October 2010
RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner, ENCOURAGING START TO OUR AUTUMN SEASON It is most encouraging to see such a wonderful buzz of activity in and around St. Columba’s during these days. There has been a good increase in church attendances and all the Parish Organisations have now returned for their autumn activities. The car park around the church is full again as people make their way to church services and to the hall, where work on the installation of the new boiler is nearing completion. This is good news and provides a positive start to our autumn season of church services and activities. This autumn season sees the introduction of two new developments: 1) CRÈCHE COMMENCING ON SUNDAY 10th OCTOBER In a recent sermon I suggested that we should provide a Crèche for our younger parishioners. I am delighted that there has been such a positive response and that after much careful preparation our new Crèche will commence on Sunday, 10th October, in the Choir Vestry. This much needed facility will be available every Sunday at the 10.30am service for those who wish to avail of it. To ensure that the Crèche runs smoothly, the following guidelines were agreed by the parents who attended a recent meeting: • At least three parents will assist with the Crèche each Sunday. They will make the necessary preparations in the Choir Vestry once the Choir members have left at 10.25am. I am very pleased that Daphne Nelson has kindly agreed to serve as Crèche Rota Co-Ordinator. If you would like to serve on this rota please phone Daphne (028 90483889). • Every parishioner irrespective of age should be able to experience and share in at least some part of our Sunday worship. This tradition is well established as our Sunday School teachers and pupils return from their classes in the Church Hall to receive a blessing and a grape with their parents during the Holy Communion services. It is essential that our babies and toddlers are also present for part of our Sunday worship. Parents will therefore bring their child to the Choir Vestry immediately after the processional hymn where they will be well looked after in a warm and friendly environment. During the recessional hymn, parents will return to collect their child. This will ensure that the Choir Vestry is ready for the Choir members to disrobe. • Those serving on the Crèche rota will have satisfied the Safeguarding Trust requirements. • Each parent whose child attends will be asked to sign a consent form and provide their mobile phone number.
• Those wishing to avail of the Crèche will be asked to place their name on the “Sign Up Sheet” on the notice board at the back of church one month in advance, to ensure that there are sufficient people to assist each week. • Gifts of suitable items for the Crèche, including mats and toys, would be greatly appreciated. If you could donate any of the specified items which are listed on the main church notice board, please write your name beside the item(s) and give them to the Churchwardens at your earliest convenience. 2) NEW ALL AGE WORSHIP SERVICE Following the September All Age Worship Service, a large number of parishioners commented that it was very encouraging to see so many people attending that service and staying to enjoy refreshments. It is therefore essential that we continue to develop this popular service to the best of our ability. This will be done in a number of ways: NEW SERVICE – beginning this month, we will use a slightly different order of service with language that children can easily understand. The structure and format of the service will remain the same. INCREASED CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION – the children will be invited each month to read the lesson, lead the prayers, and take up the collection. THE SERMON – will be for the children and will include a relevant message for everyone in the congregation. A visiting preacher will be invited every term to challenge and encourage us in our faith. The introduction of these exciting new developments during this month will compliment our excellent Sunday School programme. Regular attendance will provide your children with a good understanding of the Christian faith, enabling them to meet future challenges with confidence firmly rooted in the power of Jesus Christ. This demonstrates very clearly that St. Columba’s is serious about our young people. I encourage you to make regular attendance with your children a priority. CONFIRMATION 2011 Those wishing to be considered for confirmation next year are asked to give their names to me in writing before Sunday, 31st October. It is important that they are currently members of the senior Sunday School class or, if they are 15 years of age or older, assist with Sunday School in addition to being regular church attenders at the family services. They will be encouraged to join the H2O Youth Group to have some fun. Yours in His service,
SERVICES IN OCTOBER Sunday 3rd HARVEST THANKSGIVING (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Lindsay Hodges 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 Gospel Clergy Luke 12: 22-34 10.30am All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the Church Hall Reader Henry Auchmuty Luke 12: 22-34. Preacher The Revd Canon John McKegney, Rector of St. Mark’s, Armagh 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Esther Templeton Deuteronomy 8: 1-18 Reader Esther Templeton Luke 12: 13-21 Preacher The Revd Nigel Kirkpatrick, Rector of St. Dorothea’s, Gilnahirk Thursday 7th 10.30am
Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Sunday 10th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Nineteenth Sunday after Sunday (Green) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller 2 Timothy 2: 8-15 Gospel Clergy Luke 17: 11-19 Holy Communion Reader Olivia Budde 2 Timothy 2: 8-15 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 17: 11-19 Intercessions Meryl Townsend Late Evening Office Reader Patricia Wilson John 15:12-27 Prayers Karen McAlpine
