Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends at St Nicholas’

As I write this letter we are coming to the ‘Whit’ weekend. It’s a time that means many things to different people; for some it’s the beginning of the summer; for others it’s an enjoyable break – an extra day off work. But in the life of the church, Whitsunday (or Pentecost as it is more often called nowadays) is something much more important. Some people refer to it as the ‘birthday’ of the church, because it’s the time of year when we remember that God sent his Holy Spirit into the lives of the first followers of Jesus to help them to do the work that he was calling them to.

When we read the account of this event in Acts 2, it all seems a bit amazing – tongues of fire, people speaking in all sorts of different languages! In fact, some of the folk who witnessed it were so confused by what they saw that they wondered if the Christians were drunk! But in fact, Jesus was keeping his promise that he would not leave his followers without help in the world. He had sent his Spirit to them, to help them as they tried to share the amazing news of Jesus’ love with other people.

This all may seem very different from our experience of life, but in fact, if we decide to follow Jesus for ourselves, that same promise holds true – he will send the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us as we live our lives for him. It possibly won’t happen in quite such a dramatic way as it did for those first followers of Jesus, but God’s Spirit will be just as real in our life nonetheless.

All sorts of people respond to that call of Jesus, and I’m so thankful for the many ways that people in St Nick’s are trying to live out their faith in their everyday lives. Some do it fulfilling ‘upfront’ roles like teaching in Sunday school, singing in the choir, being a churchwarden or reading the Bible in church (amongst many other things!). But also there are so many examples of people whose faith is seen in the way they put themselves out to help a neighbour or who encourage and support others.
This month in our parish we will welcome another person who is seeking to be faithful to the leading of the Holy Spirit in his life. Our new curate, Peter Ferguson, will be ordained deacon by Bishop Alan Abernethy in St Nicholas’s on Friday 11th June and will preach for the first time at the morning services on Sunday 13th. Do encourage him as he begins this service for his Saviour and please make him, Amy, Rebekah & Daniel very welcome as they make themselves at home in our church family.

With love in Jesus,
George

A Day in the Park

(Tollymore – that is!)
St Nick’s folk are now getting used to the annual Family Day Out on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May.  Nearly fifty people made the pilgrimage to Northern Ireland’s most famous forest park this year – men and women, boys and girls; some young enough to need prams and some old enough to have a pension book; some who rarely miss a Sunday at church and some who only come occasionally; most with two legs and a few with four!
It was great to see every single one!

Having arrived at Tollymore & established a base camp under the trees, the majority of folk headed off for a walk. We followed some of the Forest Park trails, with options according to your fitness & enthusiasm for walking!

When everyone got back we enjoyed a communal picnic lunch before embarking on an afternoon of fun and games. Football, rounders (who would have thought that Christians could be such blatant cheaters!), a treasure hunt, all sorts of relay races or just a nice sit and a chat in the afternoon sun – there was something for everyone. It really was a great way for us to relax and enjoy a day in the company of our church family.

A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who made it possible – especially to those who organised our food and the entertainment.
See you all again next year?  The more the merrier!!

Christian Baptism

“Suffer the little children to come unto me”
9th May 2010
Matthew Christiaan Soeters, 7 Copperwood Way

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

27th April 2010
James (Jim) Weir, 72 Barn Road, Carrickfergus

28th April 2010
Annie Robb, 21 Westmount Avenue, Carrickfergus

28th April 2010
Jane Thompson Latimer, Flat 29 Irish Gate, Carrickfergus

6th May 2010
George Cleland, 8 Skelton Close, Carrickfergus

11th May 2010
Thomas Alexander Binding, 72 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus

Sunday School ‘Smartie’ tube appeal

This appeal has been running for over 5 years and continues to raise funds to support children's ministry in Tabora Diocese, Tanzania.

Last year £1200 was raised by our Sunday schools, and others in the parish, and a number of our children and their parents, together with other parishioners, continue to support this appeal.

Many of you will remember Emmanuel who visited our Sunday Schools on a couple of occasions.  He has returned to his native Tabora where he is in charge of Children’s Ministry in the Diocese.  He has begun a number of ‘Good News’ clubs where previously there was no children’s ministry, and the response has been very encouraging.  He sends emails regularly keeping us updated with his latest activities and he has even sent 2 CDs showing the children in action.  Some 50 children were to attend Church for the first time in May, and a further 10 children were to give their testimonies in the Cathedral recently.

We in St Nicholas’ are in a privileged position to help and encourage Emmanuel in this vitally important work, in a society where children’s ministry is not a high priority.

I have been in contact with the Bible society who supply Bibles in the local language in many countries around the world.  They can supply children’s bibles in Swahili and I am waiting to hear from Emmanuel how many Bibles he needs.

