June 2013
RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner, PATRONAL FESTIVAL CONCERT On Friday, 7 June, we look forward to welcoming the Renaissance Singers to St. Columba’s for our Patronal Festival Concert. It promises to be a lovely evening as we celebrate the life of our patron saint with uplifting choral music, followed by refreshments. The wine and canapés have been kindly donated by the Select Vestry and Fundraising Committee members. The conductor, Ian Mills, is the Organist and Choirmaster of St. Columb Cathedral, Derry, and one of their singers is Mark Ryan from our parish. The Renaissance Singers are giving this concert as an extremely generous gift to St. Columba’s to mark our Patronal Festival. It is therefore imperative that we show our appreciation by making attendance at this concert a priority. It is also an opportunity for us, as a congregation, to give thanks for the many blessings that we receive from our parish and to share fellowship with each other. I hope that you have already saved this date in your diary and will be able to attend! th
Tickets for this important fundraising event for our Church Hall Refurbishment Fund are available from Moranne Noad on 9079 3704 or email: noadfamily@hotmail.com SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CRÈCHE PRIZE GIVING SERVICE Our Patronal Festival celebrations will continue on Sunday, 9th June (St. Columba’s Day), with the Prize Giving Service at 10.30am. I would ask all parents to ensure that their son/daughter can attend this service to receive their prizes from their teachers and myself. It has been very encouraging to welcome some new members to our Sunday School and Crèche throughout the year. I thank the Sunday School Superintendent, Beth Cairnduff, the teachers, the Crèche Co-Ordinator, Suzanne Allen, and all the parents who assist on the Crèche Rota for their invaluable work and support throughout the year. PARISH OUTING TO RATHLIN ISLAND There will be a parish outing to Rathlin Island on Sunday, 23rd June. Full details of this informal day away are contained on page 7 of The Columban. I will be conducting the service in St. Thomas’ Church at 11.30am for the islanders and ourselves, and then we will enjoy our picnic lunch together. There will be no planned activities during the afternoon – you are free to explore the island – just remember to be back at the harbour in time for the ferry! Yours in His service,
2
The Life of Saint Columba: a Celebration in Song An evening of uplifting choral music in celebration of the life, witness and legacy of Saint Columba with
THE RENAISSANCE SINGERS St. Columba’s Parish Church FRIDAY, 7th JUNE at 7.00 pm Wine and canapés Tickets £10 per person (including refreshments) in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund For further details, contact Moranne Noad on 9079 3704 or e-mail: noadfamily@hotmail.com 3
SERVICES IN JUNE Sunday 2nd The First Sunday after Trinity (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Patrick Wilson Galatians 1: 1-12 Gospel Clergy Luke 7: 1-10 10.30am All Age Worship and Baptism followed by refreshments Reader Henry Auchmuty Luke 7: 1-10 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Gill Gillespie Genesis 4: 1-16 Reader Gill Gillespie Mark 3: 7-19 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers Thursday 6th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 9th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Saint Columba (White) Holy Communion Reader Ronny Martin Romans 15: 1-6 Gospel Clergy John 12: 20-26 Sunday School and Crèche Prize Giving followed by refreshments Reader Alison Acheson John 12: 20-26 Preacher: The Revd Lynne Gibson, Curate of St. Mark’s, Dundela Patronal Festival Service of Hymns and Readings Reader Gina Greeves Matthew 28: 16-20
Thursday 13th Saint Barnabas (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 16th The Third Sunday after Trinity (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Galatians 2: 15-21 Gospel Clergy Luke 7: 36-8: 3 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 7: 36-8: 3 10.30am Morning Prayer Reader Maura Dawson 1 Kings 21: 1-14 Reader Patrick Good Luke 7: 36-8: 3 Occasional Clergy Prayers 7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Fiona Haldane Genesis 13 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 4: 21-41 Thursday 20th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry 4
Sunday 23rd 8.15am
The Fourth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Galatians 3: 23-29 Gospel Clergy Luke 8: 26-39
10.30am 7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Eileen Gibson Gospel Clergy Intercessions Clergy Evening Prayer Reader Clergy Reader Clergy
Galatians 3: 23-29 Luke 8: 26-39 Genesis 24: 1-27 Mark 5: 21-43
(White) Thursday 27th The Birth of Saint John the Baptist (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 30th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Fifth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Galatians 5: 1, 13-25 Gospel Clergy Luke 9: 51-62 Songs of Praise Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands Reader Clergy Mark 6: 1-6
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 C 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
JUNE SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 2 ....................................................... Maureen Irwin and Pauline Darke nd
Sunday 9th........................................................ Kathleen and Alex Acheson Sunday 16th..................................................... Helen Donaghy and Olivia Budde Sunday 23rd..................................................... Roberta and Alan Rogers Sunday, 30th..................................................... Patricia and Patrick Wilson
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). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during June: Rector Castlehill Manor Castlehill Road Castleview Cottage Gardens Cherry Tree Cherrytree Walk Cherryvalley Gardens Cherryvalley Park
Assistant Priest Circular Road Clara Park Clara Road Clarawood Crescent Clarawood Grove Clarawood Park Cloverhill Park
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday, 2 June
10.30am All Age Worship
Sunday, 9 June
10.30am Young People’s Prize Day
nd th
It is hard to believe that another year in Sunday School is almost over. Our special day will be Sunday, 9th June, when the Prize Day will take place. All the children in the youngest class will receive a book, and the children in the other classes will receive books according to their attendance throughout the year. This year, the attendance each Sunday has been excellent and I would like to thank all the parents for their support in sending their children to Sunday School. It has made it so much more rewarding for the teachers who prepare each of their classes with care and attention, so that our children can have an enjoyable time as well as learn about God and the Christian life. I would also like to thank Louise, Patricia, Helen, Joyce and Alan for all their hard work during the year. Let’s hope that when we return on Sunday, 8th September, each of the classes will be full of happy children enjoying their time with us! Beth Cairnduff 6
Parish Outing to Rathlin Island Sunday, 23rd June
A day to Pray, Play & Picnic! All parishioners, their families and friends are invited to a very exciting day out on Rathlin Island! Come along for Sunday Worship, conducted by our very own Rector, in St. Thomas’s church at 11.30am. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lovely afternoon exploring, chatting and spending time with family and friends!
