The Columban st. columba’s church, knock October 2014
The latest parish news, events and notices Picnic at Stormont Castle with St.Macartin’s
RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner, ALL AGE WORSHIP AND FAMILY COMMUNION SERVICES It is encouraging to see an increase in attendances at our All Age Worship service on the first Sunday of each month. One of the reasons for this development is the participation of our children. It is good to see them coming along with their enthusiasm and smiling faces. Through their involvement, they enrich our worship in a unique way. This is greatly appreciated by the congregation who give them much encouragement. I have invited Karen McAlpine to join the Sunday School team to assist the children with their preparations for both the All Age Worship services and the Family Communion service on the third Sunday at 9.30am. Karen will be commissioned as a Diocesan Lay Reader in January and has extensive experience of working with children. Each month, a specific class will have responsibility for these services. Karen will work exclusively with that class in Sunday School to prepare them for the following month’s services. Her involvement will include: • Assisting the children to write their own prayers based on the theme of the service • Encouraging children to read the lessons and assisting them with rehearsals • Involving class members to take up the offertory during the service Through Karen’s new role more of our children will be able to become involved in both these services. She is in a unique position to link her professional training as a teacher with her church experience, for the benefit of our children. She will be working closely with the new Superintendent, Joyce Stevenson, the teachers and me. While a specific class will have responsibility for these two services each month, all the Sunday School children will be involved in the singing of their anthem. They have lovely voices and their singing is stronger when they are all present. Our Organist and Choral Director, Dr Joe McKee, provides invaluable encouragement to the children by meeting them fifteen minutes before these services for a short rehearsal in church. I encourage parents to show their support by making attendance a priority with their children. The ever popular refreshments which Roberta Rogers organises provide a great opportunity for meeting each other and also raising money for many charities. As a parish let us unite behind our children and support them by having a full church! Yours in His Service,
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“Have a Merry Berry Christmas!”
St. Columba’s, Knock, would like to invite you to… A Flower Arranging Demonstration by Hilda McClements (Chelsea Medal Winner)
Wednesday, 26th November, at 7.30pm in the church hall Tickets £10 (includes light refreshments) available from Elizabeth Leonard (9065 3162) or Clodagh Reid (9187 2611)
Come along and see the Christmas Stalls!
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SERVICES IN OCTOBER Thursday 2nd Saint Michael and all Angels (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(White)
Sunday 5th 8.15am
Harvest Thanksgiving (Green) Holy Communion Reader Ronny Martin 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 Gospel Clergy Matthew 13: 1-23
10.45am
Instrumental Music by Mrs Ruth McCartney and her daughters, Maria and Caroline
11.00am
All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch Reader Jon Roche Matthew 13: 1-9 Preacher Canon Ken Smyth
7.00pm
Evening Prayer Reader Noel Higginson Joel 2: 21-27 Reader Noel Higginson Matthew 6: 25-33 Preacher Canon Walter Laverty Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
Thursday 9th Saint Philip the Deacon (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 12th 8.15am
The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Philippians 4: 1-9 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 22: 1-14
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Mary Beard Gospel Clergy Intercessions Clergy
7.00pm
Philippians 4: 1-9 Matthew 22: 1-14
Choral Evensong Reader Esther Templeton Proverbs 3: 1-18 Reader Esther Templeton John 3: 1-15
Thursday 16th Saint Luke (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 19th 8.15am
The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Jennifer Johnston 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 22: 15-22
9.30am
Family Communion Gospel Jonathan Kelly Matthew 22: 15-22
10.30am
Morning Prayer Reader Jill Gillespie Exodus 33: 12-33 Reader Jayne Martin Matthew 22: 15-22 Occasional Jennifer Johnston Prayers
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7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Billy McAlpine 1 John 3: 16- 4:6 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 10: 35-45
Thursday 23rd Saint James, the Brother of our Lord 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 26th 8.15am
The Fifth Sunday before Advent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Arthur Hobson 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8 Gospel Clergy Matthew 22: 34-46
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Murray Hunter Gospel Clergy Intercessions Elizabeth Leonard
7.00pm
Evening Prayer Reader John Holland 2 Timothy 2: 1-7 Reader John Holland Mark 12: 28-34
1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8 Matthew 22: 34-46
