The Columban st. columba’s church, knock
april 2014
The latest parish news, events and notices Sunset over Old City, Jerusalem Dustin Farrell
RECTOR’S LETTER THE GIFT OF FAITH
We are indeed fortunate to have Archbishop Robin Eames with us as he continues his sermons on The Gift of Faith at our 10.30am services during Lent. Each week, he will focus on how our Faith can offer us support in the difficulties we experience. The titles of the remaining sermons in his series are:
Sunday, 6th April Palm Sunday, 13th April Easter Day, 20th April
Faith where it counts Faith in doubt Faith for the future
How easy it can be for us to profess a strong faith when all is going well and yet how difficult when we experience difficulties! Recently, a member of our parish developed a contagious form of ‘flu which necessitated her being kept in isolation from other patients. As hospital visiting was restricted, the one thing that we could do was to pray for healing. After a few difficult days, her situation began to change and there were signs of an improvement. When she returned home, she phoned to express her grateful thanks to God and for all our prayers. Rather than feeling that God had abandoned her throughout that time, she described how her faith had provided strength and support. There is an old Irish saying which means ‘two shorten the road’. How true that is! When we have someone by our side, our journey becomes easier and more bearable. We offer thanks for the gift of faith and for the strength which Jesus gives us as he travels with us each day. However, Jesus didn’t promise his disciples an easy journey! Remember that he said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mt.16:24). During Holy Week, we will journey with Jesus to Calvary. The journey began with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey with the crowds shouting “Hosanna!” However, that joy was short lived. The mood of the crowd changed dramatically as Jesus grew nearer to the cross, when they shouted “Crucify him!” He suffered an agonising death. For those who were gathered around that cross, the situation could not have been any worse. We will experience that darkness for ourselves at the Tenebrae service when all the candles have been extinguished. But before we leave, the Christ candle will be relit and we will see it flickering in the darkness as it symbolises that Good Friday was not the end. The hope, joy and the new life of the resurrection were already on the horizon as Archbishop Eames will remind us in his Easter Day sermon with the title Faith for the future. Caroline, Charles and Henry join me in wishing you a very Happy Easter. Yours in His service,
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SERVICES IN APRIL Thursday 3rd (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 6th 8.15am
Passion Sunday (White) Holy Communion Reader Arthur Hobson Romans 8: 6-11 Gospel Clergy John 11: 1-45
10.30am
All Age Worship and Holy Baptisms followed by refreshments Reader Sarah Craig John 11: 1-45 Preacher Archbishop Robin Eames - Faith when it counts
7.00pm
Choral Evensong Reader Anella Gallen Reader Anella Gallen Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine
Lamentations 3: 19-33 Matthew 20: 17-34
Thursday 10th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 13th 8.15am
Palm Sunday (Red) Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Philippians 2: 5-11 Gospel Clergy Matthew 21: 1-11
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Gospel Preacher Intercessions
Clare Best Philippians 2: 5-11 Karen McAlpine Matthew 21: 1-11 Archbishop Robin Eames - Faith in doubt Gina Greeves
7.00pm Palm Sunday Praise in Knock Methodist Church Preacher The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland No Service in St. Columba’s Monday 14th Monday in Holy Week 10.15am Holy Communion
(Red)
1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service in Knock Methodist Reading Matthew 27: 32-44 Speaker The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland 8.00pm Service of the Word Preacher The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland 3
Tuesday 15th Tuesday in Holy Week 10.15am Holy Communion
(Red)
1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service in Knock Methodist Church Reading Mark 15: 21-41 Speaker The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland 8.00pm Service of the Word Preacher The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Wed 16th 10.15am
Wednesday in Holy Week Holy Communion
(Red)
1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service in Knock Methodist Church Reading Luke 23: 26-49 Speaker The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland 8.00pm Service of the Word Preacher The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Thursday 17th Maundy Thursday 10.15am Holy Communion for Housebound Parishioners followed by refreshments
(White)
1.15 - 1.45pm Lunchtime Service in Knock Methodist Church Reading John 19: 16b-30 Speaker The Revd Dr. Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland 8.00pm Holy Communion followed by stripping of the altar Preacher The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Friday 18th Good Friday 10am - 12noon Children’s Holiday Bible Week in Knock Methodist Centre 12noon -3pm The Three Hours Devotions Conductor The Very Revd John Mann Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast 8.00pm Tenebrae Service Preacher The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Sunday 20th 8.15am