How do we get there? There is a ferry sailing from Ballycastle at 10.00am, returning from Rathlin at approximately 17.30pm. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and return fares are £12 per adult, £6 for children under 15 and £32 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). For senior citizens with a valid N.I. Smart Pass – FREE!
What can we do when we are there? Bird watch, especially as it is the breeding season at the bird sanctuary. Watch the seals, explore the beautiful coastline and visit the lighthouses and boathouse visitor centre. There are several restaurants/chip shops and a hotel if you would prefer not to enjoy the outdoors. Bikes can be hired, there is a small play-park and guided walking tours are also available on early booking. But most importantly, get away from it all and spend quality time with your family, church family and friends!
Please put you name on the noticeboard at the back of church by Sunday, 9th June at latest, if you would like to come along! 7
CONFIRMATION SERVICE IN ST. COLUMBA’S It was a great privilege for St.Columba’s to host a Confirmation Service on Sunday, 28th April. In front of a congregation of over 360 parishioners, family members and friends, the Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Right Reverend Harold Miller, confirmed 22 candidates. Pictured below with Bishop Harold Miller and the Rectors of their respective parish churches are: nine confirmees from St. Columba’s, Knock (Revd John Auchmuty), eight from St. John’s, Orangefield (Canon Walter Laverty), three from St. Molua’s, Stormont (Canon David Humphreys) and two from St. Dorothea’s, Gilnahirk ( Revd Nigel Kirkpatrick). Refreshments were served in the church hall for the many family members and friends of the candidates both before, and after, the Confirmation Service.
Please continue to pray for all those recently confirmed and support those from our parish as they come to receive Holy Communion. It is hoped that St. Columba’s and our local parishes will be able to present candidates for confirmation every two years. The next confirmation service will, therefore, be scheduled to take place in 2015. The Rector 8
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE A very big thank you to everyone who supported the Marie Curie Hospice at our last tea and coffee morning. On Sunday, 2nd June, we shall be supporting Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke after our All Age Worship service. Please plan to be with us and support a very worthwhile cause. Roberta I wish to thank Hazel Reid for organizing the Christian Aid door to door collections in our parish so efficiently. She has worked most conscientiously to ensure that there were collectors for all the districts in our parish and local community. I also thank those parishioners who kindly assisted with the collections last month. Together they have all worked very hard to promote Christian Aid and to raise money to support those who are in such great need throughout the world. The total amount collected will be announced in church when all the money has been received and counted. The Rector Last month we asked you as Team St. Columba’s to help us…
“REFLECT, REFRESH & REJUVENATE” by filling in our quick and easy Parish Survey. Thanks to everyone who has already completed and posted it back. But if you haven’t, there’s still time to send it back by Friday, 31st May. We really do appreciate your support! PS. A fellow parishioner will aim to call and collect any surveys not received by Friday, 31st May – please phone the parish office (9065 6891) Monday to Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm to make arrangements. Don’t forget, this is our big summer team effort to help make a difference to our future at St. Columba’s!