Thursday 30th Saint Simon and Saint Jude (Transferred) 10.00am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (9065 5500) The readings are from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website: www.coiknock.org
PARISH PRAYER God, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711
OCTOBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 5th.................................................Liz McCaughey and Helen Proctor Sunday 12th...............................................Jennifer Johnston and Jane Scott Sunday 19th...............................................Sandra and John Little Sunday 26th...............................................Barbara Gibson and May Morrow 5
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday, 5th October
11.00am All Age Worship and Harvest Lunch
Sunday, 12th October
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday, 19th October
9.30am Family Communion
Sunday, 26th October
10.30am Sunday School
As the new Sunday School year commences, we welcome Karen McAlpine and Michelle Jamison to our team. This year, we hope that our young people from Sunday School will play a much greater role in the All Age Worship and 9.30am Family Communion services by singing songs, reading from the Scriptures, writing and reading their own prayers as well as taking the collection. I would encourage parents to bring their children to these services and support their efforts! At the Harvest service, there will be a craft display by our children in the church for all to enjoy. Joyce Stevenson
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR HARVEST Saturday, 4th 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, 5th OCTOBER
8.15am: Holy Communion 10.45am: Instrumental music by Ruth McCartney and her daughters, Maria and Caroline 11.00am: All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the church hall Preacher: The Revd Canon Ken Smyth, Assistant Priest Children are invited to bring a Harvest gift to present during this service 7.00pm: Evening Prayer Preacher: The Revd Canon Walter Laverty, former Rector of St. John’s, Orangefield 6
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH HARVEST LUNCH
Don’t forget our Harvest Lunch on Sunday, 5th October, immediately after Morning service. Our soup lunches are always very popular and tickets remain available at the back of church, so pop the date in your diary now and bring the family along for a nice lunch and at the same time support, by voluntary donations, the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Lynn Ryan
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 October: Rector Knocktern Gardens Knockvale Grove Knockvale Park Knockwood Grove
Assistant Priest Knockmount Park Knockwood Crescent Knockwood Park Laurelvale
CHOIR RECRUITMENT We’re away on a family holiday just now but we hope to be home in the second week of October. One of my priorities when I get back is to find some new members for the choir. Like most church choirs, we have a majority of singers who are in middle age or beyond. I’m in that category myself! Whereas we welcome singers of all ages – genuinely and warmly – we’re particularly keen to see some young people of school or college age in the choir stalls. Any of the choir members will tell you that our rehearsals are extremely busy and challenging, so any young musician will have his or her musical abilities stretched and nurtured in a friendly environment. We get through a great deal of music each week so sight-reading skills and teamwork are developed on a regular basis. Please think about joining us now. One other related matter. A small number of young married members have told me they’d like to join the choir but due to family commitments they can’t give up their Thursday nights for the regular choir rehearsals. As well as our weeknight rehearsal, we also practice before each main service on Sundays so it might be helpful to some potential singers if they could commit mainly to Sunday rehearsals. For that to happen, we would need a dedicated child minder to look after the children from 9.30 until 10.15 on Sunday mornings. If you think you’d like to help our music in this way, could you please contact either me or the Rector? Many thanks.
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CRÈCHE Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help with Crèche this year. There has been a very encouraging response and there will be two helpers each Sunday that Crèche is on. Please note that there is no Crèche on the 1st Sunday of each month. This gives us all the opportunity to attend the All Age Worship service with our families and friends. It is also hoped that the older Crèche children will be able to join the Sunday School children in their songs at this service. This month, I am asking for help with resources for the Crèche. I would be grateful if you could take the time to look out items that are no longer being used and that you may consider donating to Crèche. These must be in good, clean condition. A box will be left at the back of the church into which the items can be placed. The items that I would particularly like are as follows: • Easels – chalk or whiteboard
• Jigsaws up to 35 pieces - complete
• 2 static baby walkers
• Dolls
• Working CD player
• Baby activity mats
Thank you in advance for any donations – they will be most gratefully received!
