December 2013/January 2014
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Parishioner, During these days of Advent, we can all be so busy trying to create the “perfect Christmas” that we run the danger of being unable to look forward to the coming of Jesus, the light of the world, on Christmas day because our stress levels are so high and we are utterly exhausted! It was a former Archbishop of Canterbury who rightly reminded us that “Christmas is always a period which can lead to messy situations, no matter how well we try to plan in advance”. The first Christmas in Bethlehem was no different – it was something of a mess. He reminded his listeners that “Mary and Joseph had accommodation problems, to put it mildly. There was also a strange and unique Virgin birth, and the terrified shepherds in the fields nearby were not too pleased by the angelic trumpeting from on high”. There were no television advertisements or big marketing campaigns to broadcast the events of that first Christmas. What there was, however, were the shepherds who went to Bethlehem to see Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger (Luke 2: 15). But the important thing was that they didn’t keep this wonderful news to themselves. They went and told others: “When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2: 17). The significant part of that first Christmas was the people who were there and who became part of the occasion. This has been another difficult year economically and now with spiralling energy bills many people are finding it difficult to heat their homes and also put food on their tables. As part of our Christmas preparations, I therefore encourage you to support the Christians Against Poverty Food Appeal by placing non perishable food items in the shopping trolley at the back of church. In so doing, we are offering something of ourselves to those in need. PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD Our parish Christmas card this year features two children walking through our brightly lit church porch as they come in from the cold for a church service. The lights from the church can be seen shining through the glass on the door which is decorated with a holly wreath. I invite you, your family, friends and neighbours to come in from the cold and darkness of these days by making attendance at services in St. Columba’s a priority. May we all feel drawn by the warmth of the parish’s welcome, no matter our personal circumstances, to experience and receive the light of Christ for ourselves. Christmas is a sign of hope for us all, it is a light shining in the darkness of our world which cannot be extinguished. It is a good news story for us to hear in church and to share with others. No one is excluded! I thank all the Art Group members who designed Christmas cards and congratulate Anne Clarke whose card was selected. Caroline, Charles and Henry join me in wishing you a very peaceful and blessed Christmas, and God’s richest blessing for 2014. Yours in His service,
2
CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY FOOD APPEAL Christians Against Poverty (CAP) are a debt counselling charity working throughout the UK, offering support and world class debt advice to families and individuals. CAP is uniquely placed to help low income, financially and socially disadvantaged people out of debt. Clients benefit as they pay off their debts and begin to save and, most importantly, learn valuable budgeting skills. This empowers people to manage their money properly in the future without falling into financial difficulties. Clients are given long term support through the specialist CAP team in Bradford as well as through our local centre, based at Willowfield Parish Church. Christmas is an expensive time of year and CAP provides support to clients by way of gifts of food, and invitations to social activities and Christian events in church. One way to help local people in our community who are struggling financially this Christmas is to become involved in the CAP Food Appeal. This can be done very simply by bringing the items listed below to St. Columba’s throughout this season of Advent. Please leave them in the shopping trolley at the back of church and ensure that the food items are within best before/ use by dates. Staple Foods: Puddings: Spaghetti Rice Pasta Custard Rice Fruit (pineapple etc) Jars of Sauce: Bolognese Korma Curry Chicken/beef in sauce
Household items: Washing powder Washing-up liquid Soap/shampoo/shower gel Baby wipes/nappies
Tinned Foods: Sweets/Treats: Tuna Box of chocolates Sweetcorn/peas Shloer Soups Mince pies/chocolate log Ham Christmas puddings Beans Christmas tree decorations Spaghetti Pringles/nuts Other: Other: Tea/coffee Crackers Sugar Christmas Items Fruit juice/squash Small family gift Cereal/oats Toiletries gift pack Oven breads (long dated)Â Jams Biscuits 3
SERVICES IN DECEMBER Thursday 5th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 8th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Romans 15: 4-13 Gospel Clergy Matthew 3: 1-12 Holy Communion Reader Michael Sadlier Romans 15: 4-13 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 3: 1-12 Intercessions Elizabeth Leonard Blue Christmas Service
Thursday 12th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 15th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader David Beattie James 5: 7-10 Gospel Clergy Matthew 11: 2-11 Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 11: 2-11 Morning Prayer Reader Chris Heatley Isaiah 35: 1-10 Reader Alison Acheson Matthew 11: 2-11 Occasional Prayers Roberta Rogers Holy Communion Reader John Holland Acts 13: 13-41 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 5: 31-40
