The Columban st. columba’s church, knock, november 2016
Light of the World by William Holman Hunt
CHURCH OF IRELAND PARISH MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 2016
Rector’s Letter
Dear Parishioner
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL THURSDAY 24th – 27th NOVEMBER, ADVENT SUNDAY It is a great blessing for me to share in the planning for our Christmas Tree Festival which will take place from 24th – 27th November. I am greatly encouraged by all the exciting suggestions from our Parish Organisations about the decorations they are going to put on their Christmas tree to illustrate both the title and the biblical reference they have been allocated. They are all interpreting their part of the Christmas story in a unique and engaging way. Half of the trees are allocated to our Parish Organisations, with the remaining being sponsored by local churches, businesses in the local community and the contractors who carry out work in our parish. This is a fresh way for St Columba’s and our community to connect in a practical way to share the Christmas Story and the many ways that it can influence us for the good. The Christmas Tree Festival Committee, along with many members of the parish, are all working extremely hard with the preparations for this innovative fundraising event. The launch will take place on Thursday 24th November at 7.00pm. This will mark the beginning of a new and exciting opportunity for St Columba’s and will be a wonderful opportunity for us to display the story of birth of our Lord with parishioners, friends and so many members of the community through the beautifully decorated trees in the church. We will have the joy of welcoming School Choirs throughout the few days and there will be seasonal organ music at various times each day. Refreshments will be served in the Church Hall, where there will also be a few craft stalls. The theme for the Christmas Tree Festival is “Let there be Light!”. As the Christmas Gospel reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Our attendance and participation in the Festival will provide us with fresh opportunities to ensure that the light of Christ shines brightly through our words and actions in a world which has grown so dark through selfishness and sin. 2
I hope that you will “come glow with us” throughout our Christmas Tree Festival by giving it your full support and encouraging your friends to come along to experience the Christmas Story in this unique and visual way. I hope that we will all be greatly enriched by it. As a parish, we need to support and help each other in all the work that is being done to ensure that the Christmas Tree Festival offers support and blessing to all those who come to visit St Columba’s. May they see for themselves that St Columba’s is more than just a beautiful building but is a community of faith, working to ensure that all those who enter our door are inspired by their visit. A warm welcome awaits!
Yours in His Service,
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
From the Registers Our Joys
Holy Baptism Friday 23rd September
Zara Irene Walls 5 Rosepark Meadows
Our Sorrows Christian Burials Thursday 29th September
Edwin James Noel Osborough Mount Lens Nursing Home
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SERVICES IN NOVEMBER Thursday, 3rd All Saints Day (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday, 6th 8.15am
The Third Sunday before Advent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Joe McKee 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-5, 13-17 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 20: 27-38
10.30am All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Member of Sunday School Luke 20: 27-38 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Tillie Heyburn 1 Kings 3: 1-15 Reader Tillie Heyburn Matthew 22: 15-22 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine Thursday, 10th (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday, 13th Remembrance Sunday (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Ephesians 6: 10-17 Gospel Clergy John 15: 9-17 10.30am
Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance Reader Bill Taylor Isaiah 2: 2-5 Reader Tony Greeves John 15: 9-17 Occasional Prayers Elizabeth Leonard
7.00pm Compline Reader Preacher:
Caroline Cleland-Higginson Matthew 5: 1-12 Karen McAlpine
Thursday, 17th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry 4
Sunday, 20th The Kingship of Christ (White) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Colossians 1: 11-20 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 23: 33-43 9.30am
Family Communion Gospel Sophia Irwin
10.30am
Morning Prayer Reader Brian Acheson Jeremiah 23: 1-6 Reader Andrew Hirst Luke 23: 33-43 Occasional Prayers Noel Higginson
7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Jill Gillespie 1 Samuel 8: 4-20 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 18: 33-37
Luke 23: 33-43
Thursday, 24th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday, 27th 8.15am
The First Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Billy McAlpine Romans 13: 11-14 Gospel Clergy Matthew 24: 36-44
10.30am 7.00pm
Advent Carol Service with the combined Choirs of St Columba’s and Cregagh Presbyterian Church BDCC United Advent Service in St Columba’s
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 wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (9065 5500). The readings are from Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website: www.coiknock.org
