Carrickfergus, N Ireland
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends at St Nicholas’As we enter the month of December our minds naturally turn towards Christmas again. There is much to plan - arrangements for the day itself, family to be invited, presents to buy, work functions to be attended, children to be brought to parties.... All in all it can be a fairly exhausting experience! But at the heart of the Christmas celebrations is a message which brings hope, not a burden!
The coming of the baby in Bethlehem is a reminder that God himself reaches out to a tired and hurting world and offers to meet us in Jesus Christ. Those who accept that invitation to meet with Jesus discover the joy of God’s forgiveness and love as God offers us new life through his Son. I venture to suggest that that is the greatest gift that any of us can hope to receive this Christmas!
Do make space to meet with Jesus this Christmas! Details of the Christmas services are given elsewhere in this magazine. You will be most welcome to come along, whether to Children’s Nativities organised by our Sunday Schools, Carol Services, or Holy Communion or Family Service on the day itself. In addition the churches in Carrickfergus have been working with the Borough Council to bring the Bethlehem Experience to the Town Hall on Saturday 3rd December. Do come along to walk through the streets of Bethlehem and discover what it must have been like to be in the city at the time that Jesus was born.
On behalf of us all at St Nicholas’ may I wish you and your family a very happy and blessed Christmas!
In our parish life we are experiencing changes in staffing at the moment. Last month we were pleased to welcome Mrs Heather Cooke who has been placed with us as a Diocesan Reader. Heather is a parishioner of St Brigid’s Mallusk (Glengormley) who has completed the Diocesan training course for Lay Readers and is now following God’s call to assist in the leading of worship and preaching. We are delighted to welcome Heather amongst us and look forward to her ministry amongst us in the months that lie ahead.
On a very different note, I have to announce that Canon Kathleen Brown has decided to retire from the St Nicholas’ ministry team. Kathleen joined the team during the vacancy for a Rector at the end of 2008 and has been a valued member of the clergy staff here ever since. She has made a wonderful contribution to the parish and I, as rector, have valued her support, encouragement and wise advice over the last two and a half years. I am glad to say that Kathleen is just stepping down from the leadership team and not leaving the parish, so we will still be able to enjoy having her worship with us in St Nicholas. We hope to have the opportunity to say a formal word of thanks to Kathleen at the morning service on 15 January - do come along and join us that morning.
Two months ago this magazine contained a statement from your Select Vestry after the news that a Church of Ireland clergyman in the Republic of Ireland had entered into a civil partnership with a male partner. The church centrally is discussing how to address the matter - and included in the magazine this month is a statement issued recently by the House of Bishops. Please continue to pray that, as this matter is discussed, the church that we love will maintain appropriate Biblical standards and call those involved to repentance and help them to find forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
The good news that Jesus brought into the world at Christmas time was that we are no longer slaves to our sins, but that we may find forgiveness and freedom in Jesus’ name.
May we all know that peace in our lives this Christmas time.
With love in Jesus,
George
A Pastoral Letter From The Bishops Of The Church Of Ireland
For some time the bishops of the Church of Ireland had planned to undertake a review of their Pastoral Letter of 2003 on human sexuality. The recent debate in the Church of Ireland on issues of sexuality has given added impetus to the bishops’ process of reflection.We also hope, in a structured way, to engage the church at every level in this endeavour.It is helpful, at the outset, to affirm clearly the teaching of the church on marriage.The Book of Common Prayer describes marriage as ‘part of God’s creation and a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh.’It is to be monogamous, with a publicly declared intention that it be life–long.The church’s teaching has been faithfulness within marriage as the normative context for sexual expression.
The state, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has provided in law for civil partnerships between persons of the same gender.Such partnerships are one means of conferring specific legal rights, but may not necessarily involve sexual expression.It is clear that they are not recognised by the church as marriage. Indeed they are not recognised by the state as marriage in either jurisdiction.However, because civil partnerships are narrowly limited to people of the same gender, they are often perceived as an equivalent to or imitation of marriage for same sex couples.
Recent well–publicised events within the Church of Ireland concerning the issue of serving clergy and civil partnerships have caused considerable hurt and confusion to many.Others saw what had happened as a positive development.In the Church of Ireland as a whole, in consequence, this has led to a painful experience of disunity.We as bishops take very seriously our responsibility at this time to act in a way that will help to further the unity of the church in truth and love.These issues reflect the difficulties experienced within the wider Anglican Communion, which in recent years has found itself tragically divided by the debate concerning human sexuality.