Thursday 14th St. Philip the Deacon (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 17th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am
The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Gospel Clergy Luke 18: 1-8 Family Communion Reader Karen McAlpine Luke 18:1-8 Morning Prayer Reader Liz McCaughey Jeremiah 31:27-34 Reader Jennifer Johnston Luke 18: 1-8 Occasional Clergy Prayers
7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Helen Donaghy Gospel Karen McAlpine
Nehemiah 8:9-18 John 16: 1-11
Thursday 21st St. Luke (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 24th
The Fifth Sunday before Advent
(Green)
BIBLE SUNDAY 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Tony Greeves Gospel Clergy Intercessions Clergy Evening Prayer Reader Patrick Wilson Reader Patrick Wilson
Romans 15: 1-6 Luke 4: 16-24 Romans 15: 1-6 Luke 4: 16-24
Ecclesiastes 11 & 12 Matthew 22: 34-46
Thursday 28th St. Simon & St. Jude (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the choir Vestry Sunday 31st 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Fourth Sunday before Advent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart 2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4, 11-12 Gospel Clergy Luke 19: 1-10 Service of the Word Reader Patrick Good Luke 19:1-10 Songs of Praise
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 C of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:
www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
PARISH PRAYER God, our Heavenly Father, make, we pray, the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love and fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and lack of love. 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
OCTOBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 3rd.............................................Linda and Mark Wilson Sunday 10th...........................................Eileen and Alva Anderson Sunday 17th...........................................Jennifer Johnston and Nan Armstrong Sunday 24th ..........................................Liz McCaughey and Joan Madill Sunday 31st............................................Yvonne and Eddie Cadden A very big thank you to everyone who contributed to our collection for the Pakistan Flood appeal at tea and coffee after our All Age Worship Service on Sunday, 4th September, when we raised £115.55. This was a great achievement. No tea and coffee in October as there will be a Harvest Lunch in the Church Hall immediately after the 10.30am All Age Worship Service on Sunday, 3rd October. Hope you have the date in your diary and are planning to be there. Roberta
St Columba’s Parish Church
Harvest Lunch Sunday 3rd October Admission: Voluntary contribution towards the Building Fund Appeal
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.
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR HARVEST Saturday, 2nd October, from 10.30am – 12.30pm No flower arranging skills necessary! Willingness to help is all that is required. Children and young families will be particularly welcome to help with the decorating. Refreshments in the Rectory!
HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 8.15am Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the Hall Preacher: The Revd Canon John McKegney, Rector of St. Mark’s, Armagh The children are invited to bring a Harvest gift to present during this service. 7pm Choral Evensong Preacher: The Revd Nigel Kirkpatrick, Rector of St. Dorothea’s, Gilnahirk
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday 3rd October
All Age Worship
Sunday 10th October
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday 17th October
9.30am Family Communion
Sunday 24th October
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday 31st October
10.30am Sunday School Beth Cairnduff
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 October: Rector Ballyregan Park, Dundonlad Carrowreagh Gardens, Dundonald Church Road, Dundonald Forthill Close, Dundonald Grangewood Grove, Dundonald Lambert Avenue, Dundonald Ballyrogan
Curate Stormont Park The Coaches, Brown’s Brae Thorndale Park, Carryduff Thornhill Park Victoria Court, Station Road Towell House Marina Park
THE TWITTER INTERVIEW – H2O In the second of our “twitter style” interviews with Parish’s youth organizations, we are looking at the essential details of each one, ask probing questions. The sole catch is that those who answer them have only 140 characters for each reply! When and where does H2O meet? We meet in the Church Hall on a Friday night. What ages come along to H2O? Young people aged ten years and over. Who are the Leaders? Mark, Linda, Helen, Beth, Robert and John. What do you do on a typical evening? Really don’t have a typical night, but check out the programme in this magazine on page 9. How many members do you have? Last year a max of around 15. Are you looking for new members? Yes - everyone is welcome! Can members bring along friends? Yes - the more the merrier! If you were to describe H2O in six words what would they be? Loud, good craic, lots going on! Who should we contact for more information? Mark Wilson (tel:90761040)
MUMS & TOTS Please note, due to the forthcoming Fashion Show to be held that evening, there will be no Mums & Tots on Friday, 8th October. In addition, no Mums & Tots will take place on Friday, 29th October, which falls at half term. Many thanks. Anne Clarke
