December 2011/January 2012
RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner, THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT This is probably one of the busiest times of the year as we get ready for Christmas. There always seems to be so much to be done despite our best efforts to be more organized and less stressed than previous years! Choosing gifts for our families and friends is indeed a difficult task. It can be hard to identify an appropriate gift that truly expresses the appreciation and love we place on the person to whom it is being given. At Christmas, we thank God for his generous gift which brings light and hope into our world where there is so much darkness and despair. As we receive the gift of Jesus Christ into our lives, may we respond in grateful appreciation by giving something of ourselves to God for the further development of our parish? You can do this in a unique way this Christmas which doesn’t involve any additional stress! Simply write the talent(s) you wish to gift to the church on your personal talent gift card and place it in the box provided in church over the Christmas period. All the talents will be catalogued with an agreed reserve price and the auction will be compared by our highly esteemed neighbour, Noel Thompson, at the Parish Dinner in the Stormont Hotel on Friday, 8th June, 2012. We have had great fun and debate discussing which talents we would gift to the church. We discussed several options which included DIY with me, shopping with Caroline, a trombone lesson with Charles and even a rugby lesson with Henry! However, after much consideration, our latest idea is to work as a team and offer Sunday Lunch in the Rectory! PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD The placing of a wreath on our front doors during these days of Advent has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a very welcome sign to the visitor who arrives on these cold dark evenings and waits for the door to be opened. This is the symbolism which is beautifully illustrated on this year’s parish Christmas card. The wreath contains all the colours which we associate with this festive season on a rich red background. I hope that it will brighten up your home and that you will be able to join us for our Christmas Services. You can be assured of a warm welcome and an open door upon arrival. I thank all the Art Group members who designed Christmas cards and congratulate Margaret Hirst whose card was chosen this year. Caroline, Charles and Henry join me in wishing you a very happy and peaceful Christmas and God’s richest blessing for 2012. Yours in His service,
s en t
You r
e d e s n y h o c u r r ta u h l C
SUMMER DINNER and AUCTION of TALENTS On Friday, 8th June 2012, in the Stormont Hotel As part of your Christmas shopping why not gift your talents for the auction! Simply complete the card attached to this magazine and place in the box at the back of the church. Examples of talents were listed in the November Magazine. For more ideas on what you could offer contact either of the Churchwardens: Jill Gillespie 028 9076 9508 Ronny Martin 028 9065 4301
SERVICES IN DECEMBER Thursday 1st St. Andrew (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 4th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Gospel Clergy All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Charles Auchmuty Choral Evensong Reader Helen Donaghy Reader Helen Donaghy Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
(Purple) 2 Peter 3: 8-15a Mark 1: 1-8 Mark 1: 1-8 1 Kings 22: 1-28 Matthew 11: 2-11
Thursday 8th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 11th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Reader Trevor Buchanan Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Tony Greeves Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Helen Donaghy Blue Christmas Reader Esther Templeton Reader Esther Templeton
(Purple) 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24 John 1: 6-8, 19-28 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24 John 1: 6-8, 19-28 Isaiah 40: 1-2 & 25-31 Matthew 11: 28-29
Thursday 15th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion for our Housebound Parishioners with Carols and Seasonal Refreshments Sunday 18th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am 6.30pm
The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Romans 16: 25-27 Gospel Clergy Luke 1: 26-38 Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 1: 26-38 Morning Prayer Reader Clare Best 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16 Reader Fiona Haldane Luke 1: 26-38 Occasional Roberta Rogers Prayers Short informal recital of Advent and Christmas music by the Organists and members of the Music Group in the church
7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Jennifer Pyper Gospel Karen McAlpine
Zechariah 2: 10-13 Luke 1: 39-55
Thursday 22nd (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Saturday 24th Christmas Eve 8.00pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
(Purple)
Sunday 25th 9.00am 10.15am
(White)
Christmas Day Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Gospel Karen McAlpine All Age Worship Reader Olivia Budde (Children present a gift at this service)
Hebrews 1: 1-12 John 1: 1-14 Luke 2: 1-20
Thursday 29th Holy Innocents (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
SERVICES IN JANUARY Sunday 1 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus Holy Communion Reader Lindsay Hodges Gospel Clergy Holy Communion (Traditional Form) Reader Alan Rogers Gospel Karen McAlpine Compline Reader Fiona Haldane
st
(White) Galatians 4: 4-7 Luke 2: 15-21 Galatians 4: 4-7 Luke 2: 15-21 Luke 2: 41-52
Thursday 5 The Epiphany (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry th
Sunday 8th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The First Sunday after the Epiphany Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Clare Best Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Meryl Townsend Late Evening Office Reader Jennifer Johnston Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
(White) Acts 19: 1-7 Mark 1: 4-11 Acts 19: 1-7 Mark 1: 4-11 Matthew 3: 13-17
Thursday 12th (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Sunday 15th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Morning Prayer Reader Meryl Townsend Reader Ian Noad Occasional Muriel Arndell Prayers Holy Communion Reader Patrick Wilson Gospel Karen McAlpine
(White) Revelation 5: 5-10 John 1: 43-51 John 1: 43-51 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 John 1: 43-51
Hebrews 6: 17 – 17:10 Matthew 8: 5-13