The bishops’ Pastoral Letter of 2003, appended to this statement, ended with the following words:
‘This is an area of life where deeply held views, powerful emotions and the potential for causing great harm hold sway.We may have to learn how or whether we will be able to live peaceably and with integrity with very different viewpoints within the family of the Church and the household of faith.’
While the 2003 Pastoral Letter laid out the situation, it did not put in place a means by which the church could adequately engage with the challenges expressed in the document, and find a way forward.We are now commending a means by which the church can work through these issues and hopefully come to a common mind.This will involve sustained and committed work for the bishops and for the entire membership of the General Synod in particular.
We plan to organise a major conference in Spring 2012, to which members of the General Synod and some others will be invited.The purpose of the conference is to discuss the content of this Pastoral Letter, to assist the church in becoming more fully informed, and to explore wider issues related to human sexuality.In preparation for this conference, we commit ourselves, as bishops, to additional meetings, including a retreat, where we will study and pray together.The conference is not envisaged to be an end in itself.Study in biblical, theological and legal issues, both before and after the conference, needs to be encouraged and undertaken.
We urge people of all shades of opinion within the Church of Ireland to refrain from any actions or the use of emotive or careless language which may further exacerbate the situation within the Church.Such restraint will greatly facilitate the work ahead.
We commend this entire process to the prayers of the Church.
The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland
The Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh
The Most Revd Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough
The Most Revd Richard Clarke, Bishop of Meath & Kildare
The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore
The Rt Revd Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross
The Rt Revd Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh
The Rt Revd Ken Good, Bishop of Derry & Raphoe
The Rt Revd Michael Burrows, Bishop of Cashel & Ossory
The Rt Revd Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor
The Rt Revd Trevor Williams, Bishop of Limerick & Killaloe
The Rt Revd Patrick Rooke, Bishop of Tuam, Killala & Achonry
The Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher
Sound Desk Rota December 2011
Morning Evening4th Jamie Davison Steven Todd
11th Derice Maguire Children’s Carol Service
18th Johnny Hodge Lynn Rodgers
25th Johnnie McAlister No Service Christmas Day
Sound Desk Rota January 2012
1st Jonathan Nelson Lynn Rodgers
8th Julie Irvine Paul Letters
15th Johnny Hodge Steven Todd
22nd Glenn Nelson Adam Dalton
29th Derice Maguire John Kane
CRÈCHE ROTA DECEMBER 2011
4th Nichola Downey, Kathleen Arthur, Alison Kane, Ruth Nelson11th Karen Bell, Katrina Todd, Lorraine Gibson, Erin Davison
18th Amy Ferguson, Heather Gingles, Ann Hodge, Rebecca Leighton
25th There will be no Crèche today as it will be a shortened service
CRÈCHE ROTA JANUARY 2012
1st Valerie Leighton, Carol Moneypenney, Faye Hamilton, Rachel McVeigh8th Janice Nelson, Catherine Wallace, Christine Stewart, Hester Gingles
15th Nichola Downey, Kathleen Arthur, Alison Kane, Jonathan Nelson
22nd Deirdre Beck, Karen Bell, Katrina Todd, Ruth Nelson
29th Lorraine Gibson, Amy Ferguson , Heather Gingles, Erin Davison
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.
SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Organised by 4th Carrickfergus Girl Guides
St Nicholas’ Church Halls
Please come and celebrate the Christmas Season with us on
Tuesday 13th December 2011 at 7 pm
To help with catering and transport arrangements, please return the slip below to the Church office by Friday 2nd December
Everyone welcome
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I will be attending the Christmas Party
Signed _________________________
Address ________________________
Telephone ______________________
I require transport YES/NO
POINTS TO PONDER
Hope means expectancy when things are otherwise hopeless. GK ChestertonLaughter adds richness, texture and colour to otherwise ordinary days. It is a gift, a choice, a discipline and an art. T Hansel
Prayer Diary – December 2011
1st December – ThursdayThis can be a very expensive and stressful time of year, especially for those living on a low fixed income as well as the unemployed. Pray for those feeling under pressure to ‘provide’. Give thanks for the work of organisations like the Salvation Army, SVDP and FareShare and for the generosity of donors.
2nd December – Friday
The Brownies and Rainbows are having their Christmas outing today to the Pantomime. Pray for their leaders and the girls, for safe travel, and that they would have an enjoyable time.