Thursday 19th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion for Housebound Parishioners followed by seasonal refreshments in the Choir Vestry (transport provided) Sunday 22nd 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Fourth Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Reader Arthur Hobson Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Ivan Roche Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Karen McAlpine Evening Prayer Reader Tony Greeves Reader Tony Greeves 4
(Purple)
Romans 1: 1-7 Matthew 1: 18-25 Romans 1: 1-7 Matthew 1: 18-25 1 Samuel 1: 1-20 Luke 1: 39-45
Tuesday 24th 8.00pm
Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
(Purple)
(White) Wednesday 25th Christmas Day 9.00am Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart Hebrews 1: 1-12 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 1: 1-14 10.15am All Age Worship (children present a gift at this service) Reader Jon Roche Luke 2: 8-20 Thursday 26th 10.30am
Saint Stephen Holy Communion
(Red)
Sunday 29th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The First Sunday of Christmas (White) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Hebrews 2: 10-18 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 2: 13-23 Christmas Songs of Praise Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands Reader Victor Ryan Luke 2: 41-52
SERVICES IN JANUARY Wednesday 1st The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus 10.30am Holy Communion
(White)
(White) Thursday 2nd 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 5th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday of Christmas (White) Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Ephesians 1: 3-14 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 1: 10-18 All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Suzanne Allen John 1: 10-18 Preacher The Bishop of Down and Dromore Choral Evensong Reader Tony Greeves Isaiah 41: 21-42: 4 Reader Tony Greeves Matthew 2: 13-23 Occasional Prayers Clergy
Thursday 9th 10.30am
The Epiphany (Transferred) (White) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry 5
Sunday 12th The First Sunday after the Epiphany (White) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader David Beattie Acts 10: 34-43 Gospel Clergy Matthew 3: 13-17 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Patrick Good Acts 10: 34-43 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 3: 13-17 Intercessions Elizabeth Leonard 7.00pm Compline Reader Jennifer Pyper Luke 3: 15-22 (White) Thursday 16th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 19th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany (White) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 Gospel Clergy John 1: 29-42 Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine John 1: 29-42 Morning Prayer Reader Jayne Martin Isaiah 49: 1-7 Reader Victor Dukelow John 1: 29-42 Occasional Prayers Roberta Rogers United Belmont and District Council of Churches Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Knock Methodist Church No Service in St. Columba’s
(White) Thursday 23rdThe Conversation of St. Paul (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 26th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany (White) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 Gospel Clergy Matthew 4: 12-23 Holy Communion Reader Eileen Anderson 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 Gospel Clergy Matthew 4: 12-23 Intercessions Karen McAlpine Evening Prayer Reader John Holland Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11 Reader John Holland Luke 4: 14-21
Thursday 30th 10.30am
Saint Brigid (Transferred) (White) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry 6
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
DECEMBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 8th.......................................... Jack Dunlop and Ivan Coffey Sunday 15th........................................ Sandra Lowe and Linda Wilson Sunday 22nd....................................... Patricia and Patrick Wilson Sunday 29th........................................ Joan Madill and Liz McCaughey
JANUARY 2014 SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 5th.......................................... Roberta and Alan Rogers Sunday 12th........................................ Jennifer Johnston and Joy Montgomery Sunday 19th........................................ Barbara Gibson and May Morrow Sunday 26th........................................ Jayne and Ronny Martin
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 Christmas services in St. Columba’s. Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706) by Friday, 6th December, to make an appointment if you would like a private Holy Communion service in your home. 7
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE SUNDAY, 8th DECEMBER, 7.00PM This service, first introduced to St. Columba’s three years ago, has been very much appreciated by the congregation. It will take place again this year on Sunday, 8th December, at 7.00pm. This service is for all those for whom Christmas is a difficult time, through bereavement, illness, unemployment, loneliness, trauma, anxiety, worry or sadness. The following words of introduction offer support and encouragement which is 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 which offers the opportunity to escape the commercialism of Christmas and, instead, remember the true hope and light which God provides to us all in the Christmas story through our faith. During the service, you may wish 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 reflection and prayer. The Rector
HOLY COMMUNION FOR HOUSEBOUND PARISHIONERS in St. Columba’s Parish Church on THURSDAY, 19TH DECEMBER, AT 10.30AM With Christmas carols and seasonal refreshments Please phone the Parish Office (Mon – Fri: 9.00am to 1.oopm, tel: 9065 6891) to arrange your transport.