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LEST WE FORGET During the First World War, 48 parishioners from St. Columba’s served in H.M. Forces, the vast majority in the Army. Tragically, twelve did not return, a truly horrific rate of attrition. The names of both the fallen and the survivors are shown on the memorial plaque in the south transept where, in 1919, the beautiful memorial window was erected to their eternal glory. No less than three MC’s, one MM and one DFC were awarded for gallantry. In the Second World War, reflecting its far greater global reach, 120 parishioners from St. Columba’s served in HM Forces, not only in the Army but also in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Auxiliary Territorial Service and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Tragically, twelve also did not return, eight from the ranks of the Royal Air Force alone, as high a rate of attrition as that suffered by those parishioners who served in the Army during the First World War. In more recent times, Constable Mark Evans was killed on 7th September 1981 whilst serving with the RUC in Pomeroy, and his name is displayed on a memorial glass case towards the rear of the church. St. Columba’s Roll of Honour in two World Wars, inscribed on the front two pillars of the nave, reads as follows: 1914-1918 1939-1945 J. Burke A. S. Craig A. D. Deane R. A. A. Doherty T. B. Elliot M. D. Green H. Hooton J. C. Harris I. C. McCormick A. R. Hill H. McCormick M. C. Hind R. Nelson H.G. Montgomery W. Nelson R. N. Morgan J. Purvis C. McConnell A. Rodgers A. McFarland W. H. Unsworth J. H. Rice G. W. Webb N. Turner Mindful of all current ongoing military operations, let us pause on Remembrance Sunday to remember those men and women who, in countless conflicts, made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for our freedom. We also remember all worldwide victims of war, brutality, terror and oppression. Let us above all pray for those valiant young men who set forth from this parish in those dark and storm filled days, never to return home nor see their loved ones again.
They knew their duty and they died for it
LET US HONOUR THEIR MEMORY 6
SIDESPERSON’S ROTA 6th November 13th November 20th November 27th November
- The Dukelow family - Eileen Anderson and Ann McGarvey - Patricia and Patrick Wilson - Joan Madill and Liz McCaughey
FLOWER ROTA NOVEMBER Sunday, 6th November........................................ Maureen Duke Sunday 13th November...................................... Remembrance Sunday 20th November............... Geoff & Eleanor Launchbury Sunday 27thNovember........................ Helen and John Proctor
Clergy Parish Visiting It is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit, please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during November: Rector Canon Ken Smyth Kilhorne Gardens Kinedar Crescent Kincora Avenue Kings Brae Kings Crescent Kings Park Kings Drive Kings Road
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. Please do not assume the Clergy already know the information as situations change and there have been occasions recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (9145 8706) to enable them to take careful note of the details. Thank you.
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NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW Not many people know of plans to move St Columba’s. The plan suggests moving the Church back approximately sixty feet, from its present position close to the city-bound lane of the King’s Road – back to a position as yet to be determined but probably on the site of the current Church Rectory. Not many people know moving the Church building is to facilitate an eventual motorway link between traffic from the north heading into Belfast and traffic heading south-east out of Belfast. The present building will be dismantled by hand, piece by piece, and the pieces will be listed and catalogued for inclusion in the ‘new’ repositioned St Columba’s. Not many people know that as with all eventualities there is opportunity – in this case the opportunity to construct a twenty-first century Church building amenable to twenty-first century ‘Church’ and twenty-first century worshippers. It is envisaged that the new solar powered wi-fi inter-disciplinary multi-functional St Columba’s Church building will be open 24/7 and whilst retaining the style of an Anglican Church will be extended to include, for example, a rest room, an underground silent chamber, an inter-active Christianity experience exhibition, café, restaurant, gym, crèche, a dog-sitting facility, underground and overhead car parking for two thousand cars and the St Columba Charity Shop. Not many know that unused stone from the old St Columba’s will be available in small souvenir-size pieces from the St Columba Charity Shop and from Tesco. St Columba’s parishioners who purchase these from Tesco will get double points on their Tesco Club Card. Not many people know that Church services in the new St Columba’s will be every day with the added provision that they will start and end at specific times - this is to allow the congregation to leave and re-connect to their internet connections at home or in the car at a specific time. Sermons preached in the new St Columba’s will be presented one sentence at a time and then a pause – the pause is to allow the congregation to ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ the sermon on Facebook and to check their mobile phones. None of this is true. However, what is true and what a lot of people do know is that since 1896 St Columba’s has not moved - and has been a home and sanctuary to Clergy and people who have looked for God and worshipped in the name of Jesus the Christ. Victor Ryan Our sincere thanks to Victor Ryan for sharing his ‘Thought’ with us. The December ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Ivan Coffey.
