The Columban st. columba’s church, knock, october 2016
Devinish Island
CHURCH OF IRELAND PARISH MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 2016
Rector’s Letter
Dear Parishioner
HARVEST SERVICES On Sunday 2nd October, at our Harvest Thanksgiving Services, we will give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings we receive. In addition, we will also be marking the first anniversary following our Week of Mission. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since that most engaging and inspirational of weeks in the life of St Columba’s. I am delighted that our Missioner throughout that week, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor, will be our Harvest preacher at the All Age Worship service at 11.00am (Please note the change of time). This will be a further opportunity for us to be enriched by Bishop Alan’s preaching as we strengthen the Connections between our Christian faith and our daily lives. In the words of a collect which we heard recently in church: “…Grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel; That, always abiding in you, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service…” May we continue to take steps to a stronger faith which actively reflects and connects with daily living through our words and deeds. As we are reminded in the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15). The preacher at the Choral Evensong that evening will be the Dean of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, The Very Reverend John Mann. He served as a popular Curate in St Columba’s from 1982 -1985, as recorded in the updated edition of the book “An House Not Made with Hands”. It will be a great joy to welcome him back to the parish on this occasion.
DEDICATION OF CHURCH INTERNAL PAINTING The dedication of the church internal painting will take place on Sunday 9th October and will be conducted by the Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Right Reverend Harold Miller. The preacher will be the Bishop of Albany, The Right 2
Reverend Bill Love. This major project was only made possible through the very generous response to the Painting Appeal Envelopes, which were distributed to every home through the March Columban. I thank all those members of our parish who supported the appeal, which enabled the Select Vestry to proceed, during the summer, to appoint contractors to carry out this much needed work. In fact, they were the same contractors who last painted the church twenty years ago! They have done an outstanding job and it was great that we could have this painting completed during the holidays.
ROBERTA ROGERS Throughout the past fifteen years Roberta has conscientiously organised and served refreshments at the All Age Worship services. Over the years this has become an increasingly popular feature of our parish life, providing a wonderful opportunity for parishioners and visitors alike to meet each other after this service. In addition, a considerable amount of money has been raised for numerous charities, which have all been individually recorded in the annual financial accounts. Roberta took great care to provide helpful information in The Columban articles about the charity which was being supported each month. This gave us an opportunity to learn about the work of that charity and to financially support them while enjoying refreshments. Due to the increased popularity of the refreshments, we recently undertook the major refurbishment of the West End of the church, which has provided us with additional space to meet each other in comfort. Having diligently carried out this important feature of our parish work, with the support of Alan, along with those who have assisted in different capacities, Roberta now wishes to retire from this role. I personally want to thank her for the important contribution she has made to St Columba’s through this service. I hope that Roberta will enjoy receiving refreshments and chatting to those in the congregation for many years to come. I welcome her successor, Suzanne Allen, who will be continuing this long established tradition of supporting charities at the refreshments following the All Age Worship services on the first Sunday of each month. Please continue to support our charitable giving in St Columba’s in this way. Yours in His Service,
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SIDESPERSON’S ROTA 2nd October 9th October 16th October 23rd October 30th October
The Sadlier family Josephine and David Kelly Maureen Irwin and Lindsay Brown Peter Greer and Ivan Coffey Jayne and Ronny Martin
PARISH PRAYER
God, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711
From the Registers Holy Baptism Sunday 18th September
Our Joys
Otto Charles Arthur Doubleday 11 Millreagh, Dundonald
FLOWER ROTA OCTOBER Sunday, 2nd October.......................................................Harvest Sunday, 9th October..........................................Nan Armstrong Sunday, 16th October............................................Wendy Killen Sunday, 23th October........................................ Sandra Gordon Sunday, 30th October........... Alison Acheson & Moira Dawson
