September 2009 by St Columbas

September 2009

RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Parishioner,

NEW BEGINNINGS September is a month when many people experience new beginnings in one form or another. This month will see some of our younger parishioners beginning school for the first time. Many young people, like Charles and Henry, will be moving up to into their new classes and getting to know their teachers. Some will be moving to new schools and universities or beginning new jobs, while others will be beginning new activities. September also marks the beginning of our autumn programme of activities in St. Columba’s. It is a busy and exciting time of year as my diary, which is printed in this edition of the Columban, illustrates. I am looking forward to welcoming back those who have been away on holiday and to the recommencement of our Parish Organisations. It will be good for us to share fellowship once more with one another, as we move forward to serve God in our parish and community. Sometime ago I was speaking to a friend on the telephone. During our conversation, he said, “I haven’t been getting to church as often as I would like”. I admired his honesty. He couldn’t identify any particular reason for this but was determined to make a big effort to begin attending church again. How pleased I was to have just heard that he has now returned to his parish church. Throughout this month, I would be particularly pleased to welcome back to St. Columba’s those who haven’t been attending church for some time. September is a good month for beginning to attend church again and for participating in our Parish Organisations. Your church can only be completely effective if each parishioner gets involved to the best of their ability. FLOWER FESTIVAL, Friday 4th June – Sunday 6th June 2010 There will be a Flower Festival in St. Columba’s during our Patronal weekend from Friday, 4th June, to Sunday, 6th June, next year. We are very fortunate that the Northern Ireland Group of Flower Arrangement Societies have kindly agreed to host our Flower Festival. They will be using their enormous professional skills and talent to celebrate the life and witness of our patron saint. Refreshments will be available in the church hall throughout the weekend. Music from our church choir, as well as from visiting school choirs, will heighten the overall experience of the Flower Festival. This will be an extremely busy weekend for our parish and will require a huge amount of hard work from us all to ensure that it will be a great success. We will have the privilege of welcoming many visitors to our church, in addition to raising a significant amount of money for our Building Fund Appeal. Please put these important dates in your diary and invite your friends to come and support us. Yours in His service,

SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER Thursday 3rd (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 6th 8.15am

The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Lindsay Hodges Gospel Clergy

10.30am

All Age Worship & Holy Baptism Reader Hollie Wilson Prayers Karen McAlpine

7.00pm

Evening Prayer Reader Jennifer Johnston Reader Jennifer Johnston

(Green) James 2: 1-10, 14-17 Mark 7: 24-37

Mark 7: 24-37

Exodus 14: 5-31 Matthew 6: 1-18

Thursday 10th The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 13th 8.15am

The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Gospel Clergy

10.30am

Holy Communion Reader Ross Thompson Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Helen Donaghy

(Green) James 3: 1-12 Mark 8: 27-38

James 3: 1-12 Mark 8: 27-38

Sunday School recommences today 7.00pm

Compline Reader

Clare Best

Matthew 7: 1-14

Thursday 17th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 20th 8.15am

The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell Gospel Clergy

(Green) James 3: 13 - 4:3, 7-8a Mark 9: 30-37

9.30am

Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine

10.30am

Morning Prayer Reader Eileen Gibson Reader Tony Greeves Occasional Clergy Prayers

7.00pm

Holy Communion (Traditional Form) Reader Karen McAlpine Gospel Clergy

A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH

Mark 9: 30-37

O God, make the door of our Church wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, and a heavenly Father’s care;

Jeremiah 11: 18-20 Mark 9: 30-37

and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hate. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor to straying feet; but rugged enough to turn back the

Exodus 19: 10-25 Matthew 8: 23-44

tempter’s power. Make it the gateway to thine eternal kingdom. Amen

Thursday 24th St. Matthew (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 27th 8.15am

The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Gospel Clergy

10.30am

Holy Communion Reader Jean Fulton Gospel Clergy Intercessions Muriel Arndell

7.00pm

Evening Prayer Reader Helen Donaghy Reader Helen Donaghy Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers

(Green) James 5: 13-20 Mark 9: 38-50 James 5: 13-20 Mark 9: 38-50

Exodus 24 Matthew 9: 1-8

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 B of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:

www.stcolumbas.down.anglican .org

Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711

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 September:

Rector:

Curate:

Sandown Road

Shandon Park

King’s Road

Ascot Park

Kingsway Avenue

Bethany Street

Kingsway Close

Cabin Hill Gardens

Kingsway Drive

Cabin Hill Park

Kingsway Park

King’s Gate

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.

SEPTEMBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA

FROM THE RECTOR’S DIARY...

Sunday 6th..........................................................Nan Armstrong and Olivia Budde

September

Sunday 13th.......................................................Jenny and Morris Corrin

1st.................................. Staff Meeting & St. Finnian’s Select Vestry

Sunday 20th.......................................................Irene Gray and Walter Peake

3rd................................. Holy Communion & Prayer Chain Meeting

Sunday 27th.......................................................Helen Proctor and Madeline Montgomery

6th................................. Church Services in St. Columba’s

CHURCH HEATING AND LIGHTING By the time you read this, the church heating system will have been flushed, refilled and treated with a rust inhibiter. Hopefully, the benefits of this will be felt this coming winter. With regards to the church lighting, the light fittings have been purchased and the electrician will have started to install them. Jim Stevenson, Rector’s Glebewarden

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR HARVEST Saturday 3rd 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 in the Rectory!

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER 8.15am

Holy Communion

10.30am

All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the Hall

Preacher: Mr. David Manning,

Diocesan Lay Reader and Principal of Strathearn School

The children are invited to bring a Harvest gift to present during this service. 7pm

Choral Evensong

Preacher: The Revd Dr. Ron Savage, Former Minister of Stormont Presbyterian

8th................................. Staff Meeting & Fundraising Committee Meeting 9th................................. Bible Study Group & Finance Committee Meeting 10th.............................. Holy Communion & Wedding Rehearsal 11th.............................. Marriage of Clare Ennis & Ian Deary in St. Columba’s 13th ............................. Church Services in St. Columba’s 15th.............................. Staff Meeting & Preach at Orangefield Mothers’ Union Commissioning Service 16th ............................. Flower Festival Meeting 17th.............................. Holy Communion 20th.............................. Church Services in St. Columba’s & Service in Towell House at 3pm 22nd............................. Staff Meeting & St. Columba’s Select Vestry Meeting 23rd ............................. Church of Ireland Press Ltd Board of Director’s Meeting in Newry 24th.............................. Holy Communion & Bloomfield Board of Governors 25th.............................. Institution of The Revd Kevin Graham in Movilla 27th.............................. Church Services in St. Columba’s 29th.............................. Staff Meeting 30th.............................. St. Columba’s & Knock Methodist Working Group Meeting

ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE September really is the month for everyone getting back into their routine after the summer break, and tea and coffee will be served at the rear of the church after the All Age Worship Service on Sunday, 6th September. Hope to see all the regulars and perhaps some new faces, and your kind contributions this month will be going to the Alzheimer’s Society. See you then, Roberta

St. Columba’s, Knock King’s Road, Belfast

KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE! Books – check, clothes – check, clerical shirts – check, sofas – check, pots and pans – check, bed – check, tv – check... Ahhhh, now that everything has been moved into the curatage, it’s time to get on with the work! Coming straight from college, exams, timetables and fully catered to an empty house, setting up home, starting work in the parish, getting to know the Rector, Caroline, Henry and Charles, finding out the routine and ways of the parish has been a great adventure so far, and I know it will continue to be. Over the summer months my aim has been to get to meet people, find out the geography of the roads and streets, the good take-aways, bakeries and supermarkets, as well as building upon my own understanding of the Gospel and putting into practice some of the lessons learnt at college.

Celebrating the life of St. Columba

The Editor has kindly asked me to write a little each month about the parish, life, church, faith, vocation... anything, really. I hopefully will use this column to keep people up-to-date with some of the happenings in and around the curatage.

Friday 4th – Saturday 5th June 2010 10am – 9pm

Simply for this September edition, I would like to thank so many, many parishioners for their love and support shown to me in tangible ways. Those who came for the ordination, those who sorted the house ready for arrival. I look forward to getting about and meeting people and becoming involved in the many activities which make up this parish.