TUESDAY MORNING BADMINTON Tuesday morning badminton finished for the summer on Tuesday, 28th May, and will start again on Tuesday, 10th September. I hope all our members have a pleasant break. We all look forward to the new season and especially to new members, as well as old, joining us. Don’t worry if you can’t play badminton, just come along for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat! Vi Dowie 9
MEN’S CLUB NOTES
The 54th year of the Men’s Club concluded with two busy weeks at the end of the month. Our AGM, including the Election of Officers, was held on Monday, 22nd April. The meeting was chaired by our President, the Revd John Auchmuty, and 17 members were present. One of the many topics discussed was the future of the Club. It was agreed that a meeting of the President and Committee should be arranged in June to discuss a way forward, using the analysis provided by the parish questionnaire to help determine future plans. The following Officers were elected to serve for the 2013/14 season: President:
The Revd John Auchmuty
Vice-President: Canon Ken Smyth Chairman:
Andrew Launchbury
Treasurer:
Paddy Malone
Secretary:
Geoff Launchbury
Captain:
Ian McClune
Vice-Captain: Jim Stevenson Hon. Chaplain: Ken McNamara Hon. Auditor: Paul Stewart Committee:
Alan Rogers, John Robb, Ken McNamara, Jonathan Launchbury
On Friday, 26th April, members with their partners and friends gathered in Coast Restaurant, Holywood, for the Annual Prize Giving Dinner. Following the meal, which was enjoyed by all in a ‘buzzing’ and convivial atmosphere, toasts were proposed and speeches made before moving on to the presentation of prizes by the President. The winners were as follows: Andy Armstrong Rose Bowl (Highest Score in Club Rinks): Ken McNamara Canon Noble Cup (Open Singles): Paul Rogers Tom Lamont Cup (Pairs): Paul Rogers and Ian McClune Paul Stewart Cup (Closed Singles): John Robb Launchbury Captain’s Cup (Highest Score in Match Rinks): Andrew Launchbury During the evening, a gift was presented to Paul Rogers and his fiancée, Joanna, with good wishes for their forthcoming wedding. The evening concluded with a ballot when the generous number of prizes was well shared amongst all present. 10
The final meeting of our season on Monday, 29th April, took the form of a visit to the Port of Belfast where members and their partners were first of all given a tour of the port, led by the Missions to Seafarers’ Senior Chaplain, the Revd Colin Hall-Thompson. We were shown the many berths, some of which had discharging ships in place, and learnt facts about the cargoes coming into the port, as well as the work that continues on a daily basis to ensure that supplies of all types reach their destination. We also had sight of four visiting naval vessels which were on respite from NATO exercises in the North Atlantic. Following the tour, we returned to the Flying Angel Centre at Princes Dock Street where the Revd Hall-Thompson gave a short talk on the work carried on at the Centre by staff and volunteers, and prayers were said in the St. Brendan Chapel for all who sail the seas and work in ports across the world. Moving through the main social area, members were able to appreciate the facilities provided to make the seafarers welcome, and a light supper was served in the conference suite during which there was a question and answer session, revealing more facts about the on-going and necessary work done by the Missions to Seafarers worldwide. Donations totalling £145 were presented to the Revd Hall-Thompson to assist in the work of the Centre. I hope our members will have a relaxing and enjoyable summer break and look forward to meeting you all again when we resume our activities on Monday, 2nd September. Geoff Launchbury
11
CASH FOR CLOBBER
Collection bags
Remember, the heavier the better as all the bags are weighed. If you need to have any bags of clobber collected from your home, please contact Roberta Rogers (07912 360201) or Katrina Dukelow (07954 577107). Roberta
will be available at the back of church from mid-April onwards.
Cash for Clobber will be back in the church car park on (for clothes, Saturday, 1st June, from 10.30 to 11.30am to raise funds for shoes, handbags the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund, so have a good clear out and belts only) of all those crammed wardrobes and cupboards!
Hello Ladies, Our summer outing will take place on Tuesday, 4th June, when we will leave St. Columba’s car park at 6.00pm. We will then proceed by car to the Titanic Centre where we will be given a guided tour by Judith Owens, followed by supper at the venue. The cost will be £18 which will include entrance fee and supper. Please give your names to Yvonne or myself for ticket and transport purposes. This will be our last gathering until the Area Service in St. Dorothea’s, Gilnahirk, on Wednesday, 11th September, at 7.30pm. Look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, 4th June! Sandra
ST. COLUMBA’S CRAFT AND HOBBY CIRCLE We now have seven months behind us as we stop for the summer break and look forward to recommencing our morning ritual on Monday, 2nd September. We would all wish to thank everybody for their very kind donations of fabric, wool etc. which will be put to good use. Our plan is to make different items to sell at various craft fairs in the autumn and so any pieces of fabric, irrespective of size or type, will be more than welcome! Carol (9079 9997/07831 345560) Email: pchwillis@hotmail.co.uk 12