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CONGRATULATIONS The following from Bishop Harold Miller was read by Canon Walter Laverty to the congregation at the evening service on Sunday 11th September. Announcement to be read on behalf of Bishop Harold Miller at the services in St Columba’s Parish, Knock, on Sunday, 11th September 2016. I am very pleased to announce that The Revd John Auchmuty has been appointed to a canonry in Down Cathedral. He is to be Prebendary of Talpestone. I know you will join with me in congratulating John on this honour and in looking forward to his contribution to the life of the Cathedral. The announcement was also published at 8.00pm on Sunday 11th September in the Down and Dromore diocesan website. The following comments from the Reverend Canon John R. Auchmuty were also published. I feel greatly honoured and humbled to have been appointed a Canon of Down Cathedral. Throughout my ministry I have had many connections with the Cathedral beginning with my ordination as Priest which took place there in June 1993. I have long had a great interest in the Cathedral and its ministry both in the diocese and in the local community. I am looking forward immensely to working with the Dean along with my new colleagues on the Chapter and members of the Cathedral community in the months and years ahead. I count it a very great privilege to be given this opportunity and I ask for your prayers for Caroline, Charles, Henry and myself as preparations are made for my Installation.� We congratulate John and assure him that he is in our thoughts and prayers as he enters this new phase in his spritual and working life. 5
SERVICES IN OCTOBER Sunday 2nd 8.15am 11.00am 7.00pm
Harvest Thanksgiving (Green) Holy Communion Ronny Martin 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 Reader Karen McAlpine John 6: 27-35 Gospel All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch Hazel Macpherson Psalm 150 Reader Preacher: The Rt Revd Alan Abernethy Bishop of Connor Choral Evensong Reader Moranne Noad - lesson to be advised Eileen Anderson - lesson to be advised Reader Preacher: The Very Revd John Mann Dean of St Anne’s Cathedral
Thursday 6th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 9th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Billy Nelson 2 Timothy 2: 8-15 Gospel Clergy Luke 17: 11-19 Holy Communion and Dedication of Church Painting followed by refreshments Celebrant The Bishop of Down & Dromore Reader Mary Beard 2 Timothy 2: 8-15 The Rector Luke 17: 11-19 Gospel Preacher The Rt Revd Bill Love, Bishop of Albany Intercessions The Assistant Priest Late Evening Office Billy McAlpine John 15: 12-27 Reader Preacher: Karen McAlpine
Thursday 13th Saint Philip the Deacon (Transferred) (Red) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry 10.30am Sunday 16th 8.15am 9.30am
The Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller 2 Timothy 3: 14- 4: 5 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 18: 1-8 Family Communion Gospel Henry Auchmuty Luke 18: 1-8 6
10.30am 7.00pm
Morning Prayer followed by refreshments hosted by Ladies Morning Badminton Group Reader Pauline Darke Jeremiah 31: 27-34 Reader Suzanne Allen Luke 18: 1-8 Occasional Prayers Noel Higginson Holy Communion Esther Templeton Nehemiah 8: 9-18 Reader Esther Templeton John 16: 1-11 Reader
Thursday 20th Saint Luke (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 23rd 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Saint James, the Brother of our Lord Holy Communion Reader Irene Gray Acts 15: 12-22 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 3: 31-35 Holy Communion Reader Yvonne Robb Acts 15: 12-22 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 3: 31-35 Intercessions Helen Donaghy Evening Prayer Reader Fiona Haldane Isaiah 65: 17-25 Reader Fiona Haldane Galatians 1: 18-24
(Red)
Thursday 27th Saint Simon and Saint Jude (Transferred) (Red) 10.00am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 30th The Fourth Sunday before Advent (Green) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone 2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4, 11-12 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 19: 1-10 10.30am Songs of Praise 7.00pm Healing Service with the Laying On of Hands Reader Carol Willis John 11: 32-44 Preacher: Canon Walter Laverty 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.coiknock.org
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DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR
HARVEST Saturday 1st October, 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 served in the Rectory.
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Sunday 2nd October
Harvest
Thanksgiving
8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the Church Hall. Preacher: Bishop Alan Abernethy Tickets available from the back of church (for catering purposes only). Voluntary contributions in aid of the Hall refurbishment fund.
7.00pm Choral Evensong
Preacher: The Very Revd John Mann Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast
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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 Assistant Priest Hanwood Avenue Holland Drive Hawthornden Road Holland Gardens Holland Park Kensington Drive Kensington Gardens South Kensington Gardens Kensington Road Kensington Park
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.
