Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends in St Nicholas’
The season of Easter is upon us again! I love this time of year – it speaks to me of joy and life in a profound way. There just seems to be so much to be happy about! Little things like the stretch in the evenings, a bit of an improvement in the weather and signs of new life in the gardens and the fields seem to give us all a bit of a lift. The opportunity to get outside again after the cold days of winter reminds us of the beauty of the world that God has given us to live in. Sometimes we can take these things for granted, but I’m still new enough to Carrickfergus to be amazed at the wonderful view that we enjoy across Belfast Lough on a clear day.

In the life of the church we also experience a sense of ‘springtime’ and new life at this time of year. We have been through the experience of Lent, with its emphasis on self-denial, and reminded again of the dark days of Holy Week, when the selfishness and wickedness of humanity was contrasted with the amazing love and self-sacrifice of Jesus.  Arriving at Easter, we are reminded again of the hope of the resurrection.

Jesus risen from the dead reminds us that the God whom we worship is still in control of his world! The worst that humankind can do is still no match for the goodness and the love of God. And better still - that same God is passionately committed to you and me, and wants us to know that our lives can be transformed by knowing Jesus and trusting him to guide us in our living. That is surely good news worth celebrating – and sharing!

I hope that you will find time to join with us as we celebrate the hope of the resurrection this Eastertime. Details of our Easter services can be found in this magazine – do come, and bring a friend with you. And if the idea of inviting someone to church seems a bit daunting, then have a look at the details of our ‘Lost for Words’ course that begins later in April. It’s designed to help you share your faith with others in a natural way. Why not give it a try?
Have a happy & blessed Easter,
George

PRAYER REQUEST FROM THE HEANEYS

Give thanks to God for:

*Sam settling well in Dodoma and at school.
*the kind and practical help that the University and neighbours have given us as we have settled in.
*Sam's recovery from his earlier bout of illness.
*the prayer support, encouragement and kind emails, letters and packages that partners have sent.
*the grace and faithfulness of God and his people.

Please pray for:

*continued good health.
*our shipping to arrive soon and that it will be intact.
*Robert as he prepares three new courses for the second and third years.
*Sharon and Robert as they supervise dissertations.
*us to find a good language tutor here in Dodoma.
*a healthy balance between work and rest.
*good relationships with neighbours, staff and students.
*the planned MA in Theology and Contemporary Issues to be passed by the Dept. of Education and that it would be ready to launch in September.
*our witness in words and deeds to bring glory to God.
Robert (Sharon and Sam).

Do you feel uneasy when it comes to talking about your faith?

Would you like to be better equipped to explain to family or friends
what Jesus means to you?

Would you just like to be able to have the confidence to invite a friend or neighbour to come to church with you?

Then this might be for you!!

“Lost for Words”
--- sharing faith naturally ---

A series of 6 evenings to equip all of us
with the tools we need
to be better witnesses for Jesus
in the places he has put us!

begins Thursday 15 April at 7.30 pm
in the Church Halls (Minor Hall upstairs)
Everybody welcome
 
Our parish programme for Christian discipleship & Bible study

INCREDIBLE AND STARK REMINDER

“Why would God want to come close to someone like me?” said the young man. He felt full of rubbish. He had done so many terrible things there was no way Jesus could possibly like him, let alone want to come into his life. “Why would he want to do that?” he said out loud.

“Because he loves you,” said a woman softly. She herself had only just begun to experience God in her life in a significant way. And that’s what Easter is all about: God loves you and me.

The Christian cross is an incredible and stark reminder that Jesus died there for you and me – because he loves us. That was Good Friday; hanging there almost naked with nails through his hands and feet. He was doing it because of his father’s love. His father could not bear seeing the world in such a mess. He sent his only son to sort us all out.

That was his last hope: to send his son. Surely people would respect him and turn to him? Some did but powerful people felt threatened by this man’s brilliant effectiveness. People were turning to him instead of them. They had to do something to get rid of him. They were very jealous. They crucified him.

That was the end - they thought. He would die and his followers would give up. Just before he died, Jesus cried out in agony: “It is finished!” Some thought he was saying: “I am finished.” NO.  He was saying: “IT - my work on earth- is finished!” He had done what he was called to do.

He died and was buried with soldiers guarding the tomb, so the body would not be stolen by his followers. But his enemies were totally outwitted. For Jesus did not stay dead. He came alive again. Three days later on the first day of the week – Sunday, the first Easter Day - people began seeing him walking around alive. Over 500 people saw him alive after this amazing resurrection.

And the point of it all? To show us that God loves us, whatever rubbish we have inside of us. And his promise? That if we turn to him and forsake our old, sinful, ways, then we can have life. Indeed, you can find abundant life, and one day – life eternal! Forever!