THE AFTERNOON GROUP Our speaker for the October meeting is Mr. Frank Dick, who was our tour guide during our visit to Hillsborough Castle in 2009. Mr. Dick was very knowledgeable on that subject. His visit will not include stories of the castle but other subjects, and I’m sure we are in for a very enjoyable afternoon. Hope you can come along on Monday, October 11th, at 2.30 pm. May
H2O - Our Events OCTOBER 1st October - “Normal Night” - Tonight the hall will be equipped with games consoles, table tennis, pool table, fooze ball, couches, Tuck Shop and whatever else we can find! 8:30-10pm
8th October - Not every youth group can claim to have a fashion show in their programme but we do! - with full runway, stars, lights and cameras. If you want to see what’s hot this coming season come on down! 8pm Start 15th October- “Night out @ the cinema” - we lock the hall and head to the cinema - you will need to confirm that you are going by phoning Mark or Robert, or emailing us before Wednesday 13th - details of the film will be on the website! 22nd October - PARTY - Why? Because we want to! Details closer to the time but we will let our hair down to some seasonal challenges/games and enjoy seasonal treats! 8:30-10pm in hall 29th October - HOLIDAY
www.stcolumbasyouth.org/h2o
YOUTH PRAYER FOCUS - OCTOBER Information Technology If you have been following this mini series of prayer articles over the last few months, we have concentrated on exams, holidays, starting back to school. This month I would like to focus our prayer on one of the major revolutions of our day, that of computers, ipods, mobiles and everything else that has a micro-chip! We are living in such a fast paced, connected world. It is undoubtedly scary to some, exciting to others and perplexing to many. For our young people there are unlimited possibilities with IT but, as with all freedoms in our world today, there are also inherent dangers which parents and young people need to balance. ‘Heavenly Father, Source of all wisdom and understanding, we pray for parents today as they seek to bring their children up in a confusing but exciting generation. A generation where possibilities seem limitless, where instant communication links individuals throughout the world. We thank you for the technology at our fingertips. Help our faith inform our use of the tools we have. We pray for our young people as they learn to harness this technology. Help them to do this to build up their groups of friends, not to become isolated, but to encourage them to live life in all its fullness and enjoy all the blessings of creation. We pray this in Jesus name, Amen.’ Robert
Hello ladies, Our meeting on Tuesday, 2nd November, will be hosted by Jim McDowell on the subject of “Reflections from the Past”. Jim is a very popular speaker who commands a loyal following and should prove to be a real favourite, so please do come along. I would like to leave you with this thought, something we all should think about - “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. Something we in the Mothers’ Union will always hold upmost in our hearts. Irene 10
LADIES BOWLING The Ladies Afternoon Bowling started on Monday, 20th September, and it was good to meet up again after the summer break. We had an enjoyable afternoon’s bowling and, of course, afternoon tea. We look forward to a good indoor season when we will play matches against Knock Presbyterian, Kirkpatrick Presbyterian and St. Dorothea’s. Phyllis Newton
A UNIQUE BANK ACCOUNT Imagine that you have just won first prize in a contest whereby each morning your bank will deposit £86,400 in your private account for your own use! However, this prize has rules just as any game has certain rules, the first three being: 1. Everything that you don’t spend each day will be taken away from you. 2. You may not transfer money into another account. 3. You may only spend it. Every morning, the bank opens your account with another £86,400 for that day. However, the next two rules are:1. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, “It’s over, the game is finished!” 2. It can close the account and you will not receive a new one. What would you do? You can buy anything and everything you want, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love, right? Even for people you don’t know because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every last penny and use it all, right? Actually this game is reality... Each one of us is in possession of such a “magical” bank. We just can’t seem to see it! That magical bank is time... Each morning we awaken, we receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life. When we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us. What we haven’t lived up that day is forever lost. Yesterday is gone. Every morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time, without warning... so what will you do with your 86,400 seconds? Aren’t they worth so much more than the same amount in cash? Think about it and especially... fulfil every second of your day because time races by so much faster than you think. Take care of yourself and enjoy life... use the precious gift of time wisely for yourself, your loved ones and others. 11
Check out what’s new and chic on the catwalk this Autumn! Fashion guru Sharon Elkin presents a special
Festival of Fashion on Friday 8th October at 8pm in St Columba’s Church Hall Local models and ‘celebrity’ guests will showcase a range of fabulous fashion for men, women and young people. The style roll call features designer shoes from Lisburn Road’s Carl Scarpa, top labels Minuet, Kaliko and Alex & Co from Menarys in Newtownards and uber cool children’s wear from George at ASDA in Dundonald. The show will also feature Sharon Elkin’s new season collection of ladies and menswear, exquisite bridalwear by Pronuptia as well as famous High Street favourites. And we promise much, much more…! Wine and refreshments… Goody bags for guests... Superb raffle prizes…!