PAUSE By now most of us will have settled into our autumn routine of attendance at organisations or classes. This is a good time to catch up with friends and acquaintances. There is always lots to chat about and lots to learn from each other! Pause provides an opportunity to meet other parishioners (and friends) at local coffee shops and restaurants. There is always a different group of people. Do come and meet us. Last month we PAUSED at The Old Mill and at the Secret Garden - coffee and chat on both occasions. Pause will meet on the following dates in October. Thursday 6th October 10.30 am in the church for Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the choir vestry. Thursday 20th October in Hillmount Garden Centre at 12.30pm for lunch Everyone is welcome! If you require further details or help with transport please contact me. Eileen 9020 3684
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ISLANDS I love islands - Why not? I was born on one! On various holidays I have been privileged to visit over fifty islands yet the ones I like most are those around the British Isles. Each one of them has a special cachet for me. The Aran Islands have ruins of a 6th century monastic settlement where sons of European nobility were educated by scholarly monks. Tory Island nine miles from the north Donegal coast was visited by St Columba who established a Church there. Today’s visitors are greeted by the “King” of Tory, elected by the 164 islanders. Near the harbour they see the ‘Tau’ cross dating from St Columba’s time. The Island fishermen pray there before setting out to sea. Devenish Island in Lower Lough Erne is famous for its High Cross, Augustinian Priory and 12th Century Round Tower, where monks from St Molaise’s monastery sought refuge from pillaging Viking invaders. The lsland is approximately a mile from where I lived at Trory. From the main road ‘Dead Man’s Lane’ leads to the Ferry. It acquired its name as coffins were carried along it to the boat which conveyed them for burial beside St Mary’s Church. Legend has it that St Columba came to St Molaise to ask pardon for killing many in battle before he became a monk. He was told to leave Ireland and settle where he could no longer see his native land! Thus St Columba moved on to Iona to establish a monastery - a centre of Christian witness to the present day. Ghia, a tiny Hebridean island has left a lasting impression on me. A friend and I took the car ferry crossing from the Mull of Kintyre to this beautiful island with its lovely gardens and the former home of the Horlicks family, makers of the night-time drink. They had once owned the island but, in 2002, on the death of the last of the family, it was bought by the islanders and became a successful cooperative. When we visited the church we learned that, on his journey to Iona, St Columba landed on Ghia about 563 AD. The present Church built in 1923 has a St Columba stained glass window. In the chancel, facing each other, another two windows attracted our attention. Never before had we seen windows depicting the two sisters -Mary and Martha- who had entertained our Lord in their home. Martha busy preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples had asked Him to tell her sister to help her. Meanwhile Mary was listening to all that Jesus was saying. As I reflect on the lives of these saints of old I am reminded of the importance of our Christian service. Surely there is a place for both ‘listeners’ and ‘doers’ today? Which am I? Which are you? Marie McCordick Our sincere thanks to Marie, a parishioner and a lay reader in the Diocese of Clogher, for sharing this ‘Thought’ with us. The November ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Victor Ryan.