Thought for the Month
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SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday, 6th November
10.30 am All Age Worship
Sunday, 13th November
10.30 am Sunday School
Sunday, 20th November
9.30 am Family Communion
Sunday, 27th November
10.30 am Sunday School
Congratulations to all the children who participated in the Harvest Service by reading, saying prayers and singing. The Artwork produced in Sunday school was displayed at the back of church and admired by many. The Sunday school and Crèche have been allocated the Teaching Tree in the Christmas Tree festival and over the next few weeks the children will be busy making the decorations for our tree. Joyce Stevenson
Youth Etc. On Saturday, 24th September, Youth Etc. went to Ormiston swimming pool in the grounds of Ormiston house to take part in kayaking with Belfast Kayak Academy. The facility had not been completed when we visited last year and it was great to see the changes and improvements. The pool is up and running and has a marquee type structure protecting it from the elements. Our group, after getting kitted up and receiving our safety brief, were keen to get in the water. Dillon, who was our instructor from Belfast Kayak Academy, took us through the techniques needed to manoeuvre our kayaks. We then played a few different games and got thoroughly wet in the process, some more so than others. Great fun was had by all. Youth Etc.’s next outing will be on Friday evening 21st October to Dundonald Icebowl for ten pin bowling. David 9
Railway and Model Club Ah well, there goes old John Bun. That’s his coffin going round the side of the model church. His epitaph tells of his sad sad end. I will repeat it, just in case you can’t read it on the model tombstone: Here lies John Bun, He was killed by a gun, His name was not Bun, but Wood, But Wood would not rhyme with Gun, but Bun would. Our Cricket Ground is now in place, with a well trodden crease, and the War Memorial is almost ready for Armistice Day in November. We should be able to show pictures of the Service in our next issue. The ‘000’ gauge layout is still progressing, with more railway lines, points etc. in place. We hope to have one of our 000 gauge trains running around the base of our Christmas tree. Harbour (1200th scale) works are finished for the time being, and this layout can be seen in the Club Room on Wednesday evenings Till next month...keep ‘er rollin’ David
PAUSE Last year we had the week of Mission with Bishop Abernethy. This year we continue with our mission and outreach by holding our Christmas Tree Festival. There is a great buzz everywhere about how to decorate the trees. Some parishioners panic, some wait for inspiration and others cannot wait to meet the challenge. The festival has certainly generated an enormous amount of head scratching and discussion. Whichever group you belong to please PAUSE for a little while and come to Neill’s Hill at Ballyhackamore on Tuesday, 8th November for coffee or tea, scone or cake and a chat with whoever else may be there. All are welcome. Just turn up - alone or with a friend or two. If you require transport or further details please contact me. Eileen 9020 3684
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Art Club Julian Friers, our Honorary Tutor, joined us for our first meeting and is due to return for a demonstration on Thursday, 17th November. Summer already seems a distant memory and club members are busy with Christmas preparations which include designing the parish Christmas card and the decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival. Our Christmas lunch has been arranged for Thursday, 8th December. We also hope, before Christmas, to visit the Royal Ulster Academy exhibition in the Ulster Museum which starts on 14th October and continues until 8th January 2017. Vida
Doves Doves resumed on 14th September for another season. We have seen a slight drop in numbers as a few of the girls moved on to Brownies. This makes space for any new friends who may be interested in joining us on a Wednesday evening. Please feel free to pass on my contact details for more information. In September we have drawn round each other and made a thankful tree with cut out hand shapes. The thankful tree was on display in the church hall at harvest. October club nights will be as usual each week with autumnal activities including leaf rubbings & covering apples with chocolate. There will be no Doves on 2nd and 16th November, however, on the 9th November we are very much looking forward to making decorations. On 23rd November, along with Brownies, we will decorate our tree for the Christmas festival in church. Come and join us for pre-school/early school fun activities and games. Boys and girls aged 4+ welcome every Wednesday at 6.30pm in the lower hall. Moira
