April 2010
THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING 2010 RECTOR’S ADDRESS I welcome you to our Annual Easter General Vestry Meeting; and in particular, I welcome those who are attending for the first time. At this important meeting, the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31st December 2009 will be presented and new Churchwardens, Glebewardens, and a Select Vestry will be elected to work on your behalf for the coming year. At the outset of our meeting, it is my hope and prayer that Almighty God will guide us in all our discussions and voting, and that the way we transact our business will be both acceptable and pleasing to Him. DIOCESAN PRAYER FOCUS Every Sunday in our services, we pray for a specified parish in our diocese as part of the Diocesan Prayer Focus. This provides us with an opportunity to include in our services a prayer for the clergy and people along with three particular prayer points for that parish. This is an important part of the life of our diocese as it reminds us that we are not just an individual parish on our own, but that we are part of the wider diocesan family consisting of 79 parishes. At the beginning of this year our parish was nominated to be prayed for at church services throughout Down and Dromore. It was humbling and beneficial to know that as we gathered for worship on Sunday, 24th January, the whole diocese was praying for our parish. The three prayer points, which I selected for the diocesan prayer focus on that day, were: 1. For all involved in the ministry and witness of St. Columba’s as we serve God in our parish and community. 2. For God’s guidance and direction as we continue to reach out to those parishioners who are currently not involved, for whatever reason, in our parish. 3. For our fundraising initiatives as we support Mission and Charity work at home and overseas, in addition to raising money for our Building Fund.
We were very fortunate to have had that prayerful support and encouragement from our diocese. Each Sunday as we pray for the nominated parish in the Diocesan Prayer Focus, it is also important that we continue to pray for St. Columba’s. In my Rector’s address this year, I want to focus my thoughts on those three prayer points which were an integral part of the diocesan prayers for us, and I feel must be the focus of our work throughout this year.
I want to thank all those parishioners who faithfully contribute to the ministry and witness of our parish by their regular financial giving and the giving of their time and talents. This is reflected in so many different ways and it is very refreshing to see parishioners bringing their own unique individual personalities, professional skills and talents to our worship and wider parish activities. While this encourages community and fellowship within our parish, it also means that we able to provide a large range of church services and parish organisations to meet the many different needs of all parishioners irrespective of their age or background. You only have to look at the comprehensive list of those who have responsibilities in our parish in the Who’s Who section and the Parish Organisations section of our parish magazine and our parish website, to see just how many parishioners are actively involved in different aspects of our parish each month. In addition, many other parishioners faithfully serve on Parish Committees, on the Flower Rota and Sidespersons rotas each month. One of the most significant features of involvement in ministry and witness of our parish during the past year has been the development of the Music Group. It has been wonderful to see many new members joining the Group each with their own instruments and leading the singing at the All Age Worship service on the first Sunday of each month, as well as the Family Communion service on the third Sunday of the month. This is all done in a very professional and confident manner and is much appreciated by the congregation and myself. There are many parishioners who are actively involved in the ministry and witness of our parish in a quiet way. These often take the form of assisting with the preparations that are required to be done in our church and hall for scheduled services, meetings and organisations. The members of our Parish Prayer Chain Group provide invaluable support to those who are sick or going through personal difficulties by taking time to pray for those named on our Prayer List each day in the privacy of their own homes. For security reasons, details of those who conscientiously serve on the different Counting Teams, and those who make the bank lodgements each week, cannot be published. This important financial part of our parish takes place in a very quiet way when we are all at home or at work. I congratulate the editor of the Columban, Ian Noad, our printers, Dataplus Print and Design, and all those involved in its distribution, on last year’s splendid achievement on being chosen as Runner Up in the Church of Ireland Communication Competition for parish magazines. We are very fortunate to be served so faithfully by such a strong, dedicated and hard working staff team. Each one serves our parish with great distinction and I thank the Curate, Robert Ferris, Parish Organist Gerald Hill, Assistant Organist Brian Clements, Parish Secretary Janet Johnston, Liz McCaughey who folds the Pew News each Friday in a voluntary capacity, and also the Cleaner, Kate McGrady, and Groundsman Jim Adams, for carrying out their respective duties in such an efficient and conscientious manner.
This first parish prayer point was for all involved in the ministry and witness of St. Columba’s as we serve God in our parish and community.
