September 2012
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Parishioner,
OLYMPIC ACHIEVEMENTS Inspirational! That was just one of the words used to describe the recent Olympic Games. London 2012 saw amazing achievements for the British Team and for the competitors from different nations. You may have been fortunate in obtaining tickets to go and watch some of the games in London or perhaps, like me, may have watched them at home on television. Throughout the games, new records were made by the competitors in so many of the sports and a record number of medals awarded. However, none of those achievements would have been possible were it not for all the hard work that each person gave with their coach, team and family over many years of training. For me, one of the most poignant aspects of the Olympic Games was the encouragement that the competitors received from those who came in such large numbers to offer their personal support. All the cheering from the crowds gave encouragement to the competitors as they headed towards the finish. TEAM ST. COLUMBA What better start could we have to our autumn programme here in St. Columba’s than to apply just some of that inspiration and hard work, which was so evident throughout the Olympic Games, to every aspect of our parish? In fact, it is hard not to be inspired after such amazing achievements! In order for Team St. Columba to be effective it needs your full support, commitment and involvement on a regular basis. We are immensely fortunate to be part of a parish which, through the hard work and support of many people, achieved new personal bests during the past year. We need to hit the ground running during this month, fresh from our summer holidays, and move forward by making our unique contribution to our parish. We all know that a depleted team is not going to get very far! When you are absent, for whatever reason, Team St. Columba is incomplete and your unique contribution to God’s work in this place cannot be made. You are missed when you don’t come! As we begin our autumn programme I want you to know that you are a valued and important member of our parish, and that you and your family are very welcome to come and share in our work. I invite you to join us and offer your unique contribution to Team St. Columba. In the words of the Olympic Games motto “inspire a generation”, I ask you to work together under God to strengthen our Christian faith, improve the quality of our worship and develop our Parish Organisations to enable us all to face the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead with confidence. Yours in His service,
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BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY – SUNDAY, 30th SEPTEMBER “Would you like to come to church with me?” That is just how simple the Back to Church initiative is, and that is precisely the reason that it has caught on in churches in so many different places. The last Sunday in September is well known as “Back to Church Sunday”. In our reading of the Gospel accounts we see just how effective a personal invitation can be. Jesus invited fishermen to leave their nets and “come follow me”, and they did. Zacchaeus, the unpopular tax collector, upon receiving a personal invitation from Jesus came down from the tree to meet him. St. Columba’s is once again taking part in this most important day in our church calendar. Some of our parishioners joined St. Columba’s after having been personally invited by a family member, a neighbour or a friend to join them in church on a previous Back to Church Sunday. They then went on to join our parish and are now actively involved in the life of our church. On those occasions, they experienced for themselves these key characteristics about our church: •• The warm, friendly welcome that is given to everyone who comes to our services •• The support that is offered by parishioners •• The well ordered liturgical services which follow the order printed on the Pew News sheet •• The refreshments after the service •• The good fellowship and atmosphere which exists throughout the parish at every level. So what do we have to do to prepare for Back to Church Sunday? You will receive your personal invitation card at the church services on Sunday, 2nd September. All you have to do then is give it to the person that you would like to accompany you to our church services on Back to Church Sunday, which will be on Sunday, 30th September. It really is that simple! It would be a source of great blessing and encouragement if we could welcome many new people to our church on that day, and let them experience for themselves all that our parish has to offer. The Rector 3
SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER Sunday 2nd 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh James 1: 17-27 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23 All Age Worship and Holy Baptism followed by refreshments Reader Mark Gillespie Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Choral Evensong and Holy Baptisms Reader Helen Donaghy Exodus 12: 21-27 Reader Helen Donaghy Matthew 4: 23 – 5:20
Thursday 6th The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 9th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Patricia Wilson Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Fiona Haldane Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Clergy Compline Reader Robin Haldane
(Green) James 2: 1-17 Mark 7: 24-37 James 2: 1-17 Mark 7: 24-37 Matthew 6: 1-18
(Green) Thursday 13 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry th
Sunday 16th The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Lindsay Hodges Gospel Clergy 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Clergy 10.30am Morning Prayer Reader John Holland Reader Alan Rogers Occasional Roberta Rogers Prayers 7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Patricia Wilson Gospel Clergy
(Green) James 3: 1-12 Mark 8: 27-38 Mark 8: 27-38 Proverbs 1: 20-33 Mark 8: 27-38
Exodus 18: 13-26 Matthew 7: 1-14
(Red) Thursday 20th St. Matthew (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 23rd 8.15am
The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Gospel Clergy 4
