Saint Nicholas’ Parish News
March 2011
Carrickfergus, N Ireland
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends at St Nicholas,The business of the church is about helping people to discover for themselves the amazing news that each of us is loved by God; that he offers us forgive-ness for the many ways we fail him through his son Jesus, and that he calls us to be his witnesses in the world. We do this through many aspects of church life, but we're always looking for new ways to help folk grow in their faith.
This month sees the launch of St Nicholas' Small Groups, a fortnightly opportunity for parishioners to meet together in various homes around the parish in a relaxed setting to help each other as we try to understand what the Bible has to say to us and work out what it means to live as a Christian in today's world. As I have said in church, you don't have to be a Biblical expert or a ʻsuper-saint' to come along. The only qualification necessary is that you are someone who wants to grow as a follower of Jesus and help others do the
same! We hope that these groups will give us an opportunity to chat together, to ask questions, to encourage one another, to pray for each other - simply to help each other as we try to walk with Jesus.
If you'd like to join a group, or would just like to find out more about them, please contact the Parish Office or speak to one of the clergy and we'll be happy to help you.
Like most clergy I hate talking to parishioners about money, because the last thing I want to do is reinforce the idea that the church is only concerned about money. However, in the current economic climate all of us are aware of the difficulties that we face in managing our finances and balancing the books each year. The church is no different and in the year that is past we have had to use savings in order to balance the books.
We want to be good stewards of the money that you give to us for the work of God, but we also don't want to find ourselves unable to do things for the kingdom because of a lack of finance. Enclosed with this magazine you will find a leaflet which the Select Vestry have prepared regarding financial matters in the parish. Can I ask you please read it carefully and consider prayerfully whether you can help us as we seek to resource God's work in this parish.
With love in Jesus,
George
Recent Update from the Heaneys
Dear Partners and Friends,This week the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academics (DVCA) died and was buried. Professor Daimon Mwaga (b. 1946) had a long career in academics and politics (CCM). He was educated at the University of Dar es Salaam and in Europe in political science. Yesterday, Friday 11th February, the University had a service of thanksgiving. Senior staff arrived at 11.30am and the service ended at around 4.30pm. The coffin was received by Senior staff at the door and carried to the front of the hall where flowers, a cross, and his picture were placed. The service was led by three bishops and three music groups (a band, a choir, and a male trio). Local and national dignitaries were present and had opportunity both to publicly express their condolences and donate money to the widow. Many people attended the service and the burial afterwards. Do remember his family in your prayers.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Education (FAHE) is acting DVCA. We are assuming he will now become the DVCA. This will leave a vacancy in FAHE with no obvious choice to take on the leadership there. Certainly SJUT would be interested to hear from experienced and senior academics (especially volunteer academics!) who could step into this role for a few years. We have some very capable scholars in FAHE but they have yet to finish their PhDs and so are not eligible or experienced enough to take on the role of Dean.
We are getting close to the end of our courses here as the students prepare themselves for exams. Sharon has finished the research workshop with the third years which has been very well received. The students seem to have gained much confidence in how to move forward with their dissertations.
Robert chaired the first Graduate Studies, Research & Consultancy Board (GRaCB) meeting for SJUT this week. Though not as well attended as it should have been, they were able to review the higher degree regulations he has written ahead of the Senate meeting in March.
Sam had a good week despite having a wee bit of a cough. The big news is that he can now ride his bike without stabilizers! He is very pleased and proud of himself. Indeed, we are very pleased and proud of him.
Thank you for your ongoing friendship & partnership.
Robert, Sharon and Sam.
Focusfest 2011
Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June
The Waterfront Hall, Belfast
A PERFECT MESS
Speaker—Lisa Harper (USA) - Women of Faith
"Rarely are the terms hilarious storyteller and theological scholar used in the same sentence, much less used to describe the same person... but then again, Lisa Harper is anything but stereotypical! She has been lauded as a gifted communicator. Her God-given ability, to not merely teach the Word but package it in a way that stirs the heart and calls to action, is incomparable. When she speaks ears perk up!"
