March 2011
RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner, REDISCOVER THE JOY OF COMING TO CHURCH In the three and a half years since my Institution as your Rector I have had the privilege of meeting with you in a number of different settings. It may have been at a church service, at a parish organisation meeting or in your home. In that time we have shared fellowship together, worshiped together in both Word and Sacrament, and have prayed together in times of joy and sadness. I deeply value and appreciate your friendship and support as together we seek to serve Almighty God to the best of our ability in our parish. It is essential that we move forward with a renewed vision so that we can meet future opportunities and challenges with confidence. We are therefore about to embark on a very exciting Lent programme entitled “Rediscover the Joy of Coming to Church”. Our distinguished visiting preachers will encourage us to focus our thoughts on a different part of the joy of our church membership as follows: Sunday 13th March Sunday 20th March Sunday 27th March Sunday 3rd April Sunday 10th April Sunday 17th April Sunday 24th April
The Joy of Belonging The Joy of Community The Joy of Sharing The Joy of Family The Joy of Love The Joy of Forgiving The Joy of New Beginnings
Archdeacon John Scott Canon Ken Higgins Archdeacon Philip Patterson Mrs Liz Miller Canon Timothy Kinahan The Revd Dr. Ron Savage Canon Ken Smyth
INVITATION TO COME AND SEE I invite you as a valued member of our church family to come and see what is happening in your parish church throughout this Lent and Easter. I encourage you to re-dedicate yourself to the vision of Jesus Christ and support this exciting programme by your attendance at our services and by your prayers. In doing so, you will have a unique opportunity to experience for yourself the strong fellowship and friendly family atmosphere which exists in St. Columba’s. The popular Crèche facility will be available at the 10.30am services. This will be a wonderful opportunity in the life of our parish for us all to come together as a strong united church family. No matter how involved you are in the life of our parish you can still learn more about your faith and Christian discipleship. My personal hope and prayer is that you will respond positively by making a commitment to serve God and our parish at this important time. It provides a fresh start for us all. Yours in His service,
... At St Columba’s! As the RBS 6 Nations, FA Cup and other sporting competitions move into top gear... Here’s your chance to exercise your heart, mind and soul courtesy of a premiership line-up of speakers presenting their thoughts on our theme for Lent:
“Rediscover the Joy of Coming to Church” Our 7 week programme kicks off on 13th March and each Sunday morning at 10.30am a range of well-known local clergy, as well the Bishop’s wife, Mrs Liz Miller, will reflect on a selection of topics.
First on the agenda is, ‘The Joy of Belonging’ and other themes include Community, Sharing, Love and The Family. Our wrap-up talk on Easter Sunday focuses on New Beginnings. So why not rekindle your sense of community and belonging to Church life and make it a match date in your diary!
You don’t need a season ticket – just turn up at the door and you’ll be very welcome!
SERVICES IN MARCH Thursday 3rd (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 6th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Sunday before Lent (White) Holy Communion Reader Lindsay Hodges 2 Peter 1: 16-21 Gospel Clergy Matthew 17: 1-9 All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Hollie Wilson Matthew 17: 1-9 Choral Evensong Reader Esther Templeton 2 Kings 2: 1-12 Reader Esther Templeton Matthew 17: 9-23 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
Wednesday 9th Ash Wednesday (Purple) 10.30am Service for Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion 7.30pm Service for Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion Thursday 10th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 13th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The First Sunday in Lent (Purple) “The Joy of Belonging” Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Romans 5: 12-19 Gospel Clergy Matthew 4: 1-11 Holy Communion followed by Parish Lunch in the Hall Reader Brian Gillespie Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7 Gospel Clergy Matthew 4: 1-11 Preacher The Venerable John Scott, Rector of Banbridge Intercessions Helen Donaghy Late Evening Office Reader Karen McAlpine Luke 15: 1-10
Thursday 17th St. Patrick’s Day (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 20th 8.15am 9.30am
The Second Sunday in Lent “The Joy of Community” Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller Gospel Clergy Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine
(Purple)
Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Matthew 17: 1-9 Matthew 17: 1-9
10.30am 7.00pm
Morning Prayer followed by refreshments Reader Patricia Wilson Reader Patrick Wilson Occasional Muriel Arndell Prayers Preacher Canon Ken Higgins, Rector of St. Donard’s Holy Communion Reader Robin Haldane Numbers 21: 4-9 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 14: 27-33
Thursday 24th The Annunication of Our Lord (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 27th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday in Lent (Purple) “The Joy of Sharing” Holy Communion Reader Trevor Buchanan Romans 5: 1-11 Gospel Clergy John 4: 5-42 Holy Communion followed by refreshments Reader John Holland 2 Peter 1: 1-9 Gospel Clergy Matthew 14: 13-21 Preacher Archdeacon Philip Patterson, Rector of Knockbreda Intercessions Gina Greeves Evening Prayer Reader Gina Greeves Joshua 1: 1-9 Reader Gina Greeves John 2: 13-22 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