(Green) James 3: 13 – 4: 3, 7-8a Mark 9: 30-37
10.30am Holy Communion and Holy Baptism Reader Helen Donaghy Gospel Karen McAlpine Intercessions Clergy 7.00pm Evening Prayer Reader Tillie Heyburn Reader Tillie Heyburn Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
James 3: 13 – 4: 3, 7-8a Mark 9: 30-37 Exodus 19: 10-25 Matthew 8: 23-44
(White) Thursday 27th St. Michael and All Angels 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry (Green) Sunday 30th BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart 1 Peter 2: 22-25 Gospel Clergy Luke 15: 1-7 10.30am All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Caroline Auchmuty Luke 15: 1-7 7.00pm Healing Service with the Laying on of Hands Reader Moranne Noad Luke 15: 1-7 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers 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
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 5
SEPTEMBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 2nd............................. Chris Thompson and Ross Cairnduff Sunday 9th.............................. Dawn and Garth Macartney Sunday 16th........................... Nan Armstrong and Maureen Irwin Sunday 23rd........................... Jill and Brian Gillespie Sunday 30th........................... Eileen Anderson and Joan Madill
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: Ormiston Crescent Richhill Crescent Ormiston Drive Roddens Crescent Ormiston Parade Sandown Road Ormiston Park Neill’s Hill Park
CRÈCHE The Crèche will re-open for business on Sunday, 9th September. Our aim is to provide well run Crèche facilities during the 10:30am service, where babies and toddlers feel happy to stay and play while their parents enjoy the church service. All children under the age of three years are welcome to join us in the Choir Vestry for fun and games. We are also keen to recruit some new volunteers so if you would be available to help once every couple of months, please contact me on suzanne.m.allen@ uk.pwc.com or 07770 653028. Suzanne Allen
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE After the summer break, tea and coffee returns to our All Age Worship service on Sunday, 2nd September. On our first Sunday back we are fund raising for the Church Hall refurbishment. I hope to see all the usual faces, and lots of new ones, to support this cause! Roberta 6
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR HARVEST Saturday, 6th 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, 7th OCTOBER 8.15am: Holy Communion 10.30am: Informal Recital by Members of the Music Group 11.00am: All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch in the Hall Preacher: The Revd Adrian Dorrian, Rector of St. Mark’s, Dundela The children are invited to bring a Harvest gift to present during this service. 7pm: Choral Evensong Preacher: The Revd Clifford Skillen, Assistant Editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH HARVEST LUNCH Don’t forget our Harvest Lunch on Sunday, 7th October, immediately after the Morning Service. Our soup lunches are always very popular and tickets will be available during September, so pop it in your diary now and bring the family along for a nice lunch and at the same time support, by voluntary donations, the Church Building Fund. Roberta
OUR ADVENTURE IN ZAMBIA An evening for the whole parish family to explore what the Zambia Team experienced this summer will be held in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, 12th September, from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.
All welcome! 7
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES
The toys and stationery bought with the money we raised at the Jubilee Party were packed up and sent to Zambia with the team. The photographs show the Headmistress of the secondary school receiving some of them, as well as their PE teacher with Irish team rugby balls. Sunday 2nd September Sunday 9th September Sunday 16th September Sunday 23rd September Sunday 30th September
10.30am All Age Worship 10.30am Sunday School 9.30am Family Communion 10.30am Sunday School 10.30am All age Worship and Back to Church Sunday
At the All Age Worship to be held on Sunday, 2nd September, our Sunday school teachers will be at the back of the church with some of the materials they will be using in their classes. Please come along to meet and talk to them, especially if this will be your child’s first year at Sunday school. Last year, we had good numbers at the start of the year so let’s have similar numbers, or even larger, at our first Sunday school on Sunday, 9th September. We try to choose materials and activities that will bring the Bible to life for the children in an interesting and enjoyable way. The more children we have in the classes, the more interesting we can make these activities! Beth Cairnduff
NOAH FISHING The Sunday School teacher asked: “James, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?” “No,” replied James. “How could he? He only had two worms.” 8
Hello Ladies, Mother’s Union will open again on Tuesday, 2nd October, with an Area Service to be held in St. Columba’s. The ‘Mums in May’ Tea Party celebrating 125 years of Mothers’ Union held on Tuesday, 29th May, raised the magnificent sum of £663 which was sent to the Dioceses. This will help fund the work of Mothers’ Union overseas and the Centenary fund that helps Ordinands in the Church of Ireland who are in financial difficulty, as well as individual Diocesan projects. We hope that some members will be able to attend the 125th Anniversary Service in Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, on Sunday, 23rd September. Places are limited and we will let members know further details. Down and Dromore Mothers’ Union invite you to an Action and Outreach Evening with Vivian Kityo (General Trustee from Uganda) on Thursday, 13th September, at 8pm in Knockbreda Parish Hall. Please advise Yvonne or Sandra if you will be attending. We are very glad to have our Leader, Yvonne, back among us from Zambia and we look forward very much to hearing more about her travels in due course. Sandra
KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE!
