Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear friends at St Nicholas’,
It seems hard to believe that June is with us again - time just seems to fly!
At this time last year we were looking forward to welcoming a new curate and his family to the parish. Over the past year, Peter has fitted wonderfully into the staff team and we have all benefitted from his ministry in the parish family at St Nicholas’. On 9th June there is a special service of ordination for Peter in Ballymoney Parish Church. This is the second step in the process of ordination in the Church of Ireland ministry. Peter was ordained deacon in St Nicholas’ a year ago and now he will be ordained presbyter (or priest) in Ballymoney. The main difference that you will notice is that Peter will now be able to celebrate the service of Holy Communion. 

Do remember him in your prayers as he prepares for this important service, and if you are able to join those from the parish going to Ballymoney to support Peter, we’ll be glad to see you there. (Can I reassure those who thought that Peter was leaving us to move to Ballymoney that this is not the case. We intend bringing him back with us and holding onto him for at least another couple of years!)

At our family service this month we will share in a prize-giving as we mark the end of another term of Sunday School. I want to express our thanks to Lynn Rodgers and Heather Gingles and their team of Sunday School teachers for their faithfulness and commitment in the work of sharing the Good News of Jesus with our boys and girls over the past year. As Rector, I appreciate greatly the work that all our teachers do to help us, as a parish, support mums and dads as they try to bring their children up to know the Lord. We ought to express particular thanks to two of our teachers who are finishing at the end of June. Lauren Mulvenney & Laura Johnston will both be getting married soon (in Lauren’s case, very soon!) and have decided that this is the appropriate time to step back from Sunday School teaching. We are very grateful to both Lauren & Laura for the tremendous contribution that they have made to the spiritual lives of our children and wish them much happiness as they look forward to married life.

On the subject of thanks I would like to express our sincere appreciation for some gifts that have been given to the parish in recent months. The Duffin family donated new furniture for the ministers’ office in the Church Hall in memory of Billy and the Letters family gave a gift in memory of Arthur which has provided new baby changing facilities in both our church and hall. We are most grateful to both these families for their generosity in memory of their loved ones.

Your friend & rector,
George

Recent Update from the Heaneys

Dear Partners and Friends,
We are now working on collating the postgraduate grades from semester one and making sense of the new processes and regulations introduced.

We are half way on our three year contract with the University and therefore, beginning to think about the future. Assuming the university invite us to stay, the decision before us is simple. Should we renew our contract for another three years or leave when the current three years end? For those of you that pray we would appreciate your prayers. We shall of course have to consult with partners to see if they are willing to continue to back our work at SJUT.

At the half way mark I think, more than anything, we feel tired. Our workload has been more than we anticipated. Often we (especially Robert) feel out of our depth. The question of the developing Christian ethos remains a concern for us. We look forward to further developments in the next year and a half.   God’s grace has been sufficient, is sufficient, and will be sufficient.

Good News!  At long last the Hardship Fund is functional. We received positive feedback from the university lawyers on the proposed application forms. The Hardship Fund committee will meet this week to decide how to allocate money that has been generously donated by some of you through Friends of St. John’s (UK). We have about a million Tanzanian shillings to allocate (£500) and it looks like almost all of the theologians will apply.

Sharon has been very encouraged this week by the students in Research Methods. They are getting to grips with different methods and some of the intricacies of referencing.

Sam thoroughly enjoyed our family holiday in the UK. We are delighted that, despite his usual critique of Dodoma, he has settled very well. He was ill for a few days after our return but he has recovered well. Sam has had a good week. He continues to do well at school and his reading and maths continue to develop. He is also expanding his repertoire of experiments – alongside building booby-traps in the yard he has now managed to build an exploding volcano!

We continue to be grateful for your partnership and friendship.
Robert, Sharon and Sam.

JOSEPH SCRIVEN

Seapatrick Parish Church, Banbridge, is proud to count amongst its famous parishioners—Joseph Scriven writer of the well known and much loved hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus”, the words of which have been sung throughout the world and have been translated into many languages by Christians of all races.

Joseph Scriven, described as “one who lived the Christian life of service to his fellow” was born on 10th September 1819 at Ballymoney Lodge, Banbridge and his Baptismal Entry is recorded in the registers of Seapatrick Parish Church, where his father, Captain John Scriven of the Royal Marines, was twice Churchwarden.  His mother was Jane Medlicott, sister of a Wiltshire Vicar, the Rev Joseph Medlicott.  Joseph was baptised by Mr Leslie, and the entry was initialled by Rev James McCreight, then curate.