On Sunday, 21st June, we welcomed our new Curate Assistant, the Reverend Robert Ferris, to St. Columba’s following his ordination to the deaconate. This marked the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in life of St. Columba’s. It is an enormous privilege for me to share ministry with Robert each day and it is good to see him settling into parish life so well. While Robert
is deeply involved in every feature of parish life, he is particularly focused on our Youth Work. It is essential that we continue to offer good support and activities to our younger parishioners and that we encourage more to attend. He is working closely with the dedicated H2O Leaders and introducing fresh initiatives to ensure that those young people who attend have interesting and varied programmes. I thank Robert for his ministry and support. Bishop Harold Miller will ordain Robert Priest in St. Columba’s on Sunday, 13th June, at 3.15pm along with the Reverend Mike Dornan, who is Curate Assistant of Hillsborough. It is many years since an ordination service has taken place in our parish and it is entirely appropriate that Robert will be ordained Priest in the parish where he is serving as Curate along with Mike, who is a former parishioner. This will be a most significant day and I hope that the parish will be well represented at the service. Robert will celebrate Holy Communion for the first time on Thursday, 17th June, at 10.30am. Please remember them in your prayers and all those who will be ordained in June. In addition to Robert’s valuable contribution, the parish has also been enriched by the willing support and ministry of our Diocesan Lay Reader (Emeritus), Bryn Harris, and our Parish Reader, Karen McAlpine, and for this I thank them most sincerely. Regular financial giving represents an equally important part of our involvement in the ministry and witness of St. Columba’s. Even though we are experiencing the effects of a difficult economic recession you will notice in the financial accounts, which will shortly be presented, that there has been a small increase in the Freewill Offering during the year. This has been in addition to your strong support for our Building Fund Appeal which was launched last June, and for our Mission and Charity Giving. Members of the Easter Vestry, this is really good news and I want to personally thank you for your generous financial contributions. It is, however, essential that we do not become complacent in our financial giving as our routine operating costs are also increasing. The maintenance of our financial accounts and the recording of each financial transaction throughout the year is indeed a very comprehensive job. I want to thank our Honorary Treasurer, Gillian Sadlier, for her tremendous hard work throughout this busy year. At each Select Vestry meeting since her appointment last March, Gillian has presented very clear and helpful financial reports which have assisted us greatly in our various discussions. I also thank the Honorary Assistant Treasurer, Gift Aid Secretary and Freewill Offering Secretary, Murray Hunter, for his hard work and for administering our Gift Aid and Freewill offering envelopes so efficiently. They have been well supported by a dedicated Finance Committee. At our Annual Easter General Vestry meeting last year, Niall Armstrong and Garth Macartney were elected to serve as our Honorary Auditors. They have carried out this important task in a meticulous way and have been very complimentary of the way our Honorary. Treasurer has carried out her duties. The decision taken to appoint Honorary Auditors will result in a financial saving for this year of at least £1200, and our thanks go to them for their contribution to St. Columba’s.
to reach out to those parishioners who are currently not involved, for whatever reason, in our parish. In my sermon on the first Sunday in January, I said that the greatest challenge facing us as a parish this year is to invite back those parishioners who currently do not attend our church services or our parish organisations, for whatever reason. It is a source of great concern to me that they are many people who are not involved in any way in the life and witness of St. Columba’s, and yet their names appear on the parish register. You will have noticed in recent editions of the Columban that both the Curate and I are currently undertaking a complete parish visitation. This involves us systematically visiting all the homes within the parish. The Clergy visiting schedule is published in the magazine every month and we visit every home in those districts. This provides us with an opportunity to spend time with parishioners in their homes and to invite those parishioners who currently do not attend to consider returning to St. Columba’s. Our church is weakened by their non-attendance and, as a result, their individual contribution cannot be made. I am very conscious that it is all too easy to get into a habit of not attending church services or parish organisations. However, that does not mean that those who have developed such a habit cannot return and begin to get involved again. I firmly believe that the challenge of inviting parishioners back to our church services and parish organisations should not just be the responsibility of the Curate and me. Such is the importance of this challenge facing our parish that it is the responsibility of each parishioner to invite those, whom they know who have not been attending St. Columba’s, to consider coming back. In a recent survey, it was stated that of all those who currently are not attending church, 50% would accept an invitation to go to church if someone asked them. As Jesus said to his disciples “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Mt. 9:37). I want to assure those parishioners who are currently not attending St. Columba’s that they will be given a very warm welcome upon their return. It has been a source of blessing and encouragement recently to welcome back some parishioners, and I hope and pray that more will want to follow their good example in the coming months.
