Carrickfergus, N Ireland

MINISTER’S LETTER

Over these last few weeks in church we have been doing a short series on the church, what it means for us to be church and part of church.  This has been on my mind as I have sat down to think upon a couple of weddings that will take place at the weekend.  At one I will be a guest and at the other, Andrew and Alison’s, I will be the officiant.  This being the case I have had an opportunity to read through the marriage vows that will be taken in these two services.  There are two things that have come to my mind.

Firstly, how am I doing at fulfilling my vows, the vows that I made to Karen almost ten years ago?  Holy Scripture clearly teaches that marriage between a man and a woman was the created order Genesis 2 and Jesus later compounds this by saying in Matthew 19:4-6 “at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female', 5said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? 6they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."  God has put it together this way, the words of Jesus.

How am I, at fulfilling my vows, how are you at fulfilling your vows, the vows you too may have made before almighty God?  Can we really say that we are trying to “love them, comfort them, honour and care for them and forsaking all others, being faithful to them as we continue to live together with our spouses?”

I have taken Karen and you also have taken your spouse.  You have said that you have taken them “to have and to hold from that day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death us do part, according to God’s holy law, this is the solemn vow that we made.”  God grant us the grace to live according to the promises we have made!

The second thing that comes to me is the fact that the church is described as the bride of Christ Ephesians 5:25-33 & 2 Corinthians 11:2.  We are told to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  You and I, when we believe in Christ become part of his body, the Bride.  We have a special place within His heart, you know the way you have that special place in your heart for your spouse.  Is this not a powerful picture of the love that Jesus has for you?  And the love that we are to have for each other. 
Reverend Darren James McCartney

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 Ray Ortlund, Don Carson and Keith and Kristyn Getty, composers of many modern hymns, 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.  Further information about this year’s event can found on the website at www.newhorizon.org.uk
You will be very welcome to any of the above meetings.

MAY DAY AWAY

To one and all, many thanks for all who came and to all that contributed to making the day away such a wonderful day. 
(Too many to mention individually)

Saint Nicholas’ weather forecast was near perfection, warm with intermittent drizzles both from the rain and the spectators.  The largest number of people so far attended and lifts were gladly provided for all who came.

A few first timers arrived and they took on the gruelling adventure of the stampede through the forest.  Much to their surprise and ours, these sprightly young things completed the walk and near sprinted up Mount Everest at the end, of their one-mile trek?

At lunch the Captains galley was overflowing with delights (some were upset that Nannies’ buns were offered to one and all and what’s more they took share)

The Scavenger hunt was somewhat sabotaged with participants collecting items prior to the official start time??? (We know who you are?)  Nevertheless this annual event will prevail.
Football launched the games off, with the old maestro showing he has not lost his touch, by beautifully scoring past the goalkeeping clergy who was lost for words.  The teams were divided by age, old versus young with age and treachery overcoming youth and ability, the YL was witnessed getting his own back on a few of his flock but injuries were minimised due to the wet playing surface and the ability of the youngsters to dive and roll in the muck successfully, a few Ronaldos all the same.

The rounders was an absolute cascade for the boys with the girls even conscripting the walking wounded as fielders but to no avail.  Although the girls’ big hitter was stretchered off, with not much sympathy from her own team, her recovery is on-going but prospects are looking good for next year.  A flotilla of small dinghies trickled onto the playing arena and the older crafts parted ways to allow the younger ones to embark on the relay races.

A torrential downpour then brought the day’s trails to an end.

A special thanks to Sharon and Janice for their organising of the event and all their unnamed assistance. 

