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Rector’s Letter
Dear Parishioner, St Columba’s Parish, Knock
COME JOIN US! PrayersHARVEST for SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER your comfort
As a valued member of our church family in St Columba’s, I invite you to Come Join Us on Harvest Sunday, 1st October at 11.00am. All that is required is for you to come in through the “Open Door”, which is so clearly depicted in this striking drawing of our church by Bill Morrison.
Perhaps you haven’t been to St Columba’s for some time and are uncomfortable about coming through the “Open Door” for one reason or another. You need not be in any way worried as you can be assured of a warm welcome upon arrival as together we join in singing familiar harvest hymns in our beautifully decorated church. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9: 8) Our harvest services would therefore be a good opportunity for you to Come Join Us as we welcome our visiting preachers: The Archdeacon of Connor and Vicar of Antrim Parish, The Venerable Dr Stephen McBride, and the Reverend Canon Michael Parker, who is Rector of St Gall’s, Carnalea, Bangor.
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COME DINE WITH US! In addition to our harvest services you will have the opportunity to ‘Come Dine with Us’ as we enjoy the culinary delights of our ever-popular Harvest Lunch in the Church Hall which our formidable Catering Committee are meticulously planning. This will be served in the Church Hall immediately following the All Age Worship service and is a wonderful way to meet up with fellow parishioners of all ages. And then following Choral Evensong there will be refreshments served at the West End of our church giving another opportunity to chat with the congregation as you enjoy filter coffee and traybakes. As one parishioner commented to me recently, “Rector, did you know that the refreshments here can take longer than the church services!” How right that person was and what a wonderful characteristic of St Columba’s where people feel valued and so enjoy catching up with each other that they are in no hurry home. Please therefore avail of this opportunity on Harvest Sunday to come through the “Open Door” and engage in our worship and fellowship by sharing with YOUR church family here in St Columba’s. Yours in His Service,
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 3
SERVICES IN OCTOBER Sunday 1 8.15am st
Harvest Thanksgiving (Green) Holy Communion Reader Jayne Martin 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 6: 24-34
10.30am All Age Worship followed by Harvest Lunch Reader Katie Allen Preacher The Venerable Dr Stephen McBride Archdeacon of Connor 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Reader Preacher Occasional Prayers
David Craig Amos 5: 4-15 Lynn Ryan John 10: 1-10 The Reverend Canon Michael Parker Rector of St Gall’s, Cairnlea, Bangor Karen McAlpine
Thursday 5th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 8th 8.15am
The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Murray Hunter Philippians 3: 4b-14 Gospel Clergy Matthew 21: 33-46
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Gospel Intercessions
7.00pm
Late Evening Office Reader Linda Wilson Preacher Karen McAlpine
Suzanne Allen Karen McAlpine Helen Armstrong
Philippians 3: 4b-14 Matthew 21: 33-46
Mark 10: 2-16
Thursday 12th Saint Philip the Deacon – (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 15th 8.15am
The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Philippians 4: 1-9 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 22: 1-14
9.30am
Family Communion Gospel Sarah Craig
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Matthew 22: 1-14
10.30am
Morning Prayer followed by refreshments hosted by Bible Study Reader Adrian Clements Exodus 32: 1-14 Reader Claire Hirst Matthew 22: 1-14 Occasional Prayers Murray Hunter
7.00pm
Holy Communion Reader Gospel
John Kerr Karen McAlpine
1 John 3: 1-15 Mark 10: 17-31
Thursday 19st Saint Luke- (Transferred) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 22nd 8.15am
The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 22: 15-22
10.30am
Holy Communion Reader Gospel Intercessions
Lindsay Brown Karen McAlpine Patrick Good
1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 Matthew 22: 15-22
7.00pm
Evening Prayer Reader Reader
Jonathan Stewart Emma Macpherson
Proverbs 4: 1-18 Mark 10: 35-45
Thursday 26th Saint Simon and Saint Jude (Transferred) 10.00am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
(Red)
Sunday 29th 8.15am
The Fifth Sunday before Advent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Joe McKee 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 22: 34-46
10.30am
Songs of Praise
7.00pm
Healing Service with the Laying On of Hands Reader Tilly Heyburn Mark 12: 28-34 Preacher Karen McAlpine
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 wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (9065 5500). The readings are from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website: www.coiknock.org