May I ask that you all, who are reading this just now, to consider supporting this appeal, whether you have a connection with Sunday School through a child or not.  What Emmanuel is doing in Tabora is immense and ground breaking, and is opening the way for many children to hear about Jesus perhaps for the first time.  We take children's bibles and Christian books for granted but in Tanzania they cost money which most families can’t afford.

As our Sunday School children receive their prizes on 27th June, wouldn’t it be wonderful to report that 100 or maybe 200 Tabora children also receive a bible courtesy of your generosity?  Thanking you in advance.              Lynn Rodgers, Sunday School Superintendent

POINTS TO PONDER

The noblest revenge is to forgive.                          Thomas Fuller


Grace is the sum and substance of New Testament faith.           J I Packer


We trust not because ‘a god’ exists, but because THIS God exists.             C S Lewis

God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.             Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Prayer Diary – May 2010

1st June – Tuesday
The Select Vestry will meet this evening with much to discuss before the summer break.  Pray for the members of the Select Vestry attending this evening’s meeting.

2nd June – Wednesday
Our church building and grounds need constant work and maintenance.  This year we hope to do some work outside.  Pray for our Church Wardens and for parishioners willing to participate in work parties.  Pray for good weather to enable the work to be done.

3rd June – Thursday
Last month our Secretary Catherine Wallace was taken ill.  Many of us were suddenly aware of the duties she undertakes.  Pray for Catherine.

4th June – Friday
This evening it is the turn of the Cubs to be joined by family and friends for their annual Parents’ Evening.  Pray for all involved this evening.

5th June – Saturday
The boys, girls, teachers and superintendents from our Bible Class and morning and afternoon Sunday Schools with their families will today travel to Armagh Planetarium for the annual Sunday School outing.  Pray for safe travel and that everyone has an enjoyable time.

6th June – Sunday
Rev Bill Boyce will be at St Nicholas’ at approximately 1.45pm today as part of his Tour de Connor, to collect our Memorial Sheet for inclusion in a Book of Remembrance for those like his late wife who have died from cancer.  Bishop Alan Abernethy had hoped to accompany him and help him raise funds for the Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.  Pray for this fundraising effort and for the continued recovery of Bishop Alan.

7th June – Monday
Canon Brian Courtney has been working in a Belfast parish over recent weeks.  Pray for him and for his wife Valerie that they would enjoy some more time together with their family during the summer months.

8th June – Tuesday
GCSE, AS and A level exams are now well under way.  Pray for young people sitting these and other examinations at this time.

9th June – Wednesday
Peter Ferguson and his fellow ordinands Brian Howe, Brian Lacy and Trevor Kelly will be at our midweek Holy Communion service this morning before going on Retreat prior to the Ordination Service on Friday evening.   Pray for them, for our Bishop Alan Abernethy and for everyone at this morning’s service and the rehearsal following it.

10th June – Thursday
Pray for the final preparations for tomorrow evening’s Ordination Service and for everyone who has agreed to contribute in any way to the provision of a Supper after the service.

11th June – Friday
This evening four candidates including our new Curate Peter Ferguson and Don Howe’s brother Brian will be ordained at the Connor Diocese Ordination Service.  Pray for everyone taking part, for their family and friends, and all travelling to the service, that they would do so in safety.

12th June – Saturday
Pray for our Youth Fellowship.  Give thanks for Andrew Campbell.  Pray for him and his wife Allison, and for God’s guidance in the search for a suitable candidate for Youth Ministry in our church.

13th June – Sunday
The Ferguson family join us today.  Pray for Peter as he delivers his first sermon as Curate and for his wife Amy and children Rebekah and Daniel that they would settle easily into life here in Carrickfergus.

14th June – Monday
Pray for the sick.  Pray for those suffering from Mental Illness.

15th June – Tuesday
Last month, anti-government protests in Thailand came to a destructive end, with loss of life, burnings and looting in the capital Bangkok.  The sense of grievance remains.  We in the UK saw the formation of a coalition government.  Pray for the people of Thailand, its government, and for leaders throughout the world, for fairness and wisdom.  Pray for our elected representatives at Stormont and Westminster.

16th June – Wednesday
The members of the Widows’ Group & friends travel to Newtownards for their annual outing including a visit to St Mark’s church for lunch provided by their Mothers’ Union.  Pray for the ladies of both groups.

17th June – Thursday
The ‘Explore’ Bible study group finishes this evening with an outing.  Give thanks for the work that goes into preparing Parish Bible Study.  Pray that the group would have an enjoyable evening together.

18th June – Friday
Pray for our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

19th June – Saturday
This morning the Girls Bible Study host a Women’s Breakfast.  Pray for this opportunity for fellowship across the generations.

20th June – Sunday
Rev Captain Colin Taylor will be with us this morning to tell us about the Church Army.  Pray for this and for this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing Service.

21st June – Monday
Pray for those recently bereaved in our parish.