HOLY WEEK and EASTER

Mission Carrickfergus has again arranged united services for Holy Week, Monday 29th March—Friday 2nd April.  They will be held at 7.30 pm each evening in North Street Presbyterian.  It is always enriching meeting with members of other denominations during Holy Week.  We invite you to join us and perhaps to invite someone to go with you who isn’t a Christian.  Someone may be secretly hoping to get an invite.

GOOD FRIDAY —As usual we have a Family Service in St Nicholas’  during Holy Week.  It will be at 10.30 am on Good Friday in the Church.

DECORATION OF CHURCH FOR EASTER

We will be decorating the Church for Easter on Saturday 3rd April from 9 am ONWARDS.  All gifts of flowers etc should be brought to the Church that morning.  Also, any time that can be given to help arrange things will be appreciated.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT AT BELL TOWER

The Select Vestry would like to record their appreciation for the excellent  work carried out by Mr Derek Eakin in supplying and planting all the new decorative plants at the Bell Tower site.

EASTER HOT CROSS BUNS

As you indulge in your Easter hot cross buns this year, pause to consider that really, a hot cross bun is a symbol of the Resurrection which refuses to go stale. A hot cross bun is a sermon in itself.

The shape of the bun reminds us of the stone that rolled away early on that first Easter morning – not to let a living Lord out, but to allow his disciples to discover an empty tomb. And the special spices used in the baking process bring to mind the gifts of love brought by faithful women to anoint their Master’s body.

The fruits of the Spirit of Jesus in the lives of his followers are represented by the sultanas and currents that make the bun so delicious, and the cross is the triumphant emblem of Christ’s work completed on earth.

POINTS TO PONDER

The gospel begins and ends with what God is, not with what we want or think we need.                                Tom Houston

Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.                          John Wesley

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.                   Anon

Prayer Diary – April 2010

1st April – Thursday
Holy week services continue this evening in North Street Presbyterian.  Pray for Rev Desi Maxwell as he leads us on the ‘Journey to Jerusalem’ from Mark’s Gospel.  Also today, pray for Christian marriage and for couples who will marry in St Nicholas’ this month.  

2nd April – Friday
Remember the disciples that first Good Friday – confused, afraid, their leader on a cross.  Peter, living with the guilt of his denial.  Pray for those who have grown up within this church family but are now lost to us.  Pray for opportunities to renew contact.   Pray for this morning’s family service and this evening’s Holy Week service.   

3rd April – Saturday
This morning the church will be decorated in preparation for Easter Day.  Give thanks for those who will meet this morning in church and for the generous provision of flowers by parishioners.  Pray for members of SNYF and their sleepover in the church halls tonight.  Once again give thanks for the leadership of our Youth Fellowship.

4th April – Sunday
He is Risen – Halleluiah!  Once again we share the bewilderment and joy of the first Easter.  Pray for today’s services: the Dawn Service at the Castle and those who will provide breakfast for worshippers, this morning’s worship in church, and this Evening’s Easter Praise.  Pray for Alison Irwin our Organist and the members of the extended Choir.

5th April – Monday
A number of our Guides will set off for Paris today for their Centenary Camp.  Pray that the girls and their leaders will travel safely and enjoy their time together.

6th April – Tuesday
Pray for the Rector and his family, that they enjoy their short holiday.

7th April – Wednesday
Pray for the Church’s Ministry Among Jewish People.
 
8th April – Thursday
Pray for Peter Ferguson and his family.  Pray for our preparation of what will be their new home in Coates Gardens.

9th April – Friday
We take for granted that we are free to celebrate our Christian faith.  Pray for Christians in other parts of the world who cannot openly practice or talk about their faith.  Pray for the work of Open Doors.

10th April – Saturday
This evening we will once again have the opportunity to relax with a different kind of fellowship with the Barn Dance and Supper in the Church Halls.  Give thanks for those who have organised this event and for those who will supply food and entertainment. 

11th April – Sunday
Pray for our church services today and for our Sunday Schools and Bible Study.  Pray for the children, for teachers and the time they dedicate to teaching and preparing lessons, for Superintendents Lynn Rodgers and Sharon Lutton, and for a good response to the CMS Appeal ‘Hands on – Kiwoko!’

12th April – Monday
Pray for the final preparations for the Crèche move to the Choir Vestry. 

13th April – Tuesday
Pray for this last meeting of the Women’s Fellowship for this session and for the planning of next month’s outing to Mount Stewart.

14th April – Wednesday
Pray for this evening’s General Easter Vestry and for those who will allow their names to go forward for Select Vestry.  Give thanks for our Honorary Secretary Ted McAuley and for all the duties he undertakes.