Thought for the Month
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CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL THURSDAY 24TH – ADVENT SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER THEME: “LET THERE BE LIGHT” The Christmas Tree Festival Committee are working extremely hard during these weeks with all the many preparations for this important fundraising event for our parish, under the careful guidance of our co-ordinator, Ronny Martin. This is undoubtedly going to be a major undertaking for the parish to host, as St Columba’s will be the first church in our local community to organise a Christmas Tree Festival. A clerical colleague recently described a Christmas Tree Festival as a winter version of a Flower Festival. What an excellent description! Our Flower Festival in 2011 was most successful through the involvement of the whole parish and the great support it received from all those who attended. Our Christmas Tree Festival has the potential to be equally successful if we all get fully behind this new fundraising initiative by supporting it to the best of our ability. St Columba’s will be decorated with around fifty Christmas trees, each one depicting a particular part of the Christmas story and aspects of our church, from our services, parish life, to outreach to the community. Refreshments will be served in the Church Hall each day where there will also be a number of stalls. A lot of detailed planning is required to ensure that our Christmas Tree Festival is successful, both in terms of our outreach to those who will be visiting us, as well as the opportunity to raise funds for the Church Refurbishment Fund. Those of you who have visited a Christmas Tree Festival in other churches will already have a deep appreciation of the careful planning required. We are most grateful for the assistance we have been receiving from those parishes who have generously shared their experiences with us. At this early stage I am most grateful for all the hard work that has already been done and I personally ask for your support throughout the coming weeks as the opening date draws ever closer. In past years I have invited each of our Parish Organisations to undertake a fundraising project of their choice for Church Funds as part of their programme. These have always been enthusiastically organised and supported. This year, 12
I am inviting each of our parish Organisations to sponsor one of the fifty Christmas Trees instead of preparing and hosting their individual event for church funds. During the summer, the Assistant Priest, Canon Walter Laverty and I selected biblical texts for each of the trees and the Parish Administrator has carefully prepared a brief explanation to accompany each tree. Great care has been given to allocate a specific tree to each of our Parish Organisations, using a theme that is in keeping with their weekly activity. These were preselected in advance of my meeting with the leaders at the end of August to ensure that as many parts of our Christian Faith would be represented in the Festival. This information was distributed to each of the Organisation leaders at this meeting for discussion and planning with their members. In addition, the parish will be inviting local businesses and contractors who have carried out work on our church buildings to sponsor the remaining trees. In order to provide each of the tree sponsors both time and space to decorate their individual tree, each one has been allocated a time slot for this work to be done. This has been done for their convenience and to avoid a “LET THERE BE LIGHT” potential difficulty of everyone Come glow with us at our coming on the same day or time to do the decorating. CHRISTMAS TR
EE FESTIVAL
I look forward to visiting each of our Parish Organisations during the month to hear of their ideas and plans for the decorating of their trees, and to offer my personal support in their contribution to our Christmas Tree Festival. By working together during these weeks, let us make a real success of this exciting opportunity to allow the Christmas story to enter into our lives and pray that those who come along will be enriched by it.
at
St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock 29 Kings Road, Belfast BT5 6JG
Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th November 2016 A luminous and thought-provokin g festival featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, music al interludes, festive stalls and light refreshments in the Church Hall.
Celebrity launch event Thursday 24th at 7pm Opening times: Thursday 6pm to 10pm Fri & Sat 10am to 10pm Sunday 2pm to 5pm
The Rector.
All proceeds to St Columba’s Refu For more details visit www.co
rbishment Fund.
iknock.org
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LADIES GUILD In the absence of our Chair and Vice Chair, I represented the Ladies’ Guild at the Commissioning of Leaders of our Church Organisations. I had not realised what a special moment this is until I was standing there promising to fulfil my duties and help promote the work of the Ladies’ Guild for the coming year. Later in the day I was reminded that the Guild’s theme for our contribution to the Christmas Tree Festival ----The Miracles Tree. This will be a topic for discussion at our next few committee meetings but, of course, we would be delighted to have input, from not only Guild members, but members of the congregation too. According to my Google search there are 37 main miracles so there should be plenty of material to work on. Please send your ideas to me at Imelda.shephard@gmail.com or give a note to any committee members. Imelda
FWO ENVELOPES Our Parish Administrator, Karen Patterson, is solely responsible for the allocation and recording of all Free Will Offering and Charity & Mission Envelopes in the parish, as well as Standing Orders. This also includes any financial gifts to the parish, for example Harvest Lunch envelopes or gifts towards any fundraising activities. This information is confidentially stored on the Parish Office Computer following Data Protection protocols and is only accessible by the Parish Administrator. If you have any questions about your envelopes, standing orders, or any aspect of financial giving, please contact the Parish Office directly as queries can only be answered by the Parish Administrator. Thank you.
