Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends in St Nicholas’,
Over the last six weeks a good number of parishioners have been meeting together on Thursday evenings to participate in a course prepared by Tearfund called ‘Just People’. As we have looked at different passages of scripture, we have seen the need for Christian people to be active in showing God’s love to the community of which we are a part. This is a calling, not just for those who have participated in ‘Just People’, but for all of us.

In the weeks and months ahead we will be looking for ways in which we can corporately be involved in reaching out to the community, but none of us has to wait for a church project! As individuals, God gives us opportunities every day to show Christian love and compassion to neighbours or workmates. All it takes is a little commitment on our part and a willingness to allow God to use us – how might you reach out in love to the people around you this month?

At the moment we are in the season of Lent, the period of preparation in the run-up to Easter - with this in mind I want to commend two things to you.

Firstly, as a parish I hope that we will all get behind the Sunday School in their support of this year’s CMS Lent project ‘Hands On Kiwoko’. This year that project is supporting the Christian-run Kiwoko Hospital near Luwero in Uganda. Having visited the hospital personally in 2007, I know that it is a wonderful place and any money we give will make a great difference to the work done for the people there. We are giving everyone the opportunity to have a ‘Jar of Grace’ in their house this Lent. When you sit down to a meal, give thanks to God and put a coin or two in an empty jam jar; then on Easter Day we’ll all bring our jam jars to church and collect the proceeds together to help the folks at CMS in their support of the work at Kiwoko.

Secondly, can I suggest that all of us make a special effort to be present at the Holy Week services organised by the ‘Mission Carrick’ church leaders. Desi Maxwell, formerly of Belfast Bible College, will be our special speaker and his theme will be ‘Journey to Jerusalem’. We’ll be meeting each night from Mon 29 March – Fri 2 April at 7.30pm in First Carrick Presbyterian Church. I hope to see you there.

Finally, I’m delighted to say that Peter Ferguson will be joining us as curate in St Nicholas’ in June. You’ll find more information about him and his family elsewhere in the magazine, but I know that we will be blessed in having Peter join the clergy team here and I trust that you will make him, Amy, Rebekah & Daniel very welcome when you meet them.
God bless each one of you,
George

This poem was recently seen in Carrick Health Centre

A smile for you
Smiling is infectious,
You catch it like a flu.
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner
And someone saw me grin.
When he smiled I realised,
I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,
Then I realised its worth.
A single smile like mine
Could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,
Don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick
And get the world infected.

MEET THE FERGUSON FAMILY!

George is delighted to have been able to appoint Peter Ferguson to be the next curate here in St. Nicholas’. Peter is currently finishing his course of study at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin and will be joining us (DV) in early June.

Peter (31) is married to Amy who is a primary school teacher and they have two children, Rebekah (3) and Daniel (3 months). Peter hails from the Markethill/Tandragee area of Co. Armagh and Amy is from Cullybackey.

Prior to training for ordination, Peter studied for a degree in music at Queens and has served as a youth worker in Portadown. Interestingly for us in St. Nicholas, he also spent a year living and working in Tabora diocese in Tanzania with which we have had a link for a number of years.

Bishop Alan Abernethy plans to ordain Peter in St Nicholas’ church (along with 3 other deacons, including Don Howe’s brother, Brian) on Friday 11th June at 8pm. We look forward to sharing in this special occasion. Please pray for Peter as he completes his course and for him, Amy and the children as they prepare to move to Coates Gardens in June.

Lent – a good time to pray

Lent is traditionally a time when Christians take stock of themselves spiritually. They set aside extra time for prayer. Here are some helpful things to remember as you settle down to it:

People have been praying since Adam had a grandson named Enosh. At least the Bible tells us in Genesis 4:26 that it was during his days when “men began to call on the name of the Lord” . They have been doing it ever since.

People have been answered by God since Genesis, too. But if you want to read some beautiful prayers – and answers to them, browse through the Psalms. Again and again the psalmist writes: “the Lord heard my cry”.

So – what do you need to bring to prayer? Just the tiniest amount of faith that God is even there.... Jesus assures us that even faith as big as a tiny mustard seed will be effective.