Donations on the night will go towards the Parish Building Fund Direction and styling by Sharon Elkin and Ranea Eves. Hair by Bespoke Hairdressing. Make-up by Therese Smyth. 12
REPLACEMENT OF CHURCH HALL AND CURATAGE HEATING BOILERS Over the summer months we sought competitive tenders from six mechanical contractors for the replacement of the Church Hall and Curatage heating boilers. Unfortunately, the tender returns were significantly higher than the preliminary estimates we had previously received. The four lowest were requested to submit revised tenders, resulting in us appointing two different companies to carry out the works, as this was more cost effective. At a saving of around £1,000 the disposal of the residual oil, the removal of oil tank and the demolition of brick piers was all handled “in-house” by John Proctor. The Hall boiler replacement and remedial works to the Hall heating pipe work to replace badly corroded piping is now well underway and should be complete by mid October, at a cost of £17,186 inclusive of Vat and contingencies. The replacement of the Curatage boiler should be complete by the end of October, at a cost of £1,145 including Vat and contingencies. However, there should be just enough currently in the Building Fund to cover this expenditure.
REDUCING FUEL BILLS In order to minimize running costs, please could all organizations who normally use the halls inform me via email, text or phone by the Friday of the proceeding week, should you require not to make use of the hall. This is to facilitate adjusting the time clocks on Saturday morning. Also, please try and ensure that all lights, electric heaters and appliances are switched off before vacating the premises. We would like to thank those organisations that did inform me last year when they were not in the halls as this enabled us, despite the very harsh winter, to consume less fuel than the previous year. My contact details are:E-mail: john.stevenson44@ntlworld.com. Mobile: 07973 392448 or 90583381(home). Jim Stevenson, Rector’s Glebe Warden
St. Columba’s organists, Gerald Hill and Brian Clements, attended the Royal College of Organists’ Summer Course in London, during the first week of August. Here they are, pictured at the organ of Westminster Abbey! (Anyone hazard a guess at what they are about to play?) 13
St. Columba’s Youth Ministry - P
As you will have read in the last edition of The Columban, this autumn we are rolling ou journey we are making as a Parish family – and with any journey, each step is importan strategy team, much work has to be done. This article details some of the highlights as The steps that have been taken since the September magazine went to print: We have produced quality term cards/invites for Sunday School, Doves and H20
The Rector has visited the homes of all children of Sunday School age in the Parish
The Curate has visited the homes/made contact with many of those who are in the H2O age group
On the first Sunday i September we commissioned all ou leaders, dedicated our children and, as congregation, promis support our leaders
In October we plan to take the following further steps:
We begin a more kid/youth friendly All Age Worship Service on the first Sunday of the month (See Rector’s Letter)
Ongoing development of our youth website
The Clergy will continue to meet Leaders in order support and enco
Underpinning this is our Long Term Vision - that our young people w discover life in all its fullness. As a strategy group we confirm the ‘7 F’ work with young people, namely ... Fun, Family,
Progress so far...........by Robert Ferris
ut new and exciting developments in our Parish Ministry for our young people. This is a nt as it leads us on towards our eventual goal. As both a staff team and a Youth Ministry s stepping stones.
in
ur
sa sed to
t
to ourage
Our Sunday School classes have received their new term material – ‘Light’
The new Crèche Leaders’ rota has been drawn up
All our current youth groups have restarted
Dialogue with 17+’s as to which activities they would like put in place for the new year
Our youth website team has been at work - launch will take place in January 2011
All our Leaders have undertaken revised Child Protection Training
Continuing to talk to parents, grandparent, parishioners ... anyone who would like to chat about Youth Ministry!
will grow in their faith, in their relationship with God, with others and ’s’ which make up the values of all that we do here within the Parish’s Future, Faith, Fellowship, Friends, Father God.