Thursday 19th (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 22nd 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany (White) Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31 Gospel Clergy Mark 1: 14-20 Holy Communion Reader Murray Hunter 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31 Gospel Clergy Mark 1: 14-20 Intercessions Karen McAlpine United Belmont and District Council of Churches Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Reader The Revd Robin Waugh Habakkuk 3: 17-19 Reader Fr. Ciaran Feeney 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58 Reader The Revd Dr. Ron Savage John 12: 23-26 Preacher The Bishop of Down and Dromore
Thursday 26th The Conversion of St. Paul (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 29th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (White) Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13 Gospel Clergy Mark 1: 21-28 Songs of Praise Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands Reader Elizabeth Leonard Matthew 13: 10-17
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 (028 90655500). The readings are from Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:
www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.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 4th. ..........................................The Wilson Family Sunday 11th.........................................Meryl Townsend and May Preston Sunday 18th.........................................Irene Gray and Margaret McConkey Sunday 25th.........................................Jayne Martin and Rosemary Coffey
JANUARY 2012 SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 1st............................................Ross Cairnduff and Chris Thompson Sunday 8th. ..........................................May Morrow and Barbara Gibson Sunday 15th.........................................Jennifer Johnston and Joy Montgomery Sunday 22nd.........................................Dawn and Garth Macartney Sunday 29th.........................................Helen Donaghy and Olivia Budde
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE SUNDAY, 11th DECEMBER, AT 7.00PM This service, which was introduced in St. Columba’s for the first time last year, was much appreciated by everyone in the congregation. It will take place again this year on Sunday, 11th December, at 7.00pm. This service is for all those for whom Christmas is a difficult time, be it through bereavement following the death of a family member, a friend or a pet, illness, unemployment, loneliness, trauma, anxiety, worry or sadness of whatever type. These words of introduction offer the helpful encouragement and support 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 primarily a quiet service with reflective music, readings, a short sermon and prayers. It provides an opportunity to come away from all the glitter and razzmatazz of Christmas to enable us to remember our faith and the gift of hope and light, which God offers to us all in the Christmas story. In addition, there will be an opportunity for those who wish to light a candle to remember a particular situation of pain or darkness in their own lives. The church will remain open after the service for those who wish to stay for a period of further reflection and prayer. The Rector
HOLY COMMUNION FOR HOUSEBOUND PARISHIONERS in St. Columba’s Parish Church on THURSDAY, 15TH DECEMBER, AT 10.30AM With Christmas Carols and seasonal refreshments Please phone the Parish Office 028 9065 6891 on Wednesday or Friday morning to arrange your transport.
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS Saturday 17th 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.
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 (028 90471514) by Friday, 9th December, to make an appointment if you would like a private Holy Communion service in your home.
CLERGY PARISH VISITING It is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during December and January: Both the Rector and Curate will be visiting parishioners in the Residential and Nursing Homes throughout the parish during December. In addition, they will also be conducting private Holy Communion Services in the homes of those housebound parishioners who are unable to attend any of the Christmas services. January Rector Cloverhill Park Tullyard Way Isoline Street Leathem Square, Dundonald
Curate North Road Pasadena Gardens Sandringham Mews Wandsworth Crescent
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday 4th December Sunday 11th December Sunday 18th December Sunday 25th December Sunday 1st January 2012 Sunday 8th January Sunday 15th January Sunday 22nd January Sunday 29th January
10.30am All Age Worship 10.30am Sunday School 9.30am Family Communion Christmas Day 10.30am All Age Worship 10.30am Sunday School 9.30am Family Communion 10.30am Sunday School 10.30am Sunday School
The Junior class continues to thrive with new faces arriving regularly and it is hoped that soon some new faces will arrive in the Senior class as the Confirmation candidates join us. Soon we will be practicing for the All Age Worship at the beginning of December and for the little item we will be performing on Xmas day. It is hoped for a full turnout at the end of November so that we can raise the roof with joyful singing! Beth Cairnduff
St Columba’s Kids Christmas Movie & Party Saturday 10th December St. Columba’s Church Hall 3pm – 5pm Come along and enjoy a fabulous festive kids movie There will be a separate movie to entertain the toddlers Enjoy lots of games, party food... and a visit from a special guest. Ho Ho Ho! KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE! The diary is filling up quite quickly for December and January. You will see elsewhere in the magazine some of the very exciting things we in St. Columba’s are up to! • Our brand new Silver Surfers course. • Our Parish team bound for Zambia next summer. • Our recording of Services for housebound parishioners. • Our Bible Study E100 which, if you wish to join, you are more than welcome any Wednesday evening, or just send me an e-mail. • Our prayer chain for those who are sick. • Our new bi-monthly Zambian Prayer News Bulletin - “Mulishani?” - will be launched on the third Sunday in January to keep parishioners up to date with all that is happening. This will be primarily an e-mail but copies will also be available at the back of the Church for those who do not have e-mail. In all of these activities, we hope that members of the Parish will feel that there is something for them to become as involved in as they would wish! Have a very happy and blessed Christmas and New Year. Robert 10
CONFIRMATION 2012 Those wishing to be considered for confirmation next year are asked to give their names to the Rector in writing before Saturday, 31st December. It is essential that they are: • regular church attenders • active members of the Senior Sunday School class • assisting with the Sunday School if over the age of 15 • attending the H2O Youth Group Adult parishioners wishing to be considered for confirmation should also give their names to the Rector before the end of the year. They will follow a separate confirmation course.