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Harvest Sunday - 1st October We are delighted to welcome the Venerable Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor, to our All Age Worship service on Sunday 1st October. “I was born in 1961, was brought up in Belfast by my father and mother Don and Claire McBride, with David and Naomi, my brother and sister. We attended Holy Trinity Parish Church at the top of the Oldpark Road. I attended Carr’s Glen Primary School in North Belfast and the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. From there I read architecture at Queen’s University of Belfast 1980-84 and theology at Trinity College Dublin 1984-87. I was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1995 for research into 19th century church architecture. “After Theological College (1984-87) I was made deacon in 1987 and served as curate assistant in Antrim Parish. From 1990 – 1995 I was rector of St Peter’s Parish on the Antrim Road in Belfast. I returned to Antrim as vicar in 1995 and was appointed Archdeacon of Connor in 2002. I am married to Helen (Corporate Improvement Manager in Newtownabbey Borough Council) and we have two children, Rachael and Alex.” This service will start at 11.00am and will be followed by Harvest Lunch in the church hall. Tickets (for catering purposes only) are available from the back of church. Voluntary donations can be made to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. 7.00pm Choral Evensong Service Guest Preacher: The Reverend Canon Michael Parker Michael was ordained deacon in 1996, where he succeeded our Rector as Curate in St Mark’s, Dundela. Following his 4 year curacy, he became incumbent of St Gall’s. He is a member of the Board of Christian Aid Ireland. He is also a Canon of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast. He is married to Christine and has a daughter, Miriam. Refreshments will be served after the service. 6
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. Please do not assume the Clergy already know the information as situations change and there have been occasions recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (9145 8706) to enable them to take careful note of the details. Thank you.
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 Canon Ken Smyth (028 91458706). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during October:
CANON SMYTH
RECTOR Palmerston Road Pembridge Mews Quarry Road Richhill Crescent Richhill Park
Roddens Crescent Rosepark Rosepark Meadows Rosepark South Sandhill Gardens
NOVEMBER PARISH MAGAZINE
Any articles or photographs for publication in the November parish magazine should be handed or emailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 11th October. His contact details are:10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT Tel: 9042 4390 Email: colmaged@outlook.com
We all love to see photographs of people enjoying our Church activities. So we can all benefit fully from this and for reproduction purposes, it is very important that photographs are clear and in focus. Many thanks 7
PHOTOWALL – LADIES GUILD The magazine deadline for the October edition was 6th September i.e. two weeks before our September meeting, consequentially there was nothing to report. To whet your appetite, however, the following photographs will remind you of last year’s programme.
OCTOBER
Yarr Woodturning with Mike
Woodturning with Mike
NOVEMBER
g Jewellery with Barbara Lon
Yarr
Woodturning with Mike
Yarr
JANUARY
g Jewellery with Barbara Lon
Family history with Brian
Watson
I hope you have enjoyed these memories and if you want to make some more then join us on the third Wednesday of each month. On Wednesday, 18th October do come and hear about the S.O.S bus – 7.45pm in the choir vestery. Imelda 8
MARCH
FEBRUARY
Charity evening – The Welcome Trust Film night – Singing in the
rain
APRIL
come Trust
Charity evening – The Wel
MAY
It’s all in the song – Fr Martin O’Hagan
A.G.M. – Canon Walter Laverty rtin O’Hagan
It’s all in the song – Fr Ma
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A.G.M. – Canon Walter Laverty
SAFEGUARDING TRUST Our church organisations were very well represented at an evening meeting on September 6th. The Rector, Glebe wardens and the Safeguarding Trust panel were also present. The aim was to inform all the organisations on how to book the halls, health and safety, and Safeguarding Trust protocols. The glebe wardens advised all present on how to make advance bookings and notify cancellations of the hall, thus aiding good housekeeping on heat and electricity use. Security was also discussed. The Safeguarding Trust panel explained the policy of the Church of Ireland with regard to Safeguarding Trust. Discussion took place as to how volunteers should protect themselves in this regard. The sites of the First Aid boxes and Accident Books were explained and the need for immediate completion of the latter if there was an accident was emphasised. Following the general meeting, the problems of allergies in children and the necessary protocols and management were discussed with the Sunday School teachers. Elizabeth Leonard (Safeguarding Trust panel member)
