Carrickfergus, N Ireland

MINISTER’S LETTER

As I write this, Monday the 15th June, I get the feeling that we are in a season of anticipation.  Many students are in the middle of exams looking forward to being finished and also finished school, college or university.  Many perhaps looking forward to getting a job, earning some money, perhaps the parents are looking forward to this most of all!  No doubt many of you are looking forward to enjoying the much anticipated wonderful summer that we are supposed to get this year.  Many are perhaps thinking of booking a holiday, looking for a good deal, whilst some have only to get the correct currency.

There are many of us who have been anticipating the arrival of our new Rector George, his wife Nadine and children Erin and Jamie.  I suppose by the time this comes to you in print they will have arrived and will be trying to settle in.  I want to encourage you to show them a lot of love and consideration.  They have spent some 14 years in their last parish where both their children grew up.  No doubt they will find it hard saying goodbye and settling into a different way of life and at the same time trying to build new relationships, this won’t happen overnight.  

Anticipation, I can’t wait!  God’s man and family, in God’s time, in God’s place.  St Nicholas will move to the next chapter with many exciting possibilities ahead.

A tinge of sadness.  Many of you know, as many of you heard me announce, that I have accepted the position of Rector in St Matthias’s Knocknamuckley, just outside Lurgan.  The proposed date for the institution is the 2nd October 09.  It had been my thinking that I would be around a little longer but I guess God had a different plan.  I want to thank you again for your faithfulness and your support during the time of our vacancy and wish you all a wonderful summer, use the time and the opportunity to get some rest!



MARTHA, LAZARUS and MARY        (John 12:1-8)
Martha welcomed and worked hard
And worried about so many things,
Especially that Mary didn’t.

Lazarus lived again and found fame,
And shared supper with the guest
Who called him from the grave.

But Mary…
Mary listened and sat at his feet,
And filled the house with fragrance
In anointing him.

Martha served, Lazarus honoured,
But with her hair and her heart
Mary worshipped the Lord.               Daphne Kitching

POINTS TO PONDER

Remembrance of past mercies is a great stimulus to present faith.  
Jerry Bridges
If my heart is right with God, every human being is my neighbour  
Oswald Chambers
If the Saviour cannot manifest himself at your breakfast table he will not shine through you at any other table.                             Vance Havner

NEW HORIZON

“New Horizon” is a week of Christian teaching and worship held at the University of Ulster, Coleraine.  This year’s event will be from July 18th—24th and have the overall theme of “Enjoying God.”

Speakers this year include Don Carson who has been Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School since 1978 and Ray Ortlund who is Pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee and has also ministered in churches in California, Oregon, Georgia and West Scotland whilst gaining a PhD from the University of Aberdeen.  Keith and Kristyn Getty who have composed many modern hymns for today’s church will also participate.

The main meetings, Monday—Friday, are at 10.00 am & 7.30 pm.  There are also meetings geared to children and teenagers and on Wednesday and Friday at 11.30 am there will be Special Celebrations for those with learning disabilities.  This year there are also late night seminars at 10 pm Monday to Thursday.  

You can obtain further information by phoning Shirley Taylor at 028 2955 7157, emailing to office@newhorizon.org.uk or visiting the website www.newhorizon.org.uk