22nd June – Tuesday
Pray for our Boys’ Brigade Company.

23rd June – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship.

24th June – Thursday
Pray for Mark and Ali Gill now at Dadeldhura Hospital in Nepal continuing their work in God’s service through CMS Ireland.

25th June – Friday
Pray for the leaders and members of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

26th June – Saturday
Pray for the Heaney family in Tanzania and for the Diocese of Tabora.

27th June – Sunday
At this morning’s family service, the boys and girls of our Sunday Schools and Bible Class will receive prizes for attendance.  Pray for this service and for this evening’s Youth Church.

28th June – Monday
Preparations are well under way for this summer’s Holiday Bible Club.  Pray for the preparations and leaders.

29th June – Tuesday
If you receive SU Bible Notes, at some stage in recent weeks Celia Richardson will have brought you notes for the next three months.  Pray for Celia giving thanks for her dedication.

30th June – Wednesday
Pray for our organist Alison Irwin, Angie her understudy and choir members.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.  Philippians 4.6

News from the Heaneys

Dear Partners and Friends
Thank you for your continued partnership, prayers and kind communications. This week we continue to be delighted with your response to “Recourse the Course”. The amazon “wish list” has been well used and we’re truly humbled by your kindness. For those of you who remain interested you can find it at:

http://www.facebook.com/l/54d53;www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/3ESD2GO0404JJ/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go

Sam has had a good week. He continues to enjoy meeting and making new friends. The big news this week is that the arrows for his bow have now all broken (they were plastic). However, the carpenter who has put some shelving and cupboards in for us, has agreed to come to the rescue and make him new ones!

Sharon has had a sore throat all week and does not seem to be able to shake it off. She has been encouraged by the commitment of most of the students doing the research and the work they have been producing. This, of course, had been greatly aided by your generosity. Though not “officially” teaching this term Sharon will do some lectures next week on Latin American church history. The hope is that some of this research might make it into the new online theology journal in the “Emerging Voices” section. We shall see!

Robert has had a good week in class. This week witnessed particularly lively discussions in class ranging from issues relating to abolishing bishops (not Robert’s idea or position!), Pentecostalist practices of the rite of Confirmation, the Marshall Plan and the influence of China in East Africa. Robert has also been finishing off a paper this week. He has been invited to be part of a conference in Boston (USA) in October on Evangelicalism and Post-Colonial Theory. This is an area he has done a fair bit of work on. There has never been a conference on this issue nor many academic publications on it. It is very much an emerging field. It would, therefore, be great for St. John’s (in the form of Robert) to be involved in this venture and the publications that will emerge from it. There would be opportunity too for useful networking. We wait to see if there will be any funding available so that he can go to the conference.

We have been exploring further the way in which a hardship fund can be set up here and will, hopefully, have news on this soon. For those of you have enquired about this we shall be in touch when we have news.

Finally, one of our students (Joseph) has been nominated as a candidate for bishop of his diocese. Do pray for him. To our knowledge he is a lovely man and it has been a pleasure to get to know him.

Robert, Sharon and Sam.

Do you struggle with doubt?

Do you ever look at other Christians and wonder: “Do they REALLY
believe this stuff? That Jesus really was the Son of God who rose again,
and is alive today?” Doubt is an honest place to be, and is not the opposite of Christian faith. To believe is to be in one mind. To disbelieve is to be in one mind also. To doubt is to waver between the two minds, to be in a state of “double-ness,” or “two-ness.” To doubt something is to be willing to believe it – IF you can find evidence to back up the story.

If you are in this state of ‘double-ness’ just now, you may find the story of the disciple Thomas (John 20:24-29) to be helpful. Unlike the other
disciples, he was not present on that first Easter night when Jesus appeared to the other disciples. Instead, Thomas was told that someone whom he’d seen crucified and dead was alive again three days later, in perfect health.

Thomas had been devoted to Jesus, but the fact that dead people don’t rise again was just too much for him. So despite the joy of the other disciples, he could get only as far as: “unless I see the nail marks... I will not believe it.” It was a week later that Jesus appeared again to his disciples and confronted Thomas. He said simply: “Put your finger here; see my hands... Stop doubting and believe.”

Jesus then looked forward to all the millions of people in the future who would never meet him in person, and so would have understandable grounds to doubt. “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas needed physical recognition before he could say “My Lord and My God.” Today, if you want to believe, but honestly struggle with doubt, consider using this simple prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I have never seen you in person. So I sometimes doubt that you exist. The Bible tells us that it is only the Holy Spirit who can open
our ‘spiritual eyes’, and so I ask you to do that for me. Please give me not physical recognition, but faith recognition. I will do my bit, and read about you each day in the Bible. Through your Word, please open my spiritual eyes so that I can see you clearly as Jesus, the risen Son of God.”