The second prayer point was for God’s guidance and direction as we continue
As a parish, we need to do more to support our Young Families Group members and their children. We need to invite more of them to get actively involved in our youth activities and Sunday School. They are an integral and important part of our parish. This group offers fellowship and support to those who are primarily in the 30’s to 40’s age group. Each year, their committee organise a few social events for their members enabling them to share an enjoyable evening together, while also raising money for some fundraising projects. Caroline and I have got to know many of them personally and we can easily identify with many of the issues that they encounter from our own experience of bringing up children with the busy demands of daily living. It is essential that St. Columba’s meet their spiritual needs through church services and activities, which connect with issues they encounter in their home and busy lives. I plan to visit all the Young Families Group members in their homes immediately after Easter to discuss ways of how St. Columba’s can support them. I want to consult with them
before deciding how best to proceed on this important matter. To facilitate this, I have sent a questionnaire today to their homes and this will form the basis of my discussions with them. I am totally committed to supporting our Young Families Group and to encouraging more of them to become actively involved in our parish. I am very pleased that one of their members has agreed to serve as my Churchwarden for the coming year. The third prayer point was for our fundraising initiatives as we support Mission and Charity work at home and overseas, in addition to raising money for our Building Fund. Throughout the past year, there has been strong support for our Mission and Charity work both at home and overseas. I was personally delighted that our parish raised £7,283 for the work of the Martha Eye Clinic during Lent last year. It was very encouraging to see the whole parish working hard together to support this important project. In addition to the generous support for our Lent project, the Select Vestry allocated £11,779 from the money collected through the Mission and Charity envelopes to eight different charities, some of whom are based in our local community. I was extremely encouraged with the very positive response from our parish to the Haiti earthquake disaster emergency appeal at our recent church services. The total amount collected from our parish, including the gift aid element, was £3,028.85. This is excellent news and clearly represents the importance we attach to mission and charity giving even though we are working hard to raise funds for our Building Fund Appeal, while experiencing a difficult economic recession which is bringing much hardship and worry to many households in our parish and community. Our Building Fund Appeal was launched last June to raise money to pay for the essential improvements required for our church buildings. It was a great joy to welcome Bishop Harold Miller to St. Columba’s recently to dedicate the new church lighting, church boiler and heating improvements. This was an important occasion for our parish and represented the successful conclusion of that important project. During the service, Bishop Harold congratulated the parish and emphasized the importance of having good light and heat for our worship. I want to thank the Glebewardens Jim Stevenson and John Proctor, along with the Property Committee, for all their hard work with these large projects. They have carefully organised and planned all this essential work in addition to successfully addressing all the other maintenance issues concerning our buildings and grounds. Without such generous support for the fundraising projects from our parishioners, it would not have been possible to carry out this work in our church. We are very fortunate now to be able to worship Almighty God in a bright and warm church, which makes a welcome change for us in St. Columba’s! Further fundraising events for our Building Fund Appeal are planned during the coming months. I have invited each of our Parish Organisations to organise a fundraising project of their choice during this academic year for our Building Fund Appeal. It has been very encouraging to see such good support for the fundraising events that have already taken place. Many more fundraising events have been planned and full details will be contained in the Columban and Pew News.
We are very fortunate that The Northern Ireland Group of Flower Arrangement Societies are hosting and designing our forthcoming Flower Festival, which takes place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th June. The flower festival will celebrate the life of St. Columba, and in addition to raising muchneeded funds for our Building Fund Appeal, we will have an opportunity to welcome many visitors to our church. This major fundraising event will require considerable time, effort and talents from us all to ensure that it is a great success. The April edition of the Columban will give details of the many different ways in which we can assist with the Flower Festival and I hope that there will be a good response to this appeal for support. I encourage you to place a financial donation in memory of a family member, or to recognise a special event or occasion in your life, in the donation envelope, which is attached to the March edition of the Columban. The money collected through these envelopes will be used to assist with the cost of purchasing the flowers. The list of donors and appropriate messages will be on display within the church, and will constitute an integral part of the festival. I am delighted that Bishop Harold and Mrs Liz Millar have kindly agreed to open the Flower Festival at 11am on the Friday morning, and that the preachers at the Sunday services will be Archbishop Robin Eames in the morning and Bishop Gordon McMullan in the evening. Both these distinguished preachers have served as Bishops of Down and Dromore, and have been parishioners of our parish when they lived in the See House. CONCLUSION In conclusion, I pay tribute to the Select Vestry for the way they have served the parish throughout this past year. All their business has been transacted in a very professional and dignified manner, and I thank them and their dedicated Honorary Secretary, Alan Rogers, for looking after all the administration in such a thorough manner. As both our Churchwardens prepare to retire from their positions, I thank Patrick Wilson and Helen Donaghy for all their hard work and support throughout the year. I also thank most sincerely each parishioner for their contribution whether large or small, and their support which they have so willingly given to all aspects of our parish life during the past year. I pray that this year will see further growth and development as we include our three parish prayer points before God in our daily prayers. It is so important that we continue to commit all our work to God in prayer and seek His guidance to face future challenges in a confident manner. I thank you for the great encouragement, support and kindness that you have shown to Caroline, Charles, Henry and me. This has been expressed in so many different ways, and is greatly appreciated by us in the Rectory. As the words of our parish prayer remind us: “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; and narrow enough to shut out all envy pride and hate. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, not to straying feet; but rugged enough to turn back the tempter’s power. Make it the gateway to thine eternal kingdom. Amen” (Bishop Thomas Ken).
