Carrickfergus, N Ireland
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear FriendsOne of the privileges of being a member of the family of Jesus is that we have brothers and sisters spread all over the world, representing believers in every country of the world. In St Nicholas’ church we have had a long standing relationship with the Diocese of Tabora in Tanzania. Last year the diocese elected a new Bishop, Elias Chakupewa to lead them. We are delighted that Bishop Elias is currently visiting the UK and that he will be coming to Carrickfergus for a few days at the beginning of this month. We hope that many parishioners will want to take the opportunity to meet with him in order that we may learn more about the diocese of Tabora. Bishop Elias will be speaking to us at a meeting in the church on Friday 3rd February at 7.30 pm. Do come and listen as he shares with us something of what God is doing in the Church in Tanzania.
Last month the Select Vestry spent a day away together at Dundrum, County Down prayerfully discussing the life and work of our parish. I am very grateful to the members for the thoughtful and constructive way that they shared in that day. We want to invest our time and energy in a way that will help St Nicholas’ to grow and develop as a church that honours Jesus in our life together and helps men, women, boys and girls to grow as Christian disciples. Please pray for the clergy and members of the Vestry as we seek to develop priorities for the parish for the next few years.
We are always delighted to welcome you to your parish church at any time. If you are someone with a young family please know that children are always welcome at our church services. In particular we have been seeking to develop our monthly family service as a time when the whole church family can enjoy worshipping together. If you haven’t been along for a while, why not join us at the 11 am service this month on 26th February? We look forward to welcoming you.
With love in Jesus,
George
CHURCH RESOURCES 2012
Ramada Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast16th February - 10 am – 9 pm
& 17th February 2012 - 10 am – 5 pm
FREE ADMISSION
Resources Exhibition – Sunday School material, Bible Stories on PowerPoint, Youth & Outreach Resources, Audio Visual Equipment, Organs & Pianos, Catering Equipment and much more......
Seminar Programme – 50 seminars and exhibitors’ presentations will be delivered under the topics: Leadership, Local Community, Mission, Pastoral Care and Youth. Tickets must be booked in advance. Information and booking facility available online at
www.churchresourcesonline.com
A special feature at Church Resources 2012 will be the showing of a selection of Christian documentary films from the period 1962-1996.
Don’t be surprised when bad things happen
‘Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.’ Matthew 4:1
Jesus had just been baptised in the Holy Spirit, and now he was being led by the Spirit into a place of temptation. This is always God’s way. He will confront us as soon as possible with the need to ‘grow up’. To say ‘No’ to the world, the flesh and the devil and to realise that doing the will of God is never easy. There are mountains to be climbed! There’s an enemy to be faced and conquered. Remember, spiritual blessings on the mountain top are to equip us for the valley that lies ahead.
Are you going through some real battles today? When Jesus faced the enemy, he used the Word of God. Three times he said: ‘It is written’. He knew what God had said, therefore he was more than a match for the devil. Do you know the Word? If not, then you need to get into it right away! Please remember that it’s not just one big fight and afterwards smooth sailing! Every morning when you waken, the enemy will be there to face you through a circumstance, a health condition, a financial problem, a critic or even a close family member.
Even if you have failed and fallen in the battle in recent days, get back up, take the sword in your hand and remember his promise: “I give you power over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) He wants you to be an over-comer today. (Word for Today)
You can start again!
‘You will give me added years of life, as rich and full as those of many generations, all packed into one.” Psalm 61 v 6
A man out walking in the early Spring saw a bird’s nest lying on the ground. It had been destroyed by a storm. He thought sadly of the time and work it must have taken to build it, but suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a bird singing. When he looked up into the tree, he saw a wonderful sight: the little bird was busy building another nest!
You can’t go back. You can’t rewrite the past! But you don’t have to wallow in regret or remorse. Your experiences have made you the person you are today and, if you’re still breathing, then you can start your life over again, beginning right now! David blew it – his mistakes were bigger than most people’s, but he decided not to be a prisoner of his past. He prayed: ‘You will give me added years of life, as rich and full as those of many generations, all packed into one.’ Psalm 61 v 6. Get your eyes off the rear view mirror! All of us have things we wish we had done differently – or hadn’t done at all. What is past is past. Put it under the forgiveness of a merciful God and move on. Your best days are ahead if you can accept this promise and move on it. Word for Today
Age NI
Would you have 2 – 4 hours a week to befriend an older person in your area?