Hello Ladies, Just a quick note to say how much we are looking forward to our Mothers’ Union Christmas outing – ‘Carols in the Folk Museum’ - on Wednesday, 14th December, at 7.30pm. On Tuesday, 3rd January 2012, we will have the pleasure of Naomi Long MP coming to speak to us. Naomi is a gifted speaker and is sure to give us an inspirational talk. Finally, may I wish you all God’s richest blessing at Christmas and for the New Year. Sandra
LADIES GUILD NOTES Dear Ladies, Well here we are with Christmas just around the corner and Wednesday, 14th December, will be our last meeting of the year, and it promises to be a good one! We are planning a musical party with Beryl and Co. as our entertainment and, of course, a festive supper. On Wednesday, 18th January, we will have a film night in the church hall - the film is a secret so far! Hope you are all well and keeping warm, and will have a happy Christmas and healthy New Year. It’s great to see Dorothy out and about again. See you at the party! Lilias Smith (Hon. Sec.) 11
SILVER SURFERS Last year we held a series of very successful Silver Surfer classes. My plan in early 2012 is to run something similar for anyone who wants to “start off” using computers as well as for those who want to “go beyond the basics”. To this end I am hoping to run three classes, all of which are ‘stand alone’ and you will be more than welcome to attend any one of them, or all three. Week 1 Tuesday, 24th January, 7:30pm - 9:30pm OR Wednesday, 25th January, 2:30pm - 4:30pm “What is all the hype about computers?” “I want to know what this box in the corner can do!” Your very first computer driving lesson… If you want to know about the very basics sign up for Week 1! Week 2 Tuesday, 31st January, 7:30pm - 9:30pm OR Wednesday, 1st February, 2:30pm - 4:30pm “I know how to turn the computer on but…” “I also want to know how to write letters, add photos and e-mail”. Week 3 Monday, 6th February, 7:30 - 9:30 OR Tuesday, 7th February, 2:30pm - 4:30pm “I want to find out how to find information on the internet” “I have heard about exciting things I can do with the computer but don’t know how to do it” “I want to ask questions about computers and find out the answers from people who know” As before, each class is open to all parishioners, whether you have your own computer or not. Please just sign up at the back of the Church during December or phone me at the Curatage on 90653370. Robert
LADIES BOWLING Ladies Bowling on Monday afternoons continues although our numbers have gone down since last year. For Halloween afternoon we played target bowls and enjoyed Halloween fare. Our first match was away to Kirkpatrick Presbyterian. There were no winners or losers as we just played on a friendly basis, followed by the usual generous afternoon tea and chat. We look forward to our next matches in the New Year. Vi McMeekin 12
ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUB Visit to R.U.A. Exhibition On Thursday, 3rd November, 25 members of St. C’s Art Club (including your hesitant author) visited the Ulster Museum for the 130th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Ulster Academy. We were met at 11.00a.m. by Julian Friers, R.U.A. President, who showed us around, concentrating on a small selection of paintings. He informed us that 311 pieces were selected out of a possible 1519 entries and gave us some insight into 16 of the paintings, which were very diverse in content, medium and structure. Julian focused mainly on several of the portraiture, explaining the techniques in the use of colour and layering of paint, which enhances features of the subject in depth and skin tone. These portraits were fascinating, showing each different artist’s approach to the subject. We then examined the composition and structure of some of the other paintings on display, for example:Colin O’Daly’s oil painting of the ‘Red Room’ which he painted wet on wet to achieve a softly layered mystical look. Cecil Maguire’s oil painting of ‘Venice’ which was structured with vanishing points leading into the painting, and with the clever use of eye-catching red and orange umbrellas to enhance this. Simon McWilliam’s ‘Harbour Office’ oil painting was very large and had vertical lines which wouldn’t normally work in a painting, but as he had counteracted this with short horizontals and different thickness of paint, it beautifully balanced the overall effect. Gary Devon’s painting ‘Jetty’ was also a clever concept with the three dimensional use of diagonals and under reflections of the bridge, leading one’s eye into the painting. Many more useful tips were gleaned and the morning flew quickly past. Some lovely paintings by our own R.U.A. artist, Bob, were on display and we were happy to see a wee red dot beside one of them! For those of you unfamiliar with the meaning of a red dot, it can loosely be interpreted as: “Drinks are on me, my fellow artists”. Jill McKeown, a member of St Columba’s, also had an entry in the craft section called ‘The Archivist’s Tower’. This mixed assemblage of craft had incredibly painstaking layers of intricate work on each layer, which resulted in a most interesting and quite amazing conception. Thus ended yet another interesting, instructive and most enjoyable outing for our club members. We gained a wonderful insight into the structure and concept of paintings. Our warmest thanks to Julian for showing us around and for his valuable time and knowledge, and also to Bob for arranging such a successful and informative visit. Gladys 13
THE AFTERNOON GROUP There is always something special about this time of year, Not just because it is the season of good cheer; But it’s when we gather round us all those we hold most dear, And hopefully look forward to a happier New Year. In January, we welcome Marietta who will come To help us get a better, trimmer tum! In the meantime all good wishes to you and all your kin, And enjoy all the festivities that soon are to begin.