SERVICES IN APRIL Thursday 1st 10.30am 1.15pm – 1.45pm 8.00pm
Maundy Thursday (White) Holy Communion for our Housebound Parishioners followed by seasonal refreshments in the Choir Vestry Service in Knock Methodist Church Holy Communion according to the Methodist Rite Reader Karen McAlpine Matthew 22: 1-14 Reader Clergy John 13: 1-17 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “Heaven’s Banquet”
Friday 2nd 12 – 3pm 1.15pm – 1.45pm 8.00pm
Good Friday The Three Hours Devotions Conductor: The Right Reverend Dr. James Mehaffey (Former Bishop of Derry and Raphoe) Service in Knock Methodist Church Reflections for Good Friday Evening Reader Karen McAlpine John 19: 1-37 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “With eyes open”
Sunday 4th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Easter Day Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Gospel Clergy Holy Communion Reader Helen Donaghy Gospel Clergy Intercessions Gina Greeves Holy Communion Reader Robin Haldane Gospel Karen McAlpine
(White) Acts 10: 34-43 John 20: 1-18 Acts 10: 34-43 John 20: 1-18 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 John 20: 19-23
Thursday 8th (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 11th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Second Sunday of Easter (White) Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Acts 5: 27-32 Gospel Clergy John 20: 19-31 All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Hollie Wilson John 20: 19-31 Prayers Roberta Rogers Late Evening Office Reader Fiona Haldane Luke 24: 13-35 Prayers Karen McAlpine
Thursday 15th (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 18th 8.15am
The Third Sunday of Easter Holy Communion Reader Trevor Buchanan Gospel Clergy
(White) Acts 9: 1-20 John 21: 1-19
9.30am 10.30am 7.00pm
Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Morning Prayer & Holy Baptism Reader Liz McCaughey Reader Tony Greeves Holy Communion Reader Esther Templeton Gospel Karen McAlpine
John 21: 1-19 Jeremiah 32: 36-41 John 21: 1-19 Isaiah 38: 9-20 John 11: 27-44
Thursday 22nd (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 25th 8.15am 10.30am 6.30pm
The Fourth Sunday of Easter (White) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller Acts 9: 36-43 Gospel Clergy John 10: 22-30 Holy Communion Reader Linda Wilson Acts 9: 36-43 Gospel Bryn Harris John 10: 22-30 Intercessions Helen Donaghy Confirmation Service in St. Molua’s Stormont (No Evening Service in St. Columba’s)
Thursday 29th 10.30am
St. Mark (Transferred) (Red) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (028 90655500). The readings are from Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:
www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
HOLY COMMUNION FOR HOUSEBOUND PARISHIONERS in St. Columba’s Parish Church on MAUNDY THURSDAY, 1st APRIL at 10.30am With Holy Week Hymns and seasonal refreshments Please phone the Parish Office 028 9065 6891 (Wednesday or Friday morning 8.30am-1.30pm) to arrange transport
HOLY WEEK SERVICES 2010 Monday 29th March – Good Friday 2nd April MORNING SERVICES 10.00am Holy Communion (Monday 29th – Wednesday 31st March) 10.30am Holy Communion (Maundy Thursday 1st April) LUNCHTIME SERVICES (Knock Methodist Church) 1.15pm – 1.45pm (Wednesday, Maundy Thursday & Good Friday) EVENING SERVICES 8.00pm Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain This year we look forward to welcoming the Reverend Desmond Bain as our Holy Week Preacher. He will be with us each evening in St. Columba’s beginning on Monday, 29th March, and continuing through to Good Friday. He has served as a Methodist minister for 38 years and is a former President of the Methodist Church in Ireland. He is married to Valerie and they have two sons, Darren and Trevor. As the son of a Methodist minister, Desmond lived in various places in Northern Ireland where his father served, but during his ministry he has served in churches throughout the Republic of Ireland. He currently lives in Dublin, as he has done for the last 25 years. He is Secretary of the Home Mission Department, a role in which he has excelled for 12 years. In his leisure time, he enjoys woodturning, trout fishing, walking, soccer and reading. GOOD FRIDAY THREE HOUR DEVOTIONS 12noon – 3pm Conductor: The Right Reverend Dr. James Mehaffey We look forward to welcoming Bishop James Mehaffey, a former Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, to conduct our Three Hour Devotions on Good Friday. During these devotions we will have an opportunity to reflect and meditate on the crucifixion of Christ. While some people will be in St. Columba’s for the full three hours, it is possible to come and go at the end of each section of the devotions.
APRIL SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 4th......................................................Eileen and Alva Anderson Sunday 11th....................................................Alison and Brian Acheson Sunday 18th....................................................Liz McCaughey and Helen Proctor Sunday 25th....................................................Kathleen and Alex Acheson 10
A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH 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; 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 tempter’s power. Make it the gateway to thine eternal kingdom. Amen Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711
EASTER GREETINGS FROM THE RECTORY
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR EASTER
On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate with joy the good news of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a most important day in the Church’s Year and I do hope that you will be able to join us in St. Columba’s as we proclaim, “Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia”. No matter what our personal circumstances or situation, we can take confidence from the fact the Christ is alive and is with us each day. The resurrection marks the beginning for all of us of the new life in the risen Christ. I pray that the Easter hope will be reflected in every aspect of our daily lives and in all our parish activities.