BROWNIE NOTES As promised last month, here is the very colourful flower named RAINBOW ROSE drawn by Lara and Nadia Whitton, which was our entry for the Brownie Fun Day on Saturday, 18th May. There were many colourful flowers to choose from and this is actually a combination of the head of one flower and the stem of another, drawn by our two sisters. We have been joined by another new girl, Emily, which now brings our numbers to 15. It is most encouraging to Amanda, Kathryn and myself to see so many in the hall on a Friday night. Unfortunately, as happens every year, our older girls leave but we know that there are some new faces joining us from Doves in September. As we will be continuing until the middle of June, if there are any other new girls who would like to come along before the end of the year and try us out, you will be made very welcome! Beth Cairnduff
See all sorts of Quirky Craft Candles on Sunday, 2nd June, to conclude this series of unusual candles with a variety of accompanying stories. As before, donations are in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. St. Columba/Columcille 521 – 597AD St. Columba was born in Gartan, Co. Donegal. He was a member of the Ui Neill clan and trained in Irish monasteries, including Moville, where he quarrelled with St. Finnian over the ownership of a copy of the Gospels he had made. About 563, he established himself with 12 companions on the Scottish island of Iona where he lived for some 34 years, evangelizing the mainland and establishing monastic settlements on neighbouring islands. Monasteries conserved the fats from their kitchens to make ordinary tallow candles, and kept many hives of bees to obtain honeycomb to create their altar candles. The brother in charge of candle making made his longer candles by hanging a long wick of rush from a beam near a cauldron of hot beeswax. He placed a wooden trough beneath the wick and poured a ladle full of molten wax down it so that a thin film adhered to the rush. By repeating the process many times and allowing the wax to cool and harden between ladlings, he gradually built up a tall candle. 13
MU ACTIVITY GROUP We have been pretty busy in the Activity Group lately, apart from our normal Tuesday evenings of badminton and scrabble. During March and April, we were actively selling our Well Known Phrases competition sheets for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund and raised £200. Out of the correct sheets returned, Rhonda Lappin, from Armagh, was drawn to win the prize of £10. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Gavin Robinson, invited the Rector and a number of parishioners to the City Hall on Monday, 21st April (see also Jennifer Johnston’s report on page 21). Some members of our group were able to attend and enjoyed chatting to the Mayor over coffee and biscuits, followed by a tour of the building. Our Activity Day on Saturday, 11th May, started with coffee at No. 6 Knockcastle Park and we then travelled to Daft Eddy’s on Sketrick Island where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch. Having eaten well, we made our way to Killyleagh but, unfortunately, the magnificent castle that overlooks the town is not open to the public. Nevertheless, we wandered around the town, visited a few interesting shops and met some friendly people. One craft shop had recently hosted Judi Dench who had been filming in the area. Before we left the delightful town, we visited the harbour where we enjoyed a coastal walk, with some seats available for those who needed a rest. As the rain then started to fall again, it was a quick dash back to our cars! Despite the disappointing weather, we had a great day out. Maureen
PAUSE By now, summer should hopefully have arrived and decided to stay for a while! Children will be looking forward to a break from their studies and we will all be hoping to relax in the garden or further afield. Many winter activities have ended and summer ones are in full swing. PAUSE will continue throughout the summer months and we would love YOU to join us for coffee and a chat. It is completely informal – just turn up and see who is there! Last month, we met in the Bobbin at the City Hall (great if you have a bus pass) and the Stormont hotel. Our next PAUSE will take place as follows:
Wednesday, 26th June 10.30am: Dundonald Old Mill Please contact me if you require transport. Eileen (9020 3684) 14
SNOW TUBING! On Friday, 19th April, we all met first at St. Columba’s. Things were going smoothly until half way up the King’s Road when we realised someone was missing, which caused a bit of a traffic jam! We had to drive one car behind another as nobody was very sure where we were going. When we arrived, we all received some very basic instruction and went onto the small hill first. Once we got the hang of that, we progressed onto the bigger hill which was enormous and had bumps! The group managed to join together for a team photo and even though it was great fun, it was very hard work having to pull your tube up the hill again! Afterwards, we went for a bite to eat at McDonald’s. Everyone enjoyed some time to relax and there was great excitement when Jamie nearly won an X-box! Emma Craig The next Youth Etc outing will be canoeing at Shaw’s Bridge Boathouse on Friday, 21st June, kindly organised by David Craig. This will last approximately 90 minutes and will cost £5 per child. Please confirm attendance with Karen at the Parish Office on 9065 6891 by Friday, 7th June, to ensure your place!
Divine Healing Ministries invites you to a
Day of Prayer for Renewal and Revival of the Faith in this Land Venue: St. Anne’s Cathedral, Donegall St., Belfast Saturday, June 22nd 2013, 10.30am – 3.30 pm
Theme: Building new relationships in our country There will be a good balance of leading and silence for prayer for further information tel: 028 9031 1532 email: divinehealing@live.co.uk web: https://divinehealingministries.wordpress.com 15
TUESDAY Afternoon BADMINTON The season ended with an excellent soup and sandwich lunch in the Belmont Tower on Tuesday, 30th April. It also happened to be the 87th birthday of a former member, Joyce Stock, who joined us and blew out novelty candles on her cake! Play resumes on Tuesday, 3rd September 2013.