A REFLECTION Monday, 3rd September 2007 was an auspicious day for St Columba’s with the institution of our new Rector, the then Reverend John Auchmuty. Ten years on we now celebrate John’s decade of service within the parish. His work and application over that decade has allowed St Columba’s to develop a warranted reputation as a friendly parish due in no small part to John’s welcoming and friendly disposition. The Rector’s focus and energy spent upon developing the importance of fellowship, coupled with his skills in addressing the many parochial tasks, have been crucial in the growth of St Columba’s. That effort will continue to pay dividends. In this work John has been ably supported by Caroline as an essential partner of the “Rectory team” together with Charles and Henry as they have grown from their childhood of ten years ago. We thank them all and look forward to future years of the Canon’s incumbency. Patrick Good (Parochial nominator, 2007) 10
FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys
Weddings
Friday, 25th August
Christian Burials
Christine Florence McKee and John Presho 33 Corn Mill, Ballymena
Our Sorrows
Tuesday, 29th August
Gilbert Alexander Kenneth Elkin 10 Motelands, Old Holywood Road
Wednesday, 13th September
Roy Templeton 18 Kensington Gardens South
OCTOBER FLOWER ROTA Sunday, 1 October
Harvest
Sunday, 8 October
Norma Black
Sunday, 15th October
Marie Craig
Sunday, 22 October
Barbara Laverty
Sunday, 29th October
Wendy Killen
st
th
nd
CRAFT AND HOBBY CIRCLE Where has the summer gone? Evenings are drawing in and soon the trees will be giving us glorious autumn colours. We recommenced our Monday morning Craft and Hobby Group and are delighted to welcome two new ladies to our group, Arlene and Dorothy. Arlene was busy crocheting a beautiful blue blanket and Dorothy wants to learn. Chat was rife, everybody was busy catching up after the summer break and getting to know our new friends. So remember the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 10.30am. Come along and join our group - everybody is welcome, so please bring a friend. Carol 9079 9997 / 07831 345560 or Email: pchwillis@hotmail.co.uk 11
SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday 1st October 11. 00 am. Sunday 8th October 10.30 am. Sunday 15th October 9.30 am. Sunday 22nd October 10.30 am. Sunday 29th October
All Age Worship (Harvest Service) Sunday School Family Communion Sunday School Holiday
In September, we had large numbers of children return to Sunday School and we also welcomed new members, particularly in the junior classes. The children will play a prominent role in the Harvest Service on 1st October by singing, reading and lifting the collection. Please take
time to look at the artwork & craft that the children have produced during September which will be used to decorate the church.
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It would be appreciated if each child could bring a small item to present at the service (fruit, vegetable or tin). Thank you to all parents for your continued support. Joyce
CRĂˆCHE It was lovely to meet new parents and children at the All Age Worship service last month. I welcome Claire Hirst who is now helping me to co-ordinate Crèche and there are also 3 new volunteers. Please continue to encourage those families with babies and toddlers to visit us in the hall on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays at 10.30am. We look forward to meeting them! Lynn Ryan 13
FUN FUND-RAISING EVENING On the evening of September, under blue skies, parishioners of St Columba’s and their friends arrived at Unicarval House, home of Clodagh and Tony Reid. This was the night of the great Hog Roast and Barn Dance. On entering there was a most appetising aroma which, together with a welcoming beverage provided by the generosity of the members of the Select Vestry, and served by some of the young gentlemen of the parish, boded well for an enjoyable evening. Indeed that was to prove to be the case. Soon the room was full with lots of lively chatter and laughter. You’ll be glad to know that the queue for the hog roast was reasonably orderly and the food itself was most delicious.
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As we finished our meal people made their way upstairs in excited anticipation of the dancing which was to come. The younger folks kicked off the proceedings and, together with the caller, showed how the set dances should be performed. In due course they were joined by their parents and others and the dance floor was full of enthusiastic participants, some more co-ordinated than others!
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Yet again the parishioners of St Columba’s showed how they support fund raising events and that they can have a great night out and raise money at the same time. Prior to the evening, additional funds had been donated through the generosity of those parishioners who purchased a piece of Hammy the Hog. We are also greatly indebted to the local businesses which donated ballot prizes for the evening but our greatest thanks must go to Clodagh and Tony Reid who, once again, very kindly hosted the event. The Hammy the Hog ballot ticket, drawn on the evening, belonged to Helen Coates, a member of the Ladies Bowling Club who won a voucher for Corries Farm Butchers. The other ballot prizes were Afternoon Tea at the Culloden Hotel, a voucher from SD Bells, Prosecco & chocolates, Cosmetic products, a Neil’s Hill voucher, a Mrs Bridges hamper and two further vouchers from Corries Farm Butchers.