Lynn Ryan
In June, Belfast hosted the 2014 Mothers’ Union General Meeting with more than 1,300 members and supporters converging on the city from all over the UK and Ireland, as well as from much further afield. Some of our branch members attended the Service of Celebration in St. Anne’s Cathedral on Friday, 20th June, and the General Meeting in the Waterfront Hall the following day. Before breaking for the summer, St. Columba’s Mothers’ Union members also elected a new committee. Our new committee members have signed up for a three year term during which they will plan a programme of events, activities and get-togethers. The new committee, led by Branch Leader, Jill Gillespie, is already working on our programme of events for 2015 and will bring you further details shortly. To kick off the St. Columba’s Mothers Union programme for the autumn, our Annual Service will take place on Tuesday, 7th October, at 8.00pm. Events planned for the remainder of 2014 include:Tuesday, 4th November - Folk tales of Ireland with guest speaker, Cathal McManus Tuesday, 2nd December - Christmas Evening Katrina Dukelow 8
LADIES GUILD NOTES
Hi Everyone, First of all, thank you for such a friendly response to Maureen and myself when we handed out our annual programme to non-members on Sunday, 31st August. There are some more at the back of church if you missed out! Well, our bags were packed and Jill and Dennis Wilson were ready, too, as we set off from Peking at 7.45pm on Wednesday, 17th September. A refreshing cup of tea/ coffee was served in Paris about 8.30pm and we’ll tell you all about it in the next issue. Planning ahead, the next date for your diary is Wednesday, 15th October, when we will welcome May Anderson to give us a Glimpse of Peru. It will be exciting to hear about May’s work setting up nursery schools - attached to churches - and I’m sure her pictures will pluck our heartstrings - bring your own tissues! Imelda Shephard (Hon. Secretary)
MEN’S CLUB NOTES
We kick started our new season on Monday, 1st September. It was encouraging to see a good turnout of members for the first night. The incoming committee are in the process of collating a calendar of events for the new season. All details will be listed in The Columban and on the parish website as soon as available. We extend an invitation to all male members of the parish who are considering joining us on a Monday evening in the church hall from 7.30pm. You will be assured of a warm welcome! As it is our aim to widen the range of activities of the club, we would welcome input from any source within St. Columba’s. Our calendar of events will be aimed not only at the men of the parish, but will also include the participation of the whole congregation. Further updates to follow! John Robb (Hon. Secretary)
FLOWER ARRANGING DEMONSTRATION As you can read on the flyer on page 3, the theme of the flower arranging demonstration on Wednesday, 26th November, is ‘Have a Merry Berry Christmas’. This should be a very interesting and informative evening with floral art by Hilda McClements, assisted by Anne Mullin. Hilda is an extremely accomplished arranger, having won medals at various flower shows, including Chelsea in London. She also created a beautiful arrangement for the altar table during St. Columba’s Flower Festival. Tickets priced at £10 will be sold prior to the event and this also includes light refreshments. All profits will be in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. There will also be a small number of select stalls selling Christmas gifts. The Fundraising Committee will be running a church stall. The Committee will be asking parishioners who make cakes, truffles, hand-made chocolates, preserves or crafts such as candles, to consider donating a small number of products to this stall to be sold on the night. There will also be a ballot on the evening to win some of the arrangements made by Hilda. More information will be given in next month’s Columban but please put this date in your diary! Lynn Ryan 9
The Commissioning of Parish Organisations on Sunday, 14th September
PAUSE By now, most of us have settled into our autumn routine of attendance at organisations or classes. In September, PAUSE had yet another new visitor to our lunch at Hillmount Garden Centre. Remember that ALL are welcome to join us. If you normally meet with friends – bring them with you! We are meeting on two occasions this month: Wednesday, 8th October, at 10.30am – coffee at The Bobbin (Belfast City Hall) Tuesday, 28th October, at 10.30am – coffee at SKAINOS (Newtownards Road) If you require transport or further details, please contact me. Eileen Anderson (9020 3684)
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ST. COLUMBA’S CRAFT AND HOBBY CIRCLE We’ve been up and running for a couple of Mondays now, very much enjoying catching up with each other after the summer break. Robbie McKeown has been working on some easy ideas with felt for those who may feel they’re not crafty enough. “Craftiness” is not a prerequisite for joining us, just chat and what you are interested in doing! Now that schools are back and routines with children reestablished, we look forward to seeing more of you over the next week or so. Carol (9079 9997/07831 345560 or email: pchwillis@hotmail.co.uk)