Thursday 31st (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (028 90655500). The readings are from Year A 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
MARCH SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 6 ................................................ Ross Cairnduff and Charles Auchmuty th
Sunday 13th .............................................. Jennifer Johnston and Joan Madill Sunday 20th.............................................. Barbara Gibson and May Morrow Sunday 27th.............................................. Dawn and Garth Macartney
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 March:
Rector: Ashmount Park Belaire Park, Newtownards Beechcroft Park, Newtownards Leadhill Park Leadhill View
Curate: Ardgreenan Drive Ardgreenan Gardens Marina Park Laurelvale Limewood Grove
BOOK SALE The selection of second hand books available for sale in the Side Porch will continue throughout March. A contribution towards Church Funds of perhaps £1 per book would be appreciated. If this proves popular, we might also request books from parishioners. Any queries, please speak to the Church Wardens. Elizabeth Leonard
THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING will take place in the Church Hall on Monday, 4th April 2011 at 7.30pm All parishioners are encouraged to attend but only those who are registered can vote to elect: The People’s Churchwarden The People’s Glebewarden 12 Select Vestry Members Honorary Auditors In addition, as this is a Triennial Year, the following elections will also take place: Parochial Nominators Supplemental Parochial Nominators Diocesan Synod Members Supplemental Diocesan Synod Members
Refreshments will be served during the meeting.
ST. COLUMBA’S LENT BOOK STALL The Good Book Shop will supply us with seasonal material to assist with our Lent, Holy Week and Easter devotions. When:
Sunday 6th March Sunday 13th March Sunday 20th March Sunday 27th March
Where: At the back of Church What:
Books for Lent & Easter Children’s Books Bibles Prayer Books Mothers’ Day Cards Easter Cards Large Print Hymn Books CDs
I encourage you to support this important resource in our parish. The Rector
St Columba’s Parish Church
Lenten Lunch Sunday 13th March Following Morning Service in the Church Hall
Admission: Voluntary Contributions towards the Parish Building Fund and the Pakistan Community Health Project
LADIES GUILD NOTES Dear Ladies Here we are in March already and it is great to think that Spring is just around the corner! We are planning to attend the Ash Wednesday church service on March 9th and would like our members to sit together. On Wednesday, 16th March, we will go to the Tudor Cinema in Comber and will let you all know the film and travel details later. It is always an enjoyable evening and we hope for a good turnout of members and friends! See you soon, Lilias Smith
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE A very big thank you to everyone who supported the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at tea and coffee last month when we raised just over ÂŁ110. Did you know that Age NI is the new charity combining Age Concern NI and Help the Aged in Northern Ireland? Age NI delivers care services and provides advice to improve later life for everyone. Please plan to be with us at our All Age Worship service on Sunday, 6th March, when we shall be supporting Age NI. Roberta
KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE! I mentioned in my February column that the parish youth website was about to be launched and indeed it was! It is an on-going work. Quietly behind the scenes it will grow into a resource for all in the parish to refer to, no matter what age. It has been designed to be as useful and user friendly as possible. We will update it weekly with information, columns, interviews and much more please do pop back and check out what is online! What can I find on the site? We have various “columns”, namely:Why do we do what we do (updated monthly) This column is dedicated to what we do in church week by week and will eventually answer questions such as: • Why do we come to church anyway? • Why do we have different colours/seasons in church? • Why do we sing hymns? • Why do we celebrate Holy Communion? N:gage with Sunday Mornings (updated weekly) This column is dedicated to engaging with Sunday morning worship. It will provide us with tools to help prepare for worship, informing us of the type of service at 10:30am, explaining the reading and examining a part of the service itself. We also hope to host guest interviews with various people in and beyond the Church of Ireland. We are developing a parents’ section which includes our pew news and parish magazine, and have split the website up, dependent upon the age group, with games, video clips and links. For our older teenagers and above we have set up a facebook group. All of our updates will be highlighted on our twitter account - if you happen to have a twitter account - please do follow us @stcolumbasyouth Whilst this is a youth website, all are welcome to check us out at: www.stcolumbasyouth.org Every Blessing Robert PS. A few new “surfer” sessions are planned ... see elsewhere in the Columban for details! ALL are welcome to show interest.
