church on Friday 3rd March at 8.00pm. 19
PAUSE ‘This is our parish initiative which takes no organizing or commitment. It is simply a case of turning up! It is an excuse to go somewhere maybe for a walk, for food or for coffee. It is about getting together with no agenda, simply to be with each other.’ This notification about PAUSE has been taken from the 2012 edition of the March Columban. It was written by our then curate Robert Ferris. It was his initiative and he encouraged parishioners and others to meet up occasionally for coffee, food or a little stroll. Since then nothing much has changed, apart from the faces, the venues and the conversations. There is still no agenda! All are welcome. This month PAUSE will meet at The Secret Garden, Dundonald on Tuesday 14th March at 10.30am for coffee and a chat. If you are free please come along. Bring some friends as well. If you require further details or help with transport please contact me. Eileen 9020 3684
Confirmation 2017 Those wishing to be considered for confirmation are asked to give their names to the Rector in writing before Sunday 12th March. It is essential that they are: · regular church attenders · active members of the Senior Sunday School Class · assisting with the Sunday School, if over the age of 15 · attending the Youth Etc. group Adult parishioners wishing to be considered for confirmation should also give their names to the Rector before Sunday 12th March. They will follow a separate confirmation class.
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The Christmas Tree Festival Results are now in! I am delighted to update you on the success of the Christmas Tree Festival. We had over 1,100 visitors through the doors during the four days, and the amount raised to date is ÂŁ9,450. The final total will be known at the end of May when all of the parish organisations will have submitted their sponsorship money. It is only by joining together as a parish that we could have achieved such a magnificent outcome. The good will and enthusiasm from the local community, along with the many kind words of gratitude I have received, cannot be accounted for financially, making the festival a wonderful success on every level. The profile of the parish has been raised to new levels, our connections to the local community have been strengthened and we have raised funds to support the work of our parish. I would like to thank each and every person who contributed in any way to the success of this festival. It has been both encouraging and rewarding to see the tremendous results from all of the hard work and preparations. With grateful thanks, The Rector
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THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING will take place in the Church Hall on Wednesday 22nd March at 7.30pm All parishioners are encouraged to attend but only those who are registered can vote to elect: The People’s Churchwarden The People’s Glebewarden 12 Select Vestry Members 2 Honorary Auditors. In addition, this year we will also be electing: 4 Parochial Nominators 4 Supplemental Parochial Nominators 2 Diocesan Synod Members 2 Supplemental Diocesan Synod Members 1 Diocesan Synod Member under 30 years 1 Supplemental Diocesan Synod Member under 30 years _________________________________ Refreshments will be served during the meeting.
DOVES The photograph shows some of the Doves after they had a marvellous time planting seeds. They now anxiously await the appearance of the tiny plants.
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The Bible Study Group invite you to: Movie Night Wednesday 8th March 7.30pm Choir Vestry Brooklyn� An Irish immigrant lands in 1950’s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.
Everyone welcome - bring friends, neighbours and family! Light refreshments served. Voluntary donations in aid of Church Refurbishment Fund.
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Railway and Model Club During the last month we have had a number of unexpected visitors, which was very encouraging. It was also interesting to meet other people with similar interests to ours. Thank you all for your support and please do keep coming down to see the layouts. One of our visitors was so moved by our church layout and figures, that he presented us with a beautiful, much needed, addition to the church scene. It is sleek, black with wonderful fittings, and it will soon stand at the side entrance to St Columba in the Glen. It is, of course, the new Hearse which brought the 00 scale coffin containing John Bun, that well known former member of the 00 scale society on our layout A lot of tidying-up has been completed, mainly to our tools/stock cabinet. We also received a gift of a glass fronted display cabinet in which we will show some of our Railway Locomotives, both N and 00 scale. Many, many thanks to all those who continue to donate models, tools, materials etc to the Society. We really do appreciate them all. Keep ‘er rolling, David B.
Men’s Club Despite our small number we have yet again emerged victorious from a tense encounter against our friends from Knock Methodist whom we entertained on the 23rd January. Congratulations to the members present on the night led by our Captain Stewart Beckwith and his assistant Geoff Launchbury. The score line ended up at 38 – 27 but the biggest winner on the night was the ongoing friendship, fellowship and fun that endures between both clubs. By the time this goes to print we will have held our annual Social evening on the 13th February and also visited our friends at St Colmcille’s on the 16th. All competitions within the club are progressing well and ahead of schedule.