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Men’s Club Notes A rather short note this time round simply to report we had our opening night on the 5th September when we dusted down the mats and prepared them for the forthcoming season. Our programme is under construction at present. We were delighted to see the work on the new floor completed. We welcome any gentlemen of the parish to come down 7.30pm each Monday evening and meet with us. Feel free to contact me for further information on the club. John 07956 061929
Youth Etc. Youth Etc. will revisit Ormiston on Saturday afternoon, 24th September to take advantage of a kayaking session in the new Ormiston swimming pool at Belmont with Belfast Kayak Academy. This year for Christmas all the church organisations have a themed Christmas tree to decorate for the upcoming Christmas tree festival. Youth Etc. has been given the theme of the ‘Little Drummer Boy’ song based on a Czech carol. The lyrics relate how a poor drummer boy was summoned by the Magi to the nativity where, without a gift, he played his drum, with Mary’s approval, for baby Jesus, remembering ‘I played my best for him’ and ‘ He smiled at me’. All of the group are encouraged to come up with ideas and decorations to suit this theme. We will be meeting up to work together on this project over the coming weeks. David
Ladies Bowling Our new season commences on Monday, 26th September at 2.00pm. We would be pleased to welcome new members to make full use of the ‘new look’ hall. Phylis
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SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday, 2nd October 11.00 am
All Age Worship (Harvest Service)
Sunday, 9th October 10.30 am
Sunday School
Sunday, 16th October 9.30 am/10.30am
Family Communion/Morning Prayer
Sunday, 23rd October 10.30 am
Sunday School
Sunday, 30th October
October Holiday
In September we welcomed back our children to Sunday School. I hope that many children will come along on Saturday, 1st October to help decorate the church with their artwork & craft that we have created at Sunday School. The young people will participate fully in the Harvest Service by singing, reading and collecting. It would be appreciated if each child could bring a small item (fruit, vegetable or tins) to present at the service. Joyce Stevenson
Railway and Model Club Summer has rolled past and we are now settling into our winter work programme. The ‘N’ gauge will be rolling ahead and we must think about getting some super small scenery onto the layout board. This layout will no doubt be very different from the ‘00’ gauge board. A lot of building work lies ahead, on the ‘00’ gauge, as we develop our town and set our background scenery boards. There are bungalows, terraced houses, shops, offices and many other buildings to fit onto the layout. The goods’ yard is now taking shape and much shunting work lies ahead. As November is almost upon us, we must also consider the service at the new War Memorial. One thing would really help us, when painting very small items. A retort stand. We do have a large magnifying glass, but we need something to hold it, allowing a hands free operation when painting small parts. Does any kind person have an unwanted retort stand we could borrow? Well that’s us for this month. Please do call down any Wednesday night if you are about the church. We start at around 7:00p.m.and don’t usually leave till near 10:00pm. Keep ‘er rollin’ David
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NOVEMBER PARISH MAGAZINE
Any articles or photographs for publication in the October parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 12th October. His contact details are:10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT Tel: 9042 4390 Email: colmaged@outlook.com
We all love to see photographs of people enjoying our Church activities. So we can all benefit fully from this and for reproduction purposes, it is very important that photographs are clear and in focus. Many thanks
All Age Worship Tea & Coffee Many thanks to everyone who supported Downs Syndrome NI at All Age Worship in September were we raised a fantastic amount of £112. This month we have our Harvest Lunch on Sunday 2nd October and tea and coffee at AAW will be back in November. Roberta