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LADIES
GUILD
At our meeting on 4th October we welcomed local author and historian Aidan Campbell, who gave a very enjoyable talk on the history of Newtownbreda. It was fascinating to hear about the origins of landmarks such as Forster Green Hospital and we reminisced about the glory days of other institutions including Supermac and the Drumkeen Hotel. We were delighted to welcome visitors as well as our own members. The speaker at our meeting on 1st November will be a representative from the Simon Community who will tell us about their work with the homeless here in Belfast. This is an opportunity to hear about a matter of concern to many people and all parishioners and friends are welcome to join us. The Mothers’ Union has been allocated the “Wedding tree” at the parish Christmas Tree Festival. We will be decorating our tree on the theme of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. Our allocated decorating slot is Wednesday, 23rd November 8.00pm-10.00pm. We would love our members to contribute tree decorations which reflect our theme and to help with the decorating of the tree. Please contact any committee member. Finally, our Christmas Dinner will be held at 7.45 pm on Thursday, 8th December at The Secret Garden, Dundonald. Please note the change of date. The cost is £19.99 for two courses and £23.99 for three courses. Please contact Jill Gillespie, Liz McCaughey or Caroline Auchmuty to book your place and select your choice of menu. A deposit of £10 per person is payable by 8th November. Jill Gillespie
Men’s Club Notes All is progressing within the club. The members are well into their stride and honing their skills on the mat in anticipation of the club’s first home match of the season on the 24th October. Our opponents on that evening will be our friends from Stormont Presbyterian. A full report of the encounter will follow in the next issue of the Columban. As well as our upcoming match we will also be channelling our artistic talents towards our interpretation of the theme “Bible Tree” for our chosen Christmas tree at the festival in November. John 07956 061929 12
Activity Group On Friday, 17th September 2016 our group set off for a weekend break to Coleraine. We stopped off at Logan’s in Cloughmills for our morning coffee, looked around the shops and ended up having our lunch there as well. All refreshed we continued our journey to the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine. After settling in we had a quick look around the hotel before setting off to Cromore Halt where we had a lovely evening meal. On Saturday we explored the North Coast and our first stop was Coleraine and it was lovely to enjoy the shops and to mix with the crowds. Portstewart Strand beach was our next stop where we enjoyed a refreshing walk with the wind blowing and the sun shining. We headed back to the hotel for a short rest before making our way to the hotel restaurant for a carvery and having eaten well we settled down to enjoy the excellent musical entertainment for the rest of the evening. We left the hotel on Sunday morning feeling we had thoroughly enjoyed our stay there but before we started home we stopped off to enjoy some time in Portrush ending with a light lunch and Morelii’s ice-cream before heading for Belfast. A good time was had by all. Maureen
NOVEMBER PARISH MAGAZINE
Any articles or photographs for publication in the December parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 9th November. His contact details are:10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT Tel: 9042 4390 Email: colmaged@outlook.com
We all love to see photographs of people enjoying our Church activities. So we can all benefit fully from this and for reproduction purposes, it is very important that photographs are clear and in focus. Many thanks 13
CRAFT & HOBBY CIRCLE We have spent the past few weeks planning our Christmas Tree creation and time is definitely passing very quickly with D-Day being upon us before we know it. Eleanor and Robbie have been very industrious making Christmas decorations both for our tree and to sell from our stall in the hall during the festival. The Church will look just wondrous bringing us into Advent - a great start to that very special season. Kyleen brought in her ‘almost completed’ patchwork Memory Quilt which she started in 1962. What a work of art made with fabric from skirts, dresses and other items which are reminders to her of times past.