Age NI had just started an old people’s befriending scheme and need your help to:
Support older people at risk of loneliness and social isolation?
Build confidence and improved health and well-being?
Build a network of friends for an older person to reach out to?
Provide practical support ie help with shopping, pharmacy collections?
The Age NI Team
The Age NI team will be on hand to support you every step of the way providing training and guidance, one to one support and out of pocket expenses. If you would like to give it a go please Contact: Una Mulgrew, email: befriending@ageni.org
At our January meeting we were delighted to welcome two of our own young people from St Nicholas - Erin Davison and Sarah Nelson who spoke of their experiences of Christian outreach in Africa. Erin told us about her trip to Malawi at the start of last year with a group of pupils from Belfast Royal Academy, and Sarah described her visit to Uganda with a group of volunteers from the Fields of Life organisation last summer. They showed us photos of the places they visited and the people that they met and worked with, and described some of the high points and challenges they experienced during their visits. We are very thankful to Erin and Sarah for taking the time to join us and for giving us such an interesting and thought-provoking evening.
The next scheduled date for Women's Fellowship is Tuesday 14th February but as this coincides with a Beetle Drive which the guides are organising in the church halls we have decided not to hold our normal meeting but to support the guides by attending their event instead. We look forward to seeing all our ladies there. Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary
SOUND DESK ROTA FEBRUARY 2012
Morning Evening5th Gillian Dalton Paul Letters
12th David Stockard Steven Todd
19th Johnnie McAlister Lynn Rodgers
26th Jamie Davison Jonathan Nelson
TEA ROTA FEBRUARY 2012
Please organise within your group as to who will bring milk or biscuits. If you can’t be present on a Sunday listed, please arrange for another volunteer to cover for you. Many thanks for your support.05/02/12
Grace Howe
Valerie Kirk
Gloria Penrose
12/02/12
Deirdre Beck
Valerie Leighton
Linda Mulvenny
19/02/12
Sally Campbell
Tina Campbell
Kenneth Irwin
26/02/12
Nadine Davison
Anne Laverty
Sharon Luton
Prayer Diary – February 2012
1st February – WednesdaySome of you may be aware that the Rector has undertaken new responsibilities within the Church of Ireland. Pray for him as he continues to serve this parish while accommodating these additional calls on his time, that he will find a work/family life balance, giving thanks for the support of his wife Nadine, children Erin and Jamie and parish colleagues.
2nd February – Thursday
In a change from the usual routine, the Explore Group meets this evening in the halls. Pray for this evening’s meeting, giving thanks for those attending perhaps for the first time, or returning after absence.
3rd February – Friday
This evening in church we have the opportunity to meet the Bishop of Tabora Elias Chakupewa. Give thanks for this chance to hear of the work and challenges faced by the Church, and pray that we would be re-enthused in our support of ministry in Tabora Diocese. Pray for Bishop Elias as he concludes his visit to the UK and for his safe return to Tanzania this coming week.
4th February – Saturday
During this last week CMS Ireland has launched its 2012 Project ‘Beautiful Gate’ which this year is focused on the SD Church in Nepal, through a series of launch meetings throughout Ireland ending today in Cork. Pray for the staff of CMS in Ireland and for the success of this year’s project in these difficult economic times.
5th February – Sunday
Pray for our services today, once again giving thanks for our ministry team, George, Peter, Brian and Lay Reader Heather. Pray for the teachers in our Sunday Schools and Bible Class as they sow and nurture the seeds of Christian life in young minds. Pray for SNYF and planning for the rest of this session.
6th February –Monday
Give thanks for our Hon Secretary Ted McAuley, Hon Treasurer Don Howe and the team who record FWO giving.
7th February – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets this evening. Pray for them as they continue the business of the parish and for their discussions regarding the planning, vision and priorities for our parish.