Easter Day - The First Sunday of Easter (White) Holy Communion Reader David Beattie Colossians 3: 1-4 Gospel Clergy Matthew 28: 1-10 No 9.30am Family Communion Service 4
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Gospel Preacher Intercessions
7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Tony Greeves Gospel Karen McAlpine
David Craig Colossians 3: 1-4 Karen McAlpine Matthew 28: 1-10 Archbishop Robin Eames - Faith for the future Clergy Colossians 3: 1-4 John 20: 1-10
Thursday 24th (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 27th 8.15am
The Second Sunday of Easter (White) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell 1 Peter 1: 3-9 Gospel Clergy John 20: 19-31
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Brian Acheson Gospel Clergy Intercessions Karen McAlpine
7.00pm
Evening Prayer Reader Reader
Gina Greeves Gina Greeves
1 Peter 1: 3-9 John 20: 19-31
Daniel 6: 6-23 Mark 15: 46-16: 8
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 would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (9065 5500). The readings are from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:
www.coiknock.org
PARISH PRAYER God, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711 5
HOLY WEEK SERVICES 2014 10.00am - 12noon
Children’s Holiday Bible Week in Knock Methodist Centre every morning in Holy Week MORNING SERVICES IN ST. COLUMBA’S Monday – Maundy Thursday 10.15am Holy Communion
LUNCHTIME SERVICES IN KNOCK METHODIST CHURCH 1.15pm – 1.45pm Speaker The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland “I would simply like us to focus on one of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ death every day, so that we inhabit the events of that day.” EVENING SERVICES IN ST. COLUMBA’S 8.00pm Theme Speaker
Facing the Cross The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland
“The cross sits as the background and context for our lives as Christians. This week we bring the cross to the forefront of our thinking, praying and action.” GOOD FRIDAY IN ST. COLUMBA’S 12noon - 3.00pm The Three Hours Devotions Conductor The Very Revd John Mann Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast For those unable to stay for the full duration of the meditations, it is possible to enter and leave at the end of each section. 8.00pm Tenebrae Service Speaker The Revd Dr Heather Morris President of the Methodist Church in Ireland
HOLY COMMUNION FOR HOUSEBOUND PARISHIONERS in St. Columba’s Parish Church on MAUNDY THURSDAY 17th April, at 10.15am With Holy Week hymns and seasonal refreshments Please phone the Parish Office on 9065 6891 (Monday to Friday 9.00am - 1.00pm) to arrange transport. 6
GOOD FRIDAY – THE THREE HOURS DEVOTION Friday, 18th April, 12 noon – 3.00pm Conductor The Very Reverend John Mann Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast The Three Hours on Good Friday afternoon is a very special time for everyone who is used to observing this devotional liturgy each year. Traditionally, it is the seven words of Christ from the Cross that are the subject of our meditation, although occasionally other aspects of the Passion of our Lord are used. This year I hope to take the traditional path - in fact, I always do - so we shall have a series of talks observing each of the seven words with perhaps an introduction and conclusion, making nine talks in all. This divides the three hours conveniently into nine periods of twenty minutes. Interspersing talking with silence, prayers and hymns allows people to come and go, especially when the singing is taking place. I can’t say that the hymns will be precisely every twenty minutes, but they should be roughly. I do look forward very much to being back in St. Columba’s and having the opportunity to share one of the most precious few hours of the year with you all. John Mann
April SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 6th....................................................Charles and Henry Auchmuty Sunday 13th.................................................Lilias Smith and Pauline Darke Sunday 20th.................................................Helen Donaghy and Olivia Budde Sunday 27th.................................................Eileen Anderson and Ann McGarvey
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR EASTER Saturday, 19th April, 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! Refreshments in the Rectory
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PRIVATE HOLY COMMUNION SERVICES It is always a privilege for the Clergy to conduct private Holy Communion services for those housebound parishioners who will not be attending Easter services in St. Columba’s. Please telephone the Parish Administrator (9065 6891) by Friday, 4th April, to make an appointment if you would like a private Holy Communion service in your home.
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). Both the Rector and the Assistant Priest will be visiting parishioners in the Residential and Nursing Homes throughout the parish during April. In addition, they will also be conducting private Holy Communion services in the homes of those housebound parishioners who are unable to attend any of the Easter services.