Kyleen Clarke
CHURCH HALL COMMITTEE The Church Hall Committee is now up and running. The purpose of the committee is to establish the most appropriate development option for the church hall facilities to best serve our current and future needs. The church hall is now 50 years old and the development of the facilities is a major undertaking. Options to consider include refurbishing the current building, new build on the existing site or new build on a new site. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, with significant cost implications. The Property Committee have looked at the potential to develop No. 25 King’s Road, if funds where available. However, the current owner has “live” planning approval to develop the site for apartments. In addition, planning restrictions on the site currently do not permit the demolition of the fire damaged dwelling (Planning Application Z/2010/1395) which would curtail any development, should we have been able to acquire the site. Our first step is to meet with the leaders of all the groups that use the church hall, within and outwith St. Columba’s, to assess how it meets their needs. We can then establish with a greater degree of certainty how best to move forward. We will report back once we have undertaken our initial meeting with parish organisations. Mark Reid, People’s Glebewarden
PREMISES CONVENOR Please note that our Parish Administrator, Karen Patterson, has taken over the duties of Premises Convenor from Mark Reid and that, with immediate effect, parishioners wishing to book the church hall should contact her on 9065 6891 (Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pm). The Rector 16
RECTOR ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF C. of I. PRESS LTD Parishioners will wish to offer their heartiest congratulations to our Rector, the Revd John Auchmuty, on his recent election as Chairman of the Board of the Church of Ireland Press Ltd., owners of the Church of Ireland Gazette, at the company’s recent AGM held in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry. The Rector succeeds David Pyle who stands down after six years as Chairman, though he will remain a member of the Board. The Rector, a member of the Board for ten years and Honorary Secretary for five, paid a glowing tribute to David as outgoing Chairman. He then thanked Board members for placing their trust in him, saying that he was “looking forward to working collectively with my colleagues to embrace with confidence the future opportunities and challenges which lie ahead for the Board and the Gazette itself”. Parishioner Patrick Good QC currently serves as Honorary Secretary to the Board.
MADAME, YOUR DUCK IS DEAD A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, “I’m sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away.” The distressed woman wailed, “Are you sure?” “Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead,” replied the vet. “How can you be so sure?” she protested. “I mean, you haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.” The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador retriever. As the duck’s owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog and took it out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed mournfully and strolled out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but as I told you, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck.” The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill which he handed to the woman. The duck’s owner, still in shock, took the bill. “£150!” she cried, “£150 just to tell me my duck is dead!” The vet shrugged, “I’m sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been £20 but with the Lab report and the CAT scan, it’s now £150.” 17
We are most grateful, once again, to parishioner and former Assessor to the General Synod, Michael Davey, for providing a report on proceedings at this year’s General Synod which took place in Armagh from Thursday 9th to Saturday, 11th May.
GENERAL SYNOD 2013 It did not look as though it was going to be one of the more exciting Synods and truth to tell, for the most part, it was not. But some important decisions were taken. The Clergy Pension Fund, as reported here previously, has been struggling with a significant deficit for some years. Various remedies have been tried but the problems have remained. The deficit is growing and there are more beneficiaries than contributors. In these circumstances, the Trustees felt that the nuclear option of closing the scheme to new members and freezing the existing entitlements was the only way to restore the fund to solvency. In addition, there is to be a levy on the dioceses based on the number of cures. A new defined contribution scheme is to be established to provide for new members and to cover existing members for the future. Even on this basis, it will take ten years to restore the fund to solvency. There will, of course, be an effect on parishes. They will have to pay a ten year levy of 13% of minimum approved stipend to fund the deficit in the existing scheme, together with a further 10% to cover “employer” contributions to the new scheme, a little more than had previously been thought. Clergy will have to pay 9% to the new scheme. There had been some talk of opposition to these proposals but, in the final analysis, there was really no arguing with the figures. Perhaps the most significant decision taken involved our relationship with the Methodist Church in Ireland. Permission was given for new legislation next year. It is planned that Bishops of the Church of Ireland will participate in the installation and consecration of Methodist Presidents, and that Methodist Presidents may participate in the laying on of hands in the ordination of Bishops and Priests of the Church of Ireland. Once this happens Methodist Presbyters will be regarded as equivalent to Priests, and Methodist Presidents as equivalent to Bishops. This proposal was approved for its next stage with only one vote against. It might be noted, in passing, that the incoming Methodist President is female. Could we, in a roundabout way, be going to get our first woman Bishop? The Church’s relationship with its gay members was again the subject of debate. Following last year’s instruction to continue the listening, dialogue and learning process on all issues surrounding human sexuality, a select committee was proposed to do just that. Questions were raised about the manner in which the members were selected so as to ensure that a balance between different strands of opinion was represented. It is to be hoped that there are a number of “don’t knows” included who would be particularly disposed to attend to the listening aspect of the exercise. Michael Davey 18
IF GOD SHOULD GO ON STRIKE How good it is that God above has never gone on strike, Because He was not treated fair in things He didn’t like. If only once He had sat down and said, “That’s it! I’m through, I’ve had enough of those on earth so this is what I’ll do. I’ll give my orders to the sun – cut off that heat supply, And to the moon, give no more light and run the oceans dry. Then just to make things really tough and put the pressure on, Turn off the vital oxygen ‘til every breath is gone.” You know, he would be justified if fairness was the game, For no one has been more abused or met with such disdain Than God, and yet He carries on supplying you and me With all the favours of His Grace, and everything for free! Men say they want a better deal and so on strike they go, But what a deal we’ve given God to whom all things we owe. We don’t care whom we hurt or harm to gain the things WE like, But what a mess we’d all be in, if God should go on strike!