Crucifer Processional crosses are carried at the front of the choir and clergy procession at the beginning and end of our Sunday services. This is a long-established tradition in St Columba’s. Upon the retirement of Canon Walter Laverty as Rector of St John’s, Orangefield, it was a great delight to welcome him and his family to St Columba’s, where they are all actively involved in the life of our parish. Recently, Mark Laverty, who is a choir member, has started to carry the processional cross in a most reverend and dignified manner. Mark brings a great wealth of experience to this most solemn position as he carried a processional cross for many years in St John’s, Orangefield. Please remember Mark in your prayers as he serves St Columba’s in the important position of Crucifer. The Rector. 17
Christian Care for Families We commenced our autumn programme on 6th September by combining our opening service with the Gilnahirk Area Service. We were delighted to welcome our Diocesan President June Butler together with the banners and representatives of the other Mother’s Union branches in our area. The service was also the final area service to be organised by our own branch member Irene Gray who has served faithfully as our Gilnahirk Area Secretary for the past six years. We in St Columba’s branch are privileged to have Irene as one of our members and know that our branch will continue to benefit from her loyalty and commitment to Mother’s Union in future. The service was a wonderful occasion greatly enhanced by the contribution of our organist Dr Joe McKee and the choir. The address by June Butler focussed on the Mother’s Union theme for 2017 which is “Faith in Action”. After the Gospel reading, which was the story of Mary and Martha, June particularly considered the value of silence and of listening quietly as a means of providing comfort and support to those in need. We are also grateful to the Rector, the read18
ers and those who contributed the prayers of intercession which all combined to make a memorable and uplifting service. Following the service, refreshments were served at the rear of the church. Thanks are due to our branch committee for organising and serving the supper and to our members who provided additional treats, in particular Roberta McKeown’s meringues in MU colours. Tributes were paid and bouquets presented to June and Irene, and June was also thanked on behalf of the parish for her invaluable assistance (in her role at Church House) in having the important works to the rear of our church approved by the Diocese and RCB. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 4th October at 8.00pm in the Church Hall, when our speaker will be Aidan Canavan, local historian and author, who will be talking about his most recent book. All members of the parish and visitors are warmly invited to attend. Membership of Mother’s Union and attendance at our meetings is open to all whether they be male or female, and regardless of marital status. Aidan is a well-known and popular speaker and we look forward to hearing his talk. Finally, the Mother’s Union has been allocated the “Wedding Tree” for the parish Christmas Tree Festival. The committee is considering suggestions for the decoration of our tree in keeping with the theme. If any branch members have a particular interest, talent or original idea for our Christmas tree (which will be around 5ft tall and come supplied with white lights), the committee would be delighted to hear from you. Jill Gillespie
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St. Columba’s Parish Walk and BBQ Good food and good fun! On Saturday 10th September a group of hardy parishioners completed the walk along the Greenway from Comber to St. Columba’s. There were a few spots of rain at Comber so there was relief as this passed over quickly and the weather improved. The walkers were spurred on by the prospect of the BBQ back at the church. Our chefs, Brian Gillespie, Brian Clements and Robin Haldane did a tremendous job preparing and serving a tasty selection of beautifully cooked burgers, sausages and onions together with salad and drinks. This was greatly enjoyed by those who had completed the walk and those who came along for the BBQ. There was a good turnout at the BBQ from the Young Families Group and other parishioners. The large amount of children present, from toddlers to teenagers, had a great time playing on the grass. The adults took the more leisurely, but mentally taxing, option of tackling the quiz ‘Who do you think they are? set by Karen and Billy McAlpine. This was a really good way for everyone to mix and chat as they solved riddles to find out interesting facts about fellow parishioners. For example, can you guess who in St. Columba’s has built up a collection of over 200 teddy bears? A lot of fun was had by all and the Rector thanked those that had worked so hard to make the day a great success. The sum of £300 was raised for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.