Nan
MEN’S CLUB
Our first Inter Church match at St Donard’s came to a sudden and unexpected end when the lights went out! There was an electricity fault in the area and power was cut off to allow repairs. We will rearrange our date for later in the season. Monday, 24th October, saw us at Stormont Presbyterian Church. This is always a challenging fixture but I am happy to report that St Columba’s were the victors by four shots, final score 39-43. Congratulations to all our team! We were happy to welcome back Paul Rogers to our rinks as he takes a break from his studies, and look forward to him joining us throughout the season. Our Club Competitions got under way on Monday, 7th November, and members set their sights on achieving a place in the various finals which will be played in April 2012. We continue to keep Alva in our thoughts and prayers, and wish a speedy recovery to any members who have succumbed to the present outbreak of autumn colds. Geoff Launchbury
DOVES We have been very excited in Doves recently because we now have five children, which allows us to plan more activities and ensures we have friends to play with. We are enjoying playing with foamy soap, have listened to stories and made scarecrows and iced biscuits. We also like to sing and use the musical instruments. We would love to have some more boys and girls aged between three and six years to come and share our fun! Karen 14
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE I’m sure that when you are reading this edition of The Columban most, if not everyone, will have begun their preparations for Christmas - the endless shopping lists, the many trips to the supermarket and the catching up with friends and family. With that in mind, I have chosen Bernardo’s NI as our charity at our December All Age Worship Tea and Coffee Service. Bernardo’s have been working in Northern Ireland since 1899 and their range of work includes counselling, fostering and respite care. They work with young carers, children of prisoners, young people vulnerable to sexual exploitation, ethnic minority families, families where there is domestic violence, addiction or mental health issues as well as children who have been bereaved. I do hope you can be with us on Sunday, 4th December, to support such a truly deserving charity. On Sunday, 1st January 2012, there will be tea and coffee as usual when we shall be raising funds for the Simon Community, an organisation working with homeless people in Northern Ireland. Roberta
ZAMBIA 2012 Team Update During November, a number of parishioners underwent an intensive interview process with the Church Mission Society Ireland and we will announce the team that has been selected to head out to Zambia at the end of July/ beginning of August next year as soon as possible. We are looking for a team with a mix of gifts and potential to do great things. Over the forthcoming months there will be many opportunities to hear more about our team and what they will be up to, as well as to assist with the many fundraising ventures. On the third Sunday in January we shall launch the team’s prayer pointers “Mulishani?” which means “How are you?” in Bemba. This will primarily be via e-mail but copies will also be available at the back of the Church for those who don’t have e-mail. Robert DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday, 26th February, 2012 LENTEN LUNCH Proceeds in aid of the Zambia Team Travel Fund. 15
HEALTH, SAFETY AND EQUALITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLS THE ROCKING SONG Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir, We will lend a coat of fur. We will rock you, rock you, rock you, We will rock you, rock you, rock you. Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur as well as for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative. Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences. LITTLE DONKEY Little donkey, little donkey On the dusty road, Got to keep on plodding onwards With your precious load. The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry. Also included in the guidelines are instructions regarding how often the donkey must be fed and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note, due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled ‘little’ and would prefer just to be simply referred to as ‘Mr. Donkey’. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights. WE THREE KINGS We three Kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable, as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as ‘cash for gold’ etc., gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the Elf and Safety! potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient’s name or perhaps offer a gift voucher. We would not advise that the traversing Kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations, and suggest the use of RAC route finder or satellite navigation which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note, as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr. Donkey, the camels carrying the three Kings of the Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three Kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels’ hooves. 16
BROWNIE NOTES After a break for Halloween, the first Friday night in November was our Halloween party. Witches, cats and skeletons all arrived at the hall with the leaders puzzling as to who was under each disguise! A variety of games followed, including the old favourites of bobbing for apples (unfortunately this caused some of the face paint to come off ) and catching the apples on a string. After sampling sweetie eyeballs and other equally horrible looking sweetmeats, we went outside for the sparklers. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed them, even those who were scared of the sparklers at the beginning, though we created so much smoke that we were worried the neighbours might call the fire brigade! Luckily, it all went off safely and no one suffered any burns. We have now started our Brownie skills badge and we will soon be experts at sewing on buttons, addressing envelopes (useful for sending off our letters to Santa!) and reading maps. We are looking forward to a visit to the Ice Bowl or the Omniplex next Friday before returning to complete our badges in time for Christmas. Beth Cairnduff
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS Catching her in the act, I confronted our three year-old granddaughter. “Are you opening your little sister’s presents?” I demanded. “No,” she innocently replied, “I’m just helping her share.” 17
Members of St. Columba’s will wish to offer heartiest congratulations to parishioner Elizabeth Miller on her recent completion of the Diocesan Bible Course, for which she was presented with the Bishop’s Bible Certificate. Here she gives us an in depth and revealing insight into the course itself.
DIOCESAN BIBLE COURSE The opportunity to partake arose out of the Bishop’s Bible Week some time ago and after eventually receiving notification I duly turned up at Church House, not quite sure what to expect. What I found was most interesting and Canon Robert Neill had a varied and well thought out course for us. The first surprise was the title – Year 1: The God Who Speaks – An Overview of the Bible. Year 1! How many years had I signed up for? (It turned out to be two). The program included the timeline from the first created humans and then through the Patriarchs, Exodus, the Promised Land, the Prophets, Exile and Return, Jesus, the Church’s beginnings and ending with the Book of Revelation. Later in the course we went into these areas in more detail, studying not only the influence of Paul and the written Gospels but also the early Church Fathers, Clement, Ignatius and Polycarp, amongst others. How many ‘ordinary’ Christians have heard of Papias? (he wrote in Asia Minor in 130 AD) or understand why his quotation: “Mark was Peter’s interpreter…” is important for how the Synoptic Gospels were written? I certainly hadn’t but I now know that it was vital because Peter was an actual eye witness of Jesus’ life, and Mark travelled with him and wrote down all he said and did – which became Mark’s Gospel, the earliest written and a ‘source’ document for the others. In the early Church, huge importance was placed on teaching coming straight from Jesus as heard and seen by the disciples. In times of great upheaval and Church growth it was important to refute false teaching, which was prevalent. We touched on many other things, like the structure of the Psalms and a ‘simplified’ family tree for Herod – which looked anything but simple, but did help us work out which one was which when reading about ‘Herod’ in the Bible stories! The Bible timeline itself was another fascinating revelation, with the completion in 200BC of the Septuagint Greek Manuscripts which contained the 39 Old Testament Books and the 14 Apocrypha Books (the latter were officially removed from the 1611 King James’ Bible in 1885, leaving it with only 66 Books out of the original 80). In 1384, Wycliffe was the first person to produce a handwritten manuscript copy of the Complete Bible – all 80 Books. In 1455, Gutenberg invented the printing press and the first book ever printed was a Bible in Latin. That is interesting but in 1516, perhaps more significantly, Erasmus produced a Greek/Latin parallel New Testament. This kick-started the Reformation and had a great influence on Martin Luther who now saw that repentance was more important than penance. Coming to more modern times, in 1971, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) was published as a very accurate translation while, in 1973, the New International Version (NIV) was published as a ‘phrase for phrase’ translation. In 2002, the English Standard Version (ESV – Bishop Harold’s current favourite) was published to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV. One can argue that knowing all this does not, of itself, help us to see the relevance of the Bible today. In fact, throughout the course, we were challenged to see what each subject meant for us personally, and as a Church. Sometimes it was difficult to grasp 18