Hoping to see another rise in attendees next year, to make new friends and foster old ones, for God is Good.
Glenn Nelson (aka the old maestro)

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

For our last event of year on Tuesday 12 May we visited Sentry Hill, Carnmoney. This is the ancestral home of the McKinney family which is now owned and run very successfully as a visitor attraction by Newtownabbey Borough Council. We had a very interesting guided tour followed by supper and everyone enjoyed the evening very much. Jackie Kane announced the winners of the fireside quiz and we would like to thank all who took part. The total amount raised was £111.20 and this will go towards our charitable donations throughout the year. We wish all our ladies God's blessing over the summer months and hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable break. Details of our new programme of events commencing in September will be published in the magazine towards the end of the summer.
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary

Well done to the winners of the Women’s Fellowship Quiz
1st place £15     Nicola Duffy
2nd place £10    Florrie Smyth
3rd place £5    Kim Davis

Answers - 1 Persia  2 Priest  3 Edom  4 Sinners  5 Nine  6 Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness and Self Control  7 Methuselah 8 Noah  9 Raven  10 Enoch  11 What is Gods  12 Elijah  13Good Deeds  14 Peniel  15 Ham Shem Japeth  16 Peter James John  17 Night  18 Balaam  19 Rahab  20 Thomas


Prayer Diary – June 2009
1st June – Monday
Sri Lanka’s President recently announced to the world that the Civil War in that country was over and Tamil fighters defeated.  However many people were caught up in fighting, many are fearful, and some are left with nothing.  Pray for peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.  Pray for Humanitarian Aid and Aid Workers working on the island.     

2nd June – Tuesday   
The Select Vestry meets this evening.  Pray for our Select Vestry and their discussions and decision-making this evening.

3rd June – Wednesday
Pray for Rev George Davison, his wife Nadine.  Remember their children, Erin now at school in Belfast, and Jamie.  Pray for preparations for their move to Carrickfergus and for our own Glebe Wardens Eric and Alan. 

4th June – Thursday
The Parish Bible Study and Prayer Group round off the season this evening with their annual outing.  Pray for the fellowship of the group and give thanks for the preparation work that has gone into Parish Bible Study these past months.

5th June – Friday
Pray for the church in Tabora, Tanzania.  Pray that we as a parish continue to support the Diocese through finance and prayer.    
 
6th June – Saturday
During the summer months it is planned to open the church for visitors each Tuesday and Saturday.  Pray for these church openings, that God would use them to His purpose.  Pray for Tour Guides and Helpers. 
 
7th June – Sunday
Pray for our services today, giving thanks for the teaching we receive.

8th June – Monday
Pray for families recently bereaved in our parish. 
 
9th June – Tuesday
This month Celia Richardson once again organises the distribution of Scripture Union Bible Study Notes.  Pray for Celia today.

10th June – Wednesday
Pray for our Rainbows’ Parents Evening.  Pray for the girls, their leaders and family and friends attending this evening.
    
11th June – Thursday
Pray for those being ordained today at St Thomas’ Belfast, that they would be strong in faith and that they would know God’s guiding presence with them today and in their future ministry.    

12th June – Friday
Today pray for young men and women from our own parish that have gone on to serve God in other places.  Pray for Mark Smyth who with be studying Theology in the new academic year; for Phillip Howe; and for Trevor Kane and their futures in God’s service.

13th June – Saturday
The war against the influence of the Taliban continues in Afghanistan and has spread to Pakistan.  Pray for civilians caught up in the fighting in both countries, for those providing humanitarian aid to displaced people, and for a peaceful outcome in both countries.

14th June – Sunday
Pray for our church services today.  Pray for parishioners who rely on our tape ministry.  Give thanks for John Kane who records many of our Sunday services, and for those who distribute tapes and CDs.
 
15th June – Monday
Pray for the sick and for those who care for them.  Pray for the Healing Ministry in St Nicholas’, for Stella Neill and her group of intercessors.

16th June – Tuesday
The publication of MPs expenses claims in May has undermined again respect for politicians.  Pray for our government.  Pray that we would be led by men and women who behave not just ‘within the rules’, but within the spirit of the rules.   