Joseph Scriven took his BA degree at Trinity College, Dublin, where his two brothers were students, one of whom achieved Medicinae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Medicine) in 1872.  Joseph was a Military Cadet at the Military College, Adiscombe, Surrey, it being his intention to enter the east India Company—this he abandoned at an early age.

It cannot be said that Joseph Scriven had a very happy life.  After obtaining his BA degree in 1842, he fell in love with a Banbridge girl and in two years became engaged.  But, alas, tragedy struck a sad blow on the eve of their wedding.  His bride to be, while crossing a bridge over the river Bann was thrown from her horse and drowned in full view of her lover who was awaiting her arrival on the other bank.  Following this sad event, Joseph Scriven emigrated to Canada.  He settled first at Rice Lake in Ontario and later at Port Hope and there became a private tutor to the local families.

Another sad happening was to add to the sorrow of Joseph Scriven’s life and is thought to have inspired him to write his famous hymn.  Joseph, the year 1854, was to be married to a Miss Eliza A Roche, but this unfortunate woman contracted a severe chill, became seriously ill and after three years passed away.

The well-known hymn was then born—brought into being out of great sorrow and heart searching.  It is said it was written to comfort his mother who so mourned her son’s unhappiness.  The hymn was not discovered until just prior to Scriven’s death in 1886—although composed in 1857.  It was then entitled “Pray without ceasing”.

Joseph was a practical Christian, known as “the man who saws wood for poor widows and sick people  unable to pay”.  A Mr James Sackville, who discovered Joseph’s copy of the hymn when searching a drawer on behalf of his patient, enquired how Scriven came to write such a beautiful hymn.  On his  death bed, Scriven replied, “The Lord and I did it between us.”

There are four memorials to Scriven, in the land of his adoption, but we are glad to add that a Memorial Plaque has been placed on the wall of the house in which Scriven was born, namely Ballymoney Lodge, Banbridge.
(by J Harris Rea MBE, FRSAI)

THANK YOU

Gillian and I would like to thank everyone who came to the Chinese Banquet and Auction on 14th April at the Bamboo Restaurant in Templepatrick and also to those who could not come to this event but gave donations and prayed for this event.

£560 has been raised so far and donations are still coming in.

Please pray for Gillian as she is leaving at the end of June to climb Kilimanjaro.

Thank you again
Ann Hodge

CATERING GROUP

The Catering Group would like to thank all parishioners who helped make the ‘Daffodil Tea’ such a success.  A total of £610 was raised.  Many people who were unable to attend gave donations and this was very much appreciated.  The Catering Group have been kept busy and have catered for many groups visiting the church.  If you feel you would be able to help the Group by making donations either in the form of helping or by baking or giving a donation, please feel free to contact myself.

Again many thanks to all for any help they have given.
Jean Stewart

PS For anyone who enjoyed the ‘Daffodil Tea’ we are now planning to hold a ‘Harvest Supper’ on 8th October 2011.  Keep the date free!!
Further details will be printed in Parish News in September.

SOUND DESK ROTA JUNE 2011

                Morning                            Evening
5th          Gillian Dalton              Steven Todd
12th        Johnny Hodge             Paul Letters
19th        Johnnie McAlister         Lynn Rodgers
26th        Jamie Davison             Jonathan Nelson

Prayer Diary – June 2011

1st June – Wednesday
Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.

2nd June – Thursday
Bible Study Notes help open God’s Word to us as we read at home.  This month Celia Richardson will be distributing SU Notes for the next quarter.  Pray for Celia, giving thanks for her dedication.

3rd June – Friday
The Cubs and Scouts welcome family and friends for their annual Parents’ Evening.  Pray for all members of Scouting in St Nicholas’ giving thanks for the work and dedication of leaders.

4th June – Saturday
Pray for our Guides enjoying their weekend camp at Dunluce.  Once again give thanks for leaders willing to give of their time.

5th June – Sunday
We are richly blessed with the Ministry team and by the quality of Bible teaching we receive.  In praying for today’s services give thanks for Brian Courtney and Kathleen Brown and the contribution they make to church life.  Pray for their continued good health and that in the coming weeks they have time to rest and relax with family and friends.