15th April – Thursday
‘Explore’ Bible Study resumes this evening looking at ‘Sharing your Faith Naturally’.  Pray for our Bible Study group. 

16th April – Friday
Pray for those who have been recently bereaved in the parish. 
17th April – Saturday
Pray for Robert and Sharon Heaney and their son Sam in Tanzania.  Remember our friends in Tabora Diocese and the work of Crosslinks.

18th April – Sunday
Pray for today’s Morning Prayer service and for the successful relocation of the Crèche to the Choir Vestry.  Pray for choir members as they become accustomed to the new arrangement.  Pray for this evening’s Holy Communion service with Prayers for Healing. 

19th April – Monday
A number of parishioners access our services through the Tape/CD Ministry.  Pray for those parishioners no longer able to attend church.  Give thanks for the recording, copying and distribution of services.  

20th April – Tuesday
Pray for the sick and for those who care for them.  Remember Carers, who also go through the isolation of a life on hold, who get tired, who struggle with the thought that they can never do enough, who feel guilty if they steal a little time for themselves.

21st April – Wednesday
Pray for the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.

22nd April – Thursday
This morning the May issue of Parish News will be assembled ready for distribution.   Pray for Catherine Wallace and her work gathering items for the magazine, editing and printing.  Pray for the helpers who will put it together, and finally pray for your magazine distributor.

23rd April – Friday
Pray for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

24th April – Saturday
Pray for Mark and Alison Gill in Nepal.  Pray for all who mission overseas, that they would be strengthened when homesick, or discouraged, and be free from worry about friends and family at home.

25th April – Sunday
Pray for our services today.  Pray for everyone taking part in this evening’s Youth Church service.

26th April – Monday
Pray for the Church of Ireland.  Pray for Archbishop Alan Harper, our own Bishop Alan Abernethy, and all in leadership and ministry in our church.  Pray for those currently studying at the Theological College, including Peter Ferguson and those in their final weeks of study.

27th April – Tuesday
Family and friends of our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides will gather in the Church Halls this evening for their annual Parents’ Night.  Pray for everyone attending but especially for the girls and their leaders.

28th April – Wednesday
Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship meets this morning.  Pray for all who minister here in Carrickfergus.  Give thanks for our own ministry team, the Rector, Canons Kathleen Brown and Brian Courtney and for Andrew Campbell’s work in Youth Ministry.  Pray for all sections and leaders of our Boys’ Brigade Company.  

29th April – Thursday
Pray for MECO.

30th April – Friday
Pray for the unemployed and those on low pay struggling to pay bills and perhaps facing the possibility of losing their homes. 

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The guest speaker at the Women's Fellowship meeting in March was Janette Blackstock, from World Evangelism for Christ (WEC), who led us in a bible study. Janette was an engaging and inspirational speaker and we had a very enjoyable evening of fellowship together. We were also pleased to give Janette a donation towards the work of WEC.

There will be a short AGM at the start of our meeting on 13 April to present the annual report and accounts and elect committee members. Following the AGM there will be a demonstration on the theme of "Pots for Pleasure" by Julieanne Jordan from Inver Garden Centre. All ladies will be made very welcome, so do come along and get some gardening tips from an expert!
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary

SNYF STAY AWAKE

SATURDAY 3RD APRIL
9 pm – 9 am

FUN, GAMES, XBOX, WII & MOVIES BUT NO SLEEP


Bounce into Summer 2010

There are 2 camps to choose between depending on what age you are.

Bounce Junior Camp
3-10 July 2010
Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor
For ages 8-11
Jam packed with fantastic fun, fantastic  stuff to do, fantastic  food, friends and leaders and fantastic fun stuff about God from the Bible.  Miss it, miss out.

Bounce Senior Camp
24-31 July 2010
Greenhill YMCA, Newcastle
For ages 12-18

100% guaranteed: the best place to be this summer, the best spot to bring your friends, the best place to find out more about God from the Bible.  Check out Facebook “Crosslinks Camps 2010”

For further information please speak to Andrew

FLOWERS IN CHURCH MARCH 2010 (not in last magazine)

21st    Linda Kingson—In memory of my father Thomas Perry

FLOWERS IN CHURCH APRIL 2010

4th      Easter Flowers
11th    David McAtamney & Family—In memory of my wife Denise
18th    Nan McKee
18th    Sally Campbell—In memory of my mum and dad
25th    Vacant

If you would like to donate flowers for the Sanctuary, please fill your name in against the appropriate space on the Flower List in the main porch–or contact Mary Withers (9336 2869)

NOTICE

The following box numbers reported in the February magazine should read as follows:-
Box number 489    £1270.50
Box number 490    £ 607.00

LAUGHLINES

LOT 'S WIFE  The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot 's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Stephen interrupted, 'My Mummy looked back once while she was driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!'