Saturday 3rd April 10.30am – 12.30pm No flower arranging skills necessary! Gifts of flowers and a 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
Caroline, Charles and Henry join me in wishing you a very Happy Easter. The Rector 11
KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE!
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES PROGRAMME for April 2010
4th April 11th April 18th April 25th April
10.30am Easter Sunday Communion 10.30am All age Worship 9.30am Family Communion 10.30am Sunday School
Last month, several people remarked on how well the Junior Choir sounded at the All Age Worship! This month, on Sunday, 11th April, we will sing ‘Jesus loves me’. As this is well known by everyone, please make sure that all children in church come up and join us when we are singing. We have received already our first Smartie tubes full of money, which were rewarded by another one full of sweets! Please continue filling the Smartie tubes with your 20p’s for the Building Funds. Beth Cairnduff
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.
I am constantly amazed at the rich tapestry of life that ministry throws at you, never really knowing what the next phone call will bring. It is exciting, humbling, exhilarating and challenging. Over the course of the last month, I have learnt much about the importance of what we do on a day to day basis, as you never really know the impact that a word or a prayer may have on someone. In ministry here in St. Columba’s, there is a distinct rhythm to life. Our worship on Sunday, Thursday and Sunday gives a great sense of normality, coupled with regular on-going visiting and parish activities which, for me, includes the Men’s Bowling Club, Bible Study Group, H2O and popping into the other organisations from time to time. You will also see elsewhere in the magazine the on-going work I am doing, looking strategically at youth ministry. I look forward in forthcoming magazines to be able to keep you up to date with our strategy as it progresses. As I mentioned in the last magazine article, I am hoping to walk the marathon on Monday, 2nd May, for the Building Fund so if anyone would like to support me, or indeed get personally involved in this mammoth venture, please do get in touch! As this is the Easter edition, I look forward to joining with you as we journey together with Jesus and his disciples through Holy Week to the cross on Good Friday, and look forward to seeing you on Easter morning as we remember that He Has Risen, Alleluia! Every Blessing Robert
CONFIRMATION 2010
EDUCATIONAL GRANTS
SUNDAY 25th APRIL AT 6.30PM in ST. MOLUA’S CHURCH
The Down and Connor and Dromore Diocesan Board of Education has established education grants to encourage those who may be planning to undertake studies which will be of benefit to the wider work and ministry of the Church of Ireland. Applicants for grants should be able to demonstrate both active membership of a Church of Ireland parish in either diocese, and also how their studies will be of benefit to the wider work and ministry of the Church of Ireland.
The Right Reverend Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore, will administer the Rite of Confirmation in St. Molua’s Church on Sunday, 25th April, at 6.30pm. At that service, 14 candidates from the parishes of St. Mark’s, Dundela, St. Molua’s, St. Dorothea’s and our parish will be confirmed. This will be a most important occasion and I encourage you to remember the candidates and their families in your prayers. There will be no evening service in St. Columba’s on that day to enable parishioners to attend the service. Those being confirmed from our parish are: Jonathan Brown Rosanna Good Ruth Hewlett The Rector 12
Details of the grant scheme and an application form are available by writing to: Mrs Audra Irvine Church of Ireland House 61-67 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2QH Completed application forms should be submitted by 1st May 2010 13
LENTEN SOUP AND CHEESE LUNCH Over 120 parishioners enjoyed a soup and cheese lunch in the church hall immediately after the All Age Worship service on Sunday, 7th March. It was very encouraging to see parishioners of all ages enjoying each other’s company while Kathleen Acheson and Roberta Rogers and their team of helpers served the lunch so efficiently. The soup, cheese, rolls and butter were the most generous gift of a parishioner, and the apple tarts were also kindly provided by a number of the ladies. The total amount of money collected for our Building Fund Appeal through the voluntary donations was £663. I thank all those who supported the lunch and those who assisted with the many preparations. The Rector
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MOTHERS’ DAY
ST COLUMBA’S FLOWER FESTIVAL Friday 4th to Sunday 6th June 2010 CAN YOU HELP WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS? You will have already read in the March edition of the Columban, the Rector’s article encouraging parishioners to become involved in the Flower Festival. I am writing to you, on behalf of the Flower Festival Committee, to outline the range of opportunities you will have to help with the practical arrangements for the Festival. The forthcoming Flower Festival is a major and important event for our parish, and it will require a considerable amount of time and effort by a large number of people to ensure it is a success. The Committee is keen that parishioners become involved in the Festival and share ownership of its organisation. There are a variety of jobs which will need to be done to ensure that all arrangements are in place for a successful event, and everyone can play their part. We are looking for volunteers to help with catering, with providing stewarding duties, with cleaning the kitchens and the halls, with tidying the car park and with clearing up the Church after the Festival. We are also looking for contributions from parishioners of food for the extensive catering programme, or financial contributions to assist