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday, 6th April
10.30am All Age Worship
Sunday, 13th April
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday, 20th April
10.30am Family Communion (Easter Sunday)
Sunday, 27th April
Holiday
Unfortunately, due to a poor attendance at All Age Worship at the beginning of March, we were unable to sing at the front of church as usual. The children love doing this and the congregation love to hear them, so the Rector and I have decided to send out an email/leaflet to all homes of children in Sunday School to encourage them to attend this service. In addition, our new Organist has asked that the children practise the chosen chorus from 10.15am in church on the first Sunday of each month. The chosen chorus for this month is This Little Light of Mine so we hope to see a full turnout on Sunday, 6th April! Our attendances at Sunday school are excellent, especially in our junior classes, and we hope this will continue until the end of the year. Beth Cairnduff 8
Standing with Gerald in St. Columba’s at his last service as Parish Organist and Choirmaster on Sunday, 23rd February, were (L to R): son Richard, The Very Revd Victor Stacey, Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, the Rector, Gerald’s wife Glenys and daughter Emma.
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE Many thanks to everyone who supported Multiple Sclerosis NI at our tea and coffee last month when we raised £78, topped up by a further donation of £25. This month, I hope to see you after the All Age Worship service on Sunday, 6th April, when we shall be supporting Arthritis Care Northern Ireland. ACNI acts on behalf of people in Northern Ireland who are affected by arthritis. They provide them, their families and friends with support, understanding, information and expertise so they can cope better with the impact of the condition, and get the most out of life. Please come along and support a very worthwhile cause. Roberta 9
THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING will take place in the church hall on Thursday 3rd April 2014 at 7.00pm All parishioners are encouraged to attend but only those who are registered can vote to elect: The People’s Churchwarden The People’s Glebewarden 12 Select Vestry Members 2 Honorary Auditors As this is a Triennial Year the following elections will also take place: 4 Parochial Nominators 4 Supplemental Parochial Nominators 2 Diocesan Synod Members 2 Supplemental Diocesan Synod Members 1 Junior Diocesan Synod Member 1 Supplemental Junior Diocesan Synod Member PARISH PRESENTATION TO GERALD HILL Refreshments will be served during the meeting
CASH FOR CLOBBER Cash for Clobber will be back in the church car park on Saturday, 5th April, at 10.30am to 11.30am to raise funds for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. So have a good clear out of all those crammed wardrobes and cupboards, and fill a bin bag or two! Collection bags will be available at the back of church. Remember, the heavier the better as all the bags are weighed. If you need to have any of your bags collected, please let me know and I will collect at a time that suits you. Roberta (9065 6183)
This time, we are able to take only the following: Clothes Shoes Handbags Belts
DO YOU FANCY BEING A LADY WHO LUNCHES? The Afternoon Group invites you to a Daffodil Lunch on Monday, 7th April, in the Choir Vestry at 1.00pm. Please come and join us! Voluntary donations to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund 10
BISHOP’S VISITATION TO ST. COLUMBA’S On Thursday, 13th March, the mission team along with members of the Select Vestry and other parish organisation leaders met with Bishop Harold in the church hall. He is currently conducting a visitation to each of the parishes in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. The visitation was an opportunity for the mission team to give a presentation to the Bishop, detailing what we hope to achieve as a parish during the year of mission in 2015. The event started with the Rector leading us in the parish prayer which aptly set the scene for the remainder of the evening. Murray Hunter delivered the PowerPoint presentation which focused on three main areas: First, how we communicate with our parishioners and the wider community through many channels, including The Columban, Pew News and our newly relaunched website. Second, what we offer to children and young families and third, how the church can further grow our faith and, most importantly, link it to everyday life. We are very fortunate to have Archbishop Robin Eames preaching on this important theme at all the morning services during Lent and on Easter Day. Bishop Harold then gave very favourable feedback and set us some challenges for the 12 months ahead as we prepare for the year of mission. He advised us to be intentional in the next stage of the process. He said, “I have been at several services here recently and enjoyed your new organist and choir. As a church you have a