INTERNET SURFER SERIES During January, St. Columba’s ran the first highly successful series of ‘Silver Surfer’ classes for those who wanted to start exploring the online world. We are now contemplating a further series of classes under the ‘Surfer’ heading. This time, however, they will not be restricted to those who consider themselves ‘Silver’ and all three sessions will assume some basic familiarity with internet and computer usage. Session 1 - Facebook and Twitter ... What on Earth? You will have undoubtedly heard of Facebook and Twitter. Perhaps family members are using them or you have encountered problems of on-line privacy and would like to find out for yourself what is Good, Bad and Ugly about these sites, and also how to use them safely. In addition, you will discover how our parish is putting this technology to good purpose! Session 2 - Digital Photography If you have a digital camera and would love to do more with it, this session will show you how to successfully save, organise, share, upload and email photographs. We will also demonstrate how to edit photographs using free software! Session 3 - Internet/email for Dummies If you have a computer in the house connected to the internet and want to discover the worldwide web and how to search for information, then this is the one for you! It is basically a re-run of the final session in our ‘Silver Surfer’ series in January but is open to everyone. At the moment we are simply looking at potential interest. It is likely that all three sessions will be scheduled to run in June. Sign-up sheets will be available on the first three Sundays in March at the back of church and there will probably be a mixture of afternoon and evening sessions. Robert
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JUST A MINUTE Little Jimmy was lying about on a hill in the middle of a meadow on a warm spring day. Puffy white clouds rolled by and he pondered their shape. Soon, he began to think about God. “God, are you really there?” Jimmy asked out loud. To his astonishment a voice came from the clouds. “Yes, Jimmy. What can I do for you?” Seizing the opportunity, Jimmy asked, “God, what is a million years like to you?” Knowing that Jimmy would not understand the concept of infinity, God responded in a manner to which Jimmy could relate. “A million years to me, Jimmy, is like a minute.” “Oh,” said Jimmy. “Well then, what’s a million pounds like to you?” “A million pounds to me, Jimmy, is like a penny.” “Wow!” remarked Jimmy, as an idea slowly dawned on him. “You’re so generous...can I have one of your pennies?” God replied, “Sure thing, Jimmy! Just a minute.”
MEN’S CLUB It seems ages since I last sat down to report on the activities of the Men’s Club. After the hustle and bustle of last year with the Anniversary celebrations it is nice to get back to normality and start to enjoy our bowls again. Since the start of the year we have been plodding steadily along each Monday evening in the hall. Our Captain has been keeping us all in order and we are progressing well with all the competitions. Two matches have been played since January, both resulting in good wins. First of all we welcomed our friends from St Donard’s who enjoyed a great evening of fellowship and fun in spite of losing to us. Two weeks later we entertained a strong team from Knock Methodist who started well but eventually succumbed to our superior skills. At time of going to print we are holding a social night on Monday, 14th February, where we host friends and family for an evening of fun bowling with a few surprises thrown in! On Thursday, 24th February, we travel to our friends at St Colmcille’s for our last match of the season. Report and result to follow. We were delighted to have our Vice-Captain, Jonathan Launchbury, back with us again after his recent operation. I would like to mention at this time Alva Anderson who is in ill health and the Club wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts also are with Roy Templeton who is well on the way to recovery after his recent fall. Until the next time, John Robb (Hon. Secretary) 11
APPOINTMENT IN THE PUNJAB
We are most grateful to Sarah, elder daughter of parishioners Raymond and Mandy Fullerton, for sharing with us highlights of her recent experience in India, having been selected by Ashfield Girls School for an exchange visit to a school in the Punjab region. After travelling from Sunday afternoon, we arrived in Punjab, a north-western region of India, in the late hours of Monday night and were amazed at the number of people as well as shocked at their total disregard for the Highway Code! We had lunch in Delhi with a family whom we didn’t know but they were very nice and were interested in our culture, before heading to the school in the poverty ridden region of Sanghol. After dodging a cow, a camel and even an elephant we eventually made it to our destination, thanks to our skilful driver! Sanghol, with its rich cultural heritage, is associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation of 3000 BC and holds a special position on the archaeological atlas of India. It is famed for the Sanghol Museum. A large of number of relics dating from the late Harappan civilization (1720 BC – 1300 BC) to 6th century AD can be found there. Sanghol was also an important centre of Buddhism and was visited by the Chinese pilgrim, YuanChawang, during the period 629-645AD. A Buddhist stupa was excavated in 1968 and in February 1985 a rich treasure of 117 beautiful carved stone slabs, including 69 pillars, 35 crossbars, figures and figurines, was discovered by experts from the Punjab Directorate of Archaeology. Scholars have described them as Kushan sculptures of the Mathura school of the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. These