We are delighted that parishioner, Bill McGookin, has kindly agreed to lift the veil on aspects of his diverse and highly successful career in the world of journalism, television and Government service.
WILLIAM MCGOOKIN, JOURNALIST I finished my business at No.10 Downing Street and took a leisurely stroll to my next engagement in Whitehall. A curious message awaited me: “The Prime Minister thanks you for your donation but the nation’s finances are not in such a dire state as to require your twenty pounds. Come and collect.” Back to No. 10 and mystery solved: in producing my security pass I had unknowingly dropped the money from my wallet. I’m quite sure the PM knew nothing about the “donation” but someone on her staff thought it was a great wheeze. I should have framed that £20 note – and the message! When I subsequently met Mrs. Thatcher in Northern Ireland, I have to say I found her both charming and gracious. As a generalisation, the relationship between journalists and politicians is symbiotic yet mutually mistrustful to one degree or another. It has ever been thus. Nearly 150 years ago, Abraham Lincoln was asked if he thought the Press were reliable. “Yes, of course,” the President is said to have replied, “They lie and then they re-lie. They are nothing if not relie-able.” No prizes for guessing the journalistic riposte to that question! My own career in journalism began in Cookstown then progressed to Coleraine where I met and married Hazel 53 years ago. On next to Belfast, to the reporting staff of the Telegraph for several happy years, before an exciting opportunity arose. The young Ulster Television was launching a news service and I was recruited as a writer and reporter, eventually specialising in politics. Fascinating – and occasionally amusing. One evening we had a tip-off that the Prime Minister, Lord Brookeborough, was retiring. I telephoned his home to be told by his man that his Lordship had indeed retired (scoop, scoop)....“for the evening” (no scoop). The power of television was later well illustrated when I was promoted News Editor and thus disappeared from the screen. Friends commiserated with my wife on my journalistic demise! Her protestations that I had actually gone up in the world were met with sympathetic scepticism. After some years at UTV, a television job in London beckoned but the metropolitan lifestyle did not appeal nor did disruption of the children’s education. Instead, I embarked on a major career change, joined the Government Information Service and was seconded to Police Headquarters to establish a Press and Public Information Office. As terrorism and civil strife intensified, it developed into a full scale 24/7 operation staffed by 60-plus people dealing with thousands of enquiries from anxious members of the public and liaising with the local, national and international news media. It was intended that my secondment should last for three years after which I would move on to pastures new in Government. In the event, successive Chief Constables (six in all) wanted me to remain in post as Chief Information Officer and I did so until 16
my retirement. Along the way, Her Majesty the Queen honoured me with an OBE. Immediately after the investiture at the Palace, I pinned the medal on my wife’s jacket in recognition of the fact that her support and her sacrifices throughout all those years of murder and mayhem made the honour hers as much as mine. The story of those years is, however, a story for another time. On a lighter note, I recall an incident which still causes me to smile. One evening my car was stopped at a police security checkpoint. At the same time as I was answering the constable’s questions, I was trying desperately to restrain my loyal and fiercely protective West Highland terrier from sinking its teeth into the officer’s arm. After a couple of minutes, he sent us on our way with this admonition: “Mr. McGookin, since you are not wearing your seatbelt perhaps you would put it on the dog.” Ouch! From that day to this I have never failed to wear a seatbelt. Good policing. Bill McGookin
ST COLUMBA’S MEN’S CLUB
50th Anniversary Celebration ENJOY AN EVENING CONCERT OF RELAXING MUSIC WITH THE BALLYKEEL CONSERVATIVE SILVER FLUTE BAND 7.30PM FRIDAY, 19th NOVEMBER ST COLUMBA’S PARISH CHURCH KING’S ROAD, KNOCK Voluntary contributions in aid of Parish Building Fund Refreshments available following the concert WHEN LOVE FADES… One night a man was sitting on the couch watching TV when he heard his wife’s voice from the kitchen: “What would you like for dinner, my love? Chicken, beef or fish?” He answered, “They all sound great. I think I’ll have chicken.” She hollered back. “You’re having a cheese sandwich. I was talking to the cat!” 17
ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUB As we could not hold our annual booking this year at An Teach Ban, a different venue was hastily selected... the beautiful Fermanagh Lakeland... staying in splendiferous comfort in the Killyhevlin Hotel. Day 1 Monday, 6th September. We left the church car park at 9.30am and had arranged to meet up for coffee at The Loft, Linen Green, outside Dungannon. As usual, somehow the group ended up at three different locations but we eventually all made it to the hotel on the lough shore to check in at noon. After signing in and following a delicious lunch, next came Bob’s pep talk ...”You are here to enjoy yourselves but must bring home two or three paintings.” So, no pressure! A chorus of, “Yes, it is our holiday but we are sure we could combine holiday and painting” ... “And the fact is, it’s all about communication”, chirped another, the retort being, “Yes that’s so, but let’s get on with it”. Such a hard task master! We knuckled down and made a rather rusty start on our paintings until 5pm when we adjourned to relax and freshen up for a lovely evening meal. The hotel staff had kindly set aside the Erne conference room with tables, meaning we could leave our paints etc. set up for the following day. The first evening ended with the usual Bob Quiz. I reckon we all won as we were each awarded a paint brush...such diplomacy! Day 2 dawned, again ‘wet rain’, but it didn’t seem to matter as we started off in the morning with a demo in the art of painting with a knife. We worked at our paintings, some trying to master that particular skill until the evening. This was interspersed with coffee and scones lunch and tea breaks, and iced water to soothe our fevered brows. Dinner that evening was also delicious and at a change of venue, the Merlot Restaurant, Enniskillen. Time flies especially when one is enjoying oneself, so it was indeed no time until Day 3 when we sadly had to pack up and wend our ways back home, some stopping en route for a spot of shopping and lunch. Thus ended yet another successful and happy painting break. Our warm thanks to the hotel staff who were polite, friendly and helpful ... to Bob for all his patience and guidance, as well as to Judy who brought a sparkle to the group and liaised with the Killyhevlin Hotel and Merlot Restaurant. Fare thee well, Enniskillen, we’ll be back! Gladys 18
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NORTHERN IRELAND CHEST, HEART AND STROKE What We Do Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke’s vision is a Northern Ireland where chest, heart and stroke illnesses have been substantially reduced and where those affected receive high quality services to meet their needs. To achieve this, our work is focused in four areas: research, advocacy and lobbying, health promotion and care services. All our work is within Northern Ireland. When people donate to NICHS, as St. Columba’s did so generously last year, they know their entire gift will be used for local benefit. There are two NICHS offices. Our Belfast office is at 21 Dublin Road and the North West office is at Spencer Road, Londonderry. Health Assessments and Information: We have a team of professional nurses who carry out a range of health assessments in the workplace, measuring blood pressure, checking cholesterol and giving lifestyle advice. Research: We are committed to funding research worth more than £500,000 each year - all of it in Northern Ireland’s hospitals and universities. Respiratory Services: Our Respiratory Support Network is a community based initiative designed to support people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and their families and carers across Northern Ireland. Cardiac Services: We support the Northern Ireland Cardiac Services Network and its 23 component groups. We are currently campaigning for the introduction of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation service to be made available across Northern Ireland, and to end the postcode lottery that exists at present. Stroke Services: We have a network of 32 stroke schemes across Northern Ireland, including eight young stroke schemes. These enable survivors to meet with people in a similar situation, while benefitting from a structured programme of activities including rehabilitation, exercise and information on preventing further strokes. Carers’ Groups: Looking after someone who has had a stroke can be difficult and upsetting - that’s why we developed our network of Carers’ Groups. They meet monthly and provide information, support and advice. Self Management - Taking Control: ‘Taking Control’ is a 6-week programme that builds skills, self-confidence and knowledge, enabling people to exercise control over their illness. The aim is to improve emotional and physical well-being and 20