I am writing this in seat 22H, just about to cross the equator 6,100 miles from the UK, alongside nine amazing parishioners who are returning from a terrific adventure as described on pages 14 and 15 in this edition of The Columban. The trip to Zambia was spent building relationships and witnessing the work of the Northern Zambian Anglican Church. As a team, we laughed together, cried together, worked hard and asked some of the toughest questions...in terms of suffering and the Christian response, wealth and poverty, and met some of the world’s most vulnerable and poorest people. We also met some modern day saints, people who are caring for the sick, making an impact on young and old, giving them hope and a future. It certainly will take a long time to unpick the lessons learnt on this trip and I really believe that the question which has been with our team right from the beginning, namely ‘What can we do?’, is a truly pertinent one. As a parish, it is a question which I hope we will be able to talk about over the next few months. I know, as a team, we feel a responsibility to do something about all that we have seen. I look forward to discussing this with groups and individuals as we discover together what God is calling us to, in terms of a longer term link between St. Columba’s and Northern Zambia. Every Blessing, Robert 9
COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR ZAMBIA TEAM The Morning Service on Sunday, 1st July, included the Commissioning of the Ipalo Team. I am very grateful to the Rector for conducting such a moving service. Personally, I found the occasion quite emotional, but very uplifting. I know that the team members also experienced something special. The Rector’s comments were much appreciated by us all. In recognition of the very generous financial support from parishioners, the team provided tea and coffee after the service at the back of the church. It was great to chat with so many of the congregation and I was overwhelmed by the genuine interest in our project. The team remarked on the very special atmosphere in church that morning and we take great encouragement from the ongoing prayerful support. Following tea and coffee, Robert and David Gough (CMS Ireland) organised a question and answer session for the team and their immediate families. This proved very useful and thankfully no difficult issues arose. The team then provided a very enjoyable lunch for our families. Around 3.00 pm, we settled down to our final team training session when we rehearsed some of the sketches and games we plan to organise in Zambia. We also finalised our individual roles and responsibilities, and reviewed our various checklists. This proved a marathon session but we all went home fully motivated and raring to go! Our sincere thanks once again to the Rector, parishioners and our families for the tremendous support during recent months. We look forward to representing St. Columba’s in Zambia and sharing our experiences with you on our return. Jayne Martin (Co-Leader)
Back row, left to right: Mark Gillespie, Olivia Budde, Aaron Wilson, Ross Cairnduff, Alan Boyd, the Revd Robert Ferris (Team Leader) Front row, left to right: Laura Gillespie, Helen Cairnduff, Jayne Martin (Co-Leader), Yvonne Robb 10
ALL AGE PARISH TREASURE HUNT AND BBQ SATURDAY, 8th SEPTEMBER MEET AT CHURCH CAR PARK AT 3.00pm (transport will be provided for those without cars who wish to participate in the treasure hunt)
BBQ AT ST. COLUMBA’S AT 5.00pm (for those wishing to attend the BBQ only)
PROCEEDS FOR THE BUILDING FUND Please sign the sheet on the church notice board if you can: •• Participate in the treasure hunt •• Attend the BBQ only at St. Columba’s •• Provide transport for those wishing to participate in the treasure hunt
LADIES BOWLING Ladies bowling will re-commence on Monday, 24th September, at 2.00pm. Even if you have never played bowls before, you will soon pick it up. So come along, have a go and enjoy the company! Phyllis Newton
BROWNIE NOTES Last year, our numbers increased to a very healthy 14 by the end of the season, with three leaders, and we hope to welcome back all those who were with us. However, we still have plenty of room for new girls to join us! If you know of any girl aged 6 ½ to 10 years who would like to come along and try out our interesting and varied activities, please come down to the Church Hall at 6.30pm on our first evening, Friday, 14th September. Last year, we learned to cook, visited the cinema, went to the Lazy River, Lisburn, and enjoyed lots of craft activities. We hope to increase the variety of our programme this year. Beth Cairnduff
DOVES Our first meeting of the new school year will be on Friday, 21st September. We would love any boys and girls aged 3-6 years to come along and join us! We begin at 6.30pm and have fun until 7.30pm each Friday evening. Karen 11
ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUB Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting, chaired by our Rector, was well attended. The Treasurer, Rena Robbins, reported that the club was financially healthy and the Chairman, Billy Nelson, was delighted to be able to present a further cheque to the Rector. In his report, the Chairman commented on how well attended the Thursday morning painting sessions had been during the year and also on the rise in the quality of the painting. A sad note to record was the death of Alva Anderson whom the Chairman had known well in the Art Club and even longer in the Men’s Club, and sympathies were extended to his widow, Eileen. The Art Club enjoyed a full year of activities, starting with a boat trip in May 2011 around Belfast harbour to view sights linked to the Titanic; in July, painting ‘en plein air’ took place at Helen’s bay; and in September, there was an overnight art painting excursion to the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen. One of our honorary members, Julian Friers, showed Art Club members around the Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition in November. Once again, our Christmas lunch was held in Knock Golf Club, kindly arranged by Bill Anderson. In January 2012, there was a return visit by St. Columcille’s Art Club to view an oil painting demonstration by Bob Killen and in February, Billy McAlpine organised a raffle to raise funds for the Zambia Team to which Bob Killen very generously donated one of his oil paintings as first prize. Art Club members offered their best wishes for the on going recovery from a stroke to Daphne Nelson, a former member and the Club’s first Secretary. The Chairman also thanked the Rector for the congregation’s continuing prayers. The Club was delighted to welcome two new members, Yvonne Braithwaite and Dennis Johnston, with overall membership now standing at 27, including honorary members. The Chairman, the Rector and members expressed their special thanks to Bob Killen, our Tutor, for his continuing help and activities with art even during his wife’s long convalescence following her accident. The following officers were duly elected to serve for the year 2012/13: Chairman................................................... Billy Nelson Hon. Secretary.......................................... Gladys Lees Asst. Hon. Secretary................................. Vida Shaw Hon. Treasurer........................................... Rena Robbins Committee................................................. Bill Anderson, Margaret Hirst, Billy McAlpine, Esther Templeton Ex-Officio................................................... Bob Killen Art Club activities will resume on Thursday, 6th September, from 9.30am to 12.30pm in the Church Hall. Dr. Billy Nelson (Chairman) 12
AFTERNOON GROUP With my family I went on holiday, On a cruise - most exciting for me! I enjoyed it much more than I can say, So many wonderful places to see. We saw Sicily, Athens and Ephesus too, With a last fleeting visit to Crete. And, of course, on the ship there was so much to do, But oh! all that walking was sore on the feet! I hope that you all had a good summer too, With lots of interesting things to do. I just want to remind you that September 10 Is the date for our Group to meet again. Robert, our Curate, is coming that day To tell what the Zambia team did when away. You are bound to enjoy what he has to say, So don’t forget - it’s the second Monday! Nan
MEN’S CLUB NOTES
I hope some of you will have managed to escape the wet and windy days of our “summer” and are ready to commence a new season of the Club. Our opening night will be Monday, 3rd September, at 7.30pm. Our Chairman, Andrew Launchbury, and Captain, Jim Stevenson, look forward to welcoming members on their return and hopefully some new faces, too. We are especially anxious to have some younger members join us as the future of our Club is important to the life of our Church. If you have not thought of joining before, why not “give it a go”? You may be surprised how much you will enjoy the friendship and fellowship we share. Just come along to the Hall and be made welcome! Geoff Launchbury
MU ACTIVITY GROUP After a very disappointing summer when our umbrellas were constantly in use, it is good to know there will be lots of brightness and cheer to look forward to when Activity starts again in the Church Hall on Tuesday, 11th September. I look forward to meeting up with you then! Maureen 13
After months of fundraising, training and preparation, the Ipalo Team have visited Zambia and returned home again, safe and well. In this extended article for The Columban, Team Leader, Robert, our Curate, reports on some of their daily experiences.
ZAMBIA IPALO TEAM REPORT Ten members of our parish headed to Zambia for 14 days, invited by the Archbishop of Central Africa, the Most Revd Albert Chama. An intensive programme was organized for the ten days to be spent in Northern Zambia, examining many different aspects of church and community life. There were many highlights and these are simply a few… We arrived in Lusaka on Saturday, 28th July, and were transported to Kitwe (a 4½ hour bus journey) after which we were given an extremely warm welcome at the Cathedral by Mothers’ Union and the Dean of the Cathedral, with singing and cold drinks. During the team introductions, Helen mentioned that she was a choir member who carried the Cross in church, so she was invited to carry the Cross in the Cathedral the following day. The team then moved into accommodation on an ecumenical foundation campus, where beds and food were sorted out and preparations made. Sunday, 29th July: The team headed to the Cathedral where we took part in worship, a creative mix of Anglo Catholic praise and worship, evangelical and traditional, which is the real strength of Zambian worship, combining the best of all strands. There were traditional hymns and lots of dancing and actions. As visitors, we were asked to introduce ourselves and received a warm round of applause. After the service, the team was treated to a wonderful cake and Zambian hospitality. Monday, 30th July: We were invited by the Archbishop to meet him and his team. Archbishop Chama is the most wonderful man – so humble, so visionary and hospitable. The parishioners spoke so very highly of him. He is responsible for the Anglican Church in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi, as well as his own diocese! He then introduced us to two of his team – Mrs. Tembo and Esther Piri, both of whom are working on life changing projects – Mrs. Tembo with HIV / Malaria, and Esther with Home Based Care. In the afternoon, we took a tour around Kitwe which was an eye opener for our team. Extreme poverty and wealth dwelling side by side was something we had heard about, but it was truly shocking to see at first hand. Tuesday, 31st July: Today’s theme was educational and we were taken to Chambishi, a mining township north of Kitwe. We were welcomed by the Headmistress of the local high school. This was