particular tradition. Do what you do really well. Not everyone is looking for the same kind of church.” We will be setting two targets in each of the areas of children, church and community. These targets will be concrete and time bound so that we will ultimately be able to determine whether we have achieved them. We will consider our many varied parish organisations, recognising that in some cases the majority of members are not parishioners, and aim to work on the connection between these groups and the church. We will also consider the experience of an outsider who joins St. Columba’s in the hope we are doing everything possible to ensure they are made welcome, and enjoy the music and fellowship. The work will build towards our mission week in October 2015 which we are planning with the Bishop of Connor, the Right Revd Alan Abernethy. The meeting continued with the Bishop posing questions to a number of organisation leaders, aimed at establishing details of our Sunday School, Brownies, Mums & Tots, Toddler Soccer and Art Group. There were also a number of interesting stories from some parishioners on their first impressions of the parish when they joined. The Rector brought the meeting to a close by concluding that we will aim to continue with the good work of the parish, recognising that we have a particular liturgical tradition which works for us and that we should build on this to the best of our ability, as well as focusing on increasing the involvement of children and young families in all aspects of the parish. Thanks to all who attended and made the meeting so interactive and informative. The mission team now have a clear focus for their next steps towards achieving our goals during the forthcoming year of mission. Jill Armstrong 11
TUESDAY EVENING AT MU ACTIVITY GROUP Every Tuesday (apart from the first Tuesday of the month) I make my way down to the church hall to get the equipment ready for the group to arrive. As soon as ‘the girls’ come through the door there is a buzz of chatter and enthusiasm about the night ahead. The table and chairs are put in place and it’s soon time to set up the scrabble board with everyone sorting their letters out – then it’s the challenge of seeing who can get the highest score! Sometimes the letters can be pretty awful but help is always available. In the meantime, the badminton players are warming up with some banter across the net. Our games are always friendly and great fun, with a hint of competition! However, the main priority for the players is the chat and the laughter that takes place during each match. We stop for supper when we make plans and have some lively discussions whilst eating lots of delicious sandwiches and pastries! If you would enjoy some light exercise and good fun, then why not join our friendly group? Please contact me on 9079 5155 for further details. Maureen
Hello Ladies, Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 1st April, when we will be welcoming Sharon Elkin who intends to present a Fashion Makeover. She will also have some items for sale and it promises to be a very interesting evening. Bob Killen has very kindly donated a painting to our Mothers’ Union. Tickets for this painting are currently being sold for £5 each, the proceeds being divided between the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund and Mothers’ Union projects in Zambia. The painting will be on display at the back of church for the next few weeks. Sandra 12
FROM THE ORGANIST AND CHORAL DIRECTOR I’d like to say a very genuine thanks to everyone for making me feel so much at home in St. Columba’s over the past month. I’d also wish to record my appreciation to the Choir and Brian Clements, our Assistant Organist, for learning so much new music in the past five weeks. This time of the year is a busy period for our young musicians in schools. Some will be preparing for grade exams and others will be thinking ahead to their practical element in either GCSE or AS/A level. I’m very happy to give free rehearsal time to any of our young people who might be prepared to play one or more of their exam pieces (to a live audience!) before any of our morning services. Please talk to your instrumental teacher about this. Playing in this way enhances our worship, but it also gives young players a terrific opportunity to play under a degree of pressure that can be very helpful in the lead-up to exams. Coping with exam nerves is an important part of training for all musicians. I’d also wish to extend a very warm invitation to any of our young musical parishioners who’d like to improve their sight-reading skills to consider joining the Parish Choir. We sing a fair amount of music each week and it’s a great way to improve aural skills and sight-reading, never mind the social skills and the physical benefits of using your lungs in a slightly different way. That invitation to singers, of course, extends to all ages! Please get in touch, either on my mobile 07976 294574 or at joe.mckee76@yahoo.com. Many thanks.