6th June – Monday
Pray for Robert and Sharon Heaney as they continue their work in SJU Tanzania.  Pray that they and their son Sam would know the support of friends and colleagues during periods of despair.

7th June – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets again this evening with another busy agenda before taking a summer break.  Pray for this evening’s meeting and the members of our Select Vestry, especially those who have taken on additional responsibilities on the various Select Vestry committees.

8th June – Wednesday
Pray for Alison Irwin our Organist and the members of the Choir.  Give thanks for their contribution to Sunday Worship each week.

9th June – Thursday
This evening a number of our parishioners will travel to Ballymoney Parish Church for our Curate Peter Ferguson’s Ordination as Presbyter.  Pray for him and the other candidates.  Remember Amy and their children Rebekah and Daniel, Peter’s father and family on this special evening.  Give thanks for Peter’s ministry here, for his enthusiasm, his faithful teaching and of course for his friendliness and friendship.

10th June – Friday
Pray for the Busy Bees Parent and Toddler Group.

11th June – Saturday
Pray for the Walking Group meeting at Chaine Park, this morning.

12th June – Sunday
Pray for today’s services, especially for this evening’s Informal Praise service.  Pray for the leaders and members of our Youth Fellowship.

13th June – Monday
Pray for the Church Tour Guides meeting this evening.  Pray for opportunities to welcome strangers to our church and to speak of our faith.

14th June – Tuesday
Give thanks for our Ministry team and for their faithfulness in bringing God’s Word to us.  Pray for planning for teaching over the summer months and for the autumn programme.

15th June – Wednesday
The ladies of the Widows’ Group round off meetings for this session with a trip to Lisburn and a visit to the Moravian Church.  Pray for the members of the Widow’s Group.

16th June – Thursday
This evening the Small Groups meet for the last time before taking a break for the summer.  Give thanks for a good start for these groups and for those parishioners who have opened their homes to host these gatherings.

17th June – Friday
Pray for the sick in mind and body.  Pray for the decision makers charged with the distribution of funds to the Health Service.  Pray for doctors, nurses, technicians and therapists.

18th June – Saturday
With the approach of the long summer holiday, and at a time of change for many in education, pray for P7 pupils at the end of primary school.  For others it may be the end of formal education at school, college or university.  Pray for everyone leaving school and higher education.  Pray for those ready to enter employment in these times of high unemployment.  Pray for the safety of children during the holidays.

19th June – Sunday
Pray for our morning and afternoon Sunday Schools on this last day before the summer break.  Pray for Peter at Kilmore Cathedral.  Pray for this evening’s Holy Communion Service with Prayers for Healing

20th June – Monday
Remember those recently bereaved, especially those feeling the loneliness and bewilderment of loss following the death of a parent, child or life partner.

21st June – Tuesday
Pray for the organisation and preparations for this year’s Holiday Bible Club.  Pray for many willing helpers to spread the workload.

22nd June – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship.

23rd June – Thursday
Catherine Wallace has been busy putting together the summer issue of Parish News.  Give thanks for Catherine and for her team of volunteers who will assemble the magazine ready for distribution.  Pray for the ‘Explore’ group meeting this evening.

24th June – Friday
Unrest continues in the Middle East.  Pray for fair and democratic governments.  Pray for Christians living and working in the region, especially those involved in Mission through MECO.

25th June – Saturday
The summer months give work parties the opportunity to undertake tasks not possible at other times of the year.  Pray for willing volunteers to undertake ‘housekeeping’ tasks in the church, grounds and halls.

26th June – Sunday
Give thanks for Sunday School Superintendents Lynn Rodgers and Heather Gingles and for the children and teachers of both Sunday Schools and Bible Study classes joining us at today’s family service for their annual Prize Distribution.  Pray for this evening’s Youth Service.

27th June – Monday
Pray and give thanks for Parish News distributors and for those who faithfully record FWO contributions.

28th June – Tuesday
Pray for this evening’s ‘Encounter’ Prayer meeting.

29th June – Wednesday
Pray for Bishop Elias Chakupewa in Tabora Diocese.  Pray that he would manage meagre resources wisely and in ways pleasing to God.