treasures have since been displayed for art lovers and historians in the Sanghol Museum. Many of the art pieces from this museum often go on display as special exhibits at various museums around the world. Today, Sanghol is home to several communities who live there in complete harmony. It is now a vast site of rolling mounds concealing the remains of those who have lived and died there over the centuries. We had a fabulous opportunity to help both pupils and their teachers, teaching all age groups and training teachers in effective ways of using ICT in education, as well as examining the differences and similarities between western and eastern education, culture and music. We also were privileged to be invited to deliver a joint presentation at the prestigious World Education Culture Congress in Delhi, convened by Lady Rana, highlighting the differences in culture they have experienced. In the school in Sanghol we felt like celebrities because everyone wanted to talk to us! The children were very respectful and stood up when we entered the room. They even stood up when they answered or asked a question. In fact, one girl asked a question and remained standing and her friend had to tell us that we had to tell her to sit down! The amount of respect the children showed for their elders was extraordinary. Throughout the trip we saw many sights that absolutely amazed us. The number of appalling slums everywhere was disgraceful. The surprising thing which I could not get my head around was how all the children were so happy running about in hardly any clothes and playing in the streets amongst the oncoming traffic. With a slum practically on every street corner, on the next one there stood a Mercedes! The fact that people could live with such dreadful poverty just a few feet away shocked me greatly. Throughout the trip we felt that we met the full requirements of the exchange as we taught all ages and understood the difficulties that Indian teachers face, although there is not so much pressure on teachers’ personal development as we experience back at home. I also played an active role in classes taken by Indian teachers and 12
really enjoyed working with the pupils. We visited a Sikh temple in Fatehgarh Sahib. It was interesting to learn about their religion and the fact that the temple had been constructed when two young boys, who would not convert to the Muslim faith, were martyred. In fact, they were bricked up alive for their troubles. One day was special because wives were celebrated for their dedication to their husbands. Wives fast for their husbands’ wellbeing and this particular day marked the end of that fast. The female members of staff took great delight in dressing all of us up in traditional Punjabi dress. We were honoured as special guests at the festival of “Lohri” and in return we sang a traditional Hindi song. We were still very tired from our busy week but enjoyed seeing the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was absolutely magnificent – a mausoleum to a queen who died giving birth to her 14th child. The monument was built in order to continue to show her beauty and her husband’s love for her, and is made from Indian marble and many precious stones from around the world. Our next stop was at Agra Fort which was built in the 16th Century. One of the queen’s sons decided that he wanted power over the kingdom so he fought with his other brothers to win control of it. The son then imprisoned the queen’s husband, his father. He made him overlook the Taj Mahal but did not actually allow him to visit his wife’s resting place. One of our journeys to the train station was eventful...a huge storm blew up and the hail stones were so large that they cracked the windscreen of our taxi! We found that the local people were content with what we would consider abject poverty - imagine living in a shack at the side of the road with traffic rushing past. There was no central heating to keep them warm and little privacy. The pupils of Uma Rana school were happy to give us their good wishes on scraps of paper, whereas pupils at home would not be content unless they had access to a computer and a colour printer! One thing we didn’t realise was that Indians would consider the British to be unfriendly and distant, as this was how they behaved during the British Indian Empire (British Raj) in the 18th and 19th Century. We think that we have changed their minds and this was evident during our emotional farewell. Overall, our trip to India was an astonishing and unforgettable experience. The wonderful sights that we saw make me now appreciate everything I have in my life. I feel that I have learnt so much from their culture and am humbled to have been granted such an ultimate life changing experience. I am also proud that I carried it through and feel privileged to have met some extraordinary people along our journey. The one person I will never forget was a little boy I met on the side of the road while we were out on a trip. He came up to me with the usual begging techniques that we saw everywhere as children tried to get money for food. The little boy was around the age of six and he told me his leg had been cut off to allow him to beg. It was the most horrific sight that I have ever seen and hit me very hard. I am deeply grateful for the most generous fundraising and kindness shown by people at the coffee morning organised by my Mum as well as for all the hard work of my manager, Mr. Mercer of Hillmount Nurseries, to help me on my way. I personally feel everyone in life should be given the chance for change! Sarah Fullerton 13
Images of India – the Splendour, the Poverty, the People
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OUR MAN GETS THROUGH...