Joe McKee
PARISH LENTEN LUNCH A large congregation was present in St. Columba’s on Sunday, 9th March, to enjoy a delightful piano and flute musical introduction by Dr Joe McKee and Murray Hunter to the 11.00am Holy Communion service on the first Sunday in Lent. The Rector warmly welcomed Archbishop Robin Eames and Lady Eames, particularly in light of their longstanding association with St. Columba’s. The Archbishop gave the first of a series of Lenten addresses which will explore The Gift of Faith over the following six Sundays until Easter Sunday, focussing on our everyday life, community and work experience. This morning’s theme was Faith in Ourselves and in an engaging and thought provoking address, the Archbishop shared with the congregation the relevance of a ‘spiritual spring cleaning’ at this important season of Lent. After the service, parishioners gathered in the church hall at midday to enjoy the traditional Lenten lunch of soup and apple pie amidst an atmosphere of chatter, laughter and fellowship. Sincerest thanks are due to Jill and Brian Gillespie, Lynn and Emma Ryan, and their dedicated team of willing helpers – as well as to those who kindly provided the delicious nourishment – for their hard work and attentive serving. Voluntary donations from the lunch amounted to £692, excluding Gift Aid, a most welcome and generous contribution towards the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. 13
AFTERNOON GROUP My heart stopped when I received the phone call to explain that our next guest speaker’s business had failed. Her bees had unfortunately flown off and she would therefore sadly be unable to speak at our February meeting. Two phone calls later and Thompson Steele kindly said he would be delighted to come with his stories and songs of old Belfast. What an alternative! As I helped to carry his chair in from his car, I wondered what sort of gathering he thought he was coming to – he explained he liked to be high up when playing his guitar! He charmed us all with his stories and songs, evoking memories of a very different Belfast. Sophie, our March guest speaker, phoned two weeks before the meeting to say how much she was looking forward to coming to speak to us. She was a breath of fresh air! From Galway, Sophie is a physiotherapist at the Apex Clinic, young, pretty and very bubbly. She gave us hints on how to stay healthy and pain free – I shall be watching out for all our members marching briskly up and down the aisle each Sunday! At the end of her talk, Sophie gave everyone a coupon for a free chiropody session worth £26 and a notepad for beside the telephone. Our sincerest thanks to both Thompson and Sophie for two superb afternoons. My thanks also to all the ladies who come regularly to the Afternoon Group, there is always a good turn out and a very friendly atmosphere. My special thanks must go to Rosemary – not only does she provide a wonderful taxi service but she also makes a super sandwich! – I could not manage without her. Our next meeting will take place on Monday, 7th April (Monday before Holy Week), when we will gather at 1.00pm in the Choir Vestry for a Daffodil Lunch in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Any ladies who are free will be most welcome to join us for our Easter Eggtravaganza! Joy Montgomery
Dear Ladies,
LADIES GUILD NOTES
We hope you all enjoyed our evening with Dr Marion Gibson and found it interesting as well as informative. It has been a very full and varied year, and it is sad and hard to believe that it is nearly over! This month we will be meeting on Wednesday, 16th April, at 7.30pm in St. Columba’s for the Holy Week service. Then, of course, we will hold our AGM on Wednesday, 21st May, in the Choir Vestry at 7.30pm. We hope to have a special speaker that evening and also a very good attendance for this important meeting! Lilias Smith (Hon. Sec.) 16
MEN’S CLUB NOTES
The final report of the 2013/14 season begins with news of another victory in the last Inter Church match against St. Colmcille’s, resulting in a 12 shot win for our Club. As always, it was an opportunity to renew acquaintances and enjoy the friendly banter and rivalry.
Our Club competitions have been completed and the line up for the Finals to be played in April is as follows:
(L to R) Jim Stevenson, Andrew Launchbury (Club Chairman), Aidan Campbell (Speaker), the Rector, Geoff Launchbury
Paul Stewart Cup S. Beckwith v. A. Launchbury Tommy Lamont Cup P. Malone and J. Launchbury v. D. Beattie and J. Robb Canon Noble Cup J. Robb v. G. Launchbury The last meeting of the season on Monday, 28th April, will take the form of an outing kindly arranged by our Hon. Treasurer, Paddy Malone, to visit the Ulster Aviation Society at the Maze, Lisburn, and view their collection of vintage aircraft and historical records. Our Annual Dinner and Prize Giving will be held in Coast, Holywood, on Friday, 2nd May. At our Open Night on Monday, 10th March, the Rector, our Club President, extended a warm welcome to the many parishioners and visitors who came along to enjoy our guest speaker, Aidan Campbell, who gave an illustrated talk on his most recent publication, Stormont. This detailed a journey from the Holywood Arches to Ballybeen, Dundonald, in the period from 1900 to 1955. There was much interest and comment as some of the audience were reminded of places and people, long forgotten by many. It was also very interesting to see how the area had been so radically changed by the progress made between the World Wars and since then, with the building of the Ulster Hospital and the large housing estate at Ballybeen. The Men’s Club would like to thank the Rector for his support and encouragement for this venture by his promotion of it at every opportunity, and our grateful thanks also to Ian McClune who secured our guest speaker for us. The evening concluded with supper and thanks are due to the Club members for the provision of food and serving of same. Thanks also to my wife, Eleanor, for her organisational skills (and the home baking!) and her willing helper, Carol Willis. Finally, as I step down from my role as Secretary, I thank the Club for their support and co-operation during the year and wish our new Secretary, John Robb, well as he takes over the job. Geoff Launchbury 17
Youth Etc adventured out to see the battle brawl of the century - the Belfast Giants vs. Coventry Blaze game! It was great fun for everyone, so exciting. The match started at 7.00pm. We all met at the Odyssey Arena where we went up stairs and took our seats. I had never been to an ice hockey game so I didn’t quite understand the game or how long it was. I know now that it is played over three periods. Whenever the Belfast Giants skated out onto the ice there was massive applause as the home fans cheered the recently crowned league champions. At half time there were competitions to win free pizza for a year and some skaters were shooting air canons loaded with T-shirts from Subway into the crowd. It was a very competitive match but the Belfast Giants eventually won 7 – 4! Jonathan Kelly
ADAM AND EVE’S NATIONALITY An Englishman, a Frenchman and a Russian were viewing a painting of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. “One must admire the garden they are maintaining so well,” mused the Englishman, “They have to be British.” “Nonsense,” the Frenchman disagreed, “Look, they are au naturel and so beautiful! Clearly, they are French.” “Ah, no clothes, no shoes, no shelter,” the Russian pointed out, “They have only an apple to eat and they are being told this is paradise. They are definitely Russian!”