3rd December – Saturday
Pray for the Church of the Nazarene’s ‘Bethlehem Experience’ Event taking place this weekend. Pray for everyone involved.
4th December – Sunday
Give thanks for our Ministry team. Pray for the Rector and his work here in St Nicholas’ and within the Church of Ireland. Give thanks also for the quality of Bible teaching we receive. Pray for Peter, Brian and Kathleen, and Diocesan Lay Reader Heather Cooke.
5th December – Monday
Pray for staff and pupils of Central Primary School and for family and friends joining them today in church for their Carol Service.
6th December – Tuesday
Pray for the Church in Tabora Diocese. Pray for God’s over-ruling in the Diocese, for Emmanuel that he would be empowered and encouraged to continue his youth and children’s ministry, and for Bishop Elias Chakupewa as he attempts to make best use of limited resources.
7th December – Wednesday
The Widows’ Group get together this evening for their Christmas Party. Pray for the Widows’ Group and for the Catering Group.
8th December – Thursday
‘Explore’ meets this evening. Pray for the members of the group as they come together for their last meeting of 2011. Pray for the continued growth of the group in number and in understanding of God’s Word.
9th December – Friday
Pray for the members of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
10th December – Saturday
The children from our morning and afternoon Sunday Schools come together this morning for their Christmas Party. Pray for the children, their teachers, and for all their hard work preparing for tomorrow’s Christmas presentations.
11th December – Sunday
Pray for this afternoon’s presentation by the children from our afternoon Sunday School in Oakfield Community Centre. Pray for this evening’s Nativity presentation by the children of our morning Sunday School. Pray for this evening’s SNYF Christmas Party. Give thanks for our Sunday School teachers and SNYF leaders.
12th December – Monday
At what must be a very busy time in the Church Office, pray for Catherine Wallace. Give thanks for the cheerful and efficient way she supports the ministry team in the running of the parish.
13th December – Tuesday
This evening the Guides host the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party, while the ladies of our Women’s Fellowship enjoy their Christmas Outing. Pray for these events and for the pupils and teachers of Downshire School in church for the Carol Service.
14th December – Wednesday
Pray for our Organist Alison Irwin and Choir members as they meet for final practice for Sunday’s Service of Lessons and Carols. Pray for Peter at Oakfield School this morning for their assembly.
15th December – Thursday
The Small Groups have their final meeting for 2011 this evening. Pray for the continuing opportunity they provide to study God’s work in a relaxed environment. Remember also the Girls’ Bible Fellowship and the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship groups.
16th December – Friday
Pray for the ‘Busy Bees’ Parent and Toddler group. Pray for helpers setting up, clearing up and assisting with the group.
17th December – Saturday
Remember the bereaved, especially those facing their first Christmas following the death of a spouse, parent or child.
18th December – Sunday
Pray for this evening’s Service of Lessons and Carols. Pray for those chosen to read lessons this evening, and for Alison and the Choir.
19th December –Monday
Since the beginning of Christianity, men and women have been leaving all that is familiar to travel the world spreading the Gospel. Pray for the Missionaries of today, remembering Robert and Sharon Heaney, their son Sam and Mark and Ali Gill.
20th December – Tuesday
Pray for Christian Marriage. Pray for the couples married in St Nicholas’ in 2011 and those planning to marry in the coming year.
21st December – Wednesday
Give thanks once again for Celia Richardson’s work organising the purchase and distribution of Scripture Union Bible Study Notes.
22nd December – Thursday
Pray for our Armed Forces, especially those serving in Afghanistan.
23rd December – Friday
Pray for Homeless people, especially those sleeping rough.
24th December – Saturday
Pray for the sick, for those in hospital, for those in pain, and for those with life threatening conditions. Pray for carers and for hospital staff continuing care and treatment throughout the holiday weekend.
25th December – Sunday
As once again we celebrate the birth of the Saviour, give thanks for all God’s Goodness lavished on us. Give thanks that we are free to worship today. Give thanks for our church family coming together this morning. Give thanks for all those you love. Pray for those who are alone today, for those who do not know Christ in their lives. Pray that we will always be ready to show His love to others.
26th December – Monday
Give thanks for members of the emergency services working throughout the holiday. Pray for those working in service industries required to return to work today.
27th December – Tuesday
Tensions continue between Israel and its neighbours. Pray for progress towards peace and for the efforts of peacemakers.