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS Saturday, 21st 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. 8
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday, 1st December
11.00am All Age Worship and Zambia Lunch
Sunday, 8th December
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday, 15th December
9.30am Family Communion
Sunday, 22 December
10.30am Communion ( No Sunday School)
Sunday, 29th December
Holiday
Sunday, 5th January 2014
10.30am All Age Worship
Sunday, 12th January
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday, 19th January
9.30am Family Communion
Sunday, 26th January
10.30am Sunday School
nd
The singing by the children at the November All Age Worship was excellent despite our small numbers due to the school holidays. We are just about to start our programme for Advent and Christmas with lots of interesting activities for each of the age groups. Please see the announcement of the children’s Christmas party which will take place on Saturday, 7th December, at 3.00pm. We hope all the Sunday School children will come along and enjoy the fun! Don’t forget to bring 20p to each Sunday School to help us build up our contributions towards the children’s charities. Happy Christmas to all involved in Sunday School, especially all the teachers who work so hard! Beth Cairnduff
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE All Age Worship resumes in the New Year on Sunday, 5th January, when we shall be raising funds for The Salvation Army. This famous organisation undertakes great work for the homeless all year round, but especially over the Christmas period. Please plan to be with us and support this very worthy cause. Roberta
LADIES BOWLING Last month, we had a good afternoon’s bowling when we entertained St. Dorothea’s. Now we look forward to Christmas and the New Year when our visitors will be Knock Presbyterian in February. Phyllis Newton 9
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. They will also be conducting private Holy Communion services in the homes of those housebound 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 in January 2014: Rector Gilnahirk Park Glenallen Street Glenmachan Drive Glenmachan Tower Nursing Home
Assistant Priest Glenbrook Avenue Glenmillan Drive Grand Parade Grangewood Grove
St. Columba’s Kids Christmas Party Saturday, 7th December St. Columba’s Church Hall
3pm – 5pm All young people up to 16 years
Come along and enjoy lots of games, party food, a fabulous festive movie for younger children and electronic games for older kids. Don’t miss the visit from our guest from the North Pole. Ho Ho Ho!! 10
BROWNIE NOTES
We have recently welcomed back two of our old Brownies, Carly and Georgia, who have joined us to allow them to complete the service section of their Duke Of Edinburgh award. The Brownies have really enjoyed their company and they are playing a full part in the programme. Our older girls are currently taking their grammar school entrance examinations so they are unable to join us, but we wish them all the best and look forward to their return. The photograph shows the fun costumes the Brownies wore for the Hallowe’en party which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Bobbing for apples, trying to catch the apple on a string as well as eating lots of Hallowe’en treats meant the hall was filled with laughter! The evening finished with everyone using large sparklers to draw pictures in the air. We hope to join all the other St. Columba’s boys and girls at the Christmas party on Saturday, 7th December. Beth Cairnduff
CRÈCHE As the end of year approaches, we look back and reflect upon the children from our Crèche who have progressed on to Sunday School, and the new baptisms and families who have been welcomed into St. Columba’s. Many families have kindly volunteered for Crèche and, as always, we are looking for some more volunteers and toddlers to join. The Crèche is offered most Sundays in the Choir Vestry during the 10.30 am service. It is a great opportunity for young children to play, draw pictures and have books read to them while their parents are participating in the morning worship. The Crèche rota is available on line by a link found on www.coiknock.org. Volunteers can add their names or contact me on 07533 871166. Michelle Jamison 11
DOVES Doves continue to meet each Friday at 6.30pm. We are enjoying stories, singing and craft activities. We also love to play with the foamy soap. We are always happy to have more boys and girls, aged 3 to 6 years, so come along and join us! Karen
AFTERNOON GROUP We resumed the Afternoon Group in September with Jane Bailie and A Way with Words. Jane is a poet and read both from her own work as well as the poems of other local poets. She even threw in one by Seamus Heaney in memory of the great man! Jane was very entertaining and was enjoyed by all present. The October meeting brought local historian, Clive Scoular, talking on Women in Irish History. He started with Sadie Patterson, a lady remembered by many in the group, who had led an amazing life. He finished with his favourite – Countess Constance Markievicz – a lady I should love to have met. We all enjoyed Clive’s banter but I think the group enjoyed the apple tarts even more! Unfortunately, due to illness, the November speaker was unavailable. We were very lucky that Robert Bell of SD Bells was free and at short notice gave us a fascinating talk. He told us about his great grandfather, Samuel David, and how he became involved in the tea business 126 years ago. He described the history of tea and the various ways of drinking it. Robert finished the talk by providing different types of tea for us to sample. Our Christmas outing will take place on Monday, 9th December. The coach will depart from St. Columba’s at 10.45am. Tea/coffee at Dobbies’s will be followed by a visit to The Enchanted Forest and free shopping time. Lunch will be at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, followed by a tour of their new church halls. The cost is £18 per person. Any ladies who would like to join us will be very welcome! Please phone me on 9029 5427. Joy Montgomery
MEN’S CLUB NOTES
The second of our four Inter-Church matches took place on Monday, 4th November, away to a strong Stormont Presbyterian side which unfortunately resulted in a five shot defeat for St. Columba ‘s. The remaining two matches against Knock Methodist (away) and St. Colmcille’s (home) will take place next year and results will be posted in the appropriate Columban. On behalf of St. Columba’s Men’s Club, may I take this opportunity to wish our members and all parishioners a very Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. Geoff Launchbury 12
Ladies Guild Notes Dear Ladies, It’s hard to believe but it’s that season again! Our Christmas Dinner will take place on Wednesday, 11th December, at Shandon Park Golf Club at 7.30pm. We hope as many of our members and friends as possible will be able to come. Irene Grey (9065 3438) and Yvonne Cadden (9065 7388) have the menu and the three course dinner will cost £23, including gratuities. It is a delicious menu which hopefully will appeal to all of us. Looking forward to seeing you there, PS. Please phone either Irene or Yvonne to book your place!
Lilias (Hon. Sec.)