PAUSE If you are free on Monday, 14 April, do pause for a short time at Belmont Towers at 10.45am for tea/coffee and scones/tray bakes. th
There is no need to book or confirm...just turn up and meet with fellow parishioners and friends, old and perhaps new. It is the beginning of Holy Week and all are most welcome! If you require transport, please do not hesitate to contact me. Eileen (9020 3684) 18
CENTENARY OF THE GREAT WAR The first week of August of this year will witness the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War – one of mankind’s most tragic and convulsive events. The conflict – sometimes known as The Great War – was waged between the western superpowers of the time and, over the four years between 1914 and 1918, would claim the lives of 10 million people. The war was fought on land, at sea and, for the first time, between fledgling air forces in the skies. The causes of the war were complex and various. In general terms, the major European powers of the time – Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire – had become rivals in the years leading up to the war. This rivalry had developed from their growing wealth, their race for overseas colonies and their ability to form alliances with other nations who shared their political and economic ambitions. Each power block had also been sponsoring newly emerging nations and aspiring national movements in different parts of Europe. By the summer of 1914, all these competing interests had produced a political tinder-box on a grand scale – and all that was needed was a spark. That spark was provided when Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the AustroHungarian Empire, was assassinated by mainly Serbian conspirators in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia Herzegovina, on 28th June 1914, an event that would precipitate the outbreak of war on 4th August just over a month later. At the beginning of the war, Great Britain, France and Russia formed an alliance against Germany and the AustroHungarians. Italy joined the Allied effort in 1915 but the United States was a relative late-comer and did not enter the war on the Allied side until 1917. At its outset, there was much expectation in Britain and Ireland that the war would be short lived – with popular sentiment believing in its conclusion by Christmas 1914. Sadly, events were to take a very different turn. In nearly all the main land theatres of the war, industrial armies still lacking modern mechanisation would become stalled in the horror of protracted trench warfare. Millions of young men from all the nations involved – an entire generation – would perish by 1918 in a war that was to yield little territorial or other material gain for either side. By November 1918, as each side fought the other to a standstill – and national exhaustion – Germany sought an armistice and the war ended in victory for the Western Allies. The human cost was enormous. There were over 700,000 war dead in Britain alone, of whom around 30,000 were Irish. This terrible price was also recounted in the new genre of war poetry written by soldiers such as Wilfred Owen, who was to die on the western front in France just seven days before the armistice on November 11th 1918. In terms of a contemporary social history, Vera Brittain’s acclaimed book Testament of Youth also relates the cost to individuals, families and their wartime communities. One of the great and tragic ironies of the First World War is that it was often spoken of at its outset as the war to end all wars. But within just 20 years of its ending, the Second World War was also to start which would cost upwards of 60 million lives worldwide. There will be many poignant events to mark the centenary of the First World War during August 2014. Let us use these to reflect upon the cost and futility of that conflict, and to remember and honour those millions who did not come home. Ivan Maginnis 19
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER The Women’s World Day of Prayer was prepared by the women of Egypt and our local service was held in Sydenham Methodist Church. St. Columba’s was well represented and Hollie Wilson took part in the service as the representative from our parish. She is pictured here with Margie Savage.