ST. COLUMBA’S RAILWAY AND MODEL CLUB The three stations planned have been named. They are called: Kensington - main line station Columban Halt and Knock Hill - branch line stations Our ‘fiddle yard’ will be known as Kingsway Junction. Some potential non parish members have been along and we hope they will join the club. We are now at the ‘slog’ stage with a lot of lines to be pinned down onto the layout base, and buildings and scenery to be constructed. With luck and hard work, we hope to have a few trial runs on the layout with some of our engines in the very near future. Hope to see more of our parishioners soon. Keep on rollin'.... David Beattie
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PARISH LINK WITH ST. MACARTIN’S CATHEDRAL, ENNISKILLEN Sunday, 7th September, was an important and auspicious day in the life of St. Columba’s as on this occasion parishioners from St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, paid a return visit to our parish church. As we know, parish churches and their congregations tend sometimes to be islands of the faithful standing alone, so developing a link in this way was an initiative by our Rector and the Dean of St. Macartin’s to change all that! It was with some degree of trepidation and not a little anticipation that a few hardy souls turned up before 9.00am in the church hall to organise tea and coffee for our visitors. Preparations went smoothly until the former Churchwardens blew the wall sockets in an attempt to boil some water! Being versatile, of course, they soon had them repaired... The reception went well and before long there were more clerics than you could shake a stick at! A few cultural differences emerged, too, when someone talked so much about playing marbles that your correspondent wished at that point he had organised a marbles tournament. After refreshments, our visitors climbed the hill to join a good turnout of St. Columba’s parishioners for a service with a difference. An inspiring sermon by The Very Revd Kenneth Hall was followed by Holy Communion, ministered for the first time at two separate points within the church, at the main altar and in the side chapel. This was a new departure and a great success, allowing the service, at which a most friendly ambiance prevailed throughout, to be over within the hour. Members of both congregations then proceeded to Stormont Castle for a joint picnic, an outright first as no public organisation had ever been allowed into the castle grounds on a Sunday in modern times! The setting around the fountain in front of the Orangerie was delightful, and the weather warm and sunny with an azure sky – though back up facilities were available in the famous glass house in case of rain! A most convivial couple of hours ensued with old acquaintances cemented and new friendships forged. This was important for the parishioners of St. Columba’s as they were determined to offer their friends from St. Macartin’s just as warm a welcome as they themselves had received in Enniskillen, at the end of June. Thus ended a most enjoyable and inspiring occasion for all. The Rector was pleased, the Dean was pleased and both said so – even the marble man was happy! We can now look forward to the future with confidence that the link between St. Columba’s and St. Macartin’s Cathedral will be most fruitful and beneficial to both congregations. John Little 12
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NOVEMBER 2013 CHURCH WIDE CENSUS Statement issued by the Church of Ireland Press Office During 2013, as agreed at the General Synod in 2012, the Church of Ireland undertook a parish based census with a view to enabling dioceses and parishes to plan ahead for spiritual and numerical growth on an evidential rather than anecdotal basis. The census was based on a postal paper questionnaire returned by parishes, including St. Columba’s, and average Sunday attendance figures were gathered over three Sundays in November last year (excluding Remembrance Sunday). The census figures were analysed and evaluated by Dr Bev Botting, Head of Research and Statistics of the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, and presented by Dr Botting to members of the Church of Ireland Standing Committee during the third week of June. The figures provide ‘first time’ baseline statistics and the census is a useful initial engagement with data collection for mission, which will be built upon through further census exercises every three years (with refinements to the survey instrument and mapping likely). In presenting the figures, sincere thanks were expressed to all those who participated in gathering the data, not least Clergy and Diocesan Secretaries across the island, for their strong commitment to it – the response rate was over 90%. The most recent national census statistics in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland show that around 378,000 people claim affiliation with the Church of Ireland: 249,000 in Northern Ireland (13.7% of the 1.8m population) and 129,000 in the Republic of Ireland (2.8% of the 4.6m population). Of these, 72,000 are ‘Vestry persons’(resident and accustomed), 25% of the Church of Ireland population aged over 20. Average attendance at worship on a ‘usual’ Sunday, based on the 2013 exercise in November, was 58,000 people, 15% of those reporting as Church of Ireland in the 2011 national censuses. Attendance figures by diocese are provided in the notes below. Of those attending worship in November 2013, the proportional distribution by age was: 15% aged 0-11; 7% aged 12-18; 6% aged 19-30; 14% aged 31-45; 19% aged 46-60; 24% aged 61-74 and 15% aged 75+. Proportional distribution of attendance by gender was 57% female, 43% male. A feature of the data collection was recording