What gives you the right to come before Almighty God? Jesus does. The Bible is clear that “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ”. (1 Timothy 2:5)  The Bible makes clear that God does not stand on ceremony – he wants our personal, spontaneous prayers. Jesus was very matter of fact about it: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)

The Bible assures us that prayer will bring us good things: “we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”. (Hebrews 4:16)

Above all, prayer must be made with a pure heart. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18) That simply means that if you know you are doing something wrong, and intend to keep right on doing it, don’t waste your time praying.

Finally, what can be the results of your prayers this Lent? Well, here are seven, for starters....
1. Joy and deep happiness. (John 16:24)
2. Relief from your worry, stress and tension (Philippians 4:6,7)
3. Wisdom and more mental clarity (James 1:5,6)
4. Protection and deliverance from temptations (Matthew 26:41)
5. An ability to share the Good News of Jesus to other people (Matthew 9:38)
6. Strength to persevere when you feel under spiritual attack (Ephesians 6:18)
7. A growing thankfulness to God, who is worthy of all glory (Revelation 4:11)

POINTS TO PONDER

Of all the things that will surprise us in the Resurrection morning, it will be that we did not love Christ more before we died.
J C Ryle

Man's way leads to a hopeless end - God's way leads to an endless hope.          
Anon

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Kindness is the true revealer of a person’s greatness.          
Anon

Prayer Diary – March 2010

1st March – Monday
Pray for the girls and young women of the Girls’ Bible Study Group.  Pray for Erin and Alison, the group leaders, that they would be encouraged in their endeavours and that the group would grow in number and in faith.

2nd March – Tuesday
This evening the current Select Vestry holds its final regular meeting before the Easter Vestry.  Give thanks for the work of this Select Vestry and pray for them in their decision-making.

3rd March – Wednesday
This is the second week of practice for the extended choir in preparation for our Easter Praise service.  Pray for our organist Alison Irwin and for choir members.

4th March – Thursday
The members of the Bible Study group hope to travel to Moira this evening for a CIEF meeting.  Pray for this event, for our travelling parishioners and for speaker Bishop Ken Good.

5th March – Friday
Once again this month Celia Richardson will distribute SU Bible Study notes.  Pray for Celia and for an increased interest in home Bible study.

6th March – Saturday
Pray for CMS, for our CMS representative Gladys McAtamney and for a positive parish wide response to this year’s CMS project ‘Hands On! Kiwoko’.

7th March – Sunday
Pray for today’s services, giving thanks for the work and preaching of our Rector George Davison, Canons Kathleen Brown and Brian Courtney and for Andrew Campbell’s work in Youth ministry.

8th March – Monday
Our armed forces continue to serve in Afghanistan.  Pray for them and for those who serve alongside them at this time.  Pray for injured servicemen and their families and for those bereaved as a result of the conflict.  Pray for the Afghan government and for peace in that land.

9th March – Tuesday
Pray for the Women’s Fellowship meeting this evening.  Pray for the committee members.

10th March – Wednesday
Our Boys’ Brigade Company, although small continues to meet each Wednesday for fun and fellowship.  Pray that the company would grow and that boys and leaders would be encouraged by parishioners support.

11th March – Thursday
The Parish Bible Study meets again this evening in the Minor Hall.  Pray for the group as they once again study God’s Word.

12th March – Friday
Pray for the sick, for the long term sick and for those awaiting tests and accurate diagnosis.  Pray for those struggling with mental illness.

13th March – Saturday
The Heaney family are now settling into life at SJUT.  Pray for Robert and Sharon as they teach the students in the Theology and Religious Studies Department.  Give thanks for answered prayer, and that Sam has now recovered from his recent bowel infection.  Remember in your prayers Crosslinks and our Crosslinks representative Jacqui Kane.

14th March – Sunday
At Morning Prayer today we will mark Mothering Sunday.  Give thanks for mothers and for those who fill the role of Mother.  Remember mothers now alone when children have grown up and moved far away.  Pray for families where the mother/child relationship is strained.  Pray for this evening’s informal service.