but the Bible was written for all people in all times so not everything relates to any one person – we are all very different, after all. I found, however, that an appreciation of how things have come about did help me to understand that while the Bible does not change, people and times do, and our understanding and perspective does also. This was brought home to me when I read the Revd Stephen Neill’s excellent article in The Gazette (7th October) touching on just these subjects. We went through the more expected things, too – the poetry in the Psalms, the Prophets and Prophesy, the Wisdom literature and ‘The Long Wait’ between the Old and New Testaments. Term 2 brought us to the New Testament Gospels and a closer examination of who Jesus was, and what he did. We also went into what we actually know (was documented) about the disciples and others close to them. We studied Mark’s gospel fairly carefully as his is generally agreed to be the first written and so closest to the events related. We explored the relationship between the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). The Gospel of John had an evening to itself! As did Revelations – a book we found so difficult. It still is (!) but some light is showing in the darkness of my mind. Year 2 started with ‘Beyond the New Testament’. This was when we touched on the Apostolic Fathers and the early Church Councils. Their overwhelming concern was for unity. We realised that those early Christians struggled with many of the same questions which still puzzle us today, like the Doctrine of the Trinity and the dual nature of Jesus. Both are very difficult as we cannot explain them scientifically. How can God be One and Three? It is something we have to accept by faith as it is really unexplainable in our human language. In Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV): “Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (known as the Shema) is quite clear, but the word “our God” is translated from the Hebrew word Elohim which is a plural word, thus Christians believe that God is telling us that He is One, and also that He is Three in One. We learnt of the heresy of Docetism which taught that Jesus was spirit and only seemed to be human. This meant, of course, that he could not have died and risen again! So in that age, there was the problem of the crucifixion; because he suffered, said the Jew, he was not divine. Because he was divine, answered the Greek philosophers, he could not suffer. So they only really agreed that divinity and suffering are inconsistent and it fell to the Apostolic Fathers to sort it out and more, which they finally did, coming up with the Nicene Creed at the Ecumenical Council convened by Emperor Constantine in 325AD. This dealt mainly with the heresy of Arianism which was around at that time and, indeed, is common today. (We have probably all heard of people who say that Jesus was undoubtedly a good man and prophet, but they deny his divinity). This concerned the nature of Jesus; followers of Arianism taught that to maintain the unity of God, Jesus was a created being and that ‘there was a time when he was not’. This made Jesus a subordinate being and attacked the doctrine of the Trinity, Creation and Redemption. Whole churches broke away from the ‘mainstream’. (So what is new? We still hear of that today!). Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria (c.296 -373AD), was the great champion of orthodoxy as expressed in the Nicene Creed against Arianism, and eventually prevailed after the agreement reached at Nicea broke down (his Creed can be found on page 771 in the BCP). There were other heresies, too, but most fell away after the Great Councils finally resolved the issues. We then went on to the various doctrines; the Incarnation and the Doctrine of Grace, 19
and how the organisation of the Church grew and worship developed. The next term saw us returning to the Exile and Restoration with reference to Isaiah and his dealings with King Ahaz (bad) and King Hezekiah (good), and the minor prophets Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk. Jeremiah evoked my pity and admiration as his message was doomed to fall on unhearing ears. Indeed, much of the Old Testament is about the Jews (God’s chosen) following Him then backsliding, suffering defeat, repenting and being rescued by God again. Why did they never learn? Why do we never learn? Do we think setting up the United Nations will stop war or the World Bank stop poverty in the Third World? Today, we just have different enemies and different idols; money, power and the cult of the ‘celebrity’ to name but a few. Just think about why Ahaz (Isaiah 7) was bad and Hezekiah counted as good (Isaiah 3637). We went into Isaiah in some detail, even the difficult and shocking commission contained in Chapter 6, verses 9-10. In this, Isaiah is to speak a message that will harden people’s hearts and prevent them being healed. Why? Isaiah is very accepting and only asks how long he is to do this; God’s reply is even more frightening: ‘until the nation is like a field of burnt out stumps’ (Chapter 6, verses 11b-13). Basically God was trying to get across to the people that He was punishing them for turning from Him and He would save them when they repented. He had not left them, as many supposed. There are many difficult things like this in the Bible and it does no good to pretend they don’t exist – it is for us to work out why they are included and what God is saying to us today through them. In the final term, we studied Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians in much more detail which was also very interesting. We read a passage and then answered a number of questions. What does Paul remind us that he is? What does he urge his readers to do? What practical encouragement does Paul give? I think we were all sorry when the course was over, though relieved to escape more questions and essay answers! I miss the interaction with people from around the Diocese and hearing all the different points of view, and the chocolate biscuits at the break! I don’t know how long the course will continue but a new Year 1 has just started so when they do Year 2 another group will probably join in – it does not matter which year is the start year. Anyone with an interest in these questions would really enjoy this course and I would highly recommend it. Canon Robert Neill has well thought out notes and guides his students around with ease, no simple task when stories stop and re-start, a century might be skipped and there is endless repetition in some parts – all very confusing! Add to this the fact that Greek words often have no direct translation into English and the difficulties of getting the right nuance becomes clear. Just think of ‘love’, a very overworked word in English, but in Greek there are four words – agape, eros, philia and storge, each conveying different attributes of love, namely, selfless or sacrificial love, attraction or romantic love, friendship or brotherly love and affection or natural love (as in parents towards children or within the family). Happy reading with the E100! Elizabeth Miller 20
MISSION TO SEAFARERS APPEAL Gentlemen! The Missions to Seafarers “Nearly New” shop has a great need for donations of warm clothing to replenish current stock. At this time of year demand for warm winter clothes is vastly increased. This demand, in particular, is generated by seafarers coming from the warmer climes of the Philippines, India etc, who left home many months ago wearing clothing more suited to their local climate, and totally inadequate to brave the North Sea/ Irish Sea winter conditions! Please check your wardrobe as you make room for this year’s Christmas presents of new woolly jumpers, jackets etc. and help us by recycling the old but serviceable clearances. Contact Geoff Launchbury on 02890 281204 or 07814 498241(mob) who will be happy to accept your donation at St. Columba’s or collect from your home. Thank you.