THE BOOK WELL Following the closure of The Good Book Shop at Church of Ireland House, Belfast, earlier this year, its former manager, Richard Ryan, has established The Book Well as an online Christian bookshop, independently set up to continue resourcing the Church of Ireland and beyond. Its website, launched at the beginning of March, now sells items such as hymn books, prayer books, church stationery items, bibles, directories and other Christian books. Products can be purchased or requested directly from The Book Well website at: www.thebookwell.co.uk. Orders can be shipped all over the UK and Ireland, and can also be collected from the Church of Ireland Youth Department in Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, or Church of Ireland House in Donegall Street, Belfast. You can also contact Richard on 075811 43596.
BROWNIE NOTES We are continuing with our programme for the 100th Birthday Year. As part of the Birthday Challenge badge we have to carry out nine different activities around the themes of You, Community and World. One of those in the section of You was to find out how to make fake wounds, blood, blisters etc and then learn how to treat these injuries. Bruises were made with cornflour, red and blue chalk proved to be very realistic and fake skin made from washing up liquid and cornflour etc. – the scene when all the Brownies tried out this material was like a disaster zone! We hope that while having fun they really did learn how to cope with these emergencies, if needed. Many more exciting activities will follow until we have completed the Birthday Challenge. We have also welcomed two new members who have joined us. Patty and Molly were in Brownies in Holywood but as they have moved to live in the area they have transferred to our unit. However, we still have room for more girls so please come along on a Friday night and join in the fun! Beth Cairnduff 20
NATIONAL TRUST OPEN GARDEN SCHEME Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May from 2pm to 5pm at the home of
Tony and Clodagh Reid, 88 Ballyrainey Road, Comber, BT23 5JU (parishioners of St. Columba’s who hosted the Hog Roast BBQ) This well established garden surrounding a mid-18th century house extends to approximately nine acres and is designed for relaxation. Rhododendron, camellias and climbers bring colour to the garden, while mature trees create structure. Open Gardens offers a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of private gardens not usually open to the public. Whether you are a keen gardener eager for some useful tips or simply wish to savour the splendour and beauty of unusual plants, then come along and enjoy the beauty and vitality of summer, and take a walk through their beautiful garden. While you are there relax and enjoy the refreshments supplied and served by St. Columba’s parishioners.
Everyone is invited to attend! Admission to Gardens £3 in support of National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland. Refreshments £3 in aid of St. Columba’s Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.
TUESDAY MORNING BADMINTON The Tuesday morning badminton ladies have produced a little recipe book in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. We’d be delighted if parishioners and friends might see their way to purchasing one. The recipes are all tried and tested, and recommended by the contributors! Please help us in our effort and enjoy the recipes! Vi Dowie (9067 1051) 21
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BADMINTON For our final meeting of the season on Tuesday, 29th April, the members have decided, as in January, to enjoy a lunch provided by ourselves in the church hall kitchen. After this, we plan to play our usual badminton and/or table tennis. Our new season begins on Tuesday, 9th September, an ideal time for those interested to come along as a most welcome visitor a little after 2.00pm! Kyleen Clarke (9079 7155)
S DATE UR YO FOR RY DIA
it Mark it! or miss
Saturday, 5th April Cash for Clobber Monday, 7th April Afternoon Group Daffodil Lunch Wednesday, 9th April Bible Study Group Film Saturday, 24th/Sunday 25th May Tony and Clodagh Reid’s Open Gardens Saturday, 7th/Sunday 8th June Patronal Festival Weekend
HORSE A country Rector trained his horse to trot on when he said “Praise the Lord” and to stop when he said “Amen”. One day he was out for a gallop when he saw a deep gorge ahead. Frantically, he screamed “Amen!” until finally the horse stopped, just feet away from the edge. With enormous relief, the Rector looked up to heaven and let out a heartfelt “Praise the Lord!” 22
ZAMBIA NEWS 2012 – 2014 Year 1 - 2012 1. Planning and preparation for the visit of the Ipalo team to Zambia (£1600 per person). 2. The parish raised £800 for each team member through various fund raising events. 3. The aims of the visit to Zambia, namely to explore the possibility of establishing links, were shared with parishioners. 4. Selection and training of members of the Ipalo Team. The parish trip to Zambia took place in July/August 2012. The ten team members spent time with their hosts and, while gaining experience of life and worship in Northern Zambia, considered possible projects to be supported by St. Columba’s over a five year period. Year 2 - 2013 1. A Zambia Team was formed to continue the link between St. Columba’s and Zambia. 2. A specific project was identified. It was agreed to finance the building of a classroom in St. Michael’s new school in Northern Zambia, at a cost of £15,000 over five years. 3. An Advent parish lunch would be held annually as part of our fund raising schemes. Year 3 - 2014 Targets 1. To continue fund raising for the school classroom. 2. To build up communication links with Zambia through CMS Ireland. 3. To strengthen links with the MU in Zambia. 4. To host a Zambian visitor as part of CMS Ireland’s 200 year celebrations. To date the total money sent to Zambia via CMS has been £7,669.14. Zambia Team 23