On Friday, 15th November, 21 members of Youth Etc went to Dundonald Ice Bowl – the challenge was a game of ten pin bowling. We were all looking forward to this activity and the pressure was on to achieve a respectable score, especially as two Dads were participating – one of them mine! The battle for the bragging rights had well and truly commenced! It all started with the chaotic attempt to find the right size of bowling shoes for 21 members and two adults - easier said than done! With that first hurdle successfully accomplished, it was off to find our three bowling lanes. Those with good IT skills were quickly identified and began to programme the machines with the names of all the players - then bowling commenced! At first, everything was going extremely well for the Youth Etc members until the Rector amazed us all by scoring a strike in his first round! Now the pressure was really on. David, Jonathan and Andrew Kelly’s Dad, kept us on our toes with his magnificent performance. There was intense competition between everyone and we all had great fun throughout the match. The overall victor was David Kelly with an amazing 115 points. The bowling had been hard work and everyone was hungry so we set off to McDonald’s for our well deserved supper. We arrived just in time before two other youth groups came in behind us. It was a popular place to be that night! After burgers and chips, it was time to go home after a great night of excitement, fun and enjoyment. We are all looking forward to our next event which will be the Christmas party in the church hall on Saturday, 7th December, from 3.00pm – 5.00pm. Charles Auchmuty 13
ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUB On Thursday, 31st October, 20 members of St. Columba’s Art Club visited the Ulster Museum for the 132nd Annual Exhibition of the Royal Ulster Academy. We met at 10.30 am for the obligatory coffee stop in the museum after which Julian Friers, Past President of the R.U.A., took us around a small number of this year’s paintings. Luckily, even though it was Halloween, we didn’t encounter any ‘tricks’ – only delightful treats lay in store! Julian started off his tour commenting on a small portrait, using conte-pastels, by Joy Clements, of a boy looking downwards at a red rose in his hand. This was unusual as the red rose was in such bright contrast to the rest of the painting. There are quite a number of very differing portraits in this year’s exhibition. Julian drew our attention to a huge oil portrait featuring the head and shoulders of a young man who was not looking directly at the artist but seemingly lost in thought, with his gaze averted. This was beautifully and sensitively painted, the skin tone being made up of several different colours and finished in a most intricate way, with small brush strokes used for the hair. Another portrait by Colin Davison, this year’s R.U.A. President, was of a boxer thickly painted on a red background, with the use of smoother paint around the eyes to draw in one’s attention. Colin also had another sizeable and striking portrait of Sir Kenneth Branagh, painted in graphite, crayon and pastel. A further lovely sensitive portrait, depicting an elderly gentleman, was by artist, Kenneth McKendry. A large portrait of artist Mick O’Dea by Charlie Cullen, oil on canvas, was quite striking having an almost monochrome background and a large vertical line along the side of the subject’s easel, almost cutting off part of the painting except for the clever use of the sitter’s position. Other paintings which attracted our interest were Donald Teskey’s Ocean Frequency, again oil on canvas, which had the eye-line horizon at the top of the painting and with clever use of several colours on the projecting rocks and sea. Gary Devon’s acrylic Lichen House completely filled the canvas and made good use of light and shade in a diagonal across the painting. There were several other paintings of note but, alas, the morning flew in all too quickly. Julian’s own painting Abroad by Day of a fox on snow was quite exquisite, as was another oil painting of his, entitled Merlin. Our esteemed Tutor, Bob, had three lovely paintings in the exhibition and we eagerly await the arrival of a ’wee red dot’ in order to celebrate with him! Thus ended another extremely enjoyable visit to the annual R.U.A. Exhibition, much enhanced by the salient commentary and good humour of Julian, and our warmest thanks go to both Julian and to Bob for arranging this year’s visit. Gladys PS. A friend of the Art Club kindly donated his expertise by means of a group photograph for sale to members and thereby raised the magnificent sum of £160 towards the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Our grateful thanks to Roy for making this possible! 14
ODD OBSERVATIONS New Year’s Eve is coming soon… The bagpipes are the missing link between music and noise. E K Kruger The inventor of the bagpipes was inspired when he saw a man carrying an indignant asthmatic pig under his arm. Unfortunately, the man-made sound never quite equalled the purity of the sound achieved by the pig. Alfred Hitchcock. Forget your mistakes but never what you learned from them. Anon Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker. Anon Advertising is the science of arresting the human intelligence just long enough to extract money from it. Stephen Leacock
Hello Ladies, Our Christmas outing to The Festival of Christmas Trees in Willowfield parish church will take place on Tuesday, 3rd December. We will be leaving St. Columba’s car park at 6.00pm and drivers will be there to offer a lift to those who need one. The cost will be £10 per person which includes supper and a donation to their development fund. The Young Families have invited us to their Advent Carol Service in Seapatrick, Banbridge, on Monday, 2nd December, at 8.00pm. We will be leaving St. Columba’s car park at 6.45pm. Our first meeting in the New Year will take place on Tuesday, 7th January, when there will be a Games Night organised by Joyce Stevenson. This is always a very enjoyable evening with lots of fun for everyone! May we take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. Yvonne and Sandra