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LADIES BOWLING Last month we had our usual annual match with Knock Presbyterian. It is always good to get together and renew friendship. This month we look forward to St. Dorothea’s. Sadly, our numbers are smaller this year. Phyllis Newton
Hello Ladies Just a reminder that our meeting on Tuesday, 1st March, will be held in the Church Hall. This will enable Evelyn Briggs to display her Enterprise Box with cards and many other Mothers’ Union items. Can you also please remember to bring your Overseas box on that evening? Many thanks. The Festival Service will be held on Friday, 25th March, at 8.00pm in Dromore. Unfortunately, I am unable to give transport arrangements at this time as I am still awaiting final numbers. I will, however, let everyone know as soon as I possibly can. On Tuesday, 5th April, our Guest Speaker is Mrs Zlata Williams who will be talking about her childhood escape from Czechoslovakia before the war. This is indeed a fascinating story, guaranteed to keep us all enthralled and I do hope as many of you as possible will come along to hear Zlata’s remarkable true life tale. SPECIAL DATE Sunday, 3rd April, is Mothering Sunday and I’m delighted to report that we will once again be having a Service of Enrolment during the 10.30 am service. We would like everyone to sit together at the front as a group to support the ladies being enrolled, and I know we will all remember them in our prayers. The Mothers’ Union will be providing the tea and coffee afterwards and this will be our contribution to the Building Fund. I feel that thanks and praise must go to our Branch Leader, Kathleen, who has managed two years in a row to swell our ranks by “recruiting” new members to St Columba’s Mothers’ Union. Is she on some sort of commission, I wonder?! (only joking, Kathleen). It is absolutely wonderful to see so many new faces and I would stress that a very warm welcome awaits anyone thinking of joining the Mothers’ Union. Your friend Irene 16
SAINT PATRICK – SLAVE AND CHRISTIAN MESSENGER St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th falls this year during the second week of Lent, which once again serves to remind us of how the Christian message was first spread widely throughout Ireland, and to celebrate the life and times of our patron saint whose work made this possible. The 1,500 years or so since the death of Patrick means that there are many details of his life and work that have been lost to time. However, there are various important things about Patrick that history has been able to confirm or to concede as has having been probable. History acknowledges that Patrick was born around 390AD in what was then western Britain. He grew up in comparatively comfortable circles with his family being notables loyal to the faltering rule of the late Roman Empire. There was also some early spiritual influence at home with both his father and grandfather having been ordained as Christian clergy. As a young man, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish outlaws and transported to Ireland where he served as a slave, tending to sheep and other animals in an agrarian society dominated by often warring chieftains, and where druids offered only pagan worship. This time of enslavement was to be the defining period in Patrick’s life. It was during this time in exile that he had visions from God and this spiritual awakening gave him the courage to later escape, return home successfully and begin planning for a future spiritual mission among the people of Ireland. Patrick was later ordained and appointed as a bishop before returning to Ireland where he spent the rest of his life preaching the gospel and bringing Christianity to throughout the island. This required considerable diplomatic skill and often put him in great danger from sceptical chieftains, as well as from druids who sought to maintain the pagan past. Patrick died around 460AD – but it would take another 300 years for his legacy to be formally put on record when monastic scribes attributed details of his life’s work in the Book of Armagh, which is now held in the library at Trinity College Dublin. Other former monastic texts that provide details of Patrick’s work can be found in France and elsewhere. The former Archbishop of Armagh, the late Dr. George Otto Simms, was an established authority and author on the life and times of St. Patrick, and his work forms one of many sources that should be consulted by anyone seeking a more elaborate account. Interestingly, while Patrick is attributed by legend to have expelled the snakes from Ireland, ancient explorers who visited here long before his time have hinted at the absence of snakes even then. What is more important, of course, is the legacy of the Christian message Patrick brought to Ireland, which will always shine through our faith and in the work of our Church. 17
ST. KIERAN AND ST. MACARTAN During March we should also reflect upon, and give thanks for, the work of two saintly followers of St Patrick who are commemorated during the same month, and who shared or carried on his mission during the late 5th and early 6th centuries. These are St. Kieran of Seirkeiran whose commemoration day falls on March 5th, and St. Macartan, a contemporary of Patrick, who is remembered on March 24th. St. Kieran was born in west Cork and has associations with the dramatic seascapes of Clear Island, close to the Mizen Head at the very southern point of Ireland, where he had a hermitage. By contrast, the work of St. Macartan is perhaps more readily known here in Northern Ireland through his role in establishing the early church in Tyrone and Fermanagh. Saint Macartan today gives his name to two diocesan cathedrals, one in Clogher and the other in Enniskillen.