with the purchase of food. If you would be willing to help in any of these areas, please contact the relevant person below: Catering........................................................Roberta Rogers (Tel: 90656183) Stewarding...................................................Moranne Noad (Tel: 90793704) Cleaning Kitchens.......................................Jennifer Johnston (Tel: 90650701) Car Park Tidy up..........................................John McKeown (Tel: 90806469) Post-Festival Clear up.................................Moranne Noad (Tel: 90793704) WE’RE LOOKING FOR CARBOYS! That’s carboys, not cowboys! We are on the hunt for glass carboys which will be used to collect financial donations from visitors to our Flower Festival. If you know of any carboys which may perhaps be lurking in your attic or garage and you would be willing to let us use, please let us know. You can contact Moranne Noad (Tel 90793704) and we will be happy to arrange collection. Alan Rogers Flower Festival Coordinator
LADIES GUILD NOTES Dear Ladies, the next date for our diaries is Wednesday, 21st April, when we will be going to the Tudor Cinema in Comber. The film which is being shown is a secret, and supper will be served afterwards. Transport, film and supper will cost £10. Please phone a committee member to make travel arrangements. Finally, our AGM will be held on Wednesday, 19th May. Where does the year go? Looking forward to seeing you, 16
Lilias
The Mothers’ Day service this year was very special for members of the Mothers’ Union. Kathleen Acheson, MU branch leader, presented nine ladies from St Columba’s to be enrolled into the organisation by the Down and Dromore Mothers’ Union President, Roberta Rogers. Roberta also addressed the congregation and spoke of the Mothers’ Union theme, ‘Relationships’, and challenged us all in our relationship with family members and with God. She was delighted to be able to enrol nine new members into her own Mothers’ Union branch and said, “I have no doubt these ladies will begin a new journey developing relationships with the many people with whom they will come into contact, throughout the wider family of the Mothers’ Union”. Front row Hazel Reid, Linda McConnell, Yvonne Little, Evelyn Deane Middle row Linda Wilson, Katrina Dukelow, Liz McCaughey, Sandra Lowe Back row Kathleen Acheson, Enrolling Member, the Revd. John Auchmuty, Roberta Rogers, Diocesan President Absent Eileen Gibson
FINAL DAYS OF JESUS: THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE By Shimon Gibson, Lion, £12.99 In this book, a renowned archaeologist looks at Jesus’ last days. We all know that Jesus spent his last week in Jerusalem. In fact, it is from this small window of his final seven days that almost all historical data surrounding Jesus has been collected. Few theologians and historians have had direct access to the ancient buried city of Jerusalem, let alone to remains dating specifically from the time of Jesus. This book is the first book of its kind to examine the final days of Jesus using the full array of such archaeological discoveries. Renowned archaeologist, Shimon Gibson, has been digging in Jerusalem since the 1970’s, and has been directly connected to every discovery pertaining to Jesus and the first century. It is this unprecedented access to all the key archaeological finds of Jesus during his final days that cannot be found in any other publication about Jesus. Describing the events of the final days of Jesus chronologically, this remarkable work is packed with all relevant archaeological discoveries known to have a bearing on the story of the final days of Jesus. 17
THE AFTERNOON GROUP
DOVES
Our March meeting was a great success in spite of our speaker being unable to attend. Thanks to Emma Hill and Murray Hunter, who stepped in at the last moment to give us a wonderful afternoon of music stories and laughter which everyone enjoyed. At our April meeting on Monday 12th, we will be having as our speaker Ms.Karen Chambers. Her subject is “Ecoflow” and she will be bringing along magnetic bracelets which will be for sale. I hope to see you there and to all our members who are ill at the moment, I wish a speedy recovery.
We are so pleased to say that the Doves are now meeting again on Friday evenings between 6.30 and 7.30pm. After an extended break in our programme we have four enthusiastic new members. We have already decorated paper plate faces reminding ourselves that we are all different, and that God created us just the way He wants us to be. We also made fluffy yellow baby ducks. In coming weeks, we plan to put up a new display in the downstairs hall and cover the Curate with brown money. If there are any other 3-6 year olds who would like to help us with this, then come along and join us! We would love to have more new friends. Karen
May
GENER8...STRATEGY…RESOURCES…PRAYER Prayer is absolutely essential to anything that we do as Christians. As you will have seen in recent magazines, the image I have used beside the Gener8 articles has been a wind turbine, and this has been intentional. We can build and build to our hearts’ content, but without the wind it is a pretty useless blot on the landscape. I am convinced now, more than ever, that as a church we need to be praying for this generation of young people. In our parish, we have absolutely amazing kids, young people and young adults. Let us commit to praying for them, for their parents, teachers and for all who influence them. I would invite you to join this journey in a number of ways:
METRIC PROVERBS Give a man 2.5 centimetres and he’ll take 1.6 kilometres Put your best 0.3 of a metre forward A miss is as good as 1.6 kilometres 28 grams of prevention is worth 453 grams of cure Spare the 5.03 metres and spoil the child
YOUTH MINISTRY STRATEGY TEAM
1. For the next 12 months (beginning in the May edition) I hope to add a “Gener8 Prayer Focus” in the parish magazine, focusing on some aspect of young people’s lives as well as some general prayer points.