8th February – Wednesday
Today in St Anne’s Cathedral there is a special service for the Clergy of Connor Diocese to launch the ‘Connor Diocesan Vision’. Pray for today’s service and especially for our Bishop Alan Abernethy.
9th February – Thursday
The Small Groups meet this evening. Pray for all those who belong to one of our Small Groups, and members of the Girls’ Bible Fellowship and the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Groups.
10th February – Friday
Busy Bees continues to flourish. Give thanks for the success of the group and for this opportunity to meet young families.
11th February – Saturday
The venue for today’s Walking Group outing is Carnmoney Hill. Once again give thanks for this opportunity to come together in friendship. Pray for the Coffee Morning to raise funds for Jennifer Murray who has been selected as a leader at an International Girl Guiding camp in India.
12th February – Sunday
Pray for our services today and give thanks for the opportunity to join together informally for tea and coffee after Morning Prayer.
13th February – Monday
Pray for the sick. Remember especially today those whose life is ebbing away. Pray for carer’s.
14th February –Tuesday
The Women’s Fellowship is not meeting this evening with many members hoping to support the Guides in their Beetle Drive fundraiser. Pray for the members of Women’s Fellowship and Girl Guiding in this place and for a good turnout and good fellowship this evening.
15th February – Wednesday
Pray for the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.
16th February – Thursday
North Korea has a new leader but nothing changes as Christians in that country continue to be the most persecuted. Christians in northern Nigeria have died in attacks over the Christmas period. Pray for these two areas, for Persecuted Christians worldwide and for Open Doors.
17th February – Friday
Pray for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
18th February – Saturday
Pray for today’s joint outreach with members of 1st Presbyterian, for the Barn Dance this evening, and for Sasha McAllister’s fundraising for her participation at the International Girl Guiding camp this summer.
19th February – Sunday
SNYF concludes its study of the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ looking at self-control. Pray for this evening’s meeting and for today’s church services especially Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.
20th February – Monday
As the economic downturn continues and governments, organisations and individuals struggle with debt, pray for our government in its decision-making. Pray for those individuals struggling to make ends meet and for those facing the threat or reality of unemployment.
21st February – Tuesday
Pray for those who have been recently bereaved.
22nd February – Wednesday
This Ash Wednesday, pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship, Mission Carrickfergus, and the preparations for Holy Week services in the Church of the Nazarene.
23rd February – Thursday
This morning Parish News will be assembled ready for distribution. Give thanks for Catherine Wallace and for the dedication of the team who assist her each month. Pray for distributors, for those who have fulfilled this role for many years and for those who have recently answered the call to serve in this way.
24th February – Friday
Pray for children and young people preparing to change or leave school this summer. Pray for their parents and teachers.
25th February – Saturday
Pray for the members of our Badminton Club.
26th February – Sunday
Pray for today’s services, with their emphasis on families and young people. Pray for the young people who will help lead our praise today. Pray for Rev Canon Brian Courtney preaching in Annalong parish today, and for his and Valerie’s preparations for their imminent holiday.
27th February – Monday
Pray for our Link Missionaries Robert and Sharon Heaney and their son Sam in Tanzania. Pray for Crosslinks.
28th February – Tuesday
The Encounter Prayer Group meets this evening. Pray for those meeting in church this evening and for the prayer ministry within our parish.
29th February – Wednesday
Now that preparations are under way for our Easter Praise, pray for Alison Irwin and those meeting for choir practice this evening.
In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. Philippians 4 v 6
ENCOUNTER
Next meeting Tuesday 28th February 2012
7.30 pm in the Church
Psalm 42 — “Remembering”
For further information contact Peter Ferguson
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES
This year’s CMS Annual Project is entitled ‘The Beautiful Gate’, and takes its title from Acts 3 where Peter and John encounter a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, an encounter that changed the man’s life.The project focuses on a particular Church in Nepal, where God’s people engage in worship and mission, where lives are transformed daily.
The morning Sunday School children will learn about this important work and the importance of loving God and loving others on Sunday 5th February.