Absolutely fabulous! Our meetings this month are on 7th and 21st November with tea, coffee and chat as usual. We will not meet during December but will return on 16th January 2017. Carol
All Age Worship Tea & Coffee Tea and coffee will be provided after All Age Worship on 6th November. This month, donations will support Sandes, a Christian charity working to support those who serve in Armed Services and their families. The charity provides friendship and support for the military community as a practical expression of the Christian faith. Here in Northern Ireland there are Sandes Centres within the camps at Lisburn, Ballykinler and Holywood; these centres fulfil a distinctive role, being seen as a neutral, non-military space within the army camps. They provide catering and recreational facilities along with quiet areas for people to unwind and relax in a homely atmosphere. In addition, staff offer friendship and a listening ear to soldiers and their families, many of whom are facing incredible pressures. With thanks, Suzanne 14
Wow ! It has been a busy few weeks for the Brownies, we are delighted to be back and the hall is looking fantastic so thank you to all who contributed. Kathryn and I are very pleased to welcome Katie and Rose to the leader team as we now have 16 Brownies! When I first started helping in the unit we had 3/4 regular attendees so it is just so exciting to have a healthy pack size again. We have already been working hard and have completed our Season’s Badge where we had to learn about the seasons and constellations, make a seasonal craft and also follow a seasonal recipe. We made a delicious apple crumble that was well enjoyed! We are moving onto our Fire Safety Badge and will be visiting Knock Fire Station so look forward to plenty of fun pictures next time! Amanda
Facebook St Columba’s Parish Church is now on Facebook. ‘Like’ our page to see updates on events, services and photos. Search coiknock on Facebook or Messenger to find us easily. For those who are new to St Columba’s and would like more information about the life and membership of the parish, please give your name and phone number to our Churchwardens or contact the Parish Office during office hours Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 1.00pm on 9065 6891. 15
Ladies Guild I believe I missed an excellent and well attended first meeting of our new season and would like to thank Caroline Cleland Higginson for the following comprehensive report. On Wednesday, 21st September 2016 the Ladies’ Guild reconvened for the 20162017 session. Maureen, our Chairperson, welcomed existing and new members to the meeting. The speaker was Robert Scott, retired Education Officer for Belfast City Council. Robert gave a very interesting talk on the history of Belfast Parks. Did you know there are over 50 Public Parks in Belfast. The first Public Park was Ormeau which was created in 1871 on the site of Ormeau House. Belfast Corporation had previously purchased the Ormeau House in 1869 from the Donegall Family. Robert then explained how other Public Parks were created. He also mentioned that Drumglass/Cranmore Park, Lisburn Road was the first Play Park in Belfast and to the delight of some of our members, he mentioned the creation of Bowling Pavilions. The members were enthralled as they learned how the Public Parks have changed over the decades. Eileen Anderson, a retired teacher, recalled meeting Robert when he gave talks to school children on wildlife and wild flowers in Belfast Public Parks. Interesting to see that East Belfast was leading the way even in 1871! Our next meeting, will be on Wednesday, 19th October when we welcome MIKE YARR who will be talking about and demonstrating wood turning. Imelda
Karen Salmon Karen Salmon has just started training towards ordination at the Church of Ireland Institute in Dublin. She is joining us as a student for two months. Karen is a nurse and Health Visitor who, until recently, served with Crosslinks in Ethiopia, training nurses and church deacons, leading HIV/AIDS prevention programmes with youth and in prison outreach. Prior to moving to Ethiopia Karen lived around the corner, with her late husband Mervyn, in Neill’s Hill Park. She is excited to be back in our community and is anticipating God teaching her many things in the months she is with us. 16
Christmas Tree Festival Let’s Shimmer, Glisten and Glow with our very own Christmas Tree Festival Not long to go now to St Columba’s first ever Christmas Tree Festival, kicking off on Thursday, 24th November with a special launch at 7pm to officially declare the festival open. Our lovely church will be the setting for 50 very different and intriguing trees, each reflecting a theme and message relevant to Christmas and inspired by the Old and New Testaments, hymns, saints and bishops including our own St Columba. The four day event which culminates on Advent Sunday, 27th November promises to be a real celebration of the five senses - the visual joyfulness and feel of fabulous trees, the sounds of the organ and local choirs and the taste and smells of good food in the Church Hall. Our trees are created and sponsored by parish groups and organisations, fellow local churches and our local business community. The festival will, we hope, raise much needed funds to further develop our church, but more importantly it aims to bring together friends, families and everyone in the local area to have fun, represent hope for the future and celebrate all that is positive in the world. We look forward to seeing you at some point over the four days- it’s open to 10pm on Friday and Saturday evening- and if you can also spare some time to volunteer and help with stewarding or catering we would be delighted. Details are on display at the back of the church. We hope the Christmas Tree Festival will help light up the start of your festive season. See you there! Rosemary Allister
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St. Columba’s Children’s Christmas Party
for members of our Sunday School, Crèche, Youth ETC, Doves, Brownies and Mums & Tots
in the Church Hall Saturday 3rd December 2016 3pm-5pm Greet our very special guest in church with Christmas songs… Parents: Please speak to a leader for more details!