Prayer Diary – July 2009

1st July – Wednesday
Yesterday our Brownies set off for Brownie Camp.  Pray for the girls that they would enjoy this time away together, and pray for leaders, that they too would enjoy being with the girls and that everyone returns home safe and excited on Friday.
2nd July – Thursday
Pray for Kinawley and Holy Trinity Parish as they begin their search for a new Rector.  Pray especially for their Parish Nominators.    
3rd July – Friday
Summer Madness, Ireland’s largest Christian Festival for Young People, gets under way today at the King’s Hall in Belfast.  Pray for the smooth running of this event and for the fellowship of the young people attending.
4th July – Saturday
Crosslinks Junior Camp begins today at the Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor and will last for one week.  Pray for those who will lead the camp and for all the children taking part.
5th July – Sunday
This is our new Rector George Davison’s first Sunday with us.  Pray for him and his family, wife Nadine and children Erin and Jamie.  Pray for our services today.
6th July – Monday
Last month we heard about the need for Swahili Bibles, sports equipment and a mode of transport for Emmanuel to help him in his young peoples’ ministry in Tabora.  Pray for Emmanuel, and for our efforts as a parish in helping provide what is required.
7th July – Tuesday  
Pray for all the members of our Select Vestry at the beginning of a new era in the life of this parish.
8th July – Wednesday
Canon Kathleen Brown has served our parish well during the vacancy.  Give thanks for Kathleen’s service here.  Pray that she may continue to contribute to parish life but also enjoy more leisure time
9th July – Thursday
Pray for the sick in our parish, whether in mind or body.  Pray that by God’s will those who are suffering would find peace and healing.  Give thanks for the skills of our health professionals within our hospitals and working in the community.
10th July – Friday  
Pray today for those who live alone.  Pray especially for young single people, perhaps feeling isolated from friends who now have partners.  Pray for divorced and separated people once again facing life alone.
11th July – Saturday
Pray for a peaceful weekend, for the lighting of bonfires tonight and on Monday morning.  Pray that parades on Monday would be peaceful and safe for everyone throughout Northern Ireland.
12th July – Sunday  
With our Sunday school teachers taking a well-deserved break over the summer, pray for the Sunday Club, for the children and the volunteers who will supervise them.  Pray for our church services today and give thanks for the ladies providing refreshments after Morning Prayer giving us the opportunity to get to know one another.
13th July – Monday
Pray for members of the emergency services on duty today, for PSNI, Fire and Ambulance service personnel.  Pray too for volunteers like the St Johns Ambulance service.
14th July – Tuesday
Next month our annual Holiday Bible Club takes place.  Pray for the organisation and planning, for leaders and helpers, and that our Lord would put it into parents’ minds to bring their children along.
15th July – Wednesday
Pray for our new Ministry team here in St Nicholas’.  Pray for our new Rector, Rev George Davison, for Darren, for Andrew and his work with our young people, and not forgetting the contribution of Canon Kathleen Young.  Give thanks that we are so richly blessed.
16th July – Thursday
Pray for the work of Middle East Christian Outreach.
17th July –Friday
Pray for the bereaved.  Pray for those who have recently lost a loved one and feel that loss acutely.  Remember those bereaved some time ago, and not as yet able to move forward, feeling overwhelmed in a sea of hopelessness.  Pray that all who grieve may be comforted.
18th July  – Saturday
New Horizon begins today at the Coleraine Campus of the University of Ulster.  Pray for the organisation of this event, giving thanks for the many volunteers who ensure its smooth running.
19th July –Sunday
Pray to today’s services.  Pray especially for this evening’s service.  Pray for Stella Neill who manages the list of those asking for prayers for healing, for those on that list, and for her team of Intercessors.
20th July – Monday
Darren and Karen McCartney begin their well-deserved holiday.  Pray for them today, that they will enjoy this time away from parish duties and return refreshed when their holiday is over.
21st July – Tuesday
The theme for this year’s New Horizon is ‘Enjoying God’.  Pray for speakers Don Carson and Ray Ortlund.
22nd July – Wednesday
TEARFUND offers help and support to those living in poverty and offering a fair deal by selling their produce through Tearcraft.
23rd July – Thursday
The annual Scout Camp takes place this month.  Pray for our scouts and their leaders.
24th July – Friday
As this year’s New Horizon draws to a close, pray for all those who have taken part and attended this week.  Pray that they may indeed continue ‘Enjoying God’ and knowing Him at work in their lives.
25th July – Saturday
The Crosslinks Senior Camp gets underway at Greenhill YMCA, Newcastle.  Pray for all the young people involved that their participation this week will help them in their Christian faith.
26th July –Sunday  
Pray for today’s services.  Pray for those now unable through illness or infirmity to attend church and who will hear our services through the Tape Ministry.
27th July – Monday
Pray for our Church finances; for our Hon Treasurer Don Howe; Stuart Horner; the Gift Aid team; and those who record FWO giving.
28th July –Tuesday  
Pray for CMS Ireland, its planning and organisation.
29th July – Wednesday  
Every Sunday our Organist and Choir enrich our worship.  Pray and give thanks for Alison, Angie her understudy and choir members.
30th July – Thursday
Pray for the leaders and members of our Uniformed Organisations.
31st July – Friday
Andrew and Alison Campbell begin their annual holiday today.  Pray for them as they enjoy some time away.  Give thanks for their contribution to the Youth Ministry in our church.