28th December – Wednesday
Pray for the work of TEARFUND.
29th December – Thursday
Give thanks for Ted McAuley and Gordon Dalton, our Church Wardens and for all those who help with the maintenance of the church building and grounds.
30th December – Friday
Pray for the staff at Crosslinks and CMS Ireland.
31st December – Saturday
Pray for those attending church services this evening. Pray that New Year celebrations would be peaceful and that revellers keep safe.
Prayer Diary – January 2012
1st January – SundayAt the beginning of this New Year pray for the life of our church, for the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives helping us grow in faith. Pray that we would be friendly and welcoming to visitors. Pray for those who provide refreshments each Sunday morning, giving thanks for time spent together in conversation after Morning Prayer.
2nd January – Monday
Last year saw great upheaval in the Arab world with many changes of regime. In Europe too, the problems with government debt in the Eurozone saw changes of leadership. Pray for those who govern. Pray for integrity in governments. Pray for MPs at Westminster and for our Assembly at Stormont. Pray that they would govern wisely and that our world’s prospects might improve during 2012.
3rd January – Tuesday
Pray for the members of the Select Vestry. Pray that they would know God’s Grace and Guidance in the planning and prioritising of His work in our parish, and the direction and development of our Outreach in Carrickfergus and beyond.
4th January – Wednesday
Pray for the Church’s Ministry Among Jewish People.
5th January – Thursday
Pray for the sick. At this time remember those suffering with mental illness, with Depression, and with Dementia. Pray for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Pray for those who seek to bring help, comfort and healing to the mentally ill.
6th January – Friday
As Uniformed Organisations begin meeting again after the holiday, pray for all those involved in all sections of Scouting, giving thanks for the commitment and enthusiasm of leaders.
7th January – Saturday
Members of the Parish Walking Group will meet in Glenarm this morning. Pray for the group and for opportunities to spend time together in friendship and fellowship.
8th January – Sunday
Pray for today’s church services and for teachers, children and young people resuming Sunday Schools and Bible Class. Pray for the SNYF members travelling to ‘Resonate’ in Portadown this evening.
9th January – Monday
Pray for Robert and Sharon Heaney and their work with students at SJU Tanzania. Pray for the health and strength of the Heaney family.
10th January – Tuesday
The guests at Women’s Fellowship, Sarah Nelson, Erin Davison and Hester Gingles will share their experiences of Christian work in Africa and South America. Pray for this evening’s meeting.
11th January – Wednesday
Pray for the members of Anchor Boys, Junior and Senior Sections of our Boys’ Brigade Company. Pray for the leaders and helpers.
12th January – Thursday
Pray for our Bishop Alan Abernethy and today’s meeting of the Connor Diocesan Council. Pray for our ‘Explore’ group as it resumes this evening following the Christmas and New Year break.
Pray for those currently studying for Christian Ministry, especially those preparing for Ordination this year.
13th January – Friday
Busy Bees has proved to be very successful. Pray for them, giving thanks for the hard work done by organisers Alison and Amy.
14th January – Saturday
Pray for the formation of an Outreach for the older members of our community who can feel overlooked in today’s ‘Youth Culture’.
15th January – Sunday
Pray for today’s services, especially this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing. Give thanks for our Ministry team. Pray for Rev Canon Kathleen Brown on what will be her last Sunday with us before her visit to family in New Zealand later this month. Pray for this evening’s SNYF and for their guest Andrew Campbell.
16th January – Monday
Ask our Lord for His guidance in the preparation and composition of this Prayer Diary.
17th January – Tuesday
Pray for our Guides. Pray for fundraising for their participation at this year’s International Event in England, but especially for Sasha McAllister who has been selected to go to India for another event and for Jennifer Murray also selected as a leader.
18th January – Wednesday
This morning the Rector will be at Oakfield Primary School for their Assembly. Pray for this, for the Midweek Holy Communion Service in church and, for the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.
19th January – Thursday
The Small Groups meet this evening. Pray for the Small Groups and for those who have opened their homes for Bible Study.
20th January – Friday
Pray for Catherine Wallace in the church office as she gathers material for Parish News, and for Uel Stewart in his work cleaning the church and church halls.
21st January – Saturday
Pray for our Bowlers and the members of our Badminton Clubs.
22nd January – Sunday
Today the Music Group will lead our singing at this morning’s family service and this evening’s youth service. Pray for today’s worship.