Sunday 6th June 2010 2pm – 6pm For Enquiries and bookings contact Moranne Noad: Tel: +44 (028) 90 793704 / email: noadfamily@hotmail.com Morning coffee, lunches and afternoon – high teas available Group Catering by arrangement Contact Kathleen Acheson Tel: +44 (028) 90 597707 Web: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org/flowerfestival

One of my passions as a Christian and as a deacon (which I was able to share in my first sermon in St. Columba’s) is Discipleship, the idea that we are all called to be learners, to have our L plates up, from the youngest to the eldest in the congregation, and it is my prayer that each of us would grow to know what we still need to learn about God, about faith and living it out in the world. Over the coming months and years I hope to meet as many people as possible, and be assured that if there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at the curatage, or call round for a cup of coffee and a couple of biccies. If you get one of my cards through the door saying that I have missed you and you would like a chat, please do give me a ring on 90653370 and we’ll arrange a time that is convenient to meet. Robert

PARISH ORGANISATIONS

LADIES AFTERNOON BADMINTON

SOMETHING FOR YOU? SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Beth Cairnduff (3-5 yrs) 90874047 Joyce Stevenson (5-8 yrs) 90583381 Alan Boyd (8-13 yrs) 07979 830122 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 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 90797155 8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Irene Gray 90653438 8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 90795155

WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 90657697 7.30pm Senior Badminton Club Jill McDowell 07754 405511 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 90592039 THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen

90790210

7.30pm Senior Badminton Club Jill McDowell 07754 405511 7.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 90422101 FRIDAY 10.00am Mums & Tots Patricia Carson 90651575 3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine

90424390

6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff

90874047

8.30pm H2O Mark Wilson

90761040

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 10

Our Club has ten members so each person can play three or four games between 2.00 pm and approximately 3.30 pm every Tuesday. Our new season begins on Tuesday, 8th September, at 2.00 pm. New members, possible new members or visitors, are most welcome in the church hall. Kyleen Clarke (90797155)

AFTERNOON GROUP Our first meeting will be held on Monday, 14th September, at 2.30 p.m. Our speaker will be the Revd. David Humphries, Rector of St. Molua’s, who will entertain us by playing a selection of music on the piano and talk about the history of hymns. Nan and I have put together a programme that we hope you will find entertaining and enjoyable. Looking forward to meeting you all again on Monday 14th. May

BIBLE STUDY GROUP WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 7.45pm CHOIR VESTRY Over the past year, we have met weekly to encourage discussion on what the Bible and, in particular, what Mark’s gospel teaches us today. We have been challenged and have all developed a deeper relationship with Our Lord himself. Most of us already relate with Jesus and we know how to interact with God the Father, but many of us have a limited understanding of the person and role of the other member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and his work of helping us in our faith. In our discussions we noted that Jesus repeatedly referred to the Spirit in his ministry and the important role he plays, and how he makes a difference in the lives of Christians. We noted, too, how often we refer to him during our Holy Communion service but all in our group agreed how little we knew about him. On Wednesday evenings, starting on 9th September, we plan to study key passages of the Bible and learn about the Holy Spirit. As a member of the Trinity it is important that we come to know him and develop a personal relationship with him. His role is to come along side us and help us develop a deeper faith in Christ. All are invited and you will be made very welcome. New members are especially welcome. You will enjoy the fellowship with others, and you will have the opportunity to grow in your knowledge of the Spirit and find that your faith will become more relevant, more real and more meaningful. Trevor Buchanan 11

ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUB

PAINTING THE CHURCH There was a Scottish painter named Smokey MacGregor who was very interested in making a penny where he could, so he often thinned down his paint to make it go a wee bit further. As it happened, he got away with this for some time, but eventually a local church decided to do a big restoration job on the outside of one of their biggest buildings. Smokey put in a bid, and, because his price was so low, he got the job. So he set about erecting the scaffolding and setting up the planks, and buying the paint and, yes, I am sorry to say, thinning it down with turpentine. Well, Smokey was up on the scaffolding, painting away, the job nearly completed, when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder, the sky opened and the rain poured down, washing the thinned paint from all over the Theclear Maestro workto land on the lawn among church; and knocking Smokey off theat scaffold the gravestones, surrounded by telltale puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Smokey was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from the Almighty, so he got down on his knees and cried: “Oh, God, forgive me; what should I do?” And from amidst the thunder, a mighty voice spoke. “Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more!”