attendance at the major Christian festivals of Christmas Eve/Day and Easter Day. On Christmas Eve/Day 2012, 108,000 people attended worship, 29% of the Church of Ireland population. On Easter Day 2013, 76,000 people or 20% of the Church of Ireland population attended Church of Ireland worship. The figures for Christmas do not capture celebratory services preceding Christmas Eve/Day. The census also asked for returns on ‘occasional officers’, figures which show the extent to which the Church of Ireland is involved in key milestones in life. Based on returns, 3,700 Baptisms, 2,300 Confirmations, 1,300 Weddings and 3,500 Funerals take place in Church of Ireland churches across the island each year. In welcoming the availability of these new statistics, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, said: “As I conveyed in my address to the General Synod last month, we need to think clearly about ‘long term’ church and how best to make a positive witness and contribution to the community in all parts of Ireland over, say, the next 20 years. 16
It is better to begin this process based on reality rather than wishful thinking. This first round census data allows us to think about how best to do so, looking to the future by developing strategies based on a realistic assessment of where we stand now. The statistics present the scale of the missional challenge ahead of us, one which we embrace with hope.” NOTES The national census figures are those of the 2011 censuses in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (source: NISRA and CSO) ‘Vestry persons’ are those adult members who are signed onto the Vestry roll of the parish and entitled to vote at Annual Easter General Vestry meetings. The term does not refer to members of Select Vestries Average attendance per diocese is as follows: Down and Dromore 12,800; Armagh 7,110; Derry and Raphoe 6,100; Clogher 3,960; Connor 10,900; Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh 2,400; Tuam, Killala and Achonry 600; Cork, Cloyne and Ross 2,200; Dublin and Glendalough 7,300; Limerick and Killaloe 1,200; Cashel, Ferns and Ossory 2,000; Meath and Kildare 1,500.
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ANNE FRANK Many people think of Anne Frank as a Dutch girl, but she was born – and died – in Germany. Almost exactly 70 years ago she recorded the final entry in her diary while hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam, which had become her home town after her Jewish family had fled the Nazis. Her full name was Annelies Marie Frank and the last entry in the diary given to her by her father was made on 1st August, 1944. She was 15 years old. Three days later, her hiding place was raided following a tip-off. She and her family were taken to Auschwitz concentration camp. Anne and her sister were later transferred to BergenBelsen, where they died of typhus. Their father Otto, a former German soldier and businessman who was the only member of his family to survive the death camps, was impressed and deeply moved when he discovered what his daughter had written. He arranged for parts of it to be published and it is now known universally as The Diary of Anne Frank. It has been filmed many times, adapted for the stage and translated into many languages. It tells the inspiring story of how eight people survived the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam by living for over two years in a dark, concealed part of Otto’s company building, protected and fed by – among others – two Christians who ran the company on the owner’s behalf. Throughout the diary runs a thread of faith, hope and love, tinged with despair. A fortnight before she was captured, the teenager wrote: “I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty, too, shall end, that peace and tranquillity will return.” Tim Lenton 17
It is always very difficult to join a well-established group of people, regardless of whether it is a new church, an organisation or a new job. It can be very daunting because no-one wants to stand out as ‘new’ or make mistakes, and draw attention to themselves. St. Columba’s is very well known for the warm welcome offered to all visitors and guests. In order to build on this and to make our visitors feel relaxed, I have created a new booklet called Welcome to our Church which will be handed out to guests and visitors at the services by our Churchwardens. It contains a few key pieces of information which are not currently in any of our existing publications. It is an informal booklet and was used on the first Sunday in September when we welcomed parishioners from St. Macartin’s, Enniskillen, to join us in church and for a picnic afterwards in Stormont Castle. I also wanted to make parents with young children feel more relaxed and welcome - it can be very difficult for parents to relax if children are noisy or talking during church. I have created a little bookmark which can be used to mark places in the Prayer Book or Hymn Book, or just to take home! Children are very welcome in our church, we should not stop them asking questions but instead encourage them to join in. During this year, we are making children a very important focus of our work in preparation for Mission 2015. They will be interacting more during services and all family/children’s services will be printed on a salmon colour of paper with new graphics, launched for the first time at the All Age Worship service in September. I hope you will enjoy these changes!
Karen Patterson, Parish Administrator
THANK YOU, DR LUKE!
“Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, bless the bed that I lie on” - my grandma taught me that one. At least it meant I never forgot the names of the writers of the four Gospels. This month Luke, the writer of the third of them, has his feast day – 18th October. He was, we learn from the letters of St. Paul, a ‘physician’ - an educated man and probably the only one of the writers of the New Testament who was not a Jew. In modern terms he was Turkish. Paul took him as one of his missionary team on a long journey around the Middle East and they clearly became close friends. Under house arrest later in his life, Paul could write, “only Luke is with me.” However, it is his Gospel which has established him as a major figure in the history of the Christian Church. Mark’s Gospel may have more drama, Matthew’s a more prophetic background and John’s a more profound sense of the mystery of the divine, but Luke offers us a Jesus who is utterly and believably real. This man turned no one away, reserved his harshest words for hypocrites and religious grandees, cared for the marginalised, the poor, the persecuted, the handicapped and the sinful. His Gospel is full of people we can recognise - indeed, in whom we can often recognise ourselves. He was also a masterly story teller. Try, for instance, the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Read it not as a sacred text but as a brilliant piece of story-telling: 18
subtle repetitions - “your son, this brother of yours” - believable characters, drama and profound emotion. There is the older brother, so cynical about his sibling’s alleged reformation; the ‘prodigal’ himself, so hesitant about throwing himself on his father’s mercy after the folly of his earlier behaviour; and there is the father, of course, abandoning his dignity and actually running to welcome his wretched son’s return. There are more women in Luke’s Gospel than in any of the others, but also more poor people, more lepers, more ‘sinners’ and tax-collectors, more ‘outsiders’ who are shown to be ‘inside’ the love of Christ. This, for many of us, is the great Gospel of inclusion and compassion. Here is a Jesus for the whole world and for every one of us. Thank you, Dr Luke!
David Winter
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WALK, SCAVENGER HUNT & BBQ What a day! An enjoyable walk, an enthusiastic scavenger hunt, a great deal of chat and, of course, plenty to eat and drink at the barbeque. Yes, all of the above in one afternoon! The walk from Comber was enjoyable and refreshing, with pleasant countryside to behold, clean air to breathe and excellent company. During the walk, some of us took part in the scavenger hunt, the tasks and questions having been set by our very own Billy McAlpine. Congratulations to the winning team of Eileen Anderson, Joyce Stevenson, Laura Stevenson and Alan Boyd. On returning to St. Columba’s, our chefs, Brian Clements, Brian Gillespie and Robin Haldane, who had been busy preparing the barbeque, welcomed the walkers and those who had come to partake of the food with a tremendous selection of burgers, sausages, salads and drinks. All ages enjoyed themselves. The younger generation played on the grass and the slightly older generation chatted to each other and perhaps asked more pertinent questions of each other than usual. Why? Well, Karen McAlpine had devised a quiz called Who do you think they are? consisting of seven statements made by parishioners present on the outing, with everyone else trying to marry up the statements to them, eg. When on holiday in the canaries I was challenged to play a game of golf. Having never played before, I was encouraged when some golfers watching me par the 8th hole started clapping. It made my day! Who do you think I am? Yes, what a day! But these days don’t just happen by themselves. The Rector thanked all those who had helped to make it such, and the considerable numbers of young and old present were greatly appreciative of the good companionship, great fun, delicious food and, of course, the gorgeous weather. Murray Hunter
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FATAL STROKES Police are called to an apartment and find a woman holding a bloody 5-iron standing over a lifeless man. The detective asks, "Ma'am, is that your husband?" "Yes" says the woman. "Did you hit him with that golf club?" "Yes, yes, I did." The woman begins to sob, drops the club and puts her hands on her face. "How many times did you hit him?" "I don't know -- five, six, maybe seven times.....but just put me down for a five."
FLU JAB
Influenza (flu) can be a very severe illness and you need to update your immunisation as soon as possible. This year’s Flu Campaign will begin in October when supplies of vaccine become available. All pregnant women will need this immunisation. Please contact your GP’s surgery to make sure you get your immunisation if you are aged over 65 years of age or have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.