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As the Rector said on the evening, when he wasn’t actually dancing, it was great to have such a happy buzz throughout both the meal and thereafter and for the event to have not only raised money in aid of parish funds but to have been such a fun occasion. Patricia Clements
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My family and I joined St Columba’s only a few years ago. Since then, we have made a lot of new friends and I have benefitted greatly from singing in the choir. On Saturday, 2nd September, I held a coffee morning in aid of the charity Asha. In February 2018, I will be visiting India to work with this charity in the slums. I just wanted to thank the Rector and parishioners for attending the coffee morning and for the many generous donations I received. The coffee morning raised £2135 for this very worthwhile charity. I hope to report back on my experiences when I return from India. Caroline McCartney
PAUSE For several years a group of parishioners have been meeting for coffee or lunch on different days of the week at different coffee shops, restaurants and hotels. Those who are free on a particular date just turn up. Pause is completely informal. I visit the venue before the relevant date and explain that the group will be having coffee/lunch. I always add that I have no idea as to how many people will turn up. On the day it is a pleasant surprise to all concerned. All are welcome. You can come on your own or with friends or family. You can stay for as long as you like or dash off to another engagement. We are meeting on two occasions this month: Tuesday, 10th October, 10.30am: Binkys at Dundonald - tea/coffee. Friday, 27th October, 10.30am: The Old Mill - tea/coffee. We would love to see you on one or both of these dates. If you require further details or help with transport please contact me. Eileen (028 9020 3684)
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Thought for the Month
The recent 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, reminded me of a personal event. The day following I bought the Belfast Telegraph at Central Station and began reading the detailed reports as I boarded the train home to Holywood. When I eventually looked up from the newspaper as the train stopped I found myself not in Holywood but at Whiteabbey station! Somehow I had become so engrossed in reading about Diana that I had boarded the wrong train and hadn’t noticed where it was going. Not having a mobile phone in those days, I had to search for a phone box, ring a neighbour and ask her to drive to Holywood station and tell my wife, who was waiting patiently for me, that I was actually on the opposite side of Belfast Lough! I took the next train back to Belfast and, double checking that I was boarding the Holywood train, arrived at my destination about an hour and a half late. To say that I was embarrassed was an understatement, but we all managed to have a good laugh about it later.
This personal mishap demonstrates to me how easy it is for us to become so wrapped up in our own circumstances that we lose sight of where we are going and the impact of our self-absorption on others. For example, how often we see people so obsessed with checking their mobile phones that they are oblivious to everyone and everything else. Life passes them by, at least temporarily, and the beauty of nature goes unnoticed. Similarly, organisations, including churches, can become so self-obsessed and fixated on particular issues that they lose sight of the bigger picture. The lending spree by the big banks, for corporate gain, which contributed to the property crash in 2007, is a classic example. While my little diversion to Whiteabbey twenty years ago had no repercussions, other than minor inconvenience, it does demonstrate the need to look around on all of life’s journeys to ensure that we are heading in the right direction, with due regard for others, so that we arrive where we intended. Gerald Hill My sincere thanks to Gerald for sharing this ‘Thought’ with us. The November ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Richard Beattie.