‘En Plein Air’ A member of the Art Club had a novel idea of painting, using sticks. Our tutor, Bob, thought this might help us become a little ‘looser’ in our painting styles! We put this idea into practice on Thursday, 9th July, when we met up in the church car park en route to Sketrick Island. Two members arrived a little later than the pre-arranged time of ten-thirty, as they had stopped off for coffee with apple

The Maestro at work

No, I have not been caught up in the recent euphoria over the Ashes test matches in cricket! But more importantly, relishing the incoming 50th Anniversary Season of the Men’s Club. A momentous year lies ahead of us as we celebrate our 50th year in existence. We will be keeping you all notified of the various events and functions which will take place during the season. Initially, we will resume the first meeting of our ‘half century’ year on Monday, 7th September in the church hall, commencing at 7.30pm. All new members will be made more than welcome!

and cinnamon scones at a well known eatery. This then put thoughts of an ‘early lunch’ in our minds, but after a brief pep-talk and stick painting demo, we each went off to find that elusive and wonderful vantage point with a stunning and artistic view. The island has these aplenty, and so we settled down with sticks and ink to produce our’ masterpieces’ for Bob’s critique. Some settled for the shore line and the bobbing boats, while others roamed further inshore. The bobbing boats tacked around evasively in the wind and proved a tad challenging.…perhaps, we should have stayed with painting trees (re Bob’s demo). However, a good time was had by all and, guess what! –we ended up in that ‘well known eatery’ having a lovely time over lunch.

John Robb, Hon Secretary.

Gladys

50 Not Out!!

HOLY CROSS DAY

Assisted suicide – why church leaders object

On Holy Cross Day the Church celebrates the Cross as a symbol of triumph, as the sign of Christ’s victory over death. Holy Cross Day goes right back to 14th September 335 AD, and we have the mother of a Roman Emperor to thank for it.

What do you think about the proposal to change the law so that, in certain

Helena was a devout Christian, and after her son, Constantine, was converted, they agreed that she should travel from Rome to Israel, and seek out the places of special significance to Christians.

circumstances, assisted suicide may be permitted? Religious leaders have united recently in their opposition to the idea. The Most Revd. Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Most Revd. Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, joined with the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, to

Of course, much of Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans around 135 AD. But even so, Helena finally located what she believed to be the sites of the Crucifixion and of the Burial (and modern archaeologists think she may well be correct). The sites were so close together that she built one large church over them - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. That church, built in honour of the Cross, was dedicated on 14th September 335 AD.

send a letter to the Daily Telegraph on the subject. Referring to the proposed

The sign of the Cross has been used by Christians since early times. Tertullian, writing his De Corona (3:2) around AD 211, noted that that Christians seldom did anything significant without making the sign of the cross.

The Church of England has created a new section on its website (www.cofe.

What is its significance? Well, people often put their initials or some sort of personal mark on something to show that it belongs to them. The Cross is the personal mark of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we mark it on ourselves as a sign that we belong to him. Even in the book of Revelation, we read that the servants of God are ‘sealed’ or ‘marked’ on their foreheads as a sign that they are his.

amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill, the three leaders asserted that, “It would surely put vulnerable people at serious risk, especially sick people who are anxious about the burden their illness may be placing on others.” anglican.org) about this topic, listing key principles behind its position and providing a powerpoint file of key points for use in churches. Suffering, the Church maintains, must be met with compassion, commitment to high-quality services and effective medication. Meeting suffering by assisted suicide is merely removing it in the crudest way possible, says the statement.

A preacher once put it this way: if you were explaining to someone how to make a cross, you would say, “Draw an I.” That is you standing before the Lord, saying, “Here I am”. Then cancel that vertical stroke with a horizontal stroke – as if to say: “Lord, I abandon my self-will and make you the centre of my life instead. I abandon myself to your love and service.”

The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt. Revd. Michael Scott-Joynt, welcoming the

On Holy Cross Day, we recall Jesus’ wonderful promise: “And when I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)

indeed to the persuasion of their own care and anxiety for their families.”

website statement, said: “Parliament has a particular duty to care for the very many who in illness, pain, fear and loss of their faculties, may be more vulnerable than the resolute and articulate few, to the influence and persuasion of others, or

“It is necessary to speak out”, said the Bishop, “As distinguished voices are

WEDDING REPORT IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER

suggesting that dependent sufferers are wasting the lives of those who care

The bridal veil was fragile net, Her stunning gown was lace. The bride wore slippers on her feet, A smile upon her face. The bride wore gloves of softest silk, Bright garlands graced her hair, Her large bouquet was softest pink..... PS: The groom was also there.

that most disabled people, and their organisations, are passionately opposed to

for them, and have a duty to die to stop being a burden on others. No wonder changes in the law.” “Parliament has a duty to defend the integrity of the medical and nursing professions,” he added, “The most vulnerable need to be able to trust those professionally engaged in their care.” Critics of the proposed change also point out that people who are used to choosing the direction of their own lives in every respect may not see the so-called right to end their life as a problem – but it can look more like a threat than a promise to people who are more used to having their lives shaped for them. 15

GARDEN PARTY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

ALTERNATIVE BIBLE QUIZ Q: A:

What do they call pastors in Germany? German Shepherds.