Funds are being sought for the church to buy a vehicle together with support for their Charity Care Fund.
CMS boxes will be handed out to all children for this collection and can be returned to Sunday School anytime over the next 3 months.
News from Emmanuel in Tabora, Tanzania
Emmanuel tells us in his latest newsletter that, just before Christmas, he went to a Church some 185 miles away to speak at several meetings over 3 days.
More than 200 boys and girls attended, and he tells of God’s blessing on him as he spoke to such a large gathering. He also relates in some detail how God was at work in such a special way in the lives of the children as he prayed with them and spoke with them.
News spread around the area, after the first day, of what God was doing in the children’s lives, and many mothers brought more children for personal prayer. This included Roman Catholic and Moslem children and Emmanuel tells of the flood of outpouring of God’s power on all the children.
Emmanuel asks for our prayers for his Children's Outreach Mission, that in 2012 God will open more doors to reach more children, for wisdom and insight as he speaks at meetings and directs the Mission, for sufficient funds for the work, and for health for his family.
If there is any parent who would like to be associated with this valuable work please speak to me. The Smartie Appeal continues, many thanks to all the children who continue to support Emmanuel’s work in this way.
Lynn Rodgers, Sunday School Superintendent
Crèche Rota February 2012
5th Ann Hodge, Sarah Nelson, Valerie Leighton, Rebecca Leighton12th Faye Hamilton, Kathleen Arthur, Carol Moneypenney, Rachel McVeigh
19th Janice Nelson, Catherine Wallace, Alison Kane, Hester Gingles
26th Deirdre Beck, Christine Stewart, Nichola Downey, Jonathan Nelson
The Crèche is now meeting in the Choir Vestry. Children can be left there from 10.50 am each Sunday. It would be appreciated if those who kindly staff the Crèche would be there in good time. 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.
Flowers in Church January 2012
8th Jean Hamill—In memory of my mother and father8th Bertha Whiteside
15th Vacant
22nd Vacant
29th Sally Campbell—In memory of Sam
Flowers in Church February 2012
5th Miss Clarke—In memory of the Linn Family12th The Dalton Family—In memory of Frederick Smyth
12th Doris Close and Lorraine Gibson—In memory of our father
19th Hilary Wilshin
26th Ann & Roy McVeigh
If you would like to donate flowers for the Sanctuary please fill your name in against the appropriate space on the new Flower List in the main porch.
Christian Baptism
“Suffer the little children to come unto me”27th November 2011
Matthew David Grier, 121 Broadlands, Carrickfergus
Christian Marriage
‘What God has joined together, let not man separate’20th December 2011
Neil Buchanan, 3 The Glade, Greenisland, Carrickfergus and
Laura Jayne Johnston, 4 The Cairn, Greenisland, Carrickfergus
Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’25th November 2011
Annabella (Ann) Finlay, 7 Dunluskin Crescent, Carrickfergus
8th December 2011
James Elliott (Jim) Jamison, 14 Milebush Crescent, Carrickfergus
Not all habits are bad!
We are forever hearing about people whose bad habits have led to major issues in their life like drink and drug abuse, but are ALL habits bad?Developing GOOD habits can greatly enhance our lives. If we grow these good habits into our daily ‘auto-pilot’ activities, we will be astonished at how much more fruitful our lives can become.
The bad news is that it can take 155 days to break a bad habit. The good news is that it can take only 21 days to create a new habit, and the new one can replace a habit you are trying to change. We are blessed that God gave us patience as one of the Fruits of the Spirit, and we will need it if we fail in the first 21 days and have to start again.
Do you live in chaos, and waste time looking for things? Consider tidying your life. Being neat will save you endless hours of stress. You CAN do it. Did you know that companies that insist on a ‘clean desk’ when you leave at night, actually get it - despite the various ‘natural’ tidiness levels of the staff within the building?
Do you exercise? It not only enhances your life, it may save your life. It isn’t enough to buy the gym membership; you have to use it. So - first identify a time you could go to the gym on a regular basis, and then start going for at least 21 times in a row. Soon you will have built the habit of going.