a real eye opener. She explained that there were over 1,000 pupils in the school barely large enough for 500. There were only 19 classrooms and 44 members of staff, many of whom are past pupils. She also told us that roughly one in ten pupils were “vulnerable”, meaning double orphaned due to AIDS. Despite these difficulties, the school’s football team were provincial champions and made a good showing at the regionals. Our team was amazed at how happy they were with so little. We left gifts of a large globe and sports equipment, and offered them smaller presents to which the headmistress responded, “no gift is small”. Before leaving Chambishi, we visited a local Anglican church, St. Anne’s, which is home to a handful of parishioners…just a thatched, mud bricked building. The afternoon was spent thinking about theological education at the seminary, where we met members of staff who encouraged us to reflect on our own role in the world Church. Wednesday, 1st August: This was a day of strong and mixed emotions. We were invited to participate with Esther in the Home Based Care programme, delivering essential supplies to the most vulnerable in the community. We also met AIDS sufferers in their 14
own homes, who were extremely appreciative of the diocese’s help and support. It was dreadful to observe at first hand the effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but also awe inspiring to realize the tremendous effort people of the Church are making to reach out and care for those who are so desperately ill. Thursday, 2nd August: Today was meant to have been a very practical work day, making blocks with a new machine which the diocese had purchased. Unfortunately, however, due to unforeseen problems the machine had not arrived. The team was brought to a different site where another church had been using a similar machine, and it was brilliant! It was a site for housing widows and orphans. The team also took the opportunity to use the sports equipment purchased by our Doves, Brownies, Mums & Tots and Sunday School as we played cricket, parachute and football with the local children. In the afternoon, we met with the project committee of the new School and Skills Centre which the diocese is building. It is a breath taking vision and one about which I will write in the October edition of The Columban. We visited the site and were most excited about its potential. Friday, 3rd August: The team travelled to Chingola, a town further north, where we met with an HIV/AIDS and Malaria Support Group, witnessing at first hand the work of people who are “living positively” (their term), trying to break the stigma of the label of the disease. We also met the Diocesan Youth Executive who presented us with their comprehensive vision of youth ministry in the diocese. The day ended with a visit to a local parish, who were also building for the future by means of a nursery school on their small plot of land. Saturday, 4th August: By now, we realised that our team were adept at ‘flexibility’ and ready for anything! We started by visiting Mothers’ Union and hearing from their President, Judith, about their work in reaching out and helping those in desperate circumstances. We were then due to visit a parish to find out about the work of the BB and GB. However, when we arrived a wedding was in full swing ... to which we were invited! In the middle of the wedding, after the giving and receiving of the rings, the local Rector invited the team to stand up and introduce themselves. Sunday, 5th August: The team divided itself up in order to visit three separate parishes, where we were all welcomed, introduced ourselves and participated in their Bemba/ English services, each one lasting between 3½ and 4½ hours! Monday, 6th August: We visited a rural community parish who have a church with no doors and little furniture, but who are building as they can afford it. There are many stories to tell about this church. Tuesday, 7th August: The team made an emotional farewell to their newly found friends of the past ten days and presented the Archbishop with gifts from the parish to the church in Northern Zambia, before setting off for the capital, Lusaka. Wednesday, 8th August: We travelled to Livingstone, home of the Victoria Falls, and spent two days working through the many things we had seen and experienced, as well as enjoying some of Africa’s natural wonders before travelling home. Having set off into the unknown only a short two weeks ago, the team returned brimming with determination to do even more to try and support the wonderful people of this beautiful country. Robert 15
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MUMS & TOTS Hi Everyone, Hope you had a great summer. Just to remind you that we start back on Friday, September 7th, at 9.45am. We look forward to you joining us for play, fun, and laughter! See you then, Patricia
LADIES GUILD NOTES Dear Ladies, Welcome to September 2012 and our new season! I hope you have all had a good summer and are looking forward to the autumn programme when our first meeting will be on Wednesday, 19th September, at 7.45pm. We will have a talk on fashion, colours, scarves etc. from Patience Bradley, who was so popular on a visit to us several years ago. She also designs clothes for dogs and is hoping to bring one of her little ones with her, so that will get us off to a bright, happy start! Looking ahead to October, we have asked a member of the Zambian Team to come and tell us about their experiences and activities during their visit, which will be very interesting and informative. See you soon. Lilias Smith (Hon. Sec.)
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BADMINTON Our new season starts on Tuesday, 4th September, at 2.00pm. New members are especially welcome to join our twelve chatty members. We average seven players each week so there is plenty of play, and there is also the opportunity to play table tennis!
We don’t just sit We aim to be fit!