30th June – Thursday
Pray for the members of the small groups and ‘Explore’ enjoying an outing this evening.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.  Philippians 4 v 6

Why the struggle in Egypt can speak to us all

As of this month (June), it will be six months since the unrest in Egypt began. The struggle against President Mubarak convulsed the country for weeks. But it was not the first time that people living in Egypt have had trouble with their ruler. ‘Let my people go’ is the refrain that reminds us of the tremendous struggle that Yahweh and the Israelites had with Pharaoh so long ago. Back then, Pharaoh felt threatened by the people of Israel. He hated the fact that they had a different God, and would not bow the knee to his gods. He determined to destroy them. Exodus tells us the story of how God protected his people, and led them out of Egypt – to years of difficult pilgrimage in the wilderness. It was only the constant assurance of a God who loved them, and his promise of a Promised Land which gave the Israelites any purpose in their long wanderings, which kept them going.

Thirty-five centuries on, it is surprising how little things have changed.  Christians throughout the Middle East are facing opposition from the society around them. They want freedom to worship their God, as did those early Israelites, and it is being denied them. But the story of Pharaoh and Exodus has a wider application. For every Christian, no matter where they live, will face some sort of opposition.

The story of Israel defying Pharaoh and leaving Egypt to follow their God through the wilderness is a story of our Christian lives. We know we are called by God, and led by God, but the path is not always easy, and can seem dry and hard at times. What keeps us going? We know our Shepherd, who leads us, and we know that he knows us by name. He has called us to follow him. He has promised to provide for us, and never to leave us. What’s more, he has promised us a future with him – in a Promised Land that we will
inherit and enjoy forever.

Jesus, our Deliverer, through his death and resurrection, is the one
who liberates us from the ultimate “Pharaoh,” Satan. He delivers us
from all that holds us captive, things and emotions such as self-destructive
behaviour, fears, anger and bitterness.


Fair trade goes from strength to strength
Despite recession and rising food prices, the fair-trade movement continues to attract ever-increasing support in the United Kingdom. Over 6,600 churches are now affiliated to the Fairtrade Foundation and more than 500 schools have joined. There are also over 500 Fairtrade Towns.

UK shoppers are continuing to embrace Fairtrade, showing no downturn in ethical values despite the tough economic times. Sales soared in the past year by 40 per cent, reaching an estimated retail value of £1.17 billion, compared with £836 million in 2009.

Every day in the UK we are now consuming an estimated 9.3 million cups of Fairtrade tea, 6.4 million cups of Fairtrade coffee, 530,000 cups of certified drinking chocolate and 3.1 million Fairtrade bananas.

Fresh commitments from the business world here include the Co-operative’s plan to convert all commodities that can be Fairtrade by 2013. Topshop has launched a new range of cotton denim, while Marks & Spencer have introduced its Indigo Green label. The majority of Waitrose tea is now Fairtrade. The Fairtrade Foundation has welcomed the setting up of a Fair Deal Food (FDF) Council of UK food producers to campaign for a price that covers costs of production.

It seems that the North of England is leading the way on this concern. Barbara Panvel of FDF says there is a real danger that if action is not taken we shall lose milk production in the UK and have to rely on imported milk in our Fairtrade coffee.  More information is available from the Fairtrade Foundation, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY (telephone 0207 405 5942).

LAUGHLINES

Last minute
A minister waited in the queue to have his car filled with petrol just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

What God is like
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?"
A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the little boy.
"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.
"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "

Seize the day
Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

Sunday School Prize Distribution
Sunday School Prize Distribution will take place on Sunday 26th June during the 11 am Family Service.

Children from both the morning and afternoon Sunday Schools will sit with their teachers in the Wills aisle in Church.

The prizes that the children and young people will receive are a means of encouragement for them to read and understand the Bible stories for themselves.  Never underestimate the influence that you as parents have on your children.  Where children see the Bible being read at home, and hear it being talked about, they are stimulated to want to read that passage for themselves and to ask questions.