17th June – Wednesday
This morning the ladies of the Widows’ Group, parishioners and friends are off to Coleraine for their annual outing.  Pray for the continued support and fellowship of the group and give thanks for the Mothers’ Union of St Patrick’s who will provide a meal for the party.   

18th June – Thursday
This morning the summer issue of Parish News will be assembled ready for distribution.  Pray for our Secretary Catherine Wallace, the volunteers who help her each month and for magazine distributors.
    
19th June – Friday
Pray for Crosslinks, it’s work here and overseas.  Pray for all those taking part in this summer’s Crosslinks camps.

20th June – Saturday
Pray for peace in Israel.  Pray for the government of Israel, the leaders of the Palestinian authority and efforts by President Obama to bring about a lasting settlement in the region.          

21st June – Sunday
This morning at a special Family Service the boys and girls from our morning and afternoon Sunday Schools, their teachers and families will join us for the Prize Distribution for Sunday School Attendance.  Pray for this service, for Superintendents Lynn Rodgers and Sharon Lutton, and for our preacher this morning, Rev Mark Taylor our Rural Dean.
 
22nd June – Monday
Our Holiday Bible Club takes place in August.  Pray for the planning already underway and for parishioners willing to be leaders and helpers.

23rd June – Tuesday
Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.
 
24th June – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship. 
 
25th June – Thursday
Pray for Middle East Christian Outreach and for CMS Ireland.  Pray for Open Doors, giving support persecuted Christians.

26th June – Friday
Our church organisations take a break over the summer months.  Pray for all who lead our uniformed organisations, Women’s Fellowships, Widows’ Group, Badminton and Bowling Clubs.   

27th June – Saturday
The new Methodist is beginning to take shape with work continuing apace.  Pray for our friends in the Methodist congregation. 

28th June – Sunday
Pray for our Church services today, especially this evening’s Youth Church when Andrew Campbell will preach.

29th June – Monday
At last the wait is over with this evening’s Institution of our new Rector, Rev George Davison.  Pray for our new Rector, his wife Nadine and their children Erin and Jamie.  Pray that they will all settle quickly into parish life, making new friends and getting to grips with the geography of the town and parish.

30th June – Tuesday
Today schools across Northern Ireland break up for the long summer holiday.  Pray for our children and young people from Sunday schools, Bible Class and Youth Fellowship; firstly that they remain physically safe over the holidays, but also that they remain strong in faith.  Pray for all Holiday Bible Clubs.

Sorted on… Science

 
One of the main reasons people don’t believe in Christianity is science. This is nothing new and has been a reason for debrief for hundreds of years. However it has come to the forefront recently with books by the likes of Richard Dwakins. Dwakins and those who attack Christianity in this way do so not on the grounds of science rather what is known as ‘Sciencism’. Sciencism is the belief that science can explain everything, there is nothing outside sciences ability to explain and therefore the is no need for religion. But is a scientific understanding enough? Let’s look at the example of a kiss. A kiss is a movement of the muscles in two sets of lips resulting in the exchange of saliva. But if I said to Allison came and let us move the muscles in our lips to result in the exchange of saliva, she would look at me and tell me to get stuffed. However a kiss according to the Oxford Dictionary is “a touch or caress with the lips as a sign of love, affection or greeting”. There is no mention of the scientific understanding.  A scientific understanding on its own can’t give a complete picture. It is correct but not complete. You see science can only ever give an answer to what it can measure; it exists only in the physical world which can be seen and touched. So with a kiss all science can give is what is seen and measured, it can’t measure what is not physical and can’t be seen or touched. So science can’t measure the love in a kiss. Science and Christianity exist in different spheres, they don’t clash rather they complement each other. One explains the how (Science) the other the why (Christianity).

Those who attack Christianity on the grounds of sciencism are that it is based upon blind faith. But this is not the way the New Testament sees faith. John 20:30-31 sees faith differently:

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

John claims that faith is not blind and ignores the facts; rather it is reasonable and based upon evidence. John claims that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God and proves it though miracles and signs the clearest of these is his resurrection from the dead. John presents witnesses who were still alive when his book was written so they could be asked about the things he wrote about. The Bible does not support blind faith rather promotes faith based upon evidence and fact.