John 24
CHURCH CAR PARKING As our winter season of Church Services and Parish Organisations are now well under way, please be sensitive to the residents in the local community by taking care not to block entrances or pavements. Thank you!
Facebook St Columba’s Parish Church is now on Facebook. ‘Like’ our page to see updates on events, services and photos. Search coiknock on Facebook or Messenger to find us easily. For those who are new to St Columba’s and would like more information about the life and membership of the parish, please give your name and phone number to our Churchwardens or contact the Parish Office during office hours Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 1.00pm on 028 9065 6891.
Pastoral Care: If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to
speak to someone, please contact the Rector (028 9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (028 9145 8706).
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 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations! Sunday
Monday
Sunday School Bubbles (3-5 years) Splash (5-8 years) X-treme (8-11 years) The Grid (11-14 years) Crèche Craft and Hobby Circle Ladies Bowling MU Afternoon Group Mens’ Club
Tuesday
Ladies Badminton Ladies Badminton Activity Group Mothers’ Union
Wednesday
Brownies Doves Railway and Model Club Bible Study Group Ladies Guild
Thursday
Art Club Choir
Friday
Mums & Tots
Bi-monthly
Toddler Soccer (3-5 years) Pause
Monthly
Youth Etc. (11-15 years) Young Families
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays 10.30am
Superintendent: Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays
Lynn Ryan 07955 479065 1st and 3rd Monday each month Carol Willis 10.30am 9079 9997 2.00pm Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2nd Monday each month 2.30pm Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm John Robb 9058 1438 10.30am Gillian Popplestone 9080 3799 2.00pm Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 Maureen Irwin Except 1st Tuesday 7.30pm 9079 5155 Katrina Dukelow 1st Tuesday each month 8.00pm 9029 0625 6.30pm Amanda Fee 07739 039750 6.30pm Moira Saunders 07739 041392 7.00pm David Beattie 9028 5868 7.30pm Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 Imelda Shephard 3rd Wednesday each month 7.45pm 9079 7683 9.30am Billy Nelson 9048 3889 7.30pm Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574 9.45am Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45 - 4.30pm Tim Wareing 07740 120788 As arranged Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 As arranged David Kelly 9079 6658 Social events as arranged Emma Macpherson 9028 2076
Requests for the occasional use of the church halls must be submitted to the Premise’s Convenor.
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBAS Parish website: www.coiknock.org
Rector
The Reverend Canon John R Auchmuty
St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG 028 9047 1514 johnauchmuty@yahoo.com
The Reverend Canon Ken Smyth
3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG 028 9145 8706
The Reverend Canon Walter Laverty
6, Hanwood Heights Dundonald 028 95738743
Diocesan Lay Reader
Karen McAlpine
readercolumba@gmail.com
Diocesan Lay Reader (Emeritus)
Bryn Harris
028 9187 8816
Rector’s Churchwarden
Andrew Hirst
028 9065 8785
People’s Churchwarden
Andrew Ellis
07920 112818
Assistant Priests
Junior Churchwardens
Henry Auchmuty, Jonathan Kelly
Rector’s Glebewarden
Jim Stevenson
028 9058 3381 07973 392448
People’s Glebewarden
Mark Reid
028 9028 4367 07810 648167
Honorary Sexton
John Proctor
028 9087 0526 07989 469773
Select Vestry
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Suzanne Allen, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, John Macpherson, Mark Ryan, Moira Saunders, Mark Wilson
Honorary Secretary
Elizabeth Leonard
28 Knockdene Park South BT5 7AB 028 9065 3162 elizabeth.leonard@me.com
Honorary Treasurer
Gillian Sadlier
70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG 028 9040 3278
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Victor Dukelow
028 9029 0625
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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
Reader’s and Intercessor’s Co-ordinator
Muriel Arndell
028 9065 5500
Sidesperson’s rota Co-ordinator
Rosemary Coffey
028 9754 2198
Crèche rota Co-ordinator
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
Premise’s Convenor
Stewart Beckwith
028 9048 6622
Crucifer
Mark Laverty
028 9513 8743
Parish Office Administrator/ Financial Giving Secretary
Karen Patterson Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm
028 9065 6891 office@coiknock.org
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