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HARVEST LUNCH A large gathering of parishioners filled the church hall for the traditional Harvest lunch. First the Rector dedicated the recent refurbishing of the hall, the painting of the walls and stage front and thanked parishioner, Mark Wilson, for the magnificent transformation of the wooden floor which greatly enhanced the hall. The hard working Catering Committee efficiently produced a delicious menu of homemade shepherd’s pie and beans, followed by coffee and shortbread, which was thoroughly enjoyed amidst a convivial atmosphere of fun and fellowship. Voluntary donations from the lunch raised the record breaking amount of £1500 (including Gift Aid) which reflected a resounding endorsement of a truly enjoyable Harvest celebration. After lunch, Karen Salmon, an Ordinand, who will be serving in St. Columba’s over coming weeks, had the opportunity to introduce herself to parishioners. Our Assistant Priest, Ken, sun tanned and relaxed on his recent return with Jenny from holiday in France, concluded proceedings with his own warm tribute to the Rector on his appointment as a Canon of Down Cathedral. Moranne Noad
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CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY (CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL) Christmas, which can be an expensive time of year for everyone, is on the horizon. Christians Against Poverty supports less well-off families by providing food hampers. Please help those families who are struggling financially this Christmas and become involved with the CAP Christmas Hamper Appeal. Last year, working in tandem with St Donard’s, St Finnian’s, Knockbreda Parish and McQuiston Memorial Presbyterian church we were able to distribute 50 hampers and surplus food was put into the Food Store for continuous use. Let us be involved with distributing even more this year. A shopping trolley will be placed at the back of the church for your contributions. Suggested items include: STAPLE FOODS:
Spaghetti / Pasta / Rice
JARS OF SAUCE:
Bolognese / Korma / Curry /Chicken / Beef
TINNED FOOD: Tuna / Sweetcorn /Peas / Soup /Ham / Spaghetti PUDDINGS:
Rice / Custard / Fruit e.g. Pineapple
DRINKS:
Tea / Coffee / Fruit juice
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:
Washing powder / Washing-up liquid / Soap, Shampoo, Shower Gel / Toilet rolls, Baby wipes, Nappies / Kitchen rolls
SWEETS & TREETS:
Box of Chocolates / Mince pies / Christmas pudding / Pringles / Crisps
OTHER ITEMS:
Crackers / Christmas items / Family gift packs / Toiletries gift packs
Please give lovingly and generously. Many thanks. Murray 20
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Ian McCormick, RNVR, (1896 – 1917). Ian Campbell McCormick’s memorial in Saint Columba’s Church, Knock, states that he was killed in action at the Ancre, France, 24th January 1917. Ian was the only son of John McCormick and Margaret (nee Campbell) of ‘Craigroyston’, Cherryvalley, now a private nursing home on the corner of Cherryvalley Park. John McCormick was then Belfast’s Town Solicitor. Ian was born in 1896, his education started at Campbell College and he matriculated at Trinity College Dublin in 1914. He terminated his studies the following year when he volunteered for service in September 1915 and was posted to a commission in the Royal Naval Division. He was in Dublin with his father and other family members on Easter Monday 1916 when the rebellion broke out. He promptly reported himself at Portobello Barracks and gave valued assistance to the military authorities in “dealing with the rebels” (Belfast NewsLetter). Prior to his departure to the front in October 1917 he was entertained by a large number of friends who gave him a sword, the presentation being made by the High Sheriff, Mr Robert Dunlop. The battle for the River Ancre was part of the Somme campaign. So, what was Sub-Lieutenant Ian McCormick, Hood Battalion, 189th Brigade, 2nd Royal Naval Division doing fighting on the muddy banks of the Ancre, 50 miles from the sea as the crow flies. At the outbreak of World War 1 the newly-mobilised Royal Navy had too many men and too few crew places or other duties for them. This was a situation which Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, soon took advantage of at a time when the army’s recruitment had not yet delivered the numbers needed for the land war in Europe. These ‘unused’ sailors were formed into battalions, joined with the Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) and Royal Marine Artillery and thus formed the Royal Naval Division (RND). The RND was dubbed “Winston’s Little Army” (Photo: Brave Report, 15, H McKelvey). The Battle of the Ancre was the final large British attack of the Battle of the 22
Somme in 1916. The Anglo-French armies tried to press their advantage with several smaller attacks in quick succession, rather than pause to regroup and give the German armies time to recover. The weather and supply difficulties in mid-November ended the battle until the new year. The attack was the largest in the British sector since September and had a seven-day preliminary bombardment, which was twice as heavy as that of 1st July. Edmund Blunden called the battle “a feat of arms vying with any recorded. The enemy was surprised and beaten”. Four German divisions had to be relieved due to the number of casualties they suffered and over 7,000 German troops were taken prisoner.