MUMS & TOTS
Please note that due to the Christmas holidays there will be no Mums & Tots on Friday 20th and Friday 27th December, and Friday 3rd January 2014. Activities will resume on Friday, 10th January 2014. Anne Clarke 15
PAUSE As most parishioners will know, Pause is a parish initiative which requires no planning or commitment. It is just a matter of turning up and meeting with whoever else is there, and enjoying coffee or lunch. It is open to all...all ages, all friends and all individuals. It would be great to see you there! Wednesday, 4th December, 10.30am – The Bobbin, Belfast City Hall, for coffee This will be a good opportunity to enjoy a coffee and a chat before exploring the Christmas Market! Tuesday, 7th January, 10.30am – Neill’s Hill, Ballyhackamore, for coffee If you are free on one or both of these dates, do come and join us! Should you require further details or transport, please contact me. Eileen (9020 3684)
The Flapper fashion show A full gathering of parishioners and friends filled St. Columba’s parish hall on Wednesday, 6th November, to enjoy a fashion show with a difference. Hosted by Mrs. Gertie Reid on behalf of War on Want (NI), the audience was treated to a magnificent display of genuine 1920s and 1930s fashion, including elegant gowns, wedding dresses, costumes, stylish hats, swimwear and a dress that was worn at the Jubilee Celebrations of King George V in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. All were modelled superbly by a most talented group of female mannequins, including the very stylish Ella McLoughlin, the Church of Ireland Gazette Office Manager. The evening concluded with a delicious supper of sandwiches, cakes and tray bakes set on beautiful cake stands and tea served in silver teapots, amidst laughter and chatter that bore witness to the huge enjoyment of the evening by everyone present Our grateful thanks are due to War on Want (NI) for supplying the wonderful clothes and modelling them so graciously; to Roberta Rogers and her team for providing and serving the delightful supper; to Liz McCaughey for coordinating ticket sales so assiduously; to members of the Fundraising Committee for supplying the food, ballot prizes and working extremely hard behind the scenes; and to those parishioners who manned the car park or assisted in any other way. After a donation to War on Want (NI) and including the ballot, the magnificent sum of £1084 (excluding Gift Aid) was raised in support of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund on an evening of nostalgic fashion, friendship, fun and fabulous fare! Moranne Noad 16
Photographs kindly provided by Moranne Noad
TEN USEFUL RESPONSES TO THE CHRISTMAS GIFT YOU DON’T REALLY LIKE Hey! There’s a gift! Well, well, well ... Oh dear. If I hadn’t shot up a couple of sizes recently, it would have fitted beautifully. This will be perfect for wearing in the garden! Goodness. I hope this never catches fire! Though, there are lots of unexplained fires. If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious! I love it - but I fear the envy it will inspire if I’m seen in it. Unfortunately, I am allergic to this, er...material. Wow! To think I got this the year I promised to give all my gifts to charity! What have I done to deserve this?
BRAIN TEASER Can you figure out what the following seven words all have in common? Banana Dresser Grammar Potato Revive Uneven Assess It’s not that they all have at least two letters that are the same... keep thinking... (Answer on page 28)
Gone Fishin’ A Rector in a small rural parish enjoyed two hobbies, golf and fishing. A parishioner telephoned him and invited him out for a game of golf the next day but the Rector regretfully declined, explaining that tomorrow he would be on pastoral duties. The following week, the same thing happened and the Rector, once again, had to decline with regret for the same reason. A few days later, feeling a little guilty, the Rector phoned the parishioner and invited him not to play golf but to go fishing instead. Delighted, the parishioner jumped at the chance and they agreed to meet the following morning. When they reached the tiny harbour, the two men gathered their fishing tackle and as they boarded the Rector’s boat, the parishioner happened to notice the name on the side of the craft...On Pastoral Duties. 18
Last month saw the 60th anniversary of the very first phone call to Samaritans. The idea for a confidential crisis phone-line that desperate people could use came from a Vicar, the Revd Chad Varah, following the suicide of a young girl only 14 years old in one of his parishes. He was appalled by the senseless loss of life and the idea of offering help to those in such need was born. When he moved to St. Stephen’s, London, in the summer of 1953, he knew the time had come for him to launch what he called a “999 for the suicidal”. He was, in his own words, “a man willing to listen, with a base and an emergency telephone”. The first ever call to the new service was made on 2nd November 1953 – and hence this date is recognised as Samaritans’ official birthday. The service received a great deal of press coverage and on 7th December 1953 the Daily Mirror coined the term “telephone the Good Samaritans”. Although Samaritans is not a religious organisation, the name has stuck and become synonymous with the idea of people being there for others struggling to cope. From that first phone call in the autumn of 1953, the workload increased so rapidly that the Revd Chad Varah had to turn to volunteers for help. Soon he said that, “They were doing the clients more good than I was”. It was in February 1954 that Chad Varah officially handed over the task of supporting the callers to the volunteers. Samaritans as we know it today was born. The service today still operates on Chad’s guiding principles of confidential, non-judgmental support.