Kyleen Clarke (90797155) 18
FINANCE MATTERS
Convert your FWO Envelope to a Standing Order this month! The Select Vestry are most grateful to those parishioners who changed their method of giving from Freewill Offering Envelopes to a Standing Order during the summer. The Rector, Curate and the entire Select Vestry have already made this change and, together with those who are giving to the Church in this manner, we are indeed thankful. Throughout this month, you will have a further opportunity to return your completed Standing Order form which was included in the summer Columban. You can either place it in the Churchwardens’ box at the back of church or return it to me. For your convenience, there are additional Bank Standing Order forms at the back of church. The Select Vestry would like to encourage as many parishioners as possible to switch to a Bank Standing Order. This will greatly lessen the risk to those who make the bank deposits each week, and will also provide you with a more convenient method of financial giving to the parish. Those parishioners who change to a Standing Order will be allocated a new number for the year 2013 so that their financial contributions can be recorded in the parish records and, of course, published in the Annual Report. For those who wish to do so, we will continue with the current weekly envelopes. In addition, the monthly Charity and Mission Allocation envelopes will continue for everyone as at present. On behalf of the Rector and the members of the Select Vestry, a sincere thank you for your financial contributions and consideration of this important matter. Murray Hunter (Assistant Honorary Treasurer)
ROBERT IS LEAVING US! As I’m sure you all know, Robert will be leaving us at the end of October to take up his new position as Associate Minister in the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes, with particular responsibility for the Church in Blarney, Co Cork. To mark Robert’s departure, and in recognition of the wonderful and valuable contribution he has made to the life of the parish over the time he has been with us, the Select Vestry will be making a presentation to him in the Church Hall following the 10.30am Service on Sunday, 28th October. If you would like to make a contribution towards this presentation, I should be grateful if you would use the envelope accompanying this month’s Columban and place it in the box at the rear of the church. Alan Rogers (Honorary Secretary) 19
RESTRUCTURING OF PARISH ADMINISTRATION Introduction Parishioners may be interested to know of changes that are being planned by the Select Vestry to parish administration. Background It has been determined by the Select Vestry that regrettably the parish will not be in a position for some time to fill the Curate Assistant vacancy, following Robert’s departure at the end of October 2012. In light of this, Select Vestry has been considering the most appropriate arrangements to be put in place to ensure effective and continuing levels of support for the Rector, the wider Clergy team, parish officers and, of course, parishioners. Future administrative functions of the parish will cover four main areas:(i)
Secretarial support to the Rector: To allow the Rector to focus on pastoral issues, along with the preparation of all services, and not be encumbered with administrative tasks which only serve to detract from effective service to the parish.
(ii) Parish Records It is essential to hold accurate and readily accessible parish records which are retained and managed in accordance with legal obligations. (iii) Parish computer system It is essential for a parish of our size to have available a range of computer generated reports and analyses to support decision making by the Clergy team, parish officers and Select Vestry. (iv) Management of the parish office Effective parish support requires to be effectively managed through an efficiently run parish office, which will become the representative face of the parish. Parish Administrator The Select Vestry has agreed that these duties should be placed under the responsibility of a Parish Administrator. This will be a new post which will subsume and enhance the duties of the current Parish Secretary. It is intended that the Parish Administrator will function at a more strategic and representational level than currently, and will include the following responsibilities: (i)
Executive Assistant to the Rector;
(ii)
Administrative support and back up to the Clergy team;
(iii) Operation of the parish computer system; (iv) Custodian of sensitive parish records; (v)
Manager of a busy parish office; and
(vi) Representative of the Clergy, the parish officers and the parishioners. 20
The Parish Secretary, Mrs Janet Johnston, will leave St. Columba’s at the end of August and the Select Vestry is in the process of recruiting a Parish Administrator. The Select Vestry extends its appreciation to Mrs Johnston for the service she has given to the parish during the last 15 years and wishes her well for the future. Parish Office The Select Vestry has anticipated that, in view of the nature of the service to be provided to the parish, it will be necessary for the parish office to be open Monday to Friday with opening hours from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Additional Clergy Support To assist him in his range of duties following the Curate’s departure, the Rector is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Canon Ken Smyth as Assistant Priest of St. Columba’s. Canon Smyth has recently retired as Rector of St. Mark’s, Newtownards, and now serves as Church of Ireland Chaplain to the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald. In addition to his duties as Chaplain, he will be assisting with our church services and parish visiting. We look forward to welcoming Canon Smyth and his wife, Jenny, to St. Columba’s at a date to be arranged, following the Curate’s departure to Blarney. Alan Rogers, Honorary Secretary
OFF TO MALAWI… By the time you read this, I will be on my way to the small landlocked country of Malawi, in East Africa, for nine months. Having worked as a junior doctor in Northern Ireland for two years, I will swap the high-tech surroundings of Altnagelvin Accident and Emergency Department for Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. There I will be volunteering alongside Malawian and other foreign doctors in the largest hospital in the country, and, more specifically, in the children’s department which has a massive 300 beds, including a malnutrition ward. The majority of illnesses are preventable with malaria, dehydration and infections causing the greatest workload. Children often present late with these illnesses and in-patient death rates approach five per cent. HIV also represents a huge burden, with 90,000 children in Malawi infected by it. I have been saving hard for the past two years to fund this trip but I also hope to raise over £1000 to donate to the hospital. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Kim Stevenson 21