The first meeting of the newly formed Youth Ministry Strategy Team will take place in the Choir Vestry on Tuesday, 20th April at 8pm. News about the team and its proposals will be available on the newly created strategy website: www.stcolumbasyouth.org/gener8
2. I would love to invite people to join us on the Gener8 team who would be committed to praying for the leaders, helpers and the young people of this parish.
If you have any ideas or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at: robert@stcolumbasyouth.org Robert
3. In prayers of intercession while in church, praying for our young people. If you would like to join me on this journey and be one of those who would wish to specifically pray, please do not hesitate to contact me. Robert
ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE As the first Sunday in April is Easter Day, our All Age Worship service will be on Sunday, 11th April. Our nominated charity for the tea and coffee collection will be the Leprosy Mission. Hope to see you all there, Roberta 18
MPS IN HEAVEN At the pearly gates, St Peter greeted a minister and a Member of Parliament and gave them their room keys. “Vicar, here are the keys to one of our nicest single rooms. And for you, Mr MP, the keys to our finest penthouse suite.” When the vicar objected, St Peter explained: “Listen, ministers are ten a penny up here, but this is the first MP we’ve ever seen.” 19
EASTER
Hello Ladies On Tuesday, 2nd March, we had a change of speaker when Margie Savage, the Northern Ireland Representative on the National Committee of the Women’s World Day of Prayer, gave a very interesting, informative and entertaining talk. With a powerpoint presentation, Margie showed us how this ecumenical movement organises such a special day every year. It was amazing to see how much work and dedication goes into the event, where prayers begin at dawn and continue across each continent, circling the world in prayer for 36 hours. A truly uplifting evening! Our next meeting on Tuesday, 4th May, is ‘A Little Bit of Pampering’ with Kay Armstrong, proprietor of Yaro Natural Health & Beauty Salon, Bloomfield Avenue. Date for your Diary: Our last ‘get together’ of the season will be on Tuesday, 15th June, when we are having an evening outing to St Malachy’s church, followed by a meal at the Oleo restaurant. Can those intending to go please let me have your name, and if you require transport. Many thanks,
Irene
DON’T QUIT
St Columba’s Young Families Group Presents:
When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about When they might have won had they stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of those clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far... So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Treasure Hunt Friday 16th April
» mission for individuals or entire family 19:00hrs – meet » commencing in church car park and await further instructions!!
and celebratory drink » supper in church hall for all who complete the challenge:
Call Victor on 028 9029 0625 if you or your family has what it takes! or email: vkj.dukelow@ ntlworld.com 20
Easter, of course, is the most special day of the Christian year: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why does the date more around so much? Because the date of Passover moves around, and according to the biblical account, Easter is tied to the Passover. Passover celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and it lasts for seven days, from the middle of the Hebrew month of Nisan which equates to late March or early April. Sir Isaac Newton was one of the first to use the Hebrew lunar calendar to come up with firm dates for Good Friday: Friday, 7th April, 30 AD or Friday, 3rd April, 33 AD, with Easter Day falling two days later. Modern scholars continue to think these the most likely. Most people will tell you that Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, which is broadly true. But the precise calculations are unbelievably complicated and involve something called an ‘ecclesiastical full moon’, which is not the same as the moon in the sky. The earliest possible date for Easter in the West is 22nd March, which last fell in 1818 and won’t fall again until 2285. The latest is 25th April, which last happened in 1943 and is next due in 2038. Co-incidentally, and most unusually, the date of Easter as calculated by both Eastern Orthodox and Western traditions of Christianity will fall on the same day in 2010 (Sunday, 4th April) as well as in 2011 (Sunday, 24th April). Why the name, ‘Easter’? In almost every European language the festival’s name comes from ‘Pesach’, the Hebrew word for Passover. The Germanic word ‘Easter’, however, seems to come from ‘Eostre’, a Saxon fertility goddess mentioned by the Venerable Bede. He thought that the Saxons worshipped her in ‘Eostur month’, but may have confused her with the classical dawn goddesses like Eos and Aurora, whose names mean ‘shining in the east’. So Easter might have meant simply ‘beginning month’ – a good time for starting up again after a long winter. Finally, why Easter eggs? On one hand, they are an ancient symbol of birth in most European cultures. On the other hand, hens start laying regularly again each spring. Since eggs were forbidden during Lent, it’s easy to see how decorating and eating them became a practical way to celebrate Easter!