HELP US TO HELP YOU! It is wonderful to see an increasing number of parishioners and friends participating in our parish lunches in the church hall. They are very popular and a lovely way to meet up with each other as we enjoy lunch together. This is really good news. In order to assist with the setting up of the hall for these social occasions, it would be very helpful if some parishioners could generously see their way to gifting five light tables to replace the old heavy weight tables which are now falling apart. Please contact me if you can help. The church will purchase the tables on your behalf. Thank you. The Rector 19
STAYING ON TRACK WITH CANON KEN SMYTH... Canon Ken Smyth’s recent travels on the railways of Ireland capture that sense of adventure and romance that is unique to a journey by train. While we may have long lost the golden age of steam, nothing quite matches the rattle, clatter, sway and speed of travelling on the railways. It remains one of the nicest – and most nostalgic – ways of getting from one place to another. Ireland’s first railway – and one of the world’s first commuter lines – was opened to link Dublin with the port of Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) in 1834. By the mid-1800s, all of Ireland’s main cities had been connected by a growing network of lines, with a necessity – by Act of Parliament – to have a standard gauge of 5 feet 3 inches established in 1846. This was wider than the gauge adopted in England, Scotland and Wales and meant that railway ferries – later common in the crosschannel link to France – would never be a feature on the Irish Sea. Nevertheless, in some rural areas across Ireland, a narrower gauge of 3 feet was still adopted as a cost saving measure. Some lines built to the narrower 3 feet gauge became famous in their own right. These include the former Tralee to Dingle line in County Kerry which had the steepest gradient in Ireland, and the West Clare line linking Ennis with the lovely Atlantic seaside resorts of Lahinch and Kilkee. This pretty line was immortalised in 1902 by Percy French in his famous ballad Are you right there, Michael which captures the frustrations of a journey there, punctuated by delays and setbacks. The wonderful legacy of the railways across Ireland is manifest in many distinctive features such as the stunning viaduct at Bessbrook, and by the graceful Victorian ironwork and canopies still evident in the Heuston and Connolly stations in Dublin. As travellers, the railways also allow us to witness and enjoy the grandeur of the Irish landscape and coast, whether we be on the line from Belfast to Bangor or crossing the lakes and boglands of Connaught on the route to Westport, County Mayo. Sadly, the advent of the motor car in the early 20th century was, of course, to have major implications for railways both in Ireland and across the world. Interestingly, Ireland’s railway network was at its most extensive at one of its most politically and historically convulsive times – in 1922. At that time, the Irish network spanned some 3,750 miles. A glance at a railway map from that era will show stations – now long lost – in places with evocative names such as Armoy, Saintfield, Beragh, Clogher and Kesh. Canon Smyth will, of course, shortly reveal to us the distance he travelled on his more recent railway odyssey here in Ireland. He might still be enjoying that journey if the network was still as vast as it once was! Ivan Maginnis 20
HOW FATHER CHRISTMAS GOT TO WHERE HE IS TODAY One person you are bound to run into this Christmas season is Father Christmas. These days, he seems to frequent shopping malls and garden centres. If he looks tired, just remember that he has been around a long time and has gone through numerous transformations. Father Christmas wasn’t always the red-suited, white-bearded star of the retail trade that he is today. He began life as Nicholas, born way back about 260 AD in Patara, an important port on the southern coast of what is now Turkey. When his parents died and left him a fortune, Nicholas gave it away to the poor. He became a bishop of the nearby city of Myra and almost certainly suffered persecution and imprisonment at the hand of the Roman Emperor, Diocletian. Nicholas was a serious theologian: he was a participant at the First Council of Nicea which formulated the Nicene Creed we still say today. He even, reportedly, slapped another bishop in a squabble over the exact nature of the Trinity. Nicholas died in Myra about 343 AD but the stories of his generosity and kindness were just beginning. In the UK, Nicholas became the basis for Father Christmas who emerged in Victorian times as a jolly faced bearded character. Meanwhile, Dutch and German settlers had taken him to America with them as Sinter Klaas and Sankt Nicklas. It was in America that Nicholas received his final two great breaks into real stardom. The first was when one Christmas the Revd Clement C. Moore, a New York Episcopal minister, turned from his life work of writing a Hebrew/English lexicon to composing a fun poem for his children. His The Visit of St. Nicholas is now universally known by its first line: ‘T’was the Night before Christmas’. From the Revd Clement Moore we discovered that St. Nicholas is round, pink-cheeked and white-bearded, and that he travels at night with sleigh, reindeer and a sack of toys on his back. It was the Revd Clement Moore who also revealed that St. Nicholas enters houses down chimneys and fills children’s stockings with all sorts of toys and sweets. So how did we find out that Father Christmas wears red? That was the US Coca Cola advertising campaign of 1931 which finally released the latest, up-to-date pictures of Father Christmas, wearing a bright red, fur-trimmed coat and a large belt. These days, it is good that Father Christmas uses reindeer and doesn’t have to pay for petrol. In order to get round all the children in the world on Christmas Eve, he will have to travel 221 million miles at an average speed of 1279 miles a second, 6,395 times the speed of sound. For all those of us who are exhausted just rushing around getting ready for Christmas, that is a sobering thought! 21