A REFLECTION ON THE LORD’S PRAYER (Matthew 6:1-18) Our Father in heaven, please help us. We, your children, learn slowly. So often we say nothing when your name is mis-used. Often our lives do not reflect your ways, Mostly we do what we want on earth And this can make heaven unimaginable. We expect so much more than we actually need each day. Sometimes we think we don’t need forgiveness, Sometimes we think we are unforgivable And we forget that other people make these same errors of thinking. When it comes to temptation, we find our own ways, We are confused about what is and is not evil, We are confused about deliverance, We are confused... And here is the wonder, the grace and the mystery, That you know us completely, Our failings, our secrets, And love us forever and ever, Amen. Daphne Kitching 18
THE BELFAST MARATHON! Monday, 2nd May
This year, unfortunately, I have a good excuse reason for not doing the whole thing! However, there was great excitement last year in the parish as we had a number of teams participating in the relay. So I throw these three questions out to all readers of The Columban… Would you fancy taking up the mammoth challenge of running/walking the whole Belfast Marathon for St. Columba’s Building Fund? (minimum age 16). It is over 26 miles long, but there is also a shorter 9 mile walk/run! Would you fancy joining a team of parishioners to run/walk the relay? (again minimum age 16). Would you fancy the challenge of the fun run? It is 3 miles long (no minimum age but under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult!). I am happy to co-ordinate these options. Have a think about it, chat to me, the Church Wardens or to others who participated last year - it is great fun! Sign-up sheets with information on the relevant entry fees etc. will be available at the back of church. The last date for registration is Sunday, 20th March. Robert
NUTS OR CRISPS? A weary business man walks into a pub on the way home after a long, hard day and orders a beer. As he stands at the bar, he notices a bowl of nuts on the counter, which, to his amazement, suddenly speaks to him and say: “My my, Sir, that’s a very smart new suit and tie you’re wearing, aren’t we looking swell this evening!” Mystified, the man walks over to the vending machine to extract a packet of crisps and in turn, the machine also speaks to him, but growls: “Where on earth did you dig up those dreadful old rags? They must have belonged to a scarecrow or were you just dragged through a hedge backwards?” Completely baffled, the businessman turns to the barman and says: “What is going on here? The nuts and the vending machine can speak! The nuts say nice things to me and the vending machine is extremely rude!” “Ah, yes sir”, replies the barman, “You see, tonight the nuts are complimentary but I’m afraid the vending machine is definitely out of order.”
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WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER This month – on the first Friday in March - women in our local churches will join with millions of others around the world with one aim in mind...to pray. The Women’s World Day of Prayer has in recent years become a global, ecumenical movement of informed prayer and prayerful action, organised and led by Christian women. The service is written by a different country each year and that country then becomes the focus of the world’s prayers on the day itself. It begins as dawn breaks over the islands of Tonga in the Pacific and continues across each continent until the last services of this special day are held back in the Pacific, on the islands of Samoa, circling the world in prayer for 36 hours. By then the day will have been celebrated in over 170 countries and over 5,000 services will have been held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The origins of Women’s World Day of Prayer date back to the late nineteenth century when Christian women in the USA and Canada began a variety of activities in support of women’s involvement in mission, at home and abroad. But it was not until the 1930’s that Women’s World Day of Prayer services began in Britain. This year the worship material has been prepared by the women of Chile. Its theme, ‘How many loaves have you?’ is appropriate as bread is eaten at every meal in Chile and is very much part of everyday life. Although organised and led by women, this is essentially a day of prayer for everybody as Christians demonstrate their solidarity with ‘sisters and brothers’ in other countries. All are welcome to attend! See notice below for details.