Parents, do read these books with your children and wonderful things will happen as you grow in understanding together.
Heather Gingles, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

23rd April 2011
John Patrick Colton, 6 Fergus Court

26th April 2011
Joan Barkley, 14 Rhanbuoy Park

28th April 2011
Thomas Hugh Thompson, 124 Oakwood Road

29th April 2011
Ruby Quate, 45 Castlerocklands Court

11th May 2011
Sarah (Sally) Hatch, Cherrytree PNH formerly 59 Salia Avenue

17th May 2011
Kenneth Dyson Kinsey, 2 McKeen’s Green

Flowers in Church May 2011 (not in last magazine)

15th    Mr & Mrs G M Armstrong
29th    Ann McVeigh—In memory of Dad

Flowers in Church June 2011

5th       Vacant
12th    Kathleen Arthur
19th     Ryan & Amy Moffett
    Gordon Glendinning—In memory of my mother and brother
26th    The Finlay Family
If you would like to donate flowers for the Sanctuary please fill your name in against the appropriate space on the new Flower List in the main porch or contact Mary Withers

Crèche Rota JUNE 2011

5th    Amy Ferguson, Valerie Leighton, Nichola Downey, Rebecca Leighton
12th    Annie Crawford, Janice Nelson,  Carol Moneypenney, Hester Gingles
19th     Ann Hodge, Faye Hamilton, Heather Gingles, Ruth Nelson
26th    Deirdre Beck, Sharon Lutton, Alison Kane, 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.

POINTS TO PONDER

To be filled with the Spirit is to have the Spirit fulfilling in us all that God intended him to do when he placed him there.                                     Lewis S Chafer

What makes life dreary is absence of motive. What makes life complicated is multiplicity of motive. What makes life victorious is singleness of motive.                     George Eliot

Make sure the thing you are living for is worth dying for.                 Charles Mayes

ENCOUNTER

Next meeting Tuesday 28th June 2011
7:30pm in the church

Jesus said: “My house will be called a house of prayer.” Matthew 21:13

Services in June 2011

5th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
         11.00 am    Holy Communion — Peter’s first sermon
            Acts 2 v 14-28       
            John 17 v 1-11       
         7.00 pm    Evening Prayer — The sign of Jonah
            Matthew 12 v 38-50   

12th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
          11.00 am    Morning Prayer — Church life begins
            Numbers 11 v 24-30   
            Acts 2 v 36-47       
         7.00 pm    Informal Praise — The Parable of the Sower
            Matthew 13 v 1-23       

19th     9.30 am    Holy Communion
           11.00 am    Morning Prayer— Power in Jesus’ name
            Isaiah 40 v 12-17       
            Acts 3 v 1-16       
          7.00 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Parable of the Weeds
            Matthew 13 v 24-43   

26th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
           11.00 am    Sunday School Prizegiving—Crossing the Red Sea
            Exodus 13 & 14 (summarised)
           7.00 pm    Youth Service— Parables of the Sea
            Matthew 13 v 44-52   

Other Events in June

7th     7.30 pm    Select Vestry
11th    10.30 am    Parish Walking Group Outing
15th     7.15 pm    Widow’s Group
28th     7.30 pm    Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in the church

Are you involved in Christian Outreach during July and August?
Do you know anyone taking part in missions or camps at home or overseas?
Do you know of a Christian Event happening over the        summer?
Do you think we should be praying for it?

If your answer is ‘Yes’ to any of the above, please speak to Ann McVeigh or one of the clergy, or contact the Church Office before Monday 13th June.

Church Openings 2011

The church building will be open for visitors for the first time this year on Saturday 23rd April.  So if you cannot come to any Easter services but would like a time of quiet reflection over the Easter period, please do come along.  Details of this year’s openings are listed below.

April 23rd & 30th – 12.00 noon – 2.00 pm
May 28th – 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
June, July, August & the first week of September
Saturdays – 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
Tuesdays – 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
RECENT CHANGES TO CHURCH OPENINGS ABOVE
Please Note
Saturday 11th June – Church Open 11.00 am – Noon only
Tuesday 28th June – Church not open for visitors
Tuesday 12th July – Church not open for visitors

European Heritage Weekend

Saturday 10th September – 11.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sunday 11th September  – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

DATE FOR YOUR DAIRY

PETER’S ORDINATION

Thursday evening 9th June 2011
In Ballymoney Parish 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



Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention
ACROSS THE YEARS! ACROSS THE WORLD!

AN EVENING OF WORLDWIDE
CELEBRATION & PRAISE
With Rico Tice

The Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Saturday 20th August 2011 at 7.30 pm
Tickets £10
Available from Belfast Waterfront

Date for your Diary!

Parish Walking Group
Saturday 11th June

Meet at 10.30 am at Chaine Park Car Park (Coast Road), Larne.

For further details contact Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson



Church Tour Guides Meeting
A meeting of tour guides has been arranged for Monday 13th June at 7.30pm in the Vestry.  Anyone interested in helping out during church openings will be made most welcome.