Q: A:

Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q: A:

What kind of motor vehicles appear in the Bible? God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden in a Fury. David’s Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q: A:

Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? Samson. He brought the house down.

Q: A:

Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker? Moses. He broke all Ten Commandments at once.

Q: A:

Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? Pharaoh’s daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

The arrival of the Queen and Prince Philip at 4.00pm was announced when the band played the National Anthem. They proceeded past their guard of honour and through the garden to the Royal Tea Tent, stopping and chatting to various people. She wore a beautiful cerise pink coat trimmed in turquoise satin and, as ever, she looked lovely. They had their tea with invited guests, and the other members of the Royal Family who joined her were Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Duke of Kent and my favourite and, he was absolutely gorgeous, Prince Edward. We share the same birthday so I do have a soft spot for him! During this time we were then offered ice cream and the bands played music from lots of films and TV dramas. At 6.00pm the Royal Party departed and that was the signal for us to go home.

Hello Ladies, and welcome to our new Season. Where has the “Summer” gone to? I hope everyone had a lovely break and are looking forward to catching up with old friends and, hopefully, new ones, in the Mothers’ Union. Our opening service is on Tuesday, 6th October, at 8.00pm in Church and I hope to see you all back, with a special warm welcome being extended to new members, visitors and friends. Please do come along and join our very friendly ranks. Kathleen’s special shortbread should be incentive enough! Love to see you all,

Irene 16

It was a great privilege to represent the Mothers’ Union of Down and Dromore Diocese at one of her Majesty’s Garden Parties on Tuesday, 14th July. Six representatives from the Mothers’ Union, who were all from Britain and Ireland, attended. We met at Mary Sumner House, Mothers’ Union headquarters in London, for lunch at 1.00pm which was hosted by the Worldwide President, Rosemary Kempsell. Once all hats were donned, we headed in two taxis for Buckingham Palace. Thankfully it was a glorious day so the brollies for once stayed at home! When we arrived we queued with literally thousands of other attendees, and waited for the gates to open at 3.00pm. On entering, we were offered home made lemonade or water and on such a warm day it was very refreshing. Once inside, we had a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens and were serenaded by military bands. Even from the back, Buckingham Palace is a very grand place. The roses were beautiful and the scent from them just filled the air. We walked around the lake with its ducks, and past the tennis courts and swimming pool, and you couldn’t help but think of the young Royals having fun playing on the lawns as children. We did look out for weeds but we didn’t see one, and the lawn looked as if it had been cut with scissors! Before the Queen made an appearance we decided to have afternoon tea in one of the marquees. The selection was immense, from cucumber sandwiches to smoked salmon and tiny little pastries and strawberry tarts; all washed down with tea, iced coffee or apple juice.

On leaving, we went through Buckingham Palace and right out the front door! The room we entered from the garden was the Queen Victoria room, and it was very grand with pictures of a very young and pretty Queen adorning the walls. We then entered a large hall carpeted in red plush carpet and at either end was a wide sweeping staircase that seemed to go on forever. It would have been great to go exploring, but not this time! We then exited onto a courtyard and out through the door which is directly underneath the balcony, on which so many of us have seen the Royal Family stand at special events. I had sore feet by 7.00pm, but it was an unforgettable day with so many cherished memories. It was an honour to represent the Diocese and the Mothers’ Union. Roberta 17

CLIMBING TOGETHER

THE WESTMINSTER CHORAL

St Columba’s has a rich tradition of worship to, and service of, Almighty God. As our Rector recently observed, it is important that as we celebrate our past and acknowledge the present, we must also plan for our future. In so doing, we have launched our Building Fund Appeal, the objective being to raise £80,000 to improve the heating and lighting systems. Progress towards this is already underway and to keep everyone aware of our achievements there will be a board displayed at the back of the church. This will remind us of how much has been raised, and will also encourage and motivate us to work together as a parish family to fulfil our aims.