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THEY WENT WITH SONGS TO THE BATTLE We don’t want to lose you, but we think you ought to go, sang music hall star, Vesta Tilley, in the summer of 1914 when theatre stages became recruiting centres as young men, urged on by their girlfriends and wives, made their way forward to offer themselves for military service. This was, of course, in those first heady months of the war, the “over by Christmas time” when not to volunteer was to risk being given a white feather of cowardice in the street. Rapidly a huge volunteer army was assembled and soon made its way to the western front. The songs of the music hall went with them - indeed, this was an army that sang and whistled its way into those muddy trenches and kept on singing, even when it turned out that the war was going to be long, bitter and brutal. Pack up your troubles in your old kitbag, they sang, and smile, smile, smile. All that was needed was a Lucifer to light your fag. After all, What’s the use of worrying - it never was worthwhile. Soon that song was joined by others - I learnt many of them from my father: Madamoiselle from Armentères, parlezvous? It’s a long way to Tipperary and so on. The songs of the music hall became the songs of the battlefield. Soldiers on leave or in ‘Blighty‘ for medical treatment sat in the cheap seats and sang their heads off, while a singer on stage, often wearing patriotic uniform, marched up and down orchestrating the performance. (‘Blighty’ incidentally was the soldiers’ slang for Britain or home - it’s from an Urdu word brought back from India by a previous generation of soldiers, and actually means ‘European’.) When, in his most famous poem For the Fallen, Laurence Binyon wrote that ‘they went with songs to the battle’ he was stating the truth. Pack up your troubles was the defining song of the trenches, though in the harsh light of reality its message seems a bit like whistling in the dark. As the war went on and year followed year, so the songs tended to change their mood. In 1918 it was Ivor Novello‘s first great hit Keep the home fires burning . . . till the boys come home that stirred the audiences’ hearts. The same shift occurred in the Second World War, from the confident We‘re going to hang out our washing on the Siegfried Line in 1939 to Vera Lynn‘s lovely voice assuring war-weary troops in 1944 that We‘ll meet again, don‘t know where, don‘t know when. Popular songs, in other words, captured very accurately the mood and heart of the nation. As they always have been, their trade secrets were smiles and tears. David Winter 22
ON THE PERILS OF HARVEST
ew (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his neph
Darren)
The Rectory St. James the Least of All
My dear Nephew Darren charge of designing the course for In the unlikely event of ever being put inld make a few significant changes. wou I n, natio those being trained for ordi Greek would all be dropped as Modules on doctrine, church history andcourses on how to run a tight jumble add ld wou I unnecessary. In their place, r – and especially close to my sale, ways to keep your Select Vestry in orde est. Harv tiate heart at present - how to nego when it becomes clear that the flower The first skirmish starts in early summer disappear behind a huge array of arrangers’ plans mean that the choir will by announcing that their Harvest chrysanthemums. The choir then retaliate ay School intends to re-enact the anthem must take place just when the Sund r, in turn, raise the stakes by insisting parable of the Good Samaritan. The latteormance, thus ensuring that I will be that a stage will be needed for their perfimpenetrable barricade. separated from the congregation by an itional meeting to iron out all these In September, therefore, there is the tradthe annual act of the Verger handing in little difficulties. This inevitably results ing a mass walkout and the coffee in his resignation, the bell ringers threaten no more than three minutes, so lasts organisers demanding that my sermon lising after the service. that there will be plenty of time for socia s indifference, smile, agree with them I greet all suggestions with magnanimou d policy, incidentally, for all decision goo (a all – and then do absolutely nothing d exactly as it has always done for making). Inevitably, everything goes ahea the last century. gement of eggs around the font Come the day, there will be the usual arran Donated anonymously by Elsie Jones; with the strategically placed card saying the choirboys, cunningly designed near gly and the pyramid of apples temptin during the sermon, the entire pile so that when someone tries to pinch one all over the chancel. ily disintegrates spectacularly and rolls nois the Harvest Supper saying that the On the following Friday, all will leave after year and that the absence of red ious entertainment was worse than the prev other words, everyone has thoroughly cabbage had quite ruined the hot pot. In enjoyed the evening! pulsory and a pass mark of at least My Harvest training course would be com n could be considered. 90% would be required before ordinatio Your loving uncle, Eustace 23
MU AFTERNOON GROUP Monday, 8th September, was the first meeting of the Afternoon Group after the summer break. There was a good turn out to hear a talk by Noel Spence of the Tudor Cinema in Comber. After a warm welcome to all from the Rector, Noel gave an entertaining and informative talk. He said we should be proud of not only what our children and grandchildren have done, but also our own achievements. He told us about his own life and the things of which he was most proud. Noel finished by reading from one of his own books before joining us for afternoon tea. It was great to catch up with everyone after the holidays. Our next meeting will be on Monday, 13th October, when we hope to be joined by Abernethy Butter. Any ladies who would like to join us would be made very welcome! Joy Montgomery
FLOWER ROTA FOR OCTOBER Sunday 5th …………………………........................................Harvest Sunday 12th ………………………..........................................Nan Armstrong Sunday 19th ………………………..........................................Ella Wilkinson Sunday 26th.............................................................................Diana Noble
Parish Harvest lunch Sunday 5th, October Flower Arranging Demonstration and Christmas Stalls Wednesday, 26th November (7.30pm)
NOVEMBER PARISH MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the November parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 12th October. Many thanks 24
Colour in this Halloween Scene!