Prayer Diary – August 2009

1st August – Saturday
Mary Withers organises the flowers in church.  Pray for Mary today.  Pray for those who generously contribute flowers.
2nd August – Sunday
Once again this morning we will have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat following Holy Communion at 11 0’clock.  Pray for this opportunity to meet together informally and give thanks for the ladies who have been providing refreshments these last weeks.
3rd August – Monday
It’s now just two week until the start of this year’s Holiday Bible Club.  Pray for the leaders and their preparations.
4th August – Tuesday
Throughout the summer months the Select Vestry continue to perform their duties in church.  Pray for the Select Vestry today.
5th August – Wednesday
From time to time parishioners are asked to help with some ‘housekeeping’ in the church, church grounds, church halls or surrounding areas.  Give thanks for those parishioners willing to give freely of their time in this most practical way.
6th August – Thursday  
Pray for our Women’s Fellowships including the Widows’ Group.  Give thanks for opportunities to socialise together.
7th August – Friday   
This month many teenagers will receive results from exams they sat in May and June.  Pray for these young people, their teachers and their families as they make decisions about their futures.
8th August – Saturday
Pray for the Church’s Ministry amongst Jewish People.
9th August – Sunday
Give thanks for those who supervise the children in the Sunday Club while Sunday school teachers enjoy their summer break.  Pray for Crèche volunteers caring for the smaller children throughout the year.
10th August – Monday
Pray for the Rector and the Davison family at the beginning of their summer holiday.
11th August – Tuesday
Pray for the sick, especially for the mentally ill.  Pray for carer’s perhaps feeling that there is nowhere and no one to help.  Pray that financial constraints would never prevent anyone receiving the medical help they need.
12th August – Wednesday
Pray for the mid-week Holy Communion service and for parishioners who attend each week.
13th August – Thursday
The Gill family spent many years in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Pray for them, for CMS Ireland and for those continuing God’s work in Nepal.
14th August – Friday
Pray for the leaders of our various organisations already planning for the new season in September.
15th August – Saturday
Pray for the six congregations in the Children and Youth Programme Pilot Areas in Tabora Diocese.  Pray for the sharing of this ministry with other congregations.
16th August – Sunday
This morning’s service will include Holy Baptism.  Pray for those being Baptised, their parents and Sponsors.  Pray for this evening’s Holy Communion service and for the Healing Ministry.
17th August – Monday
The Holiday Bible Club ‘Rescuers’ begins this evening.  Pray for this event and for a good turnout of children this evening.
18th August – Tuesday
This year’s Holiday Bible Club is based on the story of Ruth.  Pray that the children who came along yesterday would return this evening bring friends with them.
19th August – Wednesday
The Holiday Bible Club reaches the half way stage this evening.  Pray that leaders would be free from fatigue as the week progresses.
20th August – Thursday
On this the penultimate day of the Holiday Bible Club, pray that children will continue to come alone, that they may get to know something more of Christ through taking part and that they would remember the story of Ruth and use it as an example in their lives.
21st August – Friday
Pray for Christian marriage.  Remember the couples that have and will marry in St Nicholas’ this year.  Pray for everyone that has taken part in this week’s Holiday Bible Club.
22nd August – Saturday
With only a few weeks left of Church Openings, pray for the Tour Guides and their helpers.  Pray for visitors, that they would feel the warmth and friendship that exists in our church.  Pray that we would be a welcoming people.
23rd August – Sunday
At this morning’s 11.00am service the leaders and children from the Holiday Bible Club will join us.  Pray for this and all our services.
24th August – Monday
Catherine Wallace, our Secretary is kept busy in the Church Office.  Pray for Catherine, giving thanks for her friendly manner.
25th August – Tuesday
Pray for the bereaved, that they may know our Lord’s presence with them at this time, and have the assured hope of resurrection promised to all believers.
26th August – Wednesday
This week many children will return to school to meet new teachers, organise timetables and books etc.  For some this will mark their introduction to secondary education.  Bring them to God in prayer.
27th August – Thursday
This morning the September issue of Parish News will be put together ready for distribution.  Pray for the volunteers who assemble the magazine and for the distributors who deliver it to most parishioners.
28th August – Friday
Pray for all those involved in overseas mission, particularly those who have made a long-term commitment.  Pray that they would be strengthened when homesickness strikes.
29th August – Saturday
Today usually marks the end of the ‘Marching Season’ with the annual Royal Black Institution parades.  Pray that today’s parades would pass off peacefully.
30th August – Sunday
Pray for our Ministry Team here in St Nicholas’.  Pray for Darren and Karen McCartney as they prepare to leave us next month for the parish of Knocknamuckley.
31st August – Monday
Today marks the end of the peak holiday season.  Give thanks if you have been able to get away this year.  Pray for individuals and families that can only dream of a holiday, that they would be in a position to do all the things many of us take for granted.