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SIDESPERSON’S ROTA Sunday, 1st October Sunday, 8th October Sunday, 15th October Sunday, 22nd October Sunday, 29th October
Louise and Stephen Mercer Lindsay Brown and Carol Willis Emma and John Macpherson Roberta and John McKeown Helen Armstrong and Jack Dunlop
ART CLUB The Art Club held its summer outing on 22nd June. Fourteen members and friends set out on a sketching/painting trip to Rathlin Island. Many questions were aired – would the ferry be sailing? – would it be a rough crossing? – would we have any trouble getting back? We should not have been concerned and we all arrived safely on the island. So what did we do? Well we went for a walk, we viewed the puffins and, indeed, one sketch/ painting was started. Then we watched the puffins watching us watching them and, seriously, the time went so quickly as we enjoyed the dry weather and caught up on the gossip. Yvonne Braithwaite, previously a member of our club, kindly gave us coffee and scones in her studio/shop on the island. An excellent lunch was enjoyed by all at the Manor House near the harbour. It was a really pleasant day, the crossing was calm and we all returned safely. The purpose of the trip was accomplished and, I believe, one sketch/painting was completed – I think. Vida
MUMS AND TOTS We had a quiet start to the new term with some newcomers and a few familiar faces. There was a very happy friendly atmosphere as usual and we look forward to more joining in the fun. We are very grateful to the men in the Art club for helping us set up the heavier items. Anne 20
YOUTH ETC. Youth Etc. re-commenced for the year with an outing to Mount Ober Golf Club for a game of Footgolf on Saturday 2nd September. Upon the beginning of the afternoon’s play, the boys in particular were guilty of underestimating the difficulty of the course with the windy conditions proving tricky for all players. However, this ensured that the afternoon was filled with even more laughter with many of us missing “simple” chances on more than one occasion. Many thanks must go to David Kelly who organised yet another impressive activity which was a great way to start the year. We now look forward to the activities that will take place over the course of the year. It would be lovely to see some more young people joining us this year. A warm welcome awaits! Our next outing is on Saturday, 14th October at 2.00pm. We are planning to go kayaking at Knockbracken Reservoir, Carryduff (access via Mealough Road). Please let David (07730 468684) know as soon as possible if you are joining us to confirm the number to be booked. Henry Auchmuty
MEN’S CLUB A very encouraging start to our season showed an almost full membership on our opening night on the 4th September. The evening progressed well allowing us to “blow the cobwebs off” after the summer break and hone our skills once again. Our Chairman, Jack Dunlop presented the awards on the night to the prize winners from last season’s competitions. The programme is almost ready as I write this article. Our first fixture on the programme so far will be an away match on the 23rd October against Stormont Presbyterian. More updates will follow in due course. In the meantime, I extend an invite to any gentlemen of the parish to come and meet us any Monday evening in the main hall commencing 7.30pm. A warm welcome is guaranteed. John Robb 21
We are most grateful to the Editor of The Church of Ireland Gazette for his permission to include the editorial from the Gazette which was published on Friday 18th August in the Columban.
WHO WILL TELL THE NEXT GENERATION? The 2012 Church of Ireland census recorded an average attendance of 15% at weekly Church of Ireland Sunday services. We live on an island that has a relatively young population. The same census noted that 13% of those who attended weekly services are in the 12 to 30 age bracket. The census figures pose a question for the Church of Ireland. Are young people simply no longer interested in christian faith? We cannot argue with the fact that this island is changing rapidly regarding attitudes to religious practice, the Church and christian faith. The census figures already quoted bear some of this out. Yet, there are four anecdotal pieces of evidence that suggest the answer to the question, ‘Are young people still interested in christian faith’ is a definite ‘Yes’! 1. Our front page story this week tells the story of 30 years of the Summer Madness festival. Take a moment to look at the photograph that accompanies the story. It is a picture of young people queueing to get into one of the two daily worship services at the event. Possibly up to 2000 people come to worship, listen to preaching and avail of the opportunity of prayer ministry. 2. For the past 12 years, the Church of Ireland Youth Department has run Anois, a very successful annual residential weekend. The programme has included Bible teaching, praise and worship, small group times for discussion and prayer, games and much more. In 2016 Anois took place between 29–31 October in Wilson’s Hospital School, County Westmeath, bringing together young people of secondary school age from across the island for this allIreland event. The event focused on exploring the stories of Old Testament heroes and looking at how their stories can inspire Christians to live out their faith in their everyday lives. The presence and enthusiasm of so many young people suggest a definite interest in faith. 3. The Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) is responsible for the development and co-ordination of youth ministry across the Church of Ireland, often working with dioceses. The growing work of CIYD suggests a definite interest in faith amongst young people. 4. The experience of youth leaders in parishes. In a recent casual conversation one youth leader talked of how their young people were beginning to take faith much more seriously. They suggested that the changing religious