reduce the need for hospital admission. Health Promotion: Our health promotion department aims to prevent chest, heart and stroke illnesses and encourage healthier lifestyles. We offer a range of services including:• Aiding homeless people, who are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses. • A project to improve the health of people in economically deprived areas. • Our health promotion nurses offer a wide range of preventative services. • We also have a network of over 20 Highway to Health walking routes across Northern Ireland. Advice Line: Our Advice Line - 08457 697299 - is for those who have concerns or queries about their own, or a loved one’s, chest, heart, or stroke illness. Welfare Grants: We offer welfare grants to those who are suffering financial hardship as a result of a chest, heart or stroke illness Advocacy and Lobbying: We have a long record of speaking out on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland to campaign for better services and improve the lives of those who have chest, heart or stroke illnesses. If you would like to support the work of NI Chest Heart and Stroke through fundraising or volunteering call 028 9032 0184, or visit www.nichs.org.uk Brian Kennedy
WHAT IS A STROKE? A stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack and happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off by: • a clot or blockage in a blood vessel or • a bleed from a blood vessel Blood carries all the essential nutrients and oxygen needed by the brain to function. When the blood supply is interrupted as a result of either of these two types of stroke, then the brain will not get the oxygen it needs and brain cells die. When a stroke occurs, some or all of our senses and bodily functions can be affected. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted in some way. If brain cells lose their supply of oxygen from the blood, they will be damaged or will die. The symptoms of a stroke depend on the part of the brain affected and the extent of the damage. So no two strokes are the same and recovery is different from person to person. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries which carry blood to the brain. This type of stroke is referred to as an ischaemic stroke, meaning there is not enough flow of blood to the brain. The blood clot can either originate in one of the main arteries leading to the brain, or develop elsewhere in the body and get transported to the brain in the bloodstream. 21
Some strokes are caused by bleeding within or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. This type of stroke is called a haemorrhagic stroke, haemorrhage is the medical term for bleeding. In an intracerebral haemorrhage, the bleeding occurs inside the brain itself. A subarachnoid haemorrhage is when a burst blood vessel bleeds into the space surrounding the brain. The blood presses on the brain, damaging its delicate tissue. Meanwhile, other brain cells are starved of blood and are damaged. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ‘mini-stroke’ is a set of symptoms similar to those of a stroke but that last a short time and occur because of a temporary lack of blood to part of the brain. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours but symptoms completely disappear within 24 hours. A TIA may not cause any serious illness. But it can be a warning sign of a more serious stroke and always requires immediate and further medical attention. Stroke Statistics for Northern Ireland • Every year in Northern Ireland around 4,000 people suffer a stroke. • One third will die, one third will make a recover with no significant lasting effects and one third will be left with long-term disability. • Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of severe disability in Northern Ireland. • At least 40 per cent of strokes are preventable. • More than three times as many women die from stroke than breast cancer in the UK. Seven steps to help prevent stroke • Get your blood pressure and cholesterol measured. • Aim for at least three 30 minute sessions of aerobic exercise each week. • Stop smoking and seek advice on ways to help you quit. • Reduce intake of salt, animal fat and sugar. • Find ways to relax. • Drink alcohol sensibly. • Be sure to take your prescribed medication. FAST - Warning signs of Stroke FAST is an internationally recognised system to help you identify the symptoms if you think someone has had a Stroke. Face - can the person smile, has their mouth or eye drooped Arm - can the person raise one or both arms Speech - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say Time - to call 999 A stroke is an EMERGENCY. If the person fails any one of these tests you MUST call 999 emergency services immediately. Early detection and treatment saves lives and increases the chance of making a better recovery. 22
VOICE MAIL
A HELPING HAND There is much we can do just to brighten This world of all take and no give, There’s a great deal that we can contribute Through the everyday lives that we live. By supporting one’s elderly neighbours Or through lending a hand in some way. It’s by taking a bunch of spring flowers To someone to brighten their day. It’s by sparing a few precious hours In the service of those most in need. It’s all about setting a standard And trying to give others a lead It’s the way that we tend to treat others And help and aid folks in distress, In the care and assistance we offer That will set us apart from the rest. The choice that we face is quite simple, The rewards plain for all folk to see. ‘As you did all of this to my brother,’ Said Jesus, ‘You also did it to me.’