Christian Baptism

“Suffer the little children to come unto me”
24th May 2009
Matthew George Alan McFerran, 87 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus
Jessica Jane Bell, 1 Edward Drive, Carrickfergus
Christopher David Bell, 1 Edward Drive, Carrickfergus
Lucy Elizabeth Bell, 1 Edward Drive, Carrickfergus

14th June 2009
Steven Thomas Crawford, 27 Glenfield Walk, Carrickfergus
Sophie Nicole Griffin, 38 Broadlands Park

Christian Marriage

‘Those whom God hath joined let no man put asunder’
25th May 2009
Andrew Philip Campbell, 14 Alexander Road, Carrickfergus
and Allison Jane Groves, 1a Old Road, Ballinderry Upper, Lisburn

NUMBER FUN

Here is one of those totally useless bits of information that is interesting nonetheless: at five minutes and six seconds after 4 am on the 7th of August this year, the time and date will be:
04:05:06 07/08/09
This will not happen again for 100 years. Same for next year’s 05:06:07 08/09/10. So – now you know!

St Nicholas’ Holiday Bible Club

Rescuing Ruth

Bible teaching, games, crafts and lots and lots of fun.

Where: St Nicholas Church Hall

When: 17th-21st August @ 7:30

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

CMS Project
This year’s CMS project is called “Start small, grow tall”, and is centred in the Diocese of Kibungo in the small central African country of Rwanda.  Our Sunday School children watched a DVD about how difficult life is in Rwanda.

Coupled with many Church of Ireland congregations throughout Ireland, collecting boxes were distributed amongst all the children as well as many others in church.

The total raised between Parishioners and Sunday School is £730.00, which will go towards the £30,000 target for this project.

Thank you to everyone who contributed towards this year’s project.

Sunday School ‘Smartie’ Appeal

I mentioned at our Sunday School prize giving on 21 June that this appeal has been running now for 5 years.  The amounts raised each year have generally hovered just under £1000, and last year the £1000 target was reached.  I have always been amazed and gratified that this appeal has kept going, quite often such appeals run out of steam after a while.  This year you, parents, children and family members, have surpassed yourselves.  The amount raised is £1,200, which is terrific.  Thank you so very, very much to everyone.

Many of you will have heard Emmanuel, from Tabora, speaking in Church on 31 May.  He spoke of how many Churches there don’t have Sunday Schools, and of the low priority for such work.

When he returns home in the Summer he will be setting in motion his plan to encourage churches to start Sunday Schools and to identify potential Sunday School teachers.

This money will be of tremendous use for him.  Do please keep the collection going.  Emmanuel’s talk will surely be a great encouragement to us all as we hear of the great need in Tabora Diocese.

Fill the plastic tubes, return them, and receive a new Smartie pack and empty tube to repeat the process.                    Thank you again
Sharon Lutton and Lynn Rodgers
Sunday School Superintendent

LAUGHLINES

Where there’s smoke...One Sunday morning when my son, David, was about five, we were attending a church in our community. It was common for the preacher to invite the children to the front of the church and have a small lesson before beginning the sermon. He would bring in an item they could find around the house and relate it to a teaching from the Bible.

This particular morning, the visual aid for his lesson was a smoke detector.  He asked the children if anyone knew what it meant when an alarm sounded from the smoke detector. My son immediately raised his hand: “It means Daddy's cooking dinner."

Sorry about this...An exasperated minister parked his car in a ‘No parking’ zone’ with this message on the windscreen:  “I have circled this car park 20 times. I have an appointment to keep – ‘forgive us our trespasses.’”

When he returned, he found this note:  “I have circled this car park for ten years.  If I don’t give you a ticket, I’m not doing the job I’m paid to do – ‘lead us not into temptation’.”

Flowers in Church June 2009 (not in last magazine)

14th    Mrs Kelsall—In memory of my husband George
21st    Linda Ogilby

Flowers in Church July 2009

5th    Mrs Audrey Kissick—In memory of my husband Bob
5th    E Hanna—For Mum and Dad
12th    The Lutton Family—In memory of Cecil
19th    Eileen Mawhirk—In memory of my husband Jim
26th    Mrs Hamill

Flowers in Church August 2009

2nd    Catherine Wallace—In memory of my mum Edna
9th    Eileen Mawhirk—In memory of my aunt, Ruth Burton
16th    Vacant
23rd    Karen Taylor—In memory of my mum & dad Violet and Brendin McPhail
30th    Rayma Hill—In memory of my father
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.