23rd January – Monday
Pray for our Hon Treasurer Don Howe, Hon Secretary Ted McAuley, the Gift Aid team and those who faithfully record our FWO amounts.
24th January – Tuesday
Pray for and with those attending this evening’s ‘Encounter’ group meeting in church.
25th January – Wednesday
Pray for those who have been recently bereaved.
26th January – Thursday
Pray for Peter and for all those attending today’s Connor Diocese Continuing Education in Ministry. Pray for those preparing the February issue of Parish News for distribution.
27th January – Friday
Pray for those involved in Mission through Middle East Christian Outreach. Pray for efforts to raise funds to support this work.
28th January – Saturday
Pray for the church in Tabora.
29th January – Sunday
Each Sunday morning volunteers care for the youngest members of our congregation in the Crèche. Give thanks for them for giving parents the opportunity to hear from God’s word without distraction.
Pray for today’s services and for those listening via CD Ministry.
30th January – Monday
Pray for our group of Bell Ringers.
31st January – Tuesday
Throughout the year we open the church building for visits by groups and individuals. Give thanks for parishioners who act as Tour Guides and that some visitors will return for Sunday Worship.
In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. Philippians 4.6
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES
Christmas PartyOur Christmas Party for both Morning and Afternoon Sunday School children will take place on Saturday 10th December in the Church Halls. All children will be made very welcome. The party will be from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm. Santa will be making his customary appearance and, together with fun and games, we look forward to having a great time.
Nativity Play
Our Children’s Nativity Play and Carol Service will be on Sunday 11th December in the Church Halls beginning at 6 pm. Parents are asked to bring their children to the Halls at 5 pm to be made ready for the play.
Children and parents are reminded that Santa will be present to receive gifts which will in turn be distributed to needy families in Northern Ireland by the Church of Ireland Board of Social Responsibility.
Everyone is invited to remain behind after the service to enjoy fellowship together over tea, coffee, juice and biscuits. Both Morning and Afternoon Sunday schools will resume on Sunday 8th January 2012.
Have a wonderful Christmas, never forgetting who and what is at the centre of our celebrations.
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent
Heather Gingles, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent
FLOWERS IN CHURCH DECEMBER 2011
4th Bobby Patterson—In memory of my wife Pat11th Eileen Mawhirk– In memory of my parents Bill and Agnes Betts
18th David McAtamney & family—In memory of my wife Denise
25th Liz Hanna
Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’10th November 201
William Robert (Billy) Watton, 3 Woodburn Walk, Carrickfergus
11th November 2010
John (Jack) Simpson, 15 Priory Close, Carrickfergus
19th November 2010
Myrtle Campbell, 61 Castlemara Drive, Carrickfergus
SERVICES IN DECEMBER 2011
4th 9.30 am Holy Communion11.00 am Holy Communion—The best laid plans
Jeremiah 29 v 1 & 4-14 Valerie Kirk
Matthew 5 v 43-48 The Preacher
7.00 pm Evening Prayer—A Saviour is coming!
Isaiah 40 v 1-11 Daphne Murphy
Mark 1 v 1-8 Hilary Bishop
11th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer—John—Pointing to Jesus
Isaiah 61 v 1-9 Robin Gray
John 1 v 6-8 & 19-28 Joan Gray
2.30 pm Afternoon Sunday School Christmas Puppet Nativity (Oakfield)
6.00 pm Children's Nativity Service in Church Halls
18th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer—Humble Obedience
2 Samuel 7 v 1-11 Joanne Rodgers
Luke 1 v 26-38 Christine Stewart
7.00 pm Festival of Lessons and Carols
24th 11 pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion
Titus 2 v 11-14 Jean Stewart
Luke 2 v 1-14 Lynn Rodgers
25th 8.30 am Christmas Day Holy Communion
10.30 am Christmas Day Family Service
Other Events in December 2011
7th 7.15 pm Widows’ Group Christmas Party10th 10.30 am Morning & Afternoon Sunday School Christmas Party
11th 2.30 pm Afternoon Sunday School Nativity Play
11th 6.00 pm Children's Nativity Service in Church Halls
11th 8.30 pm SNYF Christmas Party
13th 7.00 pm Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party
Our first meeting in 2012 will be on January 10th with the theme “Reflections on Christian Work in Africa and South America”. Our speakers will be Sarah Nelson, Erin Davison and Hester Gingles. Please come along and bring your friends. Everyone welcome.