CAVEAT EMPTOR! How good are you at buying in the most economical way? The government has set up a scheme to enable us to check that we are obtaining value for our money. As an OAP, I have had to learn to shop carefully because income from investments is falling while the price of goods is rising. The government system, which all retailers are obliged to follow, is that the actual item price must be backed up with a price per kilogram, litre or part thereof. However, some shops have the price per kilogram/litre in such small print that I have to put my glasses on to read it! Listed below are a couple of examples which come from different retailers. PURE BUTTER Retailer
Shop A
Shop B
Shop C
Pack Size
250 gram
250 gram
500 gram
Item Price
£1.20
£1.60
£2.79
Price per kilogram
£4.80
£6.40
£5.58
From the above, shop A clearly offers the best value for money and also demonstrates that buying the larger pack does not always pay! Here is another example: BUSHMILLS WHISKEY Retailer
Shop A
Shop B
Bottle Size
36 cl
70 cl
1 litre
36 cl
70 cl
1 litre
Item Price
£10.00
£20.00
£26.00
£10.50
£17.50
£25.50
Price per litre
£28.57
£28.57
£26.00
£30.00
£25.00
£25.50
This time, the 70 cl bottle from shop B offers the best overall value for money between the two shops. However, within shop A alone, the 1 litre bottle is the most economic purchase. Of course, these are just two examples of items of equal quality. Items of perceived differing quality or durability merely add another dimension to the equation! We all have our favourite brand and/or shop, and some retailers offer lower prices for apparently the same goods. I buy clementines. These may vary – seedless or not, ease of peeling, sweetness and actual size. I now have my favourite store for clementines but only after trying four different retailers. The purchaser (emptor) has to protect himself/herself from the seller (venditor) who is out to make as much profit as he can! Michael Lockyer 22
C. S. LEWIS Some sayings below from the famous Belfast born novelist, scholar, poet, Oxbridge academic, essayist, lay theologian and Christian apologist. On November 22nd, the 50th anniversary of his death, C. S. Lewis was honoured with a memorial in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey. - I was... living, like so many atheists or antitheists, in a whirl of contradictions. I maintained that God did not exist. I was also very angry with God for not existing. I was equally angry with him for creating a world. - It was not for societies or states that Christ died, but for me. - It is Christ himself, not the Bible, that is the true Word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit and with the guidance of good teachers, will bring us to him. - A man can’t always be defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it. - If you want a religion to make you really feel comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity. - The mind which asks for a non-miraculous Christianity is a mind in process of relapsing from Christianity into mere ‘religion’. - In science, we have been reading only the notes to a poem; in Christianity, we find the poem itself. -‘Putting on Christ’ is not one among many jobs a Christian has to do; and it is not a sort of special exercise for the top class. It is the whole of Christianity. Christianity offers nothing else at all.
KEEP SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS WINTER The Institute of Advanced Motorists offers tips to keep you safe in winter road conditions: • Allow extra time for your journeys, even local ones. • Remember that when roads are slippery, it can take ten times longer for a vehicle to come to a stop. When driving in snow or ice, slow down, keep well behind the vehicle in front and focus your eyes a long way ahead. • When on hills, use low gears to keep traction. Also, use the gears to restrain speed on downhill roads to avoid the need to brake. • Don’t overtake snow ploughs or gritting lorries; the road ahead of them will be worse than the road behind them. • Remove ice and snow from your car windows and headlights before you set out. Check the windscreen washer is topped up and wiper blades are clean. • Pack an ‘emergency kit’ for your vehicle. Include warm outdoor clothes, a reflective jacket, a torch, a spade, a flask with a hot drink and a fully charged mobile phone. 23
JINGLE GOLF Dashing off at eight, What a gorgeous day! O’er the course I’ll go, Laughing all the way! Mustn’t move my head, Keep my arm in tight, Oh what fun this day will be If everything goes right!
Wish I’d stayed in bed, What an awful day, O’er the course I go, Missing all the way. Must finish eighteen holes, Try not to loose my cool, Why do I play this silly game? I’m just a crazy fool!
(Chorus) Hook the ball, slice the ball, Dribble off the tee. Thought it was a super shot, Whoops! It hit a tree. Hook the ball, slice the ball, Put in the shughhhh, Was sure I had an easy par, Oh darn! I’ve had enough!
I hit the ball! I hit the ball! Gosh! It’s long and straight. It isn’t such an awful day, Glad I was here at eight. I hit the ball! I hit the ball! It really had some zing. I knew that if I tried hard enough, I’d really find my swing!
CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 7.