The Division was disbanded in 1919 after an inspection and address by the Prince of Wales. Its deeds would be described with some self-justification and self-promotion by its sponsor Winston Churchill, then briefly out of Parliament, in a foreword to the 1923 official account of the RND’s actions: “By their conduct in the forefront of the battle, by their character; and by the feats of arms which they performed, they raised themselves into that glorious company of the seven or eight most famous divisions of the British Army in the Great War.”- Churchill. He is buried in Hamel Military Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, Somme, France. His name is on the Strandtown War Memorial and in Ireland’s War Memorial Records, a copy of which is in Belfast Cathedral. Vernon Clegg 23
TREBENDARY OF TALPESTONE “We at St Columba’s were delighted to learn that our Rector had been appointed as a Canon of Down Cathedral. Bishop Harold’s formal announcement stated that...”He is to be “Prebendary of Talpestone”. An expressive title indeed, and one steeped in history. As a consequence, our rector has been allocated the special Talpestone seat/stall in the Cathedral. Talpestone relates specifically to the Ballyhalbert area on the east side of the Ards Peninsula. It is one of many corruptions over the centuries of “Talbotstown”(Irish “Baile Thalboid”; conceivably “Halberts town” in Ulster Scots.) An early 1200s Anglo Norman family called Talbot established itself in the locality following upon John de Courcy’s conquest of Down. At the turn of the 1600s, the Established Church was in a chronic state of instability. Remedial action, taken to bring some order into church affairs, included the issue of a Charter in July 1609 with a view to consolidating the position and status of Down Cathedral. This Charter established a new governing body comprising a Dean and Chapter which included three Prebendaries (more or less equivalent to what we now know as Canons),one of which was named Talpestone. The first Prebendary appointed to Talpestone was a Patrick Hamilton, most likely a sibling of that foremost Planter James Hamilton, later Viscount Clandeboye. It appears that Patrick never took up his position and was relieved of it in the early 1620s site office then appears to have been placed in abeyance thereafter, eventually being abandoned in 1693. It was reinstated 265 years later in 1958.” Ivan Coffey
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The Rector writes; Thank you very much for the extremely kind letters, cards, emails and text messages which have been received at the Rectory upon my appointment as a Canon of Down Cathedral. I am deeply humbled and greatly honoured to have been given this privilege of sharing in the ministry of our Diocesan Cathedral. I hope that you will be able to attend my Installation as Prebendary of Talpestone on Friday 2nd December at 8pm in Down Cathedral. The preacher will be The Right Reverend The Lord Eames O.M. and there will be refreshments in the cathedral following the service.
CHURCH CAR PARKING As our autumn season of Church Services and Parish Organisations are now well under way, please be sensitive to the residents in the local community by taking care not to block entrances or pavements. Thank you!
Pastoral Care: If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to
speak to someone, please contact the Rector (028 9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (028 9145 8706).