Good habits can help our spiritual lives, too. For 21 days, try getting up 15 minutes earlier, and spending that time reading your Bible and having a prayer. Keep at it. 22 days from now, push it back to half an hour before your former ‘rise time’, and you will find you can begin each day with enough time and space to ground yourself in God.
What are the habits you wish you could change, and what habits would you like to develop? Remember the Creator programmed us with the ability to control our habits and it is up to us to do so. Perseverance is the key. Keep going till it has become part of your ‘auto pilot’.
4th Carrickfergus Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
are holding a fundraisingCoffee Morning and Craft Fair
Saturday 25th February from 10 am - 12.30 pm
If you, or someone you know, would like to buy a table to sell your crafts, please leave your details with Catherine in the Church Office
and someone from the Scout Group will contact you.
As there are a limited number of tables, they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Services in February 2012
5th 9 30 am Holy Communion11.00 am Holy Communion—Brands from the burning
Jeremiah 39 v 1 & 8-18
2 Peter 3 v 3-13
7.00 pm Evening Prayer—The message of freedom
Galatians 1 v 1-10
12th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer
Faith in the 21st century—(Don’t) give me that old time religion!
Micah 6 v 6-8
Matthew 23 v 1-12
7.00 pm Informal Service—Power to change
Galatians 1 v 11-24
19th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer
Faith in the 21st century—What matters most?
Deuteronomy 6 v 1-9
Mark 12 v 28-34
7.00 pm Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
Fellowship and fallouts!
Galatians 2 v 1-19
26th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Family Service—Elisha and the armies of Syria
2 Kings 6 v 8-23
7.00 pm Youth Church
The God you’re looking for . . . . .Who can laugh or cry with you?
Zephaniah 3 v 14-20
Matthew 26 v 36-46
OTHER EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
7th 7.30 pm Select Vestry11th 10.00 am Coffee Morning fundraiser in Church Halls
11th 10.30 am Parish Walking Group Outing
14th 7.30 pm Guides Beetle Drive
15th 7.15 pm Widows Group
18th 8.00 pm Barn Dance in the Church Halls
25th 10.00 am Beaver, Cubs & Scouts Coffee Morning in Church Halls
28th 7.30 pm Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in church
Date for your Diary!
Parish Walking Group
Carnmoney Hill Walk
Saturday 11th February
Meet at 10.30 am at the lay-by at Knockenagh Avenue, Rathfern
For further details contact Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson
WIDOWS GROUP NOTICE
The Widows Group held their Christmas Party on 7th December.Imagine our surprise when we arrived to find the tables beautifully laid out for a Christmas dinner. Our sincere thanks go to two
members of the Church Catering Team—Hazel McMullan and Jean Stewart—for very generously supplying a four course meal, free of charge for the members of our group. Our thanks also to the other members of the Catering Team for preparing and serving it.
We had a very happy evening, enjoyed by everyone present.
To anyone thinking of using the services of the Catering Team, they would be very highly recommended by the ladies of the Widows Group.
Beth Skelton (Honorary Secretary)
Jennifer Murray has been selected to represent Girlguiding Ulster in July 2012 on a community project called 'Discover your Potential' at Sangam - one of the four world centres for Girlguiding situated in Pune, India. To raise funds she is holding a coffee morning and everyone is welcome.
Coffee Morning
Saturday 11th February 201210 - 12 Midday
St Nicholas’ Church Halls
There will be a few stalls selling children’s gifts, sweets, homemade traybakes etc and there will be a children’s area with puzzles, colouring pages, games and juice/crisps
so parents can relax with their coffee/tea and scone
without having to worry about their children.
If anyone can provide traybakes/scones for this fund raiser please speak to Jennifer or contact Catherine in the church office
ϑ SNYF FEBRUARY EVENTS ϑ
Sunday 5th Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ”Gentleness”
Sunday 19th Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ”Self-control”
Valentine Beetle Drive
to raise funds for 4th Carrickfergus Girl Guide Unit
Tuesday 14th February at 7.30 pm in the Church Halls
£3 admission payable at the door
(light supper of tea, coffee and buns included)
Spot prizes on the night
Everyone welcome
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