This leads to another “scientific” objection. Aren’t miracles impossible? The answer is yes they are, and that’s the point of them. When Jesus did his miracles he was showing that he could do what no-one else could. He was showing the power He had. He was showing He had power over sickness by healing miracles, power over evil spirits by exorcising evil spirits; he had power over the earth by claiming the storm and power over death by rising from the dead. The whole point is that Jesus was showing he could do what only God could do. So we are to respond to these miracles the same way the disciples do in Mark 4:41

“Who is this, that even the wind and the waves obey Him?”   

The answer that is implied is God. So Yes miracles are impossible but not for Jesus because He was God. But why can God do the impossible? Well because he made all of creation. If He made it well he can control. So He can change the natural and do the impossible.

The biggest problem sciencism has with Christianity seems to be the creation/evolution debate.  Many people today have trouble with the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2 and see this in conflict with science. This was put to me when I was in Jordanstown. A student told me Christianity couldn’t be true because it didn’t fit with the scientific fact of the big bang and evolution. Now the first problem with this student’s statement is that the big bang and evolution are not scientific fact they are theories. They can never be scientific fact because for it to scientific fact it must be observed and examined, and as no one was around then it can’t observed or examined. But my reply to this student was that what he was saying was like trying bake a cake using a John Grisham novel instead of cookery book simply because it mentioned cakes. You see we must understand the bible the way it was meant to be understood, so when we hear the Jesus is described as a “Lamb” we are not to think that He was a sheep rather it is poetic language to show what Jesus came to do. The bible is not a scientific manual, no it’s purpose is to show that God created the world in an ordered way, so what is made on day 4 uses what was made on day 1, what is made on day 5 uses what was made on day 1 and what was made on day 6 uses what was made on day 3. There is order in Genesis 1. Gallio once wrote;

“The scriptures are to show us how to go to heaven, not how the heaven go.”

We have seen that science and Christianity occupy different places. We can’t therefore read the bible as a science manual the way Dwakins and other scientists do, instead we need to read it the way it was meant to be read. Showing that the one true and living God created the world in an ordered way. It is possible that God created the world in six days, it’s possible that he used a big bang, I don’t know I wasn’t there and neither were any scientists. But the one who was there told me that there was order that was destroyed by sin but He has restored it in Jesus and everything will be made new when Jesus comes back.

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’.”

CROSSLINKS CAMPS

Crosslinks Mission Agency is again holding its well known and highly respected Junior and Senior camps this Summer.

These camps are planned to bring children and young people together to experience great Bible teaching in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.

Junior camp is for ages 8-11 and will be from 4th—11th July, held as before in the Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor.
Senior Camp is for ages 12-15/16 and will be from 25th—1st August, in Greenhill YMCA, Newcastle.

A number of our young people have attended both Junior and Senior camps in past years, several having returned for a second year.  All of them will tell of the wonderful time they had.

The advertised cost is £120 per camper, with a discount for families with more than one child attending.  Our Select Vestry has kindly agreed to subsidise this cost by contributing half the cost per child, so making it £60 each.

If there are any children or young people who are interested in attending either camp, could parents please get in touch with Andrew Campbell or Lynn Rodgers.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

Sunday School Prize Giving will take place on Sunday 21 June 2009 at the 11.30 am service.

All children who have been attending both morning and afternoon Sunday Schools, together with Bible Class young people are encouraged to attend to receive their prizes.

As is the custom. Children will sit together with their teachers in the Wills Aisle in church.