SERVICES IN JANUARY 2012
1st 9.30 am Holy Communion11.00 am Holy Communion—Great news for ordinary people!
Galatians 3 v 26—4 v 7 Joan Sykes
Matthew 2 v 1-12 The Preacher
7.00 pm Evening Prayer—Prayers for a new beginning
Colossians 1 v 9-20 Janet Preston
8th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer—The New Covenant
Jeremiah 31 v 31-37 June Carmichael
Luke 22 v 14-23 Kathleen Arthur
7.00 pm Informal Service—The Baptism of Jesus
Mark 1 v 4-11 Janice Nelson
15th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer—Buyer’s Market
Jeremiah 32 v 1-15 Valerie Barr
Romans 8 v 18-27 Gillian Dalton
7.00 pm Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
Hesitant Disciples
John 1 v 43-51 Christine Cahoon
22nd 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Family Service—Elisha & Naaman
2 Kings 5 v 1-19
Youth Service—To be confirmed
29th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer—Book Burning
Jeremiah 36 v 1-7 & 15-26 Marion Letters
1 Peter 1 v 22—2 v 3 Linda Mulvenny
7.00 pm Evening Prayer—Jesus at the temple
Luke 2 v 21-40 Jackie Kane
Other Events in January 2012
7th 10.30 am Parish Walking Group Outing8th 11.00 am Sunday School Resumes
10th 7.30 pm Women’s Fellowship
18th 7.15 pm Widows’ Group
24th 7.30 pm Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in the church.
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
Walk off that Turkey with the Parish Walking Group!
Saturday 7th January 2012 at 10.30 am
Meet at the Glenarm car park (Carnlough side of Glenarm)
For further details contact Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson
FLOWER ROTA
A Flower Rota for Sundays throughout 2012 will be posted in the Church Porch. Anyone wishing to provide flowers for a given Sunday please sign their name against the date on the Rota or contact Mary Withers.As these details go into Parish News we would ask, if possible, that you put your name against the date you wish in church or speak to Mrs Withers at least 6 weeks in advance.
SNYF CHRISTMAS PARTY
Sunday 11th December
at 8.30 pm
in the Church Halls
ϑ SNYF JANUARY EVENTS ϑ
Sunday 8th Night Out to Resonate Portadown
Sunday 15th “Goodness” with Andrew Campbell
Sunday 22nd Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ ΦSNYF Sanctuary
Sunday 29th Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ ΦFaithfulness
TEA ROTA DECEMBER 2011 & JANUARY 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 or ring Gillian Many thanks for your support.04/12/11
Annie Crawford
Carol Montgomery
Gillian Dalton
11/12/11
Doris Close
Tamera Milligan
Joan Sykes
18/12/11
Lorraine Gibson
Maureen Jackson
Natasha Jackson
01/01/12
Heather Gingles
Joan Hill
Janice Nelson
08/01/12
Kathleen Arthur
Julie Irvine
Rachel McVeigh
15/01/12
Annette Adams
Joanne Rodgers
Patricia Wilson
22/01/12
Carol Anderson
Joan Gray
Robin Gray
29/01/12
Karen Miles
Rebecca Leighton
Christine Stewart
ENCOUNTER
Next meeting Tuesday 24th January 20127:30pm in the church
Psalm 81 — “Listening to God”
Jesus said: “My house will be called a house of prayer.” Matthew 21:13
AFTERNOON SUNDAY SCHOOL NATIVITY PLAY
The Afternoon Sunday School will be having the Christmas Story as told by puppets in Oakfield Community Centre on Sunday 11th December at 2.30 pmEveryone welcome.
WIDOWS GROUP
Christmas Party
7.15 pm—9.30 pm in the Main Hall
Wednesday 7th December 2011
LEPROSY MISSION
Leprosy still exists around the world with many people still suffering. If you would like to make a donation to this worthwhile cause
or you would like a collecting box for your home,
please contact Tina Campbell at 9336 5945
Thank you
May we take this opportunity to wish all our parishioners
a happy and richly blessed Christmas and New Year.
May God fix our eyes on Jesus, the most costly gift God could give. May it be our joy to receive Him,
God’s indescribable gift.
We look forward to seeing many parishioners in Church
to join in the special services we will be having
over this special Christmas season.
As well as that, we remember in our prayers those
who suffered bereavement during the past year.
We trust that on this their first Christmas without their loved one they may be especially conscious of God’s love.