Crèche Rota July 2009

5th     Valerie Leighton, Karen Bell, Lorraine Gibson, Rebecca Leighton
12th    Carol Connor, Sharon Lutton, Louise Bell, Rebecca Patton
19th    Ann Hodge, Faye Hamilton, Heather Gingles, Hester Gingles
26th    Kathleen Arthur, Christine Stewart, Katrina Todd, Ruth Nelson

Crèche Rota August 2009

2nd     Pauline Walsh, Annie Crawford, Anne Laverty, Sarah Nelson
9th     Kristine McKee, Carol Connor, Lorraine Gibson, Jonathan Nelson
16th    Heather Gingles, Karen Bell, Sharon Lutton, Hester Gingles
23rd    Deirdre Beck, Joan Gray, Christine Stewart, Rebecca Patton
30th    Louise Bell, Faye Hamilton, Ann Hodge, Ruth Nelson
The Crèche is in the Church Hall.  Children can be left there at 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 JULY 2009

5th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Holy Communion
            Rector’s First Sermon in St Nicholas’
            Ephesians 3 v 14-21    
    7 pm        Service of the Word—Jesus send out the 12
            Luke 10 v 1-11 & 16-20        

12th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Service of the Word—True Riches
            Ephesians 1 v 3-14
    7 pm        Service of the Word
            The Parable of the Good Samaritan
            Luke 10 v 25-37            

19th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Service of the Word—Christian Unity
            Ephesians 2 v 11-22
    7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            Martha and Mary
            Luke 10 v 38-42

26th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Service of the Word—Lasting Reconciliation
            Ephesians 3 v 1-13
    7 pm        Service of the Word—Jesus’ teaching on Prayer
            Luke 11 v 1-13    

SERVICES IN AUGUST 2009

2nd    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Holy Communion—The Body of Christ    
            Ephesians 4 v 1-16
            John 6 v 35, 41-51
    7 pm        Service of the Word—The Parable of the Rich Fool
            Luke 12 v 13-21

9th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Service of the Word—Christian Living
            Ephesians 4 v 25 – 5 v 2
    7 pm        Informal—Remaining Vigilant
            Luke 12 v 32-40

16th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Service of the Word—Christian Wisdom
            Ephesians 5 v 15-20
    7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            Not Peace but Division
            Luke 12 v 49-56

23rd    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Holiday Bible Club Family Service            
    7 pm        Service of the Word—Set Free
            Luke 13 v 10-17

30th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
    11.00 am    Service of the Word—Christian Warfare
            Ephesians 6 v 10-20
    7 pm        Service of the Word—Jesus Teaches
            Matthew 5 v 1-20

Other Events in July & August 2009
4th July        7.30 pm    Charity Barn Dance
18th—24th July            New Horizon in Coleraine
17th—21st August    6.30 pm    Holiday Bible Club


Crèche Helpers Needed

Could you help out in the Crèche once every 6-8 weeks?

Please contact Catherine in the Church Office
 028 9336 0061
for further details


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

VOLUNTEER REQUIRED

Could you spare approximately 30 minutes each week and 1 hour once a month to proof read Service Sheets and Parish News

If YES, please phone Catherine on 028 9336 0061

Church Open Days – Summer 2009

During July and August the church will be open for visitors each Tuesday and Saturday.

Opening hours are as follows:
Tuesdays  -  2.00pm – 3.30pm
Saturdays  -  11.00am – 3.00pm

If you are available, the Tour Guides would appreciate your help and your company during the openings so speak to me or one of the Church Wardens if you would be interested.

Tour Guides, please remember to check the Rota in either Porch and contact me as soon as possible if you are unavailable.  
Ann McVeigh

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2009
CHRISTMAS FAIR

To be held in Parish Hall at 10.30 am

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

At the last Tour Guides meeting we were shown a small stand for Church Guide Books that had been made for us by Mr Tommy Withers.  

We would like to express our thanks to Tommy for his
excellent work in producing this stand that has enhanced the presentation of Guide Books.  

Our thanks go also to Catherine Wallace for the printing of Guide Books that has added to her workload.    
Ted McAuley

CHARITY BARN DANCE

In aid of Christian Ministry in Tanzania

St Nicholas Church Halls

Saturday 4th July @ 7.30 pm

Tickets from Hall Committee and Church Office

Voluntary Donation                             Supper included
Bible Class, Morning and Afternoon Sunday Schools will resume 6 September—usual times.


Don’t Forget

During July and August the main Sunday
Service will begin at 11.00 am