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (interdenominational)
Friday, 4th March 2011 St. Brendan’s Parish Church Sydenham At 8.00pm Theme: How many loaves have you? ALL WELCOME – Men, Women and young people! Prepared by the Christian Women of Chile 20
We are most indebted to former parishioner, Joyce Stock, who has kindly agreed to share some thoughts with us when she was an active and enthusiastic member of the Ladies Afternoon Badminton Club.
HAPPY MEMORIES In 1989, the badminton class I attended had to close so I joined the Ladies Afternoon Club. This was very presumptuous of me as the members were, or had been, match players! They found my pathetic efforts amusing but their laughter was kindly and they spent a great deal of time and trouble teaching me until I became a passable player with a ‘tricky’ serve – tricky because the direction of the shuttlecock was often as surprising to me as to my opponents! The meetings were always enjoyable with interesting chat between games and sometimes we even tackled difficult quizzes. One meeting I remember especially was when the net was missing and we tied discarded Christmas garlands to the posts. Another memorable occasion was painfully funny because part of the court was slippery, resulting in many of us standing in between games – we had unexpectedly sat down during them! In 2004, I had to admit that age, arthritis and an undiagnosed hip displacement meant I could no longer play, even at net, so I resigned at the end of the Spring session. The last meeting coincided with my birthday and I was given a party complete with birthday cake with eight candles on it, one for each decade of my age! We still keep in touch and I was delighted to attend this year’s New Year lunch. Joyce Stock
ARRESTED! It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Rover, was barking and I saw a little boy on the pavement staring in at me. “Is that a dog you got back in there?” he asked. “It sure is,” I replied. Wide-eyed, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he ventured: “What’d he do, then?” 21
ARCHBISHOP’S PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS - GENERAL SYNOD 2010 In his first Presidential Address to the new Synod at the end of last year, the Archbishop of Canterbury urged members to recognise the value of the Covenant for the life of the Anglican Communion. “The Covenant text itself represents work done by theologians of similarly diverse views, including several from North America. It does not invent a new orthodoxy or a new system of doctrinal policing or a centralised authority, quite explicitly declaring that it does not seek to override any province’s canonical autonomy. After such a number of discussions and revisions, it is dispiriting to see the Covenant still being represented as a tool of exclusion and tyranny.” He also warned of the consequences of the Church of England not engaging in the inevitable changes that will occur within the Communion, including the effect on Communion relations which could in turn affect vulnerable churches: “It is an illusion to think that without some changes the Communion will carry on as usual, and a greater illusion to think that the Church of England can somehow derail the entire process. The unpalatable fact is that certain decisions in any province affect all. We may think they shouldn’t, but they simply do. If we ignore this, we ignore what is already a real danger, the piece-by-piece dissolution of the Communion and the emergence of new structures in which relation to the Church of England and the See of Canterbury are likely not to figure significantly. All very well, you may say; but among the potential casualties are all those areas of interaction and exchange that are part of the lifeblood of our church and of many often quite vulnerable churches elsewhere. These relations are remarkably robust, given the institutional tensions at the moment, and, as I’ve often said, many will survive further disruption. But they will be complicated and weakened by major fracture and realignment.” Dr. Williams described the Covenant as a tool with which disagreement within the Communion could be managed, even if such disagreement could not be resolved: “The Covenant offers the possibility of a voluntary promise to consult. And it also recognises that even after consultation there may still be disagreement, that such disagreement may result in rupture of some aspects of communion, and that this needs to be managed in a careful and orderly way. Now the risk and reality of such rupture is already there, make no mistake. The question is whether we are able to make an intelligent decision about how we deal with it. To say ‘yes’ to the Covenant is not to tie our hands. But it is to recognise that we have the option of tying our hands if we judge, after consultation, that the divisive effects of some step are too costly.” The Archbishop also turned his thoughts to the idea of the ‘Big Society’. “At the 22