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VISIT TO ZAMBIA – JULY 2016 In July I visited Zambia as part of a Mission Experience Team from Carrigrohane Union of Parishes in Cork. The team leader was Reverend Robert Ferris who lead the St Columba’s team on their visit to Zambia in 2012. For me it was a privilege to work with Robert again, and to meet up with so many friends in Zambia. We called our team “Twende Chapamo” – in Handing over donations the Bemba language this means “walking together”. This had a three-fold focus: as a team we were individuals walking alongside each other; we were walking together with God; and we were walking along side our Zambian friends. This visit provided an opportunity to explore potential projects which the St Columba’s team may want to support in the future, and to obtain an update on the school building project which St Columba’s supported following the visit in 2012. Early learning pre-school programme This programme was launched in the Northern Zambia Diocese this year by Archbishop Chama as part of the new pre-school children’s ministry. The objective is to provide early development opportunities for vulnerable children, most of whom are Aids orphans. This programme is run by 2 field officers who are supported by 176 volunteers. At present 2,100 households are included in this initiative. I visited 2 pre-school groups (Chambishi and St James), and I was shocked and saddened by the lack of basic resources. I was also very impressed Preschool by the dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers, and by what they were achieving despite the lack of resources. Apart from funding to buy desks, chairs and play mats the main requirement is for toys, books, pencils and crayons etc. Funding would also help to provide better training for volunteers. 22
During my visit I donated the proceeds ($225) from the coffee morning held in St Columba’s on 18th June, and this will be used to purchase pre-school furniture. Mothers’ Union – UMOJA project This initiative focuses on the empowerment of local women. It started some years ago as a sausage making business with the profits being used to help women start their own small businesses (for example sewing, growing vegetables to sell at market). This has been very successful but many women now need basic reading, writing and numeracy skills to maintain and expand their small businesses. A literacy programme has now been established to support these women and funding is required to provide teachers. The St Columba’s team visited the sausage making operation in 2012, and it is very encouraging to now see its success. I also know from discussions with the Archbishop that he takes a personal interest in this initiative. During my visit I donated to UMOJA the funds ($265) which St Columba’s Mothers’ Union raised by auctioning a painting. Rita Ngombe The St Columba’s team met this lady during the 2012 visit. Despite having to look after her own 3 children and her deceased sister’s 4 children, she devotes much of her time to supporting widows, widowers and orphans. She collects old clothes, grows vegetables and often gives some of her own money to help these vulnerable people. At present she is supporting 34 people. Conference centre Personally I find her a real inspiration and I was very pleased to be able to take a suitcase full of clothing on my visit for her. I know that small donations to her make a real difference to the lives of many. Update the primary school building I spent most of a day visiting the site. The existing foundation slab, which St Columba’s funded, is completely clear of all vegetation, and the ground has been cleared for 2 more slabs. The watchman’s hut and store has been completed and is currently staffed. 23 23
At present building work is concentrated on the nearby conference centre which is scheduled to open at the end of August. The Archbishop’s plan is to use some of the income from the hiring of the conference centre to help fund building work on the school. The Carrigrohane team helped to make bricks (very hard Making bricks work!) and we completed over a hundred in a few hours. Approximately 1,000 bricks are usually made in a day by local volunteers. Clearly external funding is a real problem, but having had a long conversation with the Archbishop and his wife, I am convinced about his commitment to building a school, however long it may take, and even if it has to be totally funded by voluntary labour and fund raising within the Zambian diocese. While the lack of progress on the school building since the St Columba’s visit in 2012 is disappointing I am satisfied, based on my visit, that the generous funding provided by our parish at that time has not been wasted. Things often move very very slowly in Africa. Archbishop Chama, Diocesan Bishop of Northern Zambia and Primate of Central Africa is a great advocate of teams coming in person to Zambia to experience mission, to encourage his people and also to see that the world church is primarily about relationships, not simply a money giving venture. He made it very clear to us that person to person contact is vitally important to him and to the Church in Zambia. It is School foundation slab all very well sending money to a project but actually to draw alongside, to walk in the shoes of our Zambian friends, helps immensely with understanding and support. It also challenges our Western perspectives. Jayne Martin
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CHURCH CAR PARKING As our autumn season of Church Services and Parish Organisations are now well under way, please be sensitive to the residents in the local community by taking care not to block entrances or pavements. Thank you!
Facebook St Columba’s Parish Church is now on Facebook. ‘Like’ our page to see updates on events, services and photos. Search coiknock on Facebook or Messenger to find us easily. For those who are new to St Columba’s and would like more information about the life and membership of the parish, please give your name and phone number to our Churchwardens or contact the Parish Office during office hours Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 1.00pm on 028 9065 6891.
Pastoral Care: If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to speak to someone, please contact the Rector (028 9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (028 9145 8706).