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: The Rector...........................................................028 9047 1514 Patrick Good.......................................................028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard............................................028 9065 3162 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations! Sunday
Monday
Sunday School Bubbles (3-5 years) Splash (5-8 years) X-treme (8-11 years) The Grid (11-14 years) Crèche Craft and Hobby Circle Ladies Bowling MU Afternoon Group Mens’ Club
Tuesday
Ladies Badminton Ladies Badminton Activity Group Mothers’ Union
Wednesday
Brownies Doves Railway and Model Club Bible Study Group Ladies Guild
Thursday
Art Club Choir
Friday
Mums & Tots
Bi-monthly
Toddler Soccer (3-5 years) Pause
Monthly
Youth Etc. (11-15 years) Young Families
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays 10.30am
Superintendent: Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays
Lynn Ryan 07955 479065 1st and 3rd Monday each month Carol Willis 10.30am 9079 9997 2.00pm Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2nd Monday each month 2.30pm Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm John Robb 9058 1438 10.30am Gillian Popplestone 9080 3799 2.00pm Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 Except 1st Tuesday Maureen Irwin 7.30pm 9079 5155 1st Tuesday each month Katrina Dukelow 8.00pm 9029 0625 6.30pm Amanda Fee 07739 039750 6.30pm Moira Saunders 07739 041392 7.00pm David Beattie 9028 5868 7.30pm Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 3rd Wednesday each month Imelda Shephard 7.45pm 9079 7683 9.30am Billy Nelson 9048 3889 7.30pm Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574 9.45am Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45 - 4.30pm Tim Wareing 07740 120788 As arranged Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 As arranged David Kelly 9079 6658 Social events as arranged Emma Macpherson 9028 2076
Requests for the occasional use of the church halls must be submitted to the Premise’s Convenor.
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBAS Parish website: www.coiknock.org
Rector
The Reverend Canon John R Auchmuty
St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG 028 9047 1514 johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
The Reverend Canon Ken Smyth
3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG 028 9145 8706
The Reverend Canon Walter Laverty
6, Hanwood Heights Dundonald 028 95738743
Diocesan Lay Reader
Karen McAlpine
readercolumba@gmail.com
Diocesan Lay Reader (Emeritus)
Bryn Harris
028 9187 8816
Rector’s Churchwarden
Andrew Hirst
028 9065 8785
People’s Churchwarden
Andrew Ellis
07920 112818
Assistant Priests
Junior Churchwardens
Henry Auchmuty, Jonathan Kelly
Rector’s Glebewarden
Jim Stevenson
028 9058 3381 07973 392448
People’s Glebewarden
Mark Reid
028 9028 4367 07810 648167
Honorary Sexton
John Proctor
028 9087 0526 07989 469773
Select Vestry
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens,Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Suzanne Allen, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, John Macpherson, Mark Ryan, Moira Saunders, Mark Wilson
Honorary Secretary
Elizabeth Leonard
28 Knockdene Park South BT5 7AB 028 9065 3162 elizabeth.leonard@me.com
Honorary Treasurer
Gillian Sadlier
70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG 028 9040 3278
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Victor Dukelow
028 9029 0625
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Gift Aid Secretary
Ronny Martin
028 9079 0821 07526 396838 ronny.martin@sky.com
Parochial Nominators
Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad
Diocesan Synod members
Patrick Good, Moranne Noad, Ross Thompson (under 30)
Organist and Choral Director
Dr Joe McKee
07976 294574
Assistant Organist
Brian Clements
028 9079 3641
Reader’s and Intercessor’s Co-ordinator
Muriel Arndell
028 9065 5500
Sidespersons’ rota Co-ordinator
Rosemary Coffey
028 9754 2198
Crèche rota Co-ordinator
Lynn Ryan
07955 479065
Magazine Editor
Billy McAlpine
028 9042 4390 colmaged@outlook.com
Parish Webmaster
Ivan Roche
028 9514 0141 ivan.roche@me.com
C of I Gazette Distributor
Moranne Noad
028 9079 3704
Bible Reading Fellowship notes
Evan Preston
028 9048 9884
Church flowers
Eleanor Launchbury
028 9028 1204
Premise’s Convenor
Stewart Beckwith
028 9048 6622
Crucifer
Mark Laverty
028 9513 8743
Parish Office Administrator/ Financial Giving Secretary
Karen Patterson Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm
028 9065 6891 office@coiknock.org
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