Are these statements true or false? The town of Bethlehem is just over 8. The carol Silent Night was originally written in Russia. 20 miles from Jerusalem. The composer, Gustav Holst, who 9. Poinsettia plants were first discovered in Mexico by Joel wrote the music for Christina Poinsett in the mid 1800s. Rosetti’s carol In the Bleak Mid 10. There is a village in Wales called Winter, lived in Thaxted, Essex. Bethlehem. A pheasant is one of numerous 11. The song Have Yourself a Merry Little birds mentioned in the song The 12 Christmas featured in the film Meet Days of Christmas. me in St. Louis (1940). After leaving Bethlehem, Mary and 12. The story for the film The Snowman Joseph with the baby Jesus went was written by Roald Dahl. into Egypt. 13. A Christmas Carol was written by Merry Christmas Everybody sung Charles Dickens in 1843. by Slade was top of the UK singles 14. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope starred chart in 1983. together in the film White Christmas Bethlehem in Israel stands 2,550 (1954). feet above sea level. 15. Christmas Activities were banned in Mistletoe is nutritious to many 1647 following an Act of Parliament animals but poisonous to people. introduced by Oliver Cromwell (Answers on page 26) 24
ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF CAROL SINGING (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren)
The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren
memories of a group of choristers, Carol singing is not what it used to be. My fond rns and walking from door to door in muffled in scarves and overcoats, carrying lante had to be suddenly revised when the snow as they sang While Shepherds Watched, with ‘Jesus loves You’ singing Little I saw your own music group in T-shirts inscribed money you raised would just about Donkey in your shopping centre. I suspect any your banks of electronic equipment. have paid for the electricity used to power to the fountain may have looked good Singing in the main square of the centre next emen of the choir were obliged to but it seemed to mean that the more elderly gentl make constant trips to the lavatory. is regarded as a staff perk for the choir. Here at St. James the Least of All, carol singing their monopoly was suppressed with The year when the Boys’ Brigade tried to break his Kahn. Our annual carol singing a ruthlessness that would have impressed Geng We find that a transparent collection route involves months of meticulous planning. earlier patrons have given. This means box is vital so that donors can see exactly what be visited first – ‘pour encourager les that those who are bound to offer notes must if necessary, coppers can be hastily autres’. It also needs a detachable base so that, removed from sight before the next call. d just after bed time so that parents Those homes that contain several children are visite to go somewhere else. Alternatively, will give generously simply to get the choir ss they give generously) are also very veiled threats to stay and sing more carols (unle ent and photogenic to ring the bell effective. Getting whoever looks the most innoc ring a donation than planting any ensu and ask for money is a far more subtle way of hwardens) on the doorstep. number of mafia look-alikes (such as our churc pub – but again, the timing has to The choir always finishes its evening at the local only be the landlord, his wife and be carefully managed. Too early, and there will be so full of Christmas cheer that any their labrador to listen; too late, and people will alent of back-of-the bus rugby songs. carols will be hi-jacked and become the equiv ty our choristers collect but the fact I am never entirely sure for which particular chari the boys are taken home does once that all the men immediately return to the pub rather give one pause for thought. Your loving uncle, Eustace
25
PARISH FINANCE MATTERS TO EVERYONE 2013 is racing to a close and we are appealing to everyone who intends to contribute financially to St. Columba’s this year to do so by Tuesday, 31st December. This will ensure that your contributions are allocated to you in the current financial year. Contributions received in January 2014 cannot be included in the 2013 Report. The Select Vestry is grateful for all contributions received from parishioners. However, there are still many families who belong to the parish who DO NOT contribute financially. We would ask those who do not contribute 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 plan and reduces administrative work. Those who contribute by Standing Order will receive Mission and Charity envelopes. If you prefer to contribute by Free Will Envelope, then please contact the Parish Office to arrange this. Contact the Parish Administrator, Karen Patterson, on 9065 6891 (Monday - Friday: 9.00am-1.00pm) or email: office.knock@down.anglican.org. Parishioners who are UK taxpayers may elect to contribute under the government’s Gift Aid scheme, enabling the Select Vestry to reclaim income tax on the amount given which provides 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 (Hon. Treasurer) Ronny Martin (Gift Aid Secretary)
ANSWERS TO CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1. False. It’s only five. 2. True. 3. False. 4. True. 5. False. It was 1973. 6. True. 7. True 8. False. It was written in Austria. 9. True. 10. True. It’s in Carmarthenshire, north-east of Llandeilo. 11. True. 12. False. The story was by Raymond Briggs. 13. True. 14. False. Bing Crosby starred with Danny Kaye. 15. True. Christmas was an illegal festival for 13 years! 26
Colour in this Nativity Scene!
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Sunday, 1st December Parish Advent Lunch for Zambia
FOR S E DAT DIARY YOUR k it
Saturday, 7th December St. Columba’s Kids Christmas Party
Mar it! miss or
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.
Season’s Greetings May I wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers, and extend special thanks to the many parishioners who have contributed articles and photographs so willingly to the parish magazine throughout the year. The Editor
Take the first letter of each word and place it at the end of the word - it spells the same word backwards... simple!
ANSWER TO BRAIN TEASER 28
February 2014 MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the February 2014 parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 12th January 2014. Next year, parish magazines will revert to being available in church to parishioners and magazine distributors at the usual time, namely on the last Sunday of the previous month. This means that the February 2014 magazine will be available in church on Sunday, 26th January. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 DECEMBER Sunday 8th............................................................................... Sandra Gordon Sunday 15th............................................................................. Lilias Smith Sunday 22nd............................................................................ Gina Greeves Sunday 29th............................................................................. Margaret McKee
january Sunday 5th............................................................................... Kyleen Clarke Sunday 12th............................................................................. Rosemary Coffey Sunday 19th............................................................................. Gladys Lees Sunday 26th............................................................................. Eileen Anderson
FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Holy Baptism Sunday, 27th October
Ellie Brooke Gillard 28 Farmhurst Green Our Sorrows
Christian Burials Wednesday, 23rd October
Nora Dorcas Mary Eassie 56 Shandon Park
Wednesday, 13th November
Ellinor Mary Pridham 6 Eastleigh Dale 29
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 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 Gerald Hill 07954 273755 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). 30
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 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
PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood, BT18 OHT Email readercolumba@gmail.com 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 MAGAZINE DISTRIBITOR CO-ORDINATOR 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 31
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com
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 CHOIRMASTER Gerald Hill Mob 07954 273755
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Moranne Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX 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 32