SAFEGUARDING TRUST The Rector, Select Vestry and parish leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact: The Rector...........................................................028 9047 1514 Patrick Good.......................................................028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard............................................028 9065 3162 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations! Sunday
Monday
Sunday School Bubbles (3-5 years) Splash (5-8 years) X-treme (8-11 years) The Grid (11-14 years) Crèche Craft and Hobby Circle Ladies Bowling MU Afternoon Group Mens’ Club
Tuesday
Ladies Badminton Ladies Badminton Activity Group Mothers’ Union
Wednesday
Brownies Doves Railway and Model Club Bible Study Group Ladies Guild
Thursday
Art Club Choir
Friday
Mums & Tots
Bi-monthly
Toddler Soccer (3-5 years) Pause
Monthly
Youth Etc. (11-15 years) Young Families
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays 10.30am
Superintendent: Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays
Lynn Ryan 07955 479065 1st and 3rd Monday each month Carol Willis 10.30am 9079 9997 2.00pm Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2nd Monday each month 2.30pm Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm John Robb 9058 1438 10.30am Gillian Popplestone 9080 3799 2.00pm Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 Maureen Irwin Except 1st Tuesday 7.30pm 9079 5155 Katrina Dukelow 1st Tuesday each month 8.00pm 9029 0625 6.30pm Amanda Fee 07739 039750 6.30pm Moira Saunders 07739 041392 7.00pm David Beattie 9028 5868 7.30pm Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 Imelda Shephard 3rd Wednesday each month 7.45pm 9079 7683 9.30am Billy Nelson 9048 3889 7.30pm Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574 9.45am Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45 - 4.30pm Tim Wareing 07740 120788 As arranged Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 As arranged David Kelly 9079 6658 Social events as arranged Emma Macpherson 9028 2076
Requests for the occasional use of the church halls must be submitted to the Premise’s Convenor.
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBAS Parish website: www.coiknock.org
Rector
The Reverend Canon John R Auchmuty
St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG 028 9047 1514 johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
Assistant Priest
The Reverend Canon Ken Smyth
3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG 028 9145 8706
Diocesan Lay Reader
Karen McAlpine
readercolumba@gmail.com
Diocesan Lay Reader (Emeritus)
Bryn Harris
028 9187 8816
Rector’s Churchwarden
Andrew Hirst
028 9065 8785
People’s Churchwarden
Andrew Ellis
07920 112818
Junior Churchwardens
Henry Auchmuty, Jonathan Kelly
Rector’s Glebewarden
Jim Stevenson
028 9058 3381 07973 392448
People’s Glebewarden
Mark Reid
028 9028 4367 07810 648167
Honorary Sexton
John Proctor
028 9087 0526 07989 469773
Select Vestry
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens,Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Suzanne Allen, David Craig, Helen Donaghy, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, John Macpherson, Mark Ryan, Moira Saunders, Mark Wilson
Honorary Secretary
Elizabeth Leonard
28 Knockdene Park South BT5 7AB 028 9065 3162 elizabeth.leonard@me.com
Honorary Treasurer
Gillian Sadlier
70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG 028 9040 3278
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Victor Dukelow
028 9029 0625
Gift Aid Secretary
Ronny Martin
028 9079 0821 07526 396838 ronny.martin@sky.com
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Parochial Nominators
Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad
Diocesan Synod members
Patrick Good, Moranne Noad, Ross Thompson (under 30)
Organist and Choral Director
Dr Joe McKee
07976 294574
Assistant Organist
Brian Clements
028 9079 3641
Reader’s and Intercessor’s Co-ordinator
Muriel Arndell
028 9065 5500
Sidespersons’ rota Co-ordinator
Rosemary Coffey
028 9754 2198
Crèche rota Co-ordinator
Lynn Ryan
07955 479065
Magazine Editor
Billy McAlpine
028 9042 4390 colmaged@outlook.com
Parish Webmaster
Ivan Roche
028 9514 0141 ivan.roche@me.com
C of I Gazette Distributor
Moranne Noad
028 9079 3704
Bible Reading Fellowship notes
Evan Preston
028 9048 9884
Church flowers
Eleanor Launchbury
028 9028 1204
Premise’s Convenor
Stewart Beckwith
028 9048 6622
Parish Office Administrator/ Financial Giving Secretary
Karen Patterson Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm
028 9065 6891 office@coiknock.org
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