Be grateful that God doesn’t have voice mail! Imagine praying and hearing the following: ‘Thank you for calling Heaven. Please select one of the following options... Press 1: Requests Press 2: Thanksgiving Press 3: Complaints Press 4: All other enquiries I am sorry, all our angels and saints are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and we will answer it in the order it was received. Please stay on the line. If you would now like to speak to... God.................................. Press 1 Jesus................................ Press 2 The Holy Spirit................ Press 3 To hear King David sing a psalm while you are holding .... Press 4 To find a loved one who has been assigned to Heaven ....... Press 5, then enter their Social Security number. If you receive a negative response, please hang up and try area code 666.
By Colin Hammacott
For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth, life on other planets and where Noah’s Ark is, please wait until you arrive. Our computers show that you may have already prayed once today, so please hang up and try again tomorrow. Unfortunately, however, the office is now closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday. Please pray again on Monday after 9.30am. If you are calling after hours and need emergency assistance, you should contact your local Rector or Curate.’
“But why do we have to plough the fields and scatter when we get everything from Tesco?” 23
ON WHY A VICAR SHOULD AVOID TAKING WEDDINGS (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren)
The Rectory Least of All the s St. Jame My dear Nephew Darren
for you in your church so you could Offering to take last week’s marriage service to be an unwise act of generosity on d attend your weekend plumbing course prove church hall kitchen sinks and install ck unblo to my part. You may now be qualified another marriage ceremony for you drainage to the font, but I will not be taking on that electrician’s course next heart again, no matter how much you have set your e lighting in the sanctuary. strob put and y vestr year, so that you can re-wire the er called, inviting me to the reception. At first, I was delighted when the bride’s moth g location for the reception, even if I assumed that Charnley Hall would be a fittin venue in the Directory of Stately the it was a little puzzling not to be able to find name of the public house next the was it that late Homes. I did not realise until too saloon bar were not used to seeing door to your church. Clearly, the regulars in the because someone was sent over to ent a gentleman of the cloth in their establishm was. ask me where the fancy dress party le and both sets of parents, although At least I had been placed with the happy coup that my presence there was to stop the privilege was rather spoiled when I was told son-in-law. My presence may well the bride’s mother attacking her newly-acquired t whatsoever on some of the effec no had it but , have kept the peace at our table others. bride’s and groom’s supporters had Long before the speeches, remarks between cted tactical weapons would be expe moved from sarcasm to the point where I and “Want to come outside and at?” ng looki you are deployed. Phrases such as “Who cheap fiction one buys for long train sort it out?” that I’d only ever read in the sort of drawn. The Archduke Ferdinand were journeys, echoed round the room. Battle lines r. ushe an ed slapp moment came when a bridesmaid with noses and bottles were being Chairs were over turned, fists made contact command order, knowing they were thrown. I decided it was time to step in and of All. Approaching one gentleman bound to obey the Vicar of St. James the Least then held it aloft above his own and him from it who was wielding a bottle, I took pose looked. head, to demonstrate how threatening such a e arrived, who, unlike our local village Unfortunately, that was the moment the polic churchwarden, Lord Jelleby, to have our constable, were deaf to explanations. Were been settled quite amicably. It was have could ers been on the bench that day, matt peace in your church; I am now bound not to be. You may enthusiastically pass the over to keep it. Your loving uncle, Eustace
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NOVEMBER MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the November parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by Sunday, 17th October, at latest. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR OCTOBER Sunday 3rd....................................................................................Harvest Sunday 10th..................................................................................Nan Armstrong Sunday 17th..................................................................................Maida Mulligan Sunday 24th..................................................................................
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Sunday 31st...................................................................................
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FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Holy Baptism Sunday 5th September
Jake Peter Armstrong
10 The Homestead, Lisburn Our Sorrows
Christian Burial Tuesday 31st August
Nora Daphne Elliott
497 Upper Newtownards Road Thursday 2nd September
Anne Constance Mary Finlay
Palmerston House,
formerly of 7 Sandringham Mews 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 Muriel Jowett 90659984
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
HON. SECRETARY & PREMISES CONVENOR Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 90656183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood BT18 OHT Tel 028 90424390 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 Victor Dukelow 19 Thornhill Park BT5 7AR Tel 028 90290625
ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295
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 90229310 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
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028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162