SS NOMADIC MAKES IT BACK HOME TO PORT The centenary this year of the sinking of Belfast’s most famous ship – RMS Titanic – has been marked by many events, and has attracted a huge level of local, national, and international interest. Here in Belfast, the last floating link with Titanic – SS Nomadic – is now in dry dock next to the new visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast. The SS Nomadic has a most interesting history and is the last surviving ship built by Harland and Wolff for the White Star Line, Titanic’s owners. Nomadic was completed in 1911 to serve as a ‘tender’ – a small ship that would convey 1st and 2nd class passengers to Titanic when she was anchored off Cherbourg in northern France on her fateful maiden voyage. Nomadic was later commissioned as a troop carrier for allied forces during both world wars. After lengthy service as a tender at Cherbourg, a role she performed for many other transatlantic vessels until 1968, Nomadic then spent 25 years moored on the River Seine close to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, where she operated as a restaurant, cinema and dance venue. By the late 1990’s, Nomadic was unable to comply with river safety regulations and was moved to Le Havre on the north coast of France where she faced the prospect of being scrapped. Regrettably, the advent of new bridges built downstream on the Seine from Paris meant that Nomadic’s top two decks had to be removed to provide for her passage to Le Havre. It was while she was moored there that various interest groups lobbied to have her preserved in the light of her unique link with Titanic, and with Belfast’s great maritime heritage. In 2006, Northern Ireland’s Department of Social Development bought Nomadic at auction and she duly arrived back in Belfast some 95 years since first sailing away from the city’s shipyard. During the Titanic festival of commemoration in April of this year, my wife, Maureen, was privileged to serve as a guide to show interested parties around Nomadic. Visitors came from all over the world, including many foreign journalists, such was the level of interest in all things Titanic. It is currently hoped that a full restoration of Nomadic will be complete before the end of 2012. Once restored to her full former glory, Nomadic is expected to be open to visitors on a permanent basis. So we salute this unique ship and her ability to endure a long and illustrious career both at sea and on the Seine. She has finally made it safely back home to port. Ivan Maginnis 22
THREE JUBILANT DAYS – A RECOLLECTION We set off early on Sunday morning, 3rd June, and arriving in a foggy Gatwick after nine o’clock, made our way to our hotel to meet up with our son Alan and his partner, Helen, who had driven up from Malvern to spend the Jubilee days with us. Formalities sorted, we set off to the City Hotel at Tower Hill where we were to spend the afternoon on the 12th floor. On arrival, and with the first champagne of the day in hand, we found a suitable vantage point near one of the windows overlooking the Thames, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast, from where we could watch the progress of the flotilla. A large screen TV had been installed to keep us up to date with the happenings upriver. The 50 or so guests came from all over the country and we soon got chatting to some of them. There were a couple of balconies but, as the afternoon progressed, the rain became heavier and we remained indoors for the most part. Eventually, at about 4 o’clock, the first boats began to appear below and binoculars and cameras were brought into full use. The rain had become quite heavy by this time but our visibility was good, and we felt great sympathy for those in the flotilla and on the riverbanks. At last, the Royal Barge came into view and we could see Her Majesty and Prince Philip clearly. A great cheer went up in the room and all too soon it was out of sight. We continued to watch the remainder of the flotilla from the windows and on the screen, and eventually our day there ended in the early evening. Monday morning was bright and sunny, and we headed to the Palace just to see what was happening. We were met by large wooden screens and the sound of Stevie Wonder rehearsing behind them for the big concert! Nothing daunted, we continued walking towards Parliament Square and the Thames, and decided to emulate Her Majesty and go on a river cruise! Alan and Helen presented us with a bottle of champagne to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary, as we viewed the historic and much decorated buildings and bridges along the river. There were flags, flowers, bedecked balconies and bunting everywhere we looked. In the evening, we set off for Birdcage Walk which we had decided would be a good place from which to hear the concert. We made our way by the lake in the park and were lucky to find an unoccupied bench which we promptly claimed, remaining there for the duration of the concert which we could hear clearly. All around, people were picnicking on the grass – families, couples and elderly folk in wheelchairs, wrapped up against the coolness of the evening. There were constant police patrols (not that they were needed) but they gave reassurance and even took a photo when asked nicely! Towards the end of the concert, we made our way back to the entrance, from where we had a clear view of the Palace frontage with the projected images and, of course, the fireworks. Returning to our hotel amongst the many thousands of others, we were glad not to be going to Victoria Station as most folk heading our way seemed to be making for home by train. Tuesday, and the sun was shining when we emerged to make our way to Whitehall from where we had decided to view the procession. Geoff and I went off first, arriving 23
at about 10 o’clock. I spied a space at the barrier just below the Cenotaph and we claimed it as our own. Whitehall was already filling up and we felt ourselves lucky to find such a good spot. Suddenly, music began to play from speakers on the building behind us and the voice of Huw Edwards described the scene at St Paul’s. The entire service was relayed to the waiting crowds - a pleasant surprise as we waited in the sunshine. When the service ended, things began to happen around us as the bands of the various armed forces marched down at intervals. The guards of honour were put in place to line the route of Her Majesty’s progress to and from Westminster. It was fascinating to watch the placement of the men - the precise distances, uniform inspections and so on. The policemen on duty kept us informed of the arrival time of the Royal party and chatted to pass the time. At twelve thirty, the first car appeared and the cheers grew louder as it came towards us. A little space, and then we saw the Queen! We did, of course, think of Prince Philip who should have been