15th March – Monday
Remember those studying for ordained ministry, especially Peter Ferguson, that he would know God’s presence as he completes his studies.  Pray for his wife Amy, 3 year old daughter Rebekah and baby Daniel.

16th March – Tuesday
Bishop Alan Abernethy continues his series of Seminars this evening in St Peter’s Parish Church, Belfast.  Pray for our Bishop, the teaching he brings and for the members of our congregation travelling to hear him.

17th March – Wednesday
Pray for the ladies of the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.

18th March – Thursday
Pray for Mark and Ali Gill now back in Nepal, that they would be settled into their new situation, making new friends, and continuing God’s work.  Pray for family members from whom they are now parted.

19th March – Friday
Pray for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

20th March – Saturday
Pray for Tearfund.  Pray for Tearfund workers in Haiti suffering following the earthquake but still striving to bring relief to others.

21st March – Sunday
Pray for the children and teachers of our Sunday Schools, Bible Study and Youth Fellowship.  Pray for this evening’s Holy Communion service with prayers for healing.

22nd March – Monday
Over recent months many have known the pain of bereavement.  Pray for those recently bereaved who are now feeling lost and alone.

23rd March – Tuesday
Pray for Don Howe, MECO and its work in the Middle East.

24th March – Wednesday
Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship meets this morning.  Pray for this opportunity for friendship and Bible study together.  Pray for our preparations for the Ferguson family’s move to St Nicholas’.

25th March – Thursday
This morning Catherine Wallace and the team of volunteers will assemble Parish News.  Give thanks for Catherine, her work in the Church Office, for her team of helpers, and for magazine distributors.

26th March – Friday
Pray for our Guides, Brownies and Rainbows.

27th March – Saturday
On the eve of Palm Sunday, pray for non-Christian friends and family members.  Pray for opportunities to speak to others about our faith and for the courage and wisdom to use such opportunities.  Pray for the Diocese of Tabora, for the ministry carried on in that region of Tanzania.  Pray for finance to continue its outreach.

28th March – Sunday
Our uniformed organisations join us in church for this morning’s family service.  Pray for them and their leaders.  Pray for today’s services.

29th March – Monday
Holy Week services in 1st Presbyterian Church begin this evening.  Pray for the preacher Rev Desi Maxwell as he looks at St Mark’s Gospel.

30th March – Tuesday
Pray for our Ministry team and for our organist and choir as they lead the worship at this evening’s Holy Week service in 1st Presbyterian.

31st March – Wednesday
Rev Desi Maxwell continues his series ‘Journey to Jerusalem’ this evening.  Pray for him and for this evening’s worship.

Between a Rock & a Hard Place

This is the title of the next lunchtime lecture to be given at St Bartholomew’s Church, Stranmillis Road, Belfast.

The lecture will be given by environmentalist John Woods, and will consider the future of the United Kingdom's energy resources. He is currently leading the development of the Northern Ireland Green New Deal Group’s work on tackling the ‘triple crunch’ of recession, climate change and rising fuel prices through a step change in public and private energy investment.

The lecture takes place at 1.10 pm on
Tuesday, 2 March 2010

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT (continues until 7 March 2010)

As this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight continues (22 February to 7 March), it is not too late for you to join in ‘The Big Swap’. This year the campaign is urging people to “swap your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff. Your usual bananas for Fairtrade bananas, your usual cotton socks for Fairtrade cotton socks, and your usual cuppa for a Fairtrade cuppa.” 

Swapping your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff is a brilliantly small step to making the world a fairer place. It means that you get to show your support for developing world producers through what you buy. Two billion people - a third of humanity - survive on less than $2 a day. Unfair trade rules keep them in poverty, but they face the global challenges of food shortages and climate change too.

Fairtrade believes that developing world producers should be in control of their own lives, by getting a better deal for the work that they do. This is a different way of doing business. It's a way that puts the poorest of the world first.