moment, our society is calling out to the real Church with a new urgency. We are going to be discussing the language of the Big Society … And if such language means anything – as I believe it does – it looks to an ideal that (John) Wesley would have recognised easily: men and women determined to enhance each others’ lives by building up their freedom to shape their future and their communal life with fairness and generosity; people for whom responsibility is not a grim and repressive word but a joyful acknowledgement of what we owe to each other.” Dr. Williams went on to discuss the need for greater theological debate on both sides of the discussion around same-sex unions: “The other issue, still bitterly divisive in the Communion, is that of our approach to same-sex unions. It is inevitable that, whether in open debate or in general discussion, this will be around during the lifetime of this Synod. I shall make only a brief comment here, having said a fair amount on the subject this time last year and in other settings. And it is that this has become a cardinal example of how we avoid theological debate. The need for some thoughtful engagement that will help us understand how people who read the same Bible and share the same baptism can come to strongly diverse conclusions is getting more urgent, because I sense that in the last few years the debate on sexuality has not really moved much. It is unthinkingly treated by some as almost the sole test of biblical fidelity or doctrinal orthodoxy; it is unthinkingly regarded by others as one of those matters on which the Church must be brought inexorably into line with what our culture can make sense of. Neither side always has the opportunity of clarifying how they see the focal theological issues – how one or the other position relates to our belief in a divine Saviour. And if we are not to be purely tribal about this, we need the chance for some sort of discussion that is not dominated by the need to make an instant decision or to react to developments and pressures elsewhere.”
MOTORING TIP Have you ever rented or borrowed a car and when arriving at the filling station wondered... mmm, which side is the petrol filler cap on? You can even forget this useful piece of information on your own car! Some folk stick their head out of the window, straining their neck to look, or try to see in the side mirrors. In the end, it’s usually quicker just to get out of the car and check, by which time there is a good chance you have already pulled up on the wrong side of the pump and may have considerable difficulty in getting the nozzle of the pump to stretch over as far as the filler cap... despair not, however, help is at hand! If you look at your petrol gauge on the dashboard you will see a small icon of a petrol pump, with the handle of the petrol pump extending out either to the left or to the right. If the handle is on the left, your tank will be on the left. If the handle on the icon is on the right, your tank will be on the right... simples, yes? 23
DEDICATION OF CHURCH HALL BOILER The Rector will dedicate the new Church Hall boiler on Sunday, 13th March. This will take place in the Church Hall just before we enjoy our parish lunch. The Parish Organisations have been enjoying the benefits of the new boiler during the very cold winter months. The proceeds from our most successful Flower Festival were used to pay for this essential project, which also involved the installation of Phoenix Gas pipes. We were therefore able to remove the oil tank from the rear of the Church. I thank the Glebewardens, Jim Stevenson and John Proctor, for all their additional hard work during the installation process. The Rector
Save this date! Hog Roast and Hoedown Friday 10th June 2011 at 7pm at Tony and Clodagh Reid’s Unicarvel, 88 Ballyrainey Road, Comber PROCEEDS FOR THE PARISH BUILDING FUND Appeal
Yee Haw! ... I’m glad we never listened to those rumours about old Reggie’s dodgy relatives... 24
APRIL MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the April parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, March 13th . Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR MARCH Sunday 6th............................................... Wendy Killen Sunday 13th ............................................ Moranne Noad Sunday 20th ............................................ Maureen Fleming Sunday 27th ............................................ Liz McCaughey
FROM THE REGISTER Our Sorrows Christian Burial Thursday 13th January Marcia Barbara Graham Abbeyfield Nursing Home 30 Bloomfield Road, Bangor
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. 25
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 John Robb 90581438 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) Irene Gray 90653438
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 26
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 SELECT VESTRY Rector, Curate, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Brian Acheson, Clare Best, Helen Donaghy, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth McCaughey, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers, Linda Wilson
CURATE The Revd Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com robert@stcolumbasyouth.org 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 ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN Victor Dukelow 19 Thornhill Park BT5 7AR Tel 028 90290625 PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Elizabeth Leonard 28 Knockdene Park South BT5 7AB Tel 028 90653162
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Moranne Noad Meryl Townsend
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 90583381 Mob 07973 392448
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Emma Hill Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Roberta Rogers Paul Stewart 27
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@treadmillcommunications.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 Daphne Nelson 14 Rosepark BT5 7RG Tel 028 90483889
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 28
028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162