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atmosphere was actually encouraging their young people to think much more deeply about faith and to make a more serious commitment to it. If you are a TV company station that is producing a popular religious broadcast you are likely to have the resources to produce something slick and top quality. You can bring in the professional singers and musicians you need. The set and video clips will be just as you want them, because you have access to those with resources, finance and time. The presenter will be experienced and wellrehearsed. I once had a conversation with someone who unfavourably compared Sunday worship in the church I was rector of with worship services on TV. The comparison was between professional musicians and choirs and our band of willing volunteers. It was also between an experienced TV preacher and yours truly. The reality was simple … we would never be able to compete. It was not comparing like with like. The temptation is to say we can never have the resources in our parishes that something like Summer Madness, Anois or CIYD has. This statement is true. We are never going to be able to compete with the big festivals, conferences or national events. We may not even want to either. Yet it should not stop us asking questions of ourselves in the Church of Ireland: 1. If there is still interest in christian faith amongst our young people, despite the changes on this island, why is this not reflected in our census figures? 2. What will we do to engage with the next generation? 3. If these are important questions, who will ask them and when? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Rector writes… Here in St. Columba’s we are very fortunate to have good numbers of young people who are actively involved in our Parish Organisations and in our church services. This is particularly the case in our All Age Worship service on the first Sunday of the month and the Family Holy Communion service on the third Sunday of the month. It is a great joy to have our worship so beautifully enriched by the participation of our young people. Through the improvements to our PA System which is coordinated by David Deane, the children can get further involved in our worship. They give so much of themselves in such an enthusiastic and vibrant manner. It is also a source of great blessing to welcome an increasing number of young families to St. Columba’s which has seen an increase in the number of baptisms and the active involvement of their parents in so many aspects of parish life.
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St. Columba’s is also immensely fortunate to have many organisations with hardworking and inspirational leaders for our younger parishioners which include: • Creche meeting on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays at 10.30am in the Church Hall. Coordinators Lynn Ryan (07955479065) & Claire Hirst (07949 298473) • Sunday School meeting on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays at 10.30am in the Church Hall. Superintendent Joyce Stevenson (9058 3381) • Doves for boys and girls aged 3-6 years in the Church Hall on Wednesdays at 6.30pm-7.30pm. Leader Rachel Leacock (07891 714119) • Brownies meeting in the Church Hall on Wednesday from 6.30pm-8pm. Leader Amanda Fee (07739 039750) • Mums and Tots meeting in the Church Hall from 10am-11.45am. Leader Anne Clarke (028 90651412) • Youth Etc. for boys and girls aged 11 upwards meet monthly for activities in the local community. Leader David Kelly (028 90796658) Please contact the leaders for further information about their particular organisation. They would be delighted to hear from you! May we continue to resource and support our younger parishioners in their membership of St. Columba’s as they grow in their understanding of the faith by our words and actions.
It was lovely to see a large gathering of our Mothers Union members at our opening service in September. Many thanks to all who contributed to a very uplifting service - John the Rector for the act of commissioning, Walter for his most relevant sermon and Joe for his wonderful music. Following the service refreshments were served at the west end of the church, enabling everyone to catch up - there was a real buzz and much laughter. Thank you to all the members of the committee who provided a lovely supper. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd October when we will have a visit from Jacqui, the owner of Nature’s Way at Ballyhackamore. If you have any questions/ concerns about homeopathic supplements or specialist foods I am sure Jacqui will endeavour to answer these. There will also be an Enterprise stall at this event and members will be able to purchase diaries, cards, calendars and much more. Keep free - 7th November- a talk by Colin Davies about the work of Spud Bears in Africa & new projects in Asia. Joyce 24
PARISH ORGANISATIONS New members are always welcome at any of our organisations! Sunday
Monday
Sunday School Bubbles (3-5 years) Splash (5-8 years) X-treme (8-11 years) The Grid (11-14 years) Crèche
Craft and Hobby Circle Ladies Bowling MU Afternoon Group Mens’ Club
Tuesday
Ladies Badminton Ladies Badminton Activity Group Mothers’ Union
Wednesday
Brownies Doves Railway and Model Club Bible Study Group Ladies Guild
Thursday
Art Club Choir
Friday
Mums and Tots
Bi-monthly
Pause
Monthly
Youth Etc. (11-15 years) Young Families
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays 10.30am
Superintendent: Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381
2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays
Lynn Ryan 07955 479065 Claire Hirst 07949 298473 1st and 3rd Monday each month Carol Willis 10.30am 9079 9997 2.00pm Helen Coates 9065 8977 2nd Monday each month 2.30pm Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm John Robb 9058 1438 10.30am Gillian Popplestone 9080 3799 2.00pm Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155 Maureen Irwin Except 1st Tuesday 7.30pm 9079 5155 Barbara Laverty 1st Tuesday each month 8.00pm 9573 8743 6.30pm Amanda Fee 07739 039750 6.30pm Rachael Leacock 07891 714119 7.00pm David Beattie 9028 5868 7.30pm Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 Imelda Shephard 3rd Wednesday each month 7.45pm 9079 7683 9.30am Billy Nelson 9048 3889 7.30pm Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574 10.00am Anne Clarke 9065 1412 As arranged Eileen Anderson 9020 3684 As arranged David Kelly 9079 6658 Social events as arranged Emma Macpherson 9028 2076
Requests for the occasional use of the church halls must be submitted to the Premise’s Convenor.