(May be simply recited ‘sotto voce’, or chanted ‘allegro ma non troppo’ to the refrain: ‘My Bonnie lies over the Ocean’. Either way, this matchlessly heart-rending soliloquy is still widely regarded as an essential part of basic skills training for Honourable Members of the Upper and Lower Houses)

Many will already be familiar with Bob the Builder who, with Wendy and their team, work to complete construction jobs. Our plan in St. Columba’s is to come together to raise a significant amount of money. Our Bob the Builder display board will represent us climbing a ladder towards our goal through determination and hard work. This visual indicator of progress has been planned, designed and executed by a number of people from a variety of age groups, so already the importance of team work underpins what we are doing. The younger members of our church will help us to celebrate our progress as they place the figures they have coloured on the board as each target is met. The concept of team work is not novel within Christ’s church, as we are clearly told in 1st Corinthians, Chapter 12, that we are all members of one body and every one of us has a unique role to perform within His church. We each have particular talents and can contribute in so many ways to our fundraising opportunities. Some of us will organise activities, some will attend events, some may invite friends, others might cook, some people will clear up and some provide prayerful support. The possibilities are endless and everyone’s role is essential. Our objective will not be easily achieved, but with combined efforts and our minds focused on providing an improved environment to worship our God, we will reach the top of Bob’s ladder. WE WILL CLIMB TOGETHER AND GET THE JOB DONE! Karen McAlpine 18

I want a floating duck house, I want to clear my moat, I need to mend my tennis court That’s why I need your vote. I have to build a portico, My swimming pool needs mending, My lovely plants need horse manure And the Aga needs much tending. A chandelier is vital, Mock Tudor boards are great, My hanging baskets won awards And I’ve earned a tax rebate! I need a glitter toilet seat, My piano so needs tuning, Maltesers help me stay awake And my orchard must need pruning. I could have said the rules were wrong And often thought I should, But somehow it was easier To profit all I could. The public really have to see That the rules are there to test, And by defrauding taxpayers We were just doing our best. The Speaker of the House has gone, Our sacrificial beast, But the public are still braying For our corpses at the feast. What do the public want from us, Those vote-wielding ingrates? They really should be grateful To be financing our estates. The message is so very clear, (we’re merely learning late) That the British way of living well Is to simply fleece the state!! 19

STANDING COMMITTEE TRIENNAL APPOINTMENTS 2009-2012

M U ACTIVITY GROUP We were fortunate in the weather during May and June when we enjoyed our Tuesday evening walks. Some new places were found and also old favourites revisited. Our last walk for this year was to Donaghadee. We had a lovely walk across the Commons and around the town area, finishing off with supper at Pier 36. Now it’s time to look forward and I hope, like me, you have had a good summer break and are ready, willing and able to meet the challenge of another year of activity! Opening night is Tuesday, 15th September 2009, at 8.00pm. See you then, Maureen

HOW FAST DO YOU GO? Sitting by the side of the road one day, on the lookout for speeding drivers, a police officer spotted a car puttering along at 20 mph. He thought to himself: “That driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!” So he turned on his lights and pulled the driver over. Approaching the car, he noticed that the four passengers were all old ladies, wide eyed and white as ghosts. The driver, also a very elderly lady, was upset at being stopped. “Officer, I don’t understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit!” “Madam,” the officer replied patiently, “you weren’t doing the speed limit, you were driving at 20 miles an hour. That can be dangerous to other drivers.” “But it says A20 on the sign over there - and so I was doing it!” she protested. “But that is the road number, not the speed limit.” “Well, I never! That explains a lot,” said the old lady, in evident relief. “Before I let you go, madam, I have to ask, is everyone in this car okay? Your passengers seem awfully shaken.” “Oh, they’ll be all right in a minute, officer. We’ve just got off the A150.”

The Standing Committee of the General Synod recently announced the following appointments for the triennial period 2009 -2012, for which parishioners, Michael Davey and Patrick Good, are to be heartedly congratulated:

Michael Davey...............Legal Advisory Committee

Patrick Good..................Court of the General Synod

Parishioners will also be delighted to know that our former Curate, the Revd. Kevin Graham, has been appointed Rector of Movilla Parish, Newtownards, having served four years as Rector of Carrowdore and Millisle on leaving St. Columba’s in 2005. Kevin was also appointed Area Dean for Ards last year, and his Institution will take place on Friday, 25th September. We wish him, Cheryl, Jamie and Luke every success and happiness in their new parish.