Anon
PROJECT SPEAK Ever come across ‘project speak’ at work… or at home? Here are some phrases you may have heard before! Project slightly behind original schedule due to unforeseen difficulties… we got so sick of working on this that we decided to do something else. Major technological breakthrough… back to the drawing board. Developed after years of intensive research… it was discovered by accident. Customer satisfaction is believed assured… we are so far behind schedule that the customer will be happy to get anything at all from us. The design will be finalized in the next reporting period… we haven’t started this job yet but we’ve got to say something. Test results were extremely gratifying… it worked and boy, were we surprised! Extensive effort is being applied on a fresh approach to the problem... we just hired three new guys. We’ll let them kick it around for a while. Preliminary operational tests are inconclusive… the darn thing blew up when we threw the switch. The entire concept will have to be abandoned… the only guy who understood the thing quit. Modifications are under way to correct certain minor difficulties… we threw the whole thing out and are starting from scratch. 19
A VERY BRITISH HERO Charles Herbert Lightoller DSC and Bar, RD, RNR was the second mate (second officer) on board RMS Titanic, the most senior officer to survive the disaster. He was decorated for gallantry as a naval officer in the First World War and later, in retirement, further distinguished himself in the Second World War sailing as a volunteer on one of the “little ships” during the perilous Dunkirk evacuation. Early maritime career Charles was born on 30th March 1874 into a cotton family who owned the Lightoller Mill in Chorley, Lancashire. His mother died shortly after giving birth to him and his father abandoned his young son and left for New Zealand. Undaunted, and not wanting to end up in a factory job like most of Britain’s youth at the time, at the tender age of 13 Charles began a four-year seafaring apprenticeship on board the Primrose Hill. On his second voyage, he set sail with the crew of the Holt Hill. During a storm in the South Atlantic, the ship was forced to put in at Rio de Janeiro — in the midst of a small pox epidemic and revolution — where repairs were made. Another storm on 13th November 1889 caused the ship to run aground in the Indian Ocean on a tiny uninhabited island, now called Île Saint-Paul. They were rescued by the Coorong and taken to Adelaide, Australia. There, he joined the crew of the clipper ship Duke of Abercorn for his return to England. Lightoller returned to the Primrose Hill for his third voyage. They arrived in Calcutta where he passed his second mate’s certificate. The cargo of coal caught fire while he was serving as third mate on board the windjammer Knight of St. Michael, and for his successful efforts in fighting the fire and saving the ship, Lightoller was promoted to second mate. In 1895, at the age of 21 and already a veteran of the many perils of the sea, he obtained his mate’s ticket and left sailing ships for steamships. After three years of service in the African Royal Mail Service on the West African coast, he nearly died from a heavy bout of malaria. Abandoning the sea, Lightoller journeyed to the Yukon in 1898 to prospect for gold in the Klondike Gold Rush. Failing in this endeavour, he became a cowboy in Alberta and then a hobo in order to return home, riding the rails back across Canada. He worked as a cattle wrangler on a cattle boat for his passage back to England, arriving home in 1899 completely penniless. Nevertheless, he obtained his master’s certificate and joined another cattle boat, this time as third mate of the Knight Companion. In January 1900, he began his career with the White Star Line as fourth officer of the Medic. 20
The Fort Denison incident While on the Medic, on a voyage from Britain to South Africa and Australia, Lightoller was reprimanded for a prank he and some shipmates played on the citizens of Sydney at Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour. In 1900, the Boer War was raging in distant South Africa where Australian troops were fighting alongside the British Army, the first war in which the colonies had taken part. As a result, passions were high when the White Star Line’s Medic sailed into Sydney Harbour and dropped anchor in Neutral Bay. Spending time ashore with his shipmates, the young sailor was amazed at the level of anxiety expressed by locals concerning the South African conflict so he decided to have some fun at their expense. One morning in the pre-dawn darkness, Lightoller – accompanied by four midshipmen – quietly rowed to the fortress and climbed its tower. They hoisted a makeshift Boer flag from its lightning conductor and loaded a canon with 14lb of blasting powder. They added white cotton waste and poured in some fine-grain powder, then lit a 50 foot fuse and beat a hasty retreat back to the Medic, to watch the spectacle from its decks! Lightoller’s plan was to fool the locals into believing a Boer raiding party was attacking Sydney and had captured Fort Denison. When the heavy gun went off, the resounding bang blew out windows and woke startled residents from their beds. As soon as the Boer flag was seen fluttering in the dawn breeze, panic erupted on the streets. Unfortunately for Lightoller, however, passengers on the Medic had spotted him and his party sneaking off the ship and returning on board prior to the incident, as also had watch keeping sailors aboard other vessels at anchor nearby. Police and port officials were soon aboard the Medic, questioning the crew. Sydney, at the turn of the century, was a conservative city and its residents were extremely hostile to the prank carried out by the visiting sailors. The local press bayed for the blood of those responsible and the White Star