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

Senior version of “Jesus Loves Me”

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near.."
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

LAUGHLINES

Roads....In speaking of the song ‘The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond’ a teacher asked his pupils for an explanation of the line, ‘Yu’ll tak’ the high road and I’ll tak the low road.’ “That’s easy,” said one boy, “One was going by air, and the other by train.”

MPs in heaven....At the pearly gates, St Peter greeted a minister and a member of Parliament and gave them their room keys. "Vicar, here are the keys to one of our nicest single rooms. And for you, Mr MP, the keys to our finest penthouse suite." When the vicar objected, St Peter explained, "Listen, ministers are ten a penny up here, but this is the first MP we've ever seen."

CRÈCHE ROTA JUNE 2010

6th    Valerie Leighton, Annie Crawford, Sarah Nelson, Rebecca Leighton
13th     Christine Stewart, Ann Hodge, Katrina Todd, Jonathan Nelson
20th    Faye Hamilton, Karen Bell, Lorraine Gibson, Hester Gingles
27th    Heather Gingles, Sharon Lutton, Rebecca Patton, Erin Davison
The Crèche is now meeting in the Choir Vestry.  Children can be left there from 11.20 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 (not in last magazine)

April 25th    Kay Cheshire– In memory of Dillon
May 9th     Baptism Flowers—The Soeters Family

FLOWERS IN CHURCH JUNE 2010

6th    Vacant
13th    Kathleen Arthur
20th    Vacant
27th    The Finlay Family

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)

Ladies of the Parish

Save the Date—Ladies Breakfast

19th June 2010

Speaker Rev. Dorothy McVeigh

More details to follow-see announcement sheets
Event is organised by the girls bible study group


Also Men of the Parish
Help Required!

We would really appreciate it if some lovely men could volunteer to help us organise/serve breakfast on the day to ensure that all ladies attending get to enjoy the actual event.

Kitchen experience is desirable but not essential!

SERVICES IN JUNE 2010

6th        9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
            11.30 am    Holy Communion
            Early Days—what’s happening?
            Acts 2 v 14-24        Derek Eakin
            Luke 7 v 11-17        The Preacher
            7 pm        Evening Prayer
            The Master’s message—Treasure in Heaven
            Matthew 6 v 19-24    Doris Johnston

13th      9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
            11.30 am    Morning Prayer
            Early Days—what shall we do?
            Acts 2 v 25-41        Harry Kirk
            Luke 7 v 36-50        Valerie Kirk
            7 pm        Informal Service
            But that’s not the way we do it!
            Mark 2 v 18-27        Erin Dalton

20th      9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
            11.30 am    Morning Prayer—Church Army Sunday
            Speaker: Captain Colin Taylor
            7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Master’s message—Why worry?
            Matthew 6 v 25-34    Lynn Rodgers

27th      9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
            11.30 am    Family Service with Sunday School Prizegiving
            Hiding your light!
            Luke 8 v 16-18
            7 pm        Youth Service—Psalms for Exams!
            Psalm 91            Don Howe

Other Events in June 2010

1st    7.30 pm    Select Vestry
11th    8 pm        Connor Ordination Service
16th    7.15 pm    Widows’ Group
19th             Ladies Breakfast




Are you involved in a Christian Outreach
event this summer?

Do you know of any such events and would you like them included in the next prayer diary.  If so, please speak to Ann McVeigh or a member of the clergy before 15th June.

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXCURSION

Our Excursion has been arranged to Armagh Planetarium for Saturday 5th June 2010.

All those travelling to Armagh have already completed the confirmation form indicating which age related film show they are attending and the bookings are now closed.

Buses will leave the Railway Station car park at 10 am and will return at around 5.15 pm.

Children will receive a goody bag consisting of a piece of fruit, a fruit drink, a biscuit and a bag of crisps.

While there is a café at the Planetarium, its capacity is limited, it may be advisable to bring a packed lunch. 

We look forward to a wonderful day.

Lynn Rodgers & Sharon Lutton,
Sunday School Superintendents

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

Sunday school prize distribution will take place on Sunday 27th June during the 11.30 am family service.

All children who have attended both morning and afternoon Sunday Schools will receive a prize in recognition of their continued attendance throughout the year.  Parents are encouraged to bring their children to receive their prizes.

As in previous years, children will sit together with their teachers in the Wills aisle in Church.

Please do encourage your children to read their books as they are carefully selected to help your child get to know the Bible better.  A good understanding of many of the Bible stories at an early age will be of great help to any young person as they delve deeper into God’s word as they get older.

Lynn Rodgers & Sharon Lutton,
Sunday School Superintendents
Church Openings – Summer 2010

CHURCH TOURS

June, July and August
Saturday:  11.00 am – 3.00 pm
Tuesday:   2.00 pm – 3.30 pm