ONCE IN... KING’S COLLEGE CHAPEL, CAMBRIDGE Christmas Eve, and somewhere in Cambridge there will be a boy aged between nine and thirteen who is about to sing before an audience of ten million people worldwide. Shortly before 3.00pm, the 16 boy choristers of King’s College Chapel will line up in front of the adult section of the choir. They will all watch as a red light near them starts flashing, warning that the BBC announcer is telling listeners that the programme is moving to the chapel in Cambridge. When the flashing red light stops for about ten seconds and then comes on again solid, the Director of Music will beckon his chosen soloist forward. The boy will then step forward to perform the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, the traditional start to the Christmas Eve Nine Lessons and Carols Service broadcast each year by the BBC. The boy will have had only ten seconds notice to give the performance of his life. The lack of warning is deliberate, to prevent the young choristers from having to worry about it ahead of time.
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 they already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370) to enable them to take careful note of the details. 21
E100 BIBLE READING: A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? How about starting now? A growing number of people in the Parish have signed up to have a Bible Study delivered straight to their e-mail inbox each week day. During the first week in January we shall begin looking at the New Testament – 50 readings in the next ten weeks. Why not sign up? Either e-mail me: rferris281@gmail.com or sign the list at the back of the Church. We also meet in the Parish Hall on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9.00pm and all are very welcome! Robert
THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL January is a month of the beginning of great things! As well as the naming of the Son of God, we celebrate the conversion of the greatest ever apostle of the Christian faith. Many books have been written on Paul and here is the briefest of introductions. He was a Jew, born as ‘Saul’ at Tarsus, and brought up by the Rabbi Gamaliel as a Pharisee. A devout, fanatical Jew, Saul persecuted the Christians and watched with satisfaction the first Christian martyrdom, the stoning of Stephen. Then on his way to Damascus Saul had a vision of Christ that stopped him, literally, in his tracks. He realised that this Jesus whom he was persecuting was, in fact, the Messiah for whom he had longed. Saul changed overnight. He took a new name, Paul, and became an evangelist for the cause of Christ. He became a leader in the early Church, and his special calling was as an apostle to the Gentiles. He wrote many epistles to the young churches he founded - and thus, inadvertently, wrote a great part of the New Testament. Life as the greatest apostle was hardly full of perks. He was stoned, beaten, mobbed, homeless, hated, imprisoned, and finally martyred. Tradition has it that he was beheaded in Rome during the persecution of Nero in AD 64, and buried where the basilica of St. Paul ‘outside the walls’ now stands. His mighty faith in Christ has kindled similar belief in many millions of people down through the centuries. 22
STAR OF BETHLEHEM SHINES THE LIGHT OF FAITH The Star of Bethlehem, and its association with Christmas and the birth of Jesus, is one of the most enchanting and enduring episodes of the entire Bible. The heavenly light in the night sky of the time was indeed a wonder and conveys a message and symbolism that resonate to our own age. One of the drawbacks of modern city living is that urban light masks the crystalline splendour of the night sky. In Biblical times, with fewer large settlements and no electric light source of any kind, the presence of the heavens and stars would have been much more keenly felt than they are today. Photographs of earth taken from space today show vast urban areas illuminated by countless millions of lights in homes, offices and industrial facilities. But while this ‘light pollution’ brightens up our night time streets, it also dims the stars. Imagine then, in the Biblical era, the impact of a large, unexpected and previously unseen star in the night sky. It would doubtless have stirred the imagination and given rise to fears or forebodings and portents of something mysterious. But, judged from our own time, what was this phenomenon? Modern science and cosmology can offer some possible explanations. The sun is just one of around 100 billion stars that together make up our own galaxy or the ‘Milky Way’. Very occasionally, one of these stars will end its life in a convulsive explosion or what astronomers call a ‘supernova’. One such recorded event in 1572 provided a new and temporary star so bright that it was very clearly visible to the naked eye during daylight. Alternatively, the birth of Jesus could also have been accompanied by the appearance of a comet in the night sky. These are icy and rocky fragments that orbit the sun over often lengthy periods and can occasionally be seen from earth. Many comets provide a spectacular sight owning to their tails – a plume of dust and icy particles that can extend across many millions of miles in space. Some of their orbits are short in astronomical terms, meaning they always return after a number of years. The most famous of these is Halley’s Comet which becomes visible from the earth every 75 years and was last seen in 1986. Interestingly, it made an appearance at the time of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and is illustrated in the famed Bayeaux Tapestry of that time. The last and most spectacular comet visible to the naked eye here in Northern Ireland was Hale-Bopp, which was a beautiful object in the night sky for a few weeks during April, 1997. I remember observing it in the darkness of the countryside in Westmeath where it made a very memorable impression. Unlike Halley’s Comet, it has a very long orbit and will not be seen again from earth for many centuries! But, regardless of modern astronomy, the Star of Bethlehem retains its unique place in the Gospel as a truly heavenly intervention. It shines the wonder of the birth of Jesus, the Christmas message and the light of faith down through the ages. Ivan Maginnis 23
HEALING SERVICE WITH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS For many years, St. Columba’s has placed a strong emphasis on the Ministry of Healing. At present, this is reflected in the support provided by the members of our Prayer Chain and in the prayers for the sick at our church services. At a recent meeting of the Prayer Chain Group it was suggested that we extend this important ministry to include a Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands. These services take place in many different parishes on a regular basis and I am deeply conscious of the immense support which they provide. Following careful consideration, there will be a Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands in St. Columba’s at the evening service on the fifth Sunday of the month. This will occur five times in the year, beginning on Sunday, 29th January, at 7.00pm. To facilitate the introduction of this new liturgy, the Songs of Praise Service will take place at 10.30am on the fifth Sunday. Those of you who attend the Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands, organised by the Church’s Ministry of Healing in St. Anne’s Cathedral each Friday, will be familiar with this service. We will be using the same service which includes hymns, readings, a short sermon and prayers. Those wishing to come forward for the laying on of hands will be invited to the communion rails in the Side Chapel. During this period the Organist will play some pieces of soft reflective music along with the Choir singing an anthem. You may come forward for yourself or as proxy for another. It is also possible to observe a period of quiet reflection in your pew at that point of the service. The ministry will be administered by the Curate and me. I hope that this new service will provide helpful support and comfort to you and to those who have asked for our prayers. The Rector