For further information visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk/thebigswap

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The guest speaker at our February meeting was Lorna Martin from Crossroads Caring for Carers.  This is an organisation which provides much needed respite for carers of all ages across Northern Ireland. Lorna spoke about the work that is done to support people who care for elderly or sick loved ones in their own homes.  In particular, we learned about the growing number of children who provide care for their parents and siblings and about the activities that are arranged to give these young people a much needed break and a chance for some fun. We were pleased to give Lorna a donation towards the work of her organisation.

The theme for our next meeting on 9 March is "Women Empowered" and our guest be Janette Blackstock. Do come along and hear what our speaker has to say - you will be assured of a warm welcome.
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

27th January 2010
Hannah Laird, Jordanstown PNH

2nd February 2010
Ellen Mary Turner, 16 Meadow Hill
(By Rev Aian Ferguson, Methodist Church)

4th February 2010
Mavis (Maisie) Smyth, Tamlaght PNH

5th February 2010
Samuel (Sammy) Brennan, 17 Sunningdale Crescent

16th February 2010
Bobby Johnston, 66 Victoria Road
(By Rev Aian Ferguson, Methodist Church)

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

During March there are several changes to our routine to note.

Sunday 14th March: Mothering Sunday—no Sunday School
Sunday 28th March: Palm Sunday—no Sunday School

There will be classes as normal on Sundays 7th and 21st March.

Thank you for your co-operation.         
Lynn Rodgers
Sunday School Superintendent

ANNUAL FAMILY DAY OUT

MAY DAY—Monday 3rd May 2010

Calling all families and friends—join us for our
Annual Family Day Out at Tollymore Forest Park
Walk/Games/Food/Fun/Fellowship

Meet at the Church Hall at 10 am

FLOWERS IN CHURCH MARCH 2010

7th    Miss Clarke—In memory of the Linn Family
14th    Jean Hamill—In memory of my sister Molly & friend Bette
21st    Vacant
28th    Maureen McVea
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 MARCH 2010

7th     Sarah Nelson, Heather Gingles, Valerie Leighton, Rebecca Leighton
14th    Karen Bell, Christine Stewart, Annie Crawford, Jonathan Nelson
21st    Faye Hamilton, Lorraine Gibson, Rebecca Patton, Rachel McVeigh
28th    Kathleen Arthur, Sharon Lutton, Deirdre Beck, Hester Gingles
The Crèche is in the Church Hall.  Children can be left there from 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.

LAUGHLINES

Great writing
There was once a young man who, in his youth, professed his desire to become a great writer. When asked to define "great," he said, "I want to write stuff that the whole world will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly emotional level, stuff that will make them scream in disbelief, cry in despair, howl in pain, and vent their anger in ways they've never dreamed of!" He now works for Microsoft, writing error messages.

Granny
The little boy came home from his first day at Sunday School. He told his mother that his Sunday School teacher was Jesus' granny.  Startled, his mother replied, “Why do you think that?” "Well, she never stops talking about Jesus," he replied.

SERVICES IN MARCH 2010

7th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
        11.30 am    Holy Communion—Concrete love
        Romans 12 v 3-21       
        Luke 13 v 31-35 
         
        7 pm        Evening Prayer
            The Master’s message—Blessed be!
            Matthew 5 v 1-12       

14th       9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
            11.30 am    Morning Prayer
            God’s Church—Follow the leader?
            Acts 20 v 25-38           
            1 Timothy 3 v 1-13       
  
            7 pm        Informal Service—Power to forgive
            Mark 2 v 1-12   

21st        9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
            11.30 am    Morning Prayer
            God’s Church—Making it work
            Isaiah 43 v 16-21       
            Colossians 3 v 12-17   
   
            7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Master’s message—Salt & Light
            Matthew 5 v 13-20       

28th     9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
           11.30 am    Palm Sunday Family Service—Welcome the King!
            Luke 19 v 28-40
           
           7 pm        Palm Sunday Youth Service
            Colossians 3 v 16—4 v 6   

Other Events in March 2010

2nd        7.30 pm    Select Vestry
9th        7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship
17th        7.15 pm    Widow’s Group


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




British Summertime starts 28th March 2010
Clocks go forward 1 hour

PALM SUNDAY—28TH MARCH 2010

Youth Organisations will be parading to Church from the Church Halls at 11.10 am