Children’s Colouring Page
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May PARISH MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the May parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 13th April. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR APRIL Sunday 6th.......................................................... Rosemary Coffey Sunday 13th........................................................ Palm Leaves and Greenery Sunday 20th........................................................ Easter Lilies by Caroline Cramp Sunday 27th........................................................ Margaret Stewart
FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Marriage Friday, 28th February Holy Baptism Sunday, 2nd March
Jenny Mallett and Kevin Baxter 4 Bridgelea Avenue, Conlig Faith Olivia McConville 17 Wanstead Gardens, Dundonald Our Sorrows
Christian Burials Tuesday, 18th February
Frances Joan Gordon 16 Kilhorne Gardens
Friday, 14th March
Walter Ernest McElroy 15 Kensington Gardens
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. 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig Patricia Wilson
9047 2512 07712 593773
Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stevenson
9058 3381
X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd
07833 391945
The Grid (11-14 years) Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047 8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 9028 5868 MONDAY 10.30am Craft & Hobby Circle Carol Willis 9079 9997 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm Men’s Club Geoff Launchbury 9028 1204 TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Vi Dowie 9067 1051 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155
TUESDAY (continued) 7.30pm MU Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 9079 5155 8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 9080 8755 WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group The Rector 9047 1514 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 9059 2039 THURSDAY 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 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine Email: readercolumba@gmail.com 6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047 Youth Etc (11-15 years) (Monthly outings as arranged) The Rector 9047 1514 Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 9047 1514
Please note, requests for the occasional use of church halls must first be submitted to the Parish Administrator & Premises Convenor, Karen Patterson, on 9065 6891 or email: office.knock@down.anglican.org (Monday-Friday: 9.00am-1.00pm). 26
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.coiknock.org
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 9047 1514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN Mark Reid 54 Knocklofty Park BT4 3ND Tel 028 9028 4367 Mob 07810 648167
ASSISTANT PRIEST The Revd Canon Ken Smyth 3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG Tel 028 9145 8706
HONORARY SEXTON John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9087 0526 Mob 07989 469773
PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood, BT18 OHT Email readercolumba@gmail.com
SELECT VESTRY Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad, Ivan Roche, Roberta Rogers, Gillian Sadlier
DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber, BT23 5SZ Tel 028 9187 8816
HONORARY SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 9065 6183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN John Little 14 Barnetts Lodge Barnetts Road, BT5 7FS Tel 028 9080 8755
HONORARY TREASURER Josephine Kelly 15 Manse Road BT6 9SB Tel 028 9079 6658
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Mark Wilson 7 Finchley Vale BT4 2EU Tel 028 9076 1040
ASSISTANT HONORARY TREASURER 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
JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Zac Elkin, Rebecca Burns RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 9058 3381 Mob 07973 392448 27
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Victor Dukelow Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Ross Thompson
PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9514 0141 Email ivan.roche@me.com
ORGANIST AND Choral Director Dr Joe McKee 76 Sandown Road BT5 6GU Mob 07976 294574
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Moranne Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 8 Lacefield BT4 3PA Tel 028 9079 3641
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 9048 9884
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 9065 5500
CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 9065 0716
SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 9754 2198
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Parish Administrator Premises Convenor Financial Giving Secretary Karen Patterson
CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Michelle Jamison 11 Richmond Gardens Glengormley, BT36 5LA Tel 07533 871166
Office Hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pm Tel 028 9065 6891 Email office.knock@down.anglican.org
SAFEGUARDING TRUST
The Rector, Select Vestry and parish leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact a member of the parish panel below, or any of the statutory agencies. The Rector 028 9047 1514 Patrick Good 028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard 028 9065 3162 28