BRAKING NEWS! Congratulations from all the parishioners of St. Columba’s to Robert, our Curate, on his recent official graduation from two to four wheels by successfully steering his way through the driving test! 21
MEN’S CLUB 50th ANNIVERSARY SERVICE On Sunday evening, 28th February, we held our Thanksgiving Service celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Men’s Club. There was a great turnout of members, partners, friends and congregation who enjoyed a most pleasant evening. The service took the form of Evening Prayer. The music was supplied by Ballykeel Conservative Flute Band, along with our own Choir and Organist, and the Preacher for the evening was Archdeacon Gregor McCamley, our former Rector and President. We were also delighted to have with us our former Vicar, the Revd Gill Withers, who extended warm wishes and greetings from her new parish. After the service, all present were treated to a delightful supper whilst being entertained by a selection of pieces by the Flute Band. On behalf of the Men’s Club, I would like to take the opportunity of thanking a few people who made the evening such a great success. First of all, our Rector and Curate, for their assistance and guidance with the service; Geoff Launchbury, our Club Captain, and his fellow members of Ballykeel Flute band, whose presence and participation certainly made the evening more memorable; I must also mention Eleanor Launchbury, who was responsible for the wonderful flower arrangements; the ladies who assisted with the catering, led by the Chairman’s wife, Roberta; and all the members who took an active part in the service. Well Done!! It would be remiss of me not to mention also those members who were unable to be with us due to illness, and our thoughts were with Evan and Michael. The next major celebratory event will be the Anniversary Dinner, which is currently in its planning stages and further details will be made available shortly. Regards, John Robb, Hon Secretary
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A MARATHON EFFORT
MAY MAGAZINE
Our Curate, Robert Ferris, is demonstrating his courage, tenacity and ambition by offering to walk the entire 26 miles and 385 yards of the Belfast Marathon on Monday, 3rd May 2010. He is an example to us all!
Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the May parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by Sunday, 11th April, at latest. The deadline is a few days earlier than usual due to the last Sunday of the month being April 25th, and it also falls in the middle of the Easter holidays! Many thanks
To support him, the Young Families Group is planning to enter a relay team(s) to run/walk in the same event. A number of volunteers have already come forward. While world speed records may not be broken, there is great excitement and anticipation building about the prospect of participating in such a landmark event in the city’s calendar. Several thousand people will be taking part on the day with significant sums raised for good causes within Northern Ireland and beyond. Legend has it that the term “marathon” was named in commemoration of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier, who was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been miraculously defeated. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping, but moments after proclaiming his message to the city he collapsed dead from exhaustion. Let’s hope this is a fate that does not befall any of the intrepid representatives of St Columba’s in May! In more recent times, the choice of distance for marathon races has been somewhat arbitrary. The first modern Olympics in 1896 had a marathon distance of 24.85 miles (40 km). Before the 1908 Olympics, the official marathon distance was exactly 26 miles. However, since 1908 the well known 26 mile marathon has actually been 26 miles, 385 yards. This is because, for the 1908 Olympics in London, it was decided that the Royal family needed a better view of the finish line. The race started at Windsor Castle and organisers added an extra 385 yards to the race so the finish line would be in front of the royal box! While Robert and the rest of his gang may not have a royal greeting to spur them on to the finish line, they would request that you keep an eye out for them as they pound the streets of Belfast on May 3rd and, if you spot them, cheer them on. You may also wish to apply some moral pressure by sponsoring the participants as they attempt to raise further funds for the Church Building Fund and a number of other deserving charities. All the best to everyone taking part!
Victor Dukelow 24
FLOWER ROTA FOR MARCH Sunday 4th................................ Easter Lillies by Mrs Simmons and Mrs Cramp Sunday 11th..............................
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Sunday 18th.............................. Moranne Noad Sunday 25th.............................. Jennifer Johnston
FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Holy Baptism Sunday 7th March Oliver Andrew Spence 45 Cherryhill Road, Dundonald Marriage Saturday 27th February Michael Graham Hamilton Flat 126, Price’s Court, Cotton Row, London and Sarah Jane Harden 9 Carnesure Heights, Comber Our Sorrows Christian Burial Tuesday 23rd February Mary Fletcher 45 Clarawood Park Memorial Service Thursday 25th February
Dr. Hylda Armstrong, O.B.E. (The Rector participated in this service in Dunluce Parish) 25
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S
PARISH ORGANISATIONS
PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
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 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 90592039 8.00pm Senior Badminton Club Jill McDowell 07754 405511 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 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 90651412 3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine
90424390
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 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 Mob 07989 469773
CURATE The Revd. Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com robert@stcolumbasyouth.org
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 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 C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Ruth Pugh 147A King’s Road BT5 7EG Tel 028 90483459
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX Tel 028 90793641
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 90489884
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 90655500 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
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028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162