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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBAS Parish website: www.coiknock.org
Rector
The Reverend Canon John R Auchmuty
St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG 028 9047 1514 johnauchmuty@yahoo.com
The Reverend Canon Ken Smyth
3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG 028 9145 8706
The Reverend Canon Walter Laverty
6, Hanwood Heights Dundonald BT16 1XU 028 95738743
Diocesan Lay Reader
Karen McAlpine
readercolumba@gmail.com
Rector’s Churchwarden
Jonathan Stewart
028 9041 0514
People’s Churchwarden
John Kerr
028 9076 0027
Assistant Priests
Junior Churchwardens
Sarah Craig and Grace Owens
Rector’s Glebewarden
Jim Stevenson
028 9058 3381 07973 392448
People’s Glebewarden
Mark Reid
028 9028 4367 07810 648167
Honorary Sexton
John Proctor
028 9087 0526 07989 469773
Select Vestry
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Suzanne Allen, Richard Caldwell, David Craig, Andrew Ellis, Andrew Hirst, Elizabeth Leonard, Mark Ryan, Moira Saunders, Mark Wilson
Honorary Secretary
John Macpherson
10 Sandhill Gardens BT5 6FF 028 9028 2076 jdmacpherson@hotmail.com
Honorary Treasurer
Gillian Sadlier
70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG 028 9040 3278
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Victor Dukelow
028 9029 0625
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Gift Aid Secretary
Jack Dunlop
028 9065 4103
Parochial Nominators
Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Linda Wilson
Diocesan Synod members
Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard Hollie Wilson (under 30)
Organist and Choral Director
Dr Joe McKee
07976 294574
Assistant Organist
Brian Clements
028 9079 3641
Reader’s and Intercessor’s Co-ordinator
Muriel Arndell
028 9065 5500
Sidesperson’s rota Co-ordinator
Rosemary Coffey
028 9754 2198
Crèche rota Co-ordinator
Lynn Ryan
07955 479065
Magazine Editor
Billy McAlpine
028 9042 4390 colmaged@outlook.com
Parish Webmaster
Ivan Roche
028 9514 0141 ivan.roche@me.com
C of I Gazette Distributor
Moranne Noad
028 9079 3704
Bible Reading Fellowship notes
Evan Preston
028 9048 9884
Church flowers
Eleanor Launchbury
028 9028 1204
Premise’s Convenor
Stewart Beckwith
028 9048 6622
Crucifer
Mark Laverty
028 9573 8743
Parish Office Administrator/ Financial Giving Secretary
Karen Patterson Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am-1.00pm
028 9065 6891 office@coiknock.org
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CHURCH CAR PARKING When parking to go to church services or Parish Organisations please be sensitive to the residents in the local community by taking care not to block entrances or pavements. Thank you!
Facebook St Columba’s Parish Church is now on Facebook. ‘Like’ our page to see updates on events, services and photos. Search coiknock on Facebook or Messenger to find us easily. For those who are new to St Columba’s and would like more information about the life and membership of the parish, please give your name and phone number to our Churchwardens or contact the Parish Office during office hours Monday-Friday, 9.00am-1.00pm on 028 9065 6891.
Pastoral Care: If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to
speak to someone, please contact the Rector (028 9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (028 9145 8706).
SAFEGUARDING TRUST The Rector, Select Vestry and parish leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact: The Rector...........................................................028 9047 1514 Patrick Good.......................................................028 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard............................................028 9065 3162 28