ST. COLUMBA’S DOVES Doves will re-commence on Friday, 11th September, at 6.30pm in the downstairs hall. We have fun together playing games, doing craft work, listening to stories and music and much more... We welcome all boys and girls, aged between 3 and 6 years, and look forward to meeting new members! Karen

LADIES GUILD NOTES

Bowling will commence on Monday, 21st September, at 2.00pm. Our membership has gone down over the last couple of years and we urgently need some new members to keep going. It’s an afternoon of “no pressure” bowling and includes the essential cup of tea. Hoping to see old friends and some new ones in September! Phyllis Newton

Hi Everyone, Hope you have all had a good summer, and are looking forward to the autumn. Our opening meeting for the start of the season is on Wednesday, 16th September, at 7.45pm, when we are excited to present “A Musical Evening” by the Percy French Trio. This is the first item of an especially good programme for our 50th Anniversary Year, which will include our Celebration Dinner on Wednesday, 18th November, at Shandon Park Golf Club. As always, all our meetings are open to members of the parish and their friends, who can be sure of a warm welcome along with all our regular members. See you soon, Lilias

LADIES BOWLING

This year, one of the beneficiaries of St Columba’s generous charitable giving was TINYLIFE. TINYLIFE is Northern Ireland’s premature and vulnerable baby charity, dedicated to reducing premature birth, illness, disability and death in babies. The Charity, initially called NIMBA (Northern Ireland Mother and Baby Action), was established in 1988 by a group of concerned mums and health professionals to raise funds for research into the causes of prematurity, stillbirth and miscarriage. The Charity was re-branded as TINYLIFE in 2008, and now also offers practical and emotional support to the parents of ill or premature babies. Any parent watching their little one fight for life finds it emotionally and physically draining, as they try to juggle the commitments of everyday life with visiting the neonatal unit, often once or twice a day, to be with their premature baby. TINYLIFE offers practical support to families in a number of ways. FAMILY SUPPORT – TINYLIFE is there to lend a hand by carefully matching a trained volunteer with a family to assist with visits to the hospital, and to provide help with practical tasks when they bring their baby home. TINYLIFE volunteers are also there to provide a listening ear and give mum and dad time to themselves. Increasingly, TINYLIFE provides volunteer support to families who have experienced a multiple birth. BREAST PUMP LOAN SERVICE – TINYLIFE provides electric breast pumps for mums who wish to express their own milk to be fed to their baby while they are in neonatal care. This is a very practical way for mums to contribute to their development and growth. TINYLIFE also has a breast pump hire service, which is available to any mum who wishes to express milk for her baby. PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS – Parent support groups provide an opportunity for parents who have been through a similar experience to come together to learn and receive support from one another. These meetings include talks by experts, pampering activities and group discussions on agreed topics, such as baby massage, first aid and weaning. RESOURCE LIBRARY – TINYLIFE provides a range of books, videos/DVDS, information leaflets and useful contact details relating to the development and needs of premature, ill and disabled babies. There are 2000 admissions to Northern Ireland Neonatal Units each year. TINYLIFE family support workers and trained volunteers are linked to each of the neonatal units in the province, giving support to these families whenever it is needed. Last year, 317 volunteers support workers were trained by the TINYLIFE team. 22

In addition, TINYLIFE funding has been used to support a program of obstetric and neonatal research over the past twenty five years, covering areas as diverse as neonatal nutrition, factors influencing the development of neonatal chronic lung disease and causes of preterm birth. TINYLIFE is currently funding a local research study through Queen’s University School of Midwifery and Nursing. This study will focus on fathers of newborn infants admitted to NICU. While much of the research to date has paid attention to the needs of mothers in caring for babies who are designated high risk infants at birth, the experience of fathers and their health and social care needs while fathering high risk infants has been neglected. The research aims to understand men’s experiences of being the parent of a high risk infant born at term or preterm, within the hospital setting and later in the home. It is hoped it will contribute to wider research on men, masculinity and fathering, and to develop guidelines for improved practice in neonatal and family health that would incorporate the needs of fathers in caring for high risk infants. David Sweet

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS St. Michael is an archangel, whose name means ‘who is like unto God?’ He makes various appearances throughout the Bible, from the book of Daniel to the Book of Revelation. In Daniel, he is ‘one of the princes’ of the heavenly host, and the special guardian of Israel. In Revelation, he is the principal fighter of the heavenly battle against the devil. From early times, Michael’s cult was strong in the British Isles. Churches at Malmesbury (Wiltshire), Clive (Gloucestershire) and Stanmer (East Sussex) were dedicated to him. Bede mentions him. St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall was believed to commemorate a vision there in the 8th century. By the end of the Middle Ages, Michael had 686 English churches dedicated to him. Le Mont-Saint-Michel illuminated

In art, Michael is often depicted as slaying the dragon, as in the 14th century East Anglican Psalters, or in Epstein’s famous sculpture at Coventry cathedral. Or he is found (in medieval art) as weighing souls, as at Chaldon (Surrey), Swalcliffe (Oxford), Eaton Bishop (Hereford and Worcester), and Martham in Suffolk. Michael’s most famous shrine in Western Europe is the stunning rocky tidal island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, perched off the coast of Normandy in France, where a Benedictine abbey was founded in the 10th century. The ‘All Angels’ part of this feast-day, which is celebrated each year on September 29th, was added in 1969 when Gabriel and Raphael were also included with Michael. 23

Children’s Corner!