HOSPITAL VISITING The Clergy would appreciate being informed if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer them pastoral support. Do not assume the Clergy already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706) to enable them to take careful note of the details. 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations! SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Superintendant Joyce Stevenson
9058 3381
Bubbles (3-5 years) Splash (5-8 years) X-treme (8-11 years) The Grid (11-14 years) MONDAY 10.30am Craft & Hobby Circle Carol Willis 9079 9997 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2.30p.m. MU Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm Men’s Club John Robb 9058 1438 TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Vi Dowie 9067 1051 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 7.30pm MU Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 9079 5155 8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Katrina Dukelow 9029 0625
7.O0pm Railway and Model Club David Beattie 9028 5868 7.30pm Bible Study Group Anella Gallen 9065 8077 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Imelda Shephard 9079 7683 THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen
9079 0210
7.30pm Choir Practice Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574 FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45-4.30pm Toddler Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Moira Saunders 6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff
07739 041392 9087 4047
Pause Bi-monthly outings as arranged Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 Youth Etc (11-15 years) Monthly outings as arranged David Kelly 9079 6658 Young Families Group Social events as arranged Victor Dukelow 9029 0625
Requests for the occasional use of church halls must be submitted to the Premises Convenor, John Little, on 07732 494151 or e-mail: little_large@hotmail.com 26
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.coiknock.org
PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN Mark Reid 54 Knocklofty Park BT4 3ND Tel 028 9028 4367 Mob 07810 648167 HONORARY SEXTON John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9087 0526 Mob 07989 469773 SELECT VESTRY Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, John Little, Mark Ryan, Gillian Sadlier, Mark Wilson HONORARY SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 9065 6183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com HONORARY TREASURER Josephine Kelly 15 Manse Road BT6 9SB Tel 028 9079 6658 ASSISTANT HONORARY TREASURER Victor Dukelow 19 Thornhill Park BT5 7AR Tel 028 9029 0625 GIFT AID SECRETARY Ronny Martin 8 Gillycourt Manor 309 Gilnahirk Road BT5 7SL Tel 028 9079 0821 Mob 07526 396838 Email ronny.martin@sky.com
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 9047 1514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com ASSISTANT PRIEST The Revd Canon Ken Smyth 3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG Tel 028 9145 8706 PARISH READER Karen McAlpine Email readercolumba@gmail.com DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber, BT23 5SZ Tel 028 9187 8816 RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN John Macpherson 10 Sandhill Gardens BT5 6FF Tel 028 9028 2076 PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Jon Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 9065 3511 JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Andrew Kelly, Charles Auchmuty RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 9058 3381 Mob 07973 392448 27
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 76 Sandown Road BT5 6GU Mob 07976 294574 ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 8 Lacefield BT4 3PA Tel 028 9079 3641 READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 9065 5500 SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 9754 2198 CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Lynn Ryan 2 Ballyregan Road Dundonald BT16 1HY Tel 07710 652190
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9514 0141 Email ivan.roche@me.com C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Moranne Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704 BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 9048 9884 CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 9065 0716 PREMISES CONVENOR John Little 59 Leathem Square, East Link Road Dundonald BT16 2QL Tel 07732 494151 Email little_large@hotmail.com
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE PARISH ADMINISTRATOR FINANCIAL GIVING SECRETARY Karen Patterson Office Hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pm Tel 028 9065 6891 Email office@coiknock.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 028 9047 1514 Patrick Good 028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard 028 9065 3162 28