DID NOAH FISH?  A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark? ''No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms?'

MOSES AND THE RED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned inSchool. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead theof Egypt .When he got to theSea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements.They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.” “Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?” his Mother asked.  “Well, no, Mom.  But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!”

HOSPICE BIG WALK WEEK—SATURDAY 17-24 APRIL 2010

Carrickfergus Walk starts & finishes at Carrickfergus Castle at 10.00 am  Saturday 17 April 2010 (7 miles). 

For further information contact 028 9077 7123 or  nihospice.org

CRÈCHE ROTA APRIL 2010

4th     Katrina Todd, Valerie Leighton, Annie Crawford, Erin Davison
11th    Ann Hodge, Sarah Nelson, Heather Gingles, Ruth Nelson
18th    Faye Hamilton, Lorraine Gibson, Karen Bell, Rachel McVeigh
25th    Rebecca Patton, Sharon Lutton, Deirdre Beck, Jonathan Nelson

The Crèche is in the Church Hall at present.  Children can be left there from 11.15 am each Sunday.   It would be appreciated if those who kindly staff the Crèche would be there by 11.10 am.  If you can't be present on a Sunday listed, please arrange for another of the volunteers to cover for you. Thank you for your co-operation.

SERVICES IN APRIL 2010

2nd     GOOD FRIDAY
    10.30 am    Family Service in St Nicholas’

EASTER DAY

4th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
        11.30 am    Praise Service—Jesus is alive!! (part 1)
            Acts 10 v 34-43            Colin Logue
            John 20 v 1-18            The Preacher
        7 pm  Easter Praise Service with augmented choir
            Music & Readings
11th  9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
        11.30 am    Morning Prayer- Jesus is alive!! (part 2)
            Job 42 v 1-6            Joan Sykes
            John 20 v 19-31            June Carmichael
        7 pm  Informal Service—New Life, New Lifestyle
            Mark 2 v 13-22            Hilary Bishop
18th  9.30 am Holy Communion 1
        11.30 am    Morning Prayer
            God’s Church—the original blueprint!
            Jeremiah 32 v 36-41        Daphne Murphy
            Acts 2 v 42-47            Kathleen Arthur
        7 pm Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Master’s message—Be reconciled
             Matthew 5 v 21-26        The Preacher
25th  9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
        11.30 am    Family Service—Stories Jesus told—Lost Things!
            Luke 15 v 1-10            Janet Preston
        7 pm        Youth Service
            Psalm 23—God is in control

Other Events in April 2010

13th        7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship
14th        7.30 pm    Easter General Vestry
21st        7.15 pm    Widow’s Group
There will be NO Vestry Hour 31st March and 7th April

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

There will be no Sunday School on Sunday 4 April as this is Easter Day.  Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Easter morning service so that together as a Church family we can be reminded of why we call Jesus “our Saviour”.

Classes will run as normal on 11 and 18 April, with the Family Service as usual on 25 April

Lynn Rodgers
Sunday School Superintendent


NEW CRÈCHE ARRANGEMENTS

From Sunday 18th April
the Crèche will be in the Choir Vestry

As usual our helpers will be there to look after your child/children

SOUND DESK VOLUNTEERS

A team of Sound Desk Volunteers is required. This will be done on a voluntary basis each Sunday.

All wishing to be involved will be trained on how to use the equipment and will not be burdened with doing it every week.

Please contact John Kane, Don Howe or any of the Church Wardens if you wish to be considered.  Male & Female, young & old welcome to apply.

BARN DANCE AND SUPPER

IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

Saturday 10 April 2010 in the Church Halls @ 7.30 pm

Tickets available from Ann Hodge, Sharon Maxwell, Glen Nelson, Gordon Dalton, Alan Miles or the Church Office

Voluntary Donation

Church Openings

Once again we plan to open the church to visitors during 2010. On Saturday 3rd April the church will be open from 12 noon – 2.00pm.

The next planned openings are on Saturday 1st and Saturday 29th May from 11.00am – 3.00pm.

Would you like to help our Tour Guides?  If so, please speak to either of the churchwardens or come along to our next meeting in May.  You will be most welcome.

ANNUAL FAMILY DAY OUT

MAY DAY—Monday 3rd May 2010

Calling all families and friends—join us for our
Annual Family Day Out at Tollymore Forest Park
Walk/Games/Food/Fun/Fellowship

Meet at the Church Hall at 10.00 am


If any parishioner known to you is sick or in hospital,
please contact the church office or the clergy,
so that they may be visited.

Thank you

ATTENTION HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB LEADERS

There will be a meeting in the Minor Hall
MONDAY 19th April @ 7.30 pm

New volunteers would be warmly welcomed at this meeting.