OFFICE WISDOM Eagles may soar high, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.

SWEET WORDS Can you rearrange the lett ers to find the sweet things? Answers at the bottom of the page. 1. LLLYO 2. DUGEF 3. CEIRQULIO 4. ETFOEF 5. CLOTACHEO 6. LYJEL ABBY 7. ATREES GEG 8. MIPPETPENR 9. EIC MAREC 10. HALARMSLOWM

Never do today what will become somebody else’s responsibility tomorrow. When confronted by a difficult problem, you can solve it more easily by reducing it to the simple question, “How would the Lone Ranger handle this?” Accept that some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue. You have to be 100% behind someone before you can stab them in the back.

Colour-in the Back-to-School scene!

THE RIGHT TIME It is harvest time now. I suppose we think of harvesting wheat, corn, things like that; but do you think of sugar? A lot of the sugar we use in this country is home produced. It comes from sugar beet which is harvested at this time of year. The roots are taken to factories where they are washed, sliced and crushed. The juice is carefully heated in a huge container and at exactly the right moment a tiny spoonful of powdered suger is added to the boiling liquid. This tiny amount turns the whole batch into sugar crystals. The right thing and the right time coming together to make a complete change. Moses told God that he wasn’t very good at anything; others were much better, more clever than him. He said ‘please send someone else’ (Exodus, Chapter 4) but God’s reply was ‘ I will be with you’. With God everything is possible. God helps the impossible change into the possible – and God uses the most unlikely people and things to do it.

A problem shared is a problem halved, so is your problem really yours or half of someone else’s?

ANSWERS: 1. Lolly 2. Fudge 3. Liquorice 4. Toffee 5. Chocolate 6. Jelly Baby 7. Easter Egg 8. Peppermint 9. Ice Cream 10. Marshmallow

“... and we used to grumble about not understanding archaic church language!” 24

WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S

OCTOBER MAGAZINE

PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org

Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the October parish magazine

should

handed

e-mailed to the editor by Sunday, 13th September, at latest. Many thanks

FLOWER ROTA FOR SEPTEMBER Sunday 6th

Dianne Gibson

Sunday 13th

Maida Mulligan

Sunday 20th

Paddy Nesbitt

Sunday 27th

FROM THE REGISTER Our Sorrows Christian Burials Monday 29th June

Mary Frances Josephine Baird, M.B.E. Domnal Intermediate Care Home (formerly of Abbey Court)

Monday 3rd August

Deborah Carol Jane Willis 68 Shandon Park

Friday 14th August

Samuel James McKeown 18 Grangewood Grove, Dundonald 26

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 SELECT VESTRY Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Brian Acheson, John Best, Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth McCaughey, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers, David Sweet

CURATE The Revd. Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com

HON. SECRETARY & PREMISES CONVENOR Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 90656183

PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood BT18 OHT Tel 028 90424390

HON. TREASURER Gillian Sadlier 70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG Tel 028 90403278

DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber BT23 5SZ Tel 028 91878816

ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295

RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN Patrick Wilson 5 Kingsway Park BT5 7EU Tel 028 90401066

PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Moranne Noad Meryl Townsend

PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Helen Donaghy 1 King’s Gate 91 King’s Road BT5 7BU Tel 028 90704932

DIOCESAN SYNODS PEOPLE Emma Hill Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Roberta Rogers Paul Stewart

RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 90583381 27

ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Gerald Hill 6 The Coaches Brown’s Brae, Croft Road Holywood BT18 OLE Tel 028 90422101

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

MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 90793704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com

ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Office Hours Wednesday & Friday 8.30am – 1.30pm Parish Secretary: Janet Johnston Tel 028 90656891

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATOR John Holland 8 Greengraves Cottages Ballyrogan, Newtownards BT23 4SD Tel 028 91814036

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

028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162