The books the children will receive are aimed at informing and expanding their Bible knowledge.  Please encourage your children to read them, together if necessary, and they will benefit and grow in understanding of God’s word.
Sharon Lutton and Lynn Rodgers
Sunday School Superintendent

Crèche Rota June 2009

7th     Pauline Walsh, Ann Hodge, Valerie Leighton, Rebecca Leighton
14th    Kathleen Arthur, Christine Stewart, Faye Hamilton, Sarah Nelson
21st    Katrina Todd, Louise Bell, Joan Gray, Rebecca Patton
28th    Annie Laverty, Annie Crawford, Kristine McKee, Jonathan 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.

Christian Baptism

“Suffer the little children to come unto me”
26th April 2009
Deriece Maguire, 101 Craigs Road

3rd May 2009
Sarah Moore, 43 Grove Park Avenue, Dublin
Adam Moore, 43 Grove Park Avenue, Dublin
David Moore, 43 Grove Park Avenue, Dublin
Joshua Moore, 43 Grove Park Avenue, Dublin

10th May 2009
Ellen Charlotte Jane Walsh, 83 Copperwood Drive
James Craig Walsh, 83 Copperwood Drive

Flowers in Church June 2009

7th    Mrs Robb—In memory of my husband William and son Bill
7th    Kathleen Arthur
14th    Vacant
21st    Vacant
28th    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.

POINTS TO PONDER

Gossip is what no one claims to like but what everybody enjoys. 
Joseph Conrad

Forgiveness from others is charity;
from God, grace;
from oneself, wisdom.

SERVICES IN JUNE 2009

7th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
 
        11.30 am   Holy Communion—Do you remember?   Revelations 1 v 1-8 
        John 13 v 18-30
          
        7 pm        Evening Prayer    Romans 8 v 12-17   John 3 v 1-17           

       14th    9.30 am    Holy Communion

       11.30 am    Morning Prayer—Learning from the past Psalm 95 v 1—11           
       1 Corinthians 10 v 10-13 
 
       7 pm        Informal—Roots that Shoot  Mark 4 v 26-34           

21st    9.30 am    Holy Communion

         11.30 am    Family Service with Sunday Prize Distribution
         Matthew 19 v 13-15      
        The Preacher is the Rural Dean, Rev Mark Taylor

         7 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Perfect Storm
            Psalm 93 v 1-5      Mark 4 v 35-41           

28th    9.30 am    Holy Communion

          11.30 am    Morning Prayer—What does the future really hold?
          2 Peter 3 v 1-9  Mark 13 v 26-37           

          7 pm   Youth Service—How do I know I’m a Christian? -
            Because I have Faith
            1 John 5 v 1-21           

OTHER EVENTS JUNE 2009

2nd    7.30 pm    Select Vestry Meeting
8th    7.30 pm    Tour Guides Meeting
10th    7 pm        Rainbows Parents Evening
17th    7.15 pm    Widows’ Group
18th—24th         New Horizon in Coleraine
21st    11.30 am    Sunday School Prize Giving

Church Tour Guides Meeting

There will be a short meeting for tour guides on Monday 8th June at 7.30pm in the Vestry.  Any parishioners who would like to help our tour guides, please come along or speak to the Church Wardens.

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

Church Open Days – Summer 2009

Parishioners please note:

During June, July and August the church will be open for visitors each Tuesday and Saturday.  Why not come along and bring any friends or visitors.  Take your time and get to know more about the history of our beautiful church building.

And why not have a look at the books on the Book Stall in its new location inside the Baptistry?

Opening hours are as follows:

Tuesdays  -  2.00pm – 3.30pm
Saturdays  -  11.00am – 3.00pm

WIDOWS GROUP

The meeting of the Widows Group in June will be on Wednesday 17th when we will be going on our annual outing.  This year we are going to Coleraine and will be entertained by St Patrick’s Mothers Union.

When we next meet on 16th September 2009 at 7.15 pm an invitation is extended to any widow who would like to join.  They would be made most welcome.
Beth Skelton, Honorary Secretary

RAINBOWS

Invite YOU to their

PARENTS EVENING
In the Church Hall at 7 pm on

WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE 2009