Line was forced to pay damages and apologise to the city. Officers and crew of the Medic thought Lightoller’s career must surely be over but the fact that he took the blame and would not divulge the names of his fellow conspirators, stood in his favour. His superiors also tacitly appreciated the humour of his escapade! He was reprimanded and passed over for promotion before the Medic quietly left Sydney Harbour, leaving the controversy behind. Lightoller later joined the Majestic under the command of Captain Edward J. Smith in the Atlantic. From there, he was promoted to third officer on the RMS Oceanic, the flagship of the White Star Line. He moved back to both the Majestic and the Oceanic as first mate. Titanic Two weeks before her maiden voyage, Lightoller boarded RMS Titanic in Belfast and acted as first officer for the sea trials in Belfast Lough. Captain Smith gave Henry Wilde, of the Olympic, the post of chief officer, demoting the original appointee, William McMaster Murdoch, to first officer and Lightoller to second officer. The original second officer, David Blair, was excluded from the voyage altogether, while the ship’s roster of junior officers remained unchanged. Blair’s departure from the crew was to be hugely significant as he held the key to the ship’s binocular case. Since the crew now lacked access to binoculars, Lightoller promised to purchase some when Titanic reached New York. 21
On the fateful night of 14th April 1912, Lightoller commanded the last bridge watch prior to the ship’s collision with the iceberg, before being relieved by Murdoch. He had retired to his cabin and was preparing for bed when he felt the collision. Wearing only his pyjamas, Lightoller hurried out on deck but seeing nothing, retired back to his cabin. Deciding it would be better to remain where other officers knew where to find him, he lay awake on his bunk until the fourth officer, Joseph Boxhall, summoned him to the bridge. He pulled on trousers and a navy blue sweater over his pyjamas, and also donned his officer’s overcoat and cap. Once the fate of the ship became inevitable, he immediately went to work assisting the evacuation of passengers into the lifeboats. Lightoller was notably stricter than some of the other officers in observing the rule of “women and children first”, interpreting it almost to the point of “women and children only”. He took charge of lowering the lifeboats, some of them barely half full, on the port side of the Titanic. This accomplished, his last action was an attempt to launch Collapsible B, a smaller lifeboat with canvas sides stowed atop the officers’ quarters, on the port side. Lightoller then crossed over to the starboard side of the roof to see if he could help with Collapsible A and saw Murdoch struggling to unleash it, when a huge wave washed him overboard into the sea. As the ship sank deeper, seawater washed over the entire bow producing a large wave that rushed aft up the boat deck. Seeing crowds of people fleeing the rising water and the collapsible boat washed away upside down, Lightoller determined he could do no more and dived into the freezing sea from the roof of the officers’ quarters, as it slowly slid down into the black abyss beneath the icy waves… To be continued
A 17th Century Nun’s Prayer
22
PARISH VISIT TO CITY HALL On Monday, April 22nd, at the invitation of the Lord Mayor, Alderman Gavin Robinson, the Rector and thirty parishioners representing the Select Vestry, parish committees, parish organisations and staff met in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at Belfast City Hall. After a warm welcome and refreshments, the Rector introduced each of us individually to the Lord Mayor, outlining the role each of us undertakes in St. Columba’s. The Rector continued by thanking the Lord Mayor for accepting the invitation to accompany his wife, Lindsay, Scripture Union East Belfast E3 Schools Worker, last December when she gave an excellent address at our All Age Worship Service on Advent Sunday. He then spoke of St. Columba’s commitment to engage with our local community. He highlighted two areas where we are addressing this. Firstly, as a member of the Belmont District Council of Churches we attend meetings of mutual interest, sharing worship and fellowship with churches of other denominations on Advent Sunday, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and at Pentecost. Secondly, we hold a Mums & Tots activity for forty parents and children from the wider community each Friday morning in the church hall. The Lord Mayor thanked us for welcoming him to St. Columba’s last year. He emphasised, too, the importance of engaging with communities. He said that often he was just required to turn up to events and smile! However, it was important to him to meet people in their communities, as he had done during the repeated flooding in the Orangefield area and during the flags dispute. The Rector conveyed our good wishes to the Lord Mayor and Lindsay as they look forward to the birth of their first child in September. Our visit concluded with a short tour of the City Hall with an excellent guide. Jennifer Johnston
23