IS RUDOLF THE REINDEER A GIRL? Rudolph the Reindeer may have a splendid bright red nose, but there is something else rather odd about him: he has antlers. And anyone who knows reindeer will tell you that Father Christmas’ favourite reindeer for foggy nights cannot be male because only female reindeer have antlers at Christmas time! Two professors at Edinburgh University have been looking into this problem. They found that female reindeer grow antlers in time for winter in order to dig in the snow to reach lichens and so provide food for their young. Males, on the other hand, grow antlers only in order to fight with other males during the mating season in the autumn. Once that is over, they cast their antlers away, well before Christmas. So, who are the reindeers pulling Father Christmas’s sleigh? We have always assumed that all those antlered reindeer were male. But perhaps this is not so... perhaps we should rename Rudolph... Rudolpha? 24
TREE FELLING, TREE SURGERY AND HEDGE REMOVAL Following competitive tendering, Broadleaf was appointed in October to carry out the necessary tree felling and tree surgery work, as required by our insurers, for the sum of £1890. This was considerably less than expected considering we also had the saplings removed and the bamboo trimmed back to the area behind the Hall. On examination of the hedge between the Rectory and Church, it was ascertained that this was in poor condition. The root system was causing damage to the path, the branches were beginning to abrade the telephone cable running between the Rectory and the Parish Office, and the hedge contained a great deal of dead wood, posing a fire risk. Having obtained a reasonable quote of £480 to remove this hedge and grind out the roots, the Select Vestry thought it prudent to carry out this work and Broadleaf was instructed to proceed accordingly. Once the hedge was removed and the extent of the available area became apparent, it was discussed and agreed at the October Vestry meeting that this new area would be a suitable location for the Garden of Rest, for the following reasons: • • • • •
It provides more seclusion than the area outside the Choir Vestry. The area itself is larger and provides better access. It is more manageable with regard to plot layout. It offers the possibility of removing the existing oil tank base. The shrubs that have re-grown on the area outside the Choir Vestry are now providing pleasant ground cover. • It offers the possibility of re-aligning the path that leads to the car park, thus avoiding the soft spot that regularly subsides. Currently, competitive prices are being sought to carry out this work and, funds permitting, the replacement of the poor quality hedge with a timber fence to the right of the Rectory gate at the rear of the car park. This will also provide a secure enclosure to the rear of the Rectory itself. Jim Stevenson, Glebe Warden, on behalf of the Property Subcommittee.
CONGRATULATIONS! Parishioners will wish to offer their heartiest congratulations to Patrick Good, a member of the Select Vestry, who last month was called to the Senior Bar by the Lord Chief Justice and appointed to the rank of Queen’s Counsel.
MUMS & TOTS Please note that due to the Christmas holidays there will be no Mums & Tots on Friday 23rd and Friday 30th December. Anne Clarke 25
QUICKIES… The Grim Reaper came for me last night but I beat him off with a vacuum cleaner. Talk about Dyson with death! My neighbour knocked at my door at 2.30 this morning, can you believe that? Luckily for him I was still up playing my bagpipes. My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday so I went to our local pet shop and they were £70. “Blow this,” I thought, “I can get one cheaper off the web.” A mate of mine admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time. Statistically, six out of seven dwarfs are not happy.
THE STORY OF THE CHRISTINGLE The word ‘Christingle’ actually means ‘Christ Light’ and celebrates the light of Jesus coming into the world. Stories of how the Christingle began look back to the Moravian Church which is found in the Czech Republic. The Moravians have held Christingle services for more than 200 years and, according to them, this is how the first Christingle might have been made:Many years ago the children in a village were asked to bring a Christmas gift to put beside the crib in the church. One family was very poor and had no money for gifts, but the three children were still determined to take something. The only nice thing they had was an orange so they decided to give the Christ-child that. But then they discovered that the top was going green, so the eldest cut it out and put a candle in the hole. To add some colour, one of the girls took a red ribbon from her hair and tied it around the middle of the orange. It was hard to make the ribbon stay still, so they fastened it in place with toothpicks. The toothpicks looked a bit bare, so the youngest child added some raisons to them. The children took their decorated orange lantern to the church for the Christmas Mass. The other children sneered at their meagre gift but the priest seized upon it with joy. He held it up as an example of the true understanding of the meaning of Christmas, for the following reasons. The orange is round, like the world; the candle gives us light in the dark, like the love of God; the red ribbon goes round the ‘world’ as a symbol of Christ’s blood, given for everyone; the four sticks point in all directions and symbolise that God is over all – north, south, east and west; and the fruit and nuts remind us of God’s blessings. The Children’s Society first introduced the Christingle Service to the Church of England in 1968, and it has since become a popular event in the church calendar. This candlelit celebration is an ideal way to share the key messages of the Christian faith, while helping to raise vital funds to help vulnerable children across the country. For further information visit: www.childrenssociety.org.uk 26
ON THE FEROCITY OF THE PARISH BRIDGE DRIVE (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren)
The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren
hymn-singing bicycle ride through Your suggestion that we should hold a sponsored meant, but I am not wholly convinced the village as a way of raising money was wellthe Least. While you certainly raised it would suit our clientele here at St. James ted foreign coins no longer in use, some money, I feel that £5.43, along with assor ally adjustable stage for liturgical may mean that the purchase of your pneumatic rams of the Holy Land to illustrate dance, as well as equipment for producing holog s our fund-raising to repair the tea urn sermons, may be somewhat delayed. It make seem somewhat mundane. bridge drives, which are generally as You may have musical bike rides but we have those attending will see the afternoon amiable and peaceful as bear baiting. Half of p and to exchange knitting patterns, as an opportunity to catch up on local gossi these other activities. The other half the game of cards being a minor hindrance to tantly conceding that eye-gouging is arrive primed for a battle to the death, reluc h is wholly ignored by those at the not allowed. They will demand total silence – whic ded to Lady Driver half way through tables discovering what Mrs Trumpington confi Mattins. The congregation is eternally “Onward Christian Soldiers” at last Sunday’s worker, is able to lip read. grateful to Mrs Mitchell who, as a former mill an opportunity to smear jam on the Refreshments are regarded by one half as and make sure that the other tables playing cards, spill tea over the score cards corner the boiled ham; the others get the egg and cress sandwiches while they serious business of slaughtering their see it as an unwelcome interruption to the opponents. g the school bell at going-home Drawing the raffle is the adult equivalent of ringin to relay newly-mined seams of gossip time. Half the players will immediately dash off ng reproachful post-mortems with throughout the village, leaving the others holdi their partners over their bidding mistakes. the chances are that they will all Reproaches are never too violent, however, since card tables at another location for yet be meeting again the following week around ourt, the only difference being that another re-enactment of the slaughter at Aginc with tea and sandwiches at half time. the French and English were not entertained Your loving uncle, Eustace
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Children’s Colouring Page!
Colour in this joyful Christmas Scene! 28
FEBRUARY MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the February parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 15th January 2012. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR DECEMBER 2011/JANUARY2012 DECEMBER Sunday 4th Sunday 11th Sunday 18th Sunday 25th
Margaret Stewart Maureen Fleming Margaret McKee Moranne Noad
JANUARY Sunday 1st Muriel Jowett th Sunday 8 Jennifer Johnston Sunday 15th Barbara McCollam Sunday 22nd Moore & Caroline Dunbar Sunday 29th Frances O’Donnell
2012 FLOWER ROTA NOW AVAILABLE We are very fortunate that many parishioners give so willingly of their time to ensure that there are lovely flowers on both the main and side altars each Sunday. I thank Paddy Nesbitt and all those who assist with the church flowers, either by arranging the flowers themselves or by giving money in lieu of flowers each week. If you can assist with the church flowers during 2012, please place your name on the new flower rota which is now available at the back of the church. The Rector
FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Holy Baptism Sunday 30th October Jack Patrick Moore, 22 Knockdarragh Park. The Rector participated in the Baptism which took place in St. Colmcille’s Church Sunday 6th November Sunday 6th November
Aidan Drew Jess, 7 Ormiston Park. Alicia Georgina Brown, 25 Kensington Gardens South.
Our Sorrows Christian Burial Thursday 17th November Mary Davidson Lissara Mundell Colthurst, 14 Cabin Hill Gardens. The Rector conducted the Funeral Service which took place in Richhill Parish Church Friday 18th November
Kathleen Pitcaithley, Ben Madigan Nursing Home, Newtownabbey.
Season’s Greetings
The Editor wishes a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers, and extends special thanks to all those who have so willingly contributed articles and photographs to the parish magazine throughout the year. 29
PARISH ORGANISATIONS SOMETHING FOR YOU? SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig 90472512 Patricia Wilson 90401066 Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stephenson 90583381 X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd 07833 391945 The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 90874047 8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 90797125 MONDAY 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 90482113 2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) May Preston 90489884 7.30pm Men’s Club Geoff Launchbury 90281204 TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Eithne Hobson 90797793
WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 90657697 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 90592039 8.00pm Senior Badminton Club Jill Spratt 07754 405511 THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen
90790210
7.30pm Senior Badminton Club Jill Spratt 07754 405511 7.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 90422101 FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 90651412 3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine
90424390
2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 90797155
6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff
90874047
8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 90808755
8.30pm H2O Mark Wilson
90761040
8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 90795155
Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 90471514
Please note, requests for the occasional use of Church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Alan Rogers, on 90656183 30
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 King’s Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 90471514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 90870526 Mob 07989 469773
CURATE The Revd Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com robert@stcolumbasyouth.org
SELECT VESTRY Rector, Curate, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Brian Acheson, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers, Linda Wilson
PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood BT18 OHT Tel 028 90424390
HON. SECRETARY & PREMISES CONVENOR Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 90656183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber BT23 5SZ Tel 028 91878816
HON. TREASURER Gillian Sadlier 70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG Tel 028 90403278
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN Jill Gillespie 2 Cairnburn Crescent BT4 2HU Tel 028 90769508
ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Ronny Martin 12 Cyprus Gardens BT5 6FB Tel 028 90654301
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 90583381 Mob 07973 392448
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Victor Dukelow Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Ross Thompson 31
ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Gerald Hill 6 The Coaches Brown’s Brae, Croft Road Holywood BT18 OLE Tel 028 90422101
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATOR John Holland Greengraves Cottage 8 Ballyrogan Park, Newtownards BT23 4SD Tel 028 91814036 PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 95140141 Email ivan.roche@me.com
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX Tel 028 90793641
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Ruth Pugh 147A King’s Road BT5 7EG Tel 028 90483459
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 90655500
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 90489884
SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 97542198
CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 90650716
CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Suzanne Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 90653511
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Office Hours Wednesday & Friday 8.30am – 1.30pm Parish Secretary: Janet Johnston Tel 028 90656891
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 90793704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com
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 Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard 32
028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162