by her side. It was time to eat our sandwiches and then the preparations for the formal carriage procession began. The head of the procession, with mounted police and a division of the Household Cavalry, formed up just a little way down from our position and, as they waited, the dreaded rain began to fall - just lightly, but enough to cause us concern. Then the cheers of the crowd signalled that the Queen was on her way. The parade moved off and suddenly the carriage appeared, and we had a wonderful view of Her Majesty, with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. They were followed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. The cheers were thunderous, accompanied by a multitude of madly waving flags, and the long wait had been worth it all! Due to the large numbers, we had to wait some time before being released from our area behind the barriers, but eventually we made our way back into Birdcage Walk and watched the balcony appearance on a large screen we had spied the previous night. The flypast went over our heads where we stood. A great end to a memorable and totally un-missable three days! Eleanor Launchbury
FOR S E T Y DA DIAR R U YO or the tives f ) (Initiading Fund l Bui
Saturday, 8th September Parish Treasure Hunt and BBQ Sunday, 7th October Parish Harvest Lunch Friday, 16thth November Parish Wine Tasting Saturday, 17th November Cash for Clobber 24
OCTOBER MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the October parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 16th September. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR SEPTEMBER Sunday 2nd.................................................... Dianne Gibson Sunday 9th..................................................... Gina Greeves Sunday 16th................................................... Paddy Nesbitt Sunday 23rd................................................... Caroline Auchmuty Sunday 30th................................................... Jon and Sandra Little
FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Holy Baptism Sunday, 20th May
Elena Sophia Brown, 23 Tudor Road, Carrickfergus
Marriage Saturday, 30th June
Katy Alexis McConnell, 3 Kingsway Close with Andrew James McKinney, 291 Glenshane Road, Londonderry Our Sorrows
Christian Burial Thursday, 19th July
Maureen Patton, Flat 21, 28 Clarawood Park
Friday, 27th July
Robert Shiels, 44 Orby Parade
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 (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370) to enable them to take careful note of the details. 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS SOMETHING FOR YOU? SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig 90472512 Patricia Wilson 90401066 Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stephenson 90583381 X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd 07833 391945 The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 90874047
WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 90657697
8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 90797125
7.30pm Senior Badminton Club Jill Spratt 07754 405511
MONDAY 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 90482113
7.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 90422101
2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) May Preston 90489884
FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 90651412
7.30pm Men’s Club Geoff Launchbury 90281204
3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788
TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Eithne Hobson 90797793
6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine
90424390
2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 90797155
6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff
90874047
8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 90808755
8.30pm H2O Mark Wilson
90761040
8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 90795155
Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 90471514
7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 90592039 THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen
90790210
Please note, requests for the occasional use of Church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Mark Reid, on 07810 648167 26
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 90870526 Mob 07989 469773
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 King’s Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 90471514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
SELECT VESTRY Rector, Curate, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth Leonard, Ronny Martin, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers
CURATE The Revd Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com robert@stcolumbasyouth.org PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood, BT18 OHT Tel 028 90424390
HON. SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 90656183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber, BT23 5SZ Tel 028 91878816
HON. TREASURER Gillian Sadlier 70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG Tel 028 90403278
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 95140141
ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Christopher Heatley 17 King’s Crescent BT5 6PR Tel 028 90913873 JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Olivia Budde, Aaron Wilson
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 90583381 Mob 07973 392448
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Victor Dukelow Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Ross Thompson 27
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATOR John Holland Greengraves Cottage 8 Ballyrogan Park, Newtownards BT23 4SD Tel 028 91814036
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 95140141 Email ivan.roche@me.com
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX Tel 028 90793641
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Ruth Pugh 147A King’s Road BT5 7EG Tel 028 90483459
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 90655500
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 90489884
SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 97542198
CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 90650716
CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Suzanne Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 90653511
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Office Hours Wednesday & Friday 8.30am – 1.30pm Parish Secretary: Janet Johnston (until 31st August) Tel 028 90656891
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 90793704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com
Email office.knock@down.anglican.org
SAFEGUARDING TRUST The Rector, Select Vestry and Parish Leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact a member of the Parish Panel below, or any of the statutory agencies.
The Rector 028 90471514 Patrick Good 028 90656908 Elizabeth Leonard 028 90653162 28