THE CORONATION It is, as you may have noticed, the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation this month. If you are under 55 years of age, it is probably simply a matter of history. That piece of history, however, will be relived this month in many grainy pictures on our television screens - even, perhaps, some in colour, from the cinema newsreels of the time. For those of us over that age, however, it is probably one of those memories - images, really - that you can never quite forget. In truth, it is part of our history. Millions, like me, sat in a crowded room and gazed at a tiny television screen on which black and white images appeared of the distant scene in and around Westminster Abbey. Up until then, TV had been largely a rich person’s toy but no one was going to miss the event of a lifetime. Aided by the entrepreneurial genius of Radio Rentals and other newly formed competitors, we watched on rented sets, our own or a neighbour’s. Television suddenly became available to almost everybody. Indeed, I can’t think of anyone in our very ordinary circle of friends in a London suburb who didn’t watch the coronation as it happened. And that made a huge difference! Previous coronations had been great affairs of state, attended by the nobility, the great and the good - just a few hundred of them. True, the crowds could line the route to and from Westminster Abbey and cheer and wave flags, but once the real business began they were definitely on the outside. But now - miraculously, it seemed - we were on the inside! Indeed, we had a better view of proceedings than most of those distinguished folk who had got tickets for the Abbey. This, like no other, was the People’s Coronation, and the young Queen and her fair-haired sailor husband were the People’s Monarchy, in a way none of their predecessors could possibly have imagined. When the Archbishop placed the crown on her head, we were just feet away (or so it seemed). When he anointed her with oil, we could see it glisten. We could join in the prayers and the hymns, hear the glorious music and fanfares, share with the congregation in the Abbey an occasion that was, after all, a vital part of the life of our nation and the Commonwealth. Time and again over those few days we sang ‘Long live our gracious Queen’ and she has done it. ‘Long to reign over us, happy and glorious’. Exactly. Canon David Winter, former BBC Head of Religious Broadcasting Parishioners may be interested to know that a service to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth will be held in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Sunday, 2nd June, at 3.30pm. 24
JULY/AUGUST MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the combined July/August parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 16th June. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR JUNE Sunday 2nd....................................................................... Patrick Wilson Sunday 9th........................................................................ Irene Gray Sunday 16th...................................................................... Esther Templeton Sunday 23rd...................................................................... Margaret Stewart Sunday 30th...................................................................... John and Sandra Little
FROM THE REGISTERS Holy Baptism Sunday, 5th May Christian Burial Monday, 22nd April Wednesday, 24th April Wednesday, 1st May Saturday, 11th May Thursday, 16th May
Our Joys Alison Jane Kirton, 3 Isoline Street Our Sorrows Barbara Mary McCollam, 46 Pasadena Gardens Henry Ryding, Dunlady House Nursing Home, Dundonald Catherine Fisher, 5 Clarawood Crescent Henry Lowry, 4 Ardgreenan Gardens Edward Cordner McKee, 20 Kirkliston Park
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.
S DATE R YOU R O F Y DIAR
Saturday, 1st June Cash for Clobber Friday, 7th June Patronal Festival Concert Sunday, 23rd June Parish Picnic, Rathlin Island 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS SOMETHING FOR YOU? SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig Patricia Wilson
9047 2512 9040 1066
Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stevenson
9058 3381
X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd
07833 391945
The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047 8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 9079 7125 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) 8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 9080 8755 7.30pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 9079 5155 WEDNESDAY 6.30pm Templemore Swimming Club 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 7.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 9058 6265 FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine 9042 4390 6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047 Youth Etc (11-15 years) (Monthly outings as arranged) Aaron Wilson 9076 1040 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 and Premises Convenor, Karen Patterson, on 9065 6891 (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 King’s 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
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 Tel 028 9042 4390
HON. SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 9065 6183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber, BT23 5SZ Tel 028 9187 8816
HON. TREASURER Josephine Kelly 15 Manse Road BT6 9SB Tel 028 9079 6658
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN John Little 14 Barnetts Lodge Barnetts Road, BT5 7FS Tel 028 9080 8755
ASST. HON. TREASURER/ MAGAZINE DISTRIBITOR CO-ORDINATOR Ronny Martin 8 Gillycourt Manor 309 Gilnahirk Road BT5 7SL Mob 07526 396838 Email ronny.martin@sky.com
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Mark Wilson 7 Finchley Vale BT4 2EU Tel 028 9076 1040 JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Zac Elkin, Rebecca Burns
FREE WILL OFFERING/ STANDING ORDER SECRETARY Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 9076 1295
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 9058 3381 Mob 07973 392448 27
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 Tel 028 9058 6265 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 and Premises Convenor: Karen Patterson Office Hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pm Tel 028 9065 6891 Email office.knock@down.anglican.org
CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Suzanne Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 9065 3511
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