Worship—Sarahanne Wilmont
"Sarahanne's is a bright new song writing talent with a voice that is attractive and distinctive. She is passionate about leading worship with all the gifts God has given her!"
Book online at www.focusfest.co.uk
or telephone 028 9045 5400
Northern Ireland’s largest event for Christian women
POINTS TO PONDER
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3:6
Humility is to the Christian what ballast is to the ship; it keeps him in his proper position and regulates all his thoughts and feelings.
Archibald Alexander
Stay trimmed and balanced
‘Do not let this Book …depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night,…be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be …successful.’ Joshua 1.8
Any flying instructor will tell you that aeroplanes need to be ‘trimmed’ or ‘balanced in flight’ on a regular basis. After flying through storms and hitting air pockets, they get knocked out of line. That’s true of our path through life. The bad storms of sickness, redundancy, divorce and disappointment, can knock us off our balance, too.
In other words, our attitude needs to be constantly checked and adjusted. Have you checked yours lately? What are you encountering at the moment that is putting pressure on you to veer off course? So long as we live, we will always need to look to God, to stay ‘trimmed and balanced’. Lent is an excellent time to do this.
The best way to stay balanced is to read God’s Word. It gives us a true map of the world around us, and shows us where we are on that map. Here’s an idea you can try for Lent: every week, for the next few weeks, choose a Bible verse and write it down on a small card. Carry it with you wherever you go and memorise it. In one year, you’ll know 52 new scriptures, and more importantly, your attitudes will be more naturally in line with God’s Word, your faith will be strengthened, and your life will be moving in the right direction.
Would you like to visit the Battlefields of Europe?
The Rev Canon Alex Cheevers is a retired Church of Ireland clergyman who, for the last eight years, has been leading tours to the battlefields of Europe. In 2011 he will be leading two different tours. Both tours are by coach and both last for eight days.
The Somme and D Day Landing Areas of Normandy
10th — 17th September 2011
This favourite tour is now in its eighth year. Visiting the Ulster Tower and Thiepval Memorial, trenches and cemeteries of the First World War. Then moving on to Normandy and covering the D Day Air Landing Areas of the 6th Airborne Division, Pegasus Bridge and Ranville Cemetery. All five landing beaches are visited; Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah. See Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. Lunch in Arromanches. Visit the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. See the only bunkers that still have the original guns in them. Visit the American Air landing areas. See John Steele still hanging from the church tower! And so much more. The free day on this tour is in Caen, at the heart of the Battle of Normandy, close to the Bayeux Tapestry.
A Tribute to the Royal Ulster Rifles
1st — 8th May 2011
This is a brand new tour for 2011. It visits the places where the Royal Ulster Rifles were in action in Europe in the Second World War—from holding the line at Louvain in Belgium in 1940, to evacuation from Dunkirk—being at the Battle of the Bulge and later landing by glider in Operation Varsity at the crossing of the Rhine. Walk the ground the Rifles walked. Tribute is also paid in several cemeteries where Royal Ulster Rifles men now lie in the corner of a foreign field. This tour also spends a day in the area of the Battle of the Bulge. Step by step it follows the Royal Ulster Rifles' progress and actions. (Their D Day landings are covered in the tour above!) On the Royal Ulster Rifles tour there is one day completely free in Cologne in Germany.
If you would like full details of these tours, or if you have any questions, please phone Alex on 028 9269 0701.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 8 March when we will be having a hairdressing evening led by Karen Miles. There will also be a bring and buy sale so everyone is asked to bring a suitable item for this. As always, all ladies will be very welcome.
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary
Prayer Diary – MARCH 2011
1st March – TuesdayThe Select Vestry meets this evening. Pray for the members of Select Vestry attending this evening’s meeting. Once again pray for our church finances and our giving towards our free will offering.
2nd March – Wednesday
Choir practice begins this evening for the extended choir in preparation for our Easter Praise service. Pray for our Organist Alison Irwin and for everyone coming along this evening.
3rd March – Thursday
Pray for today’s Connor Diocesan Council meeting and for our Bishop Alan Abernethy.
4th March – Friday
The Busy Bees continue to meet each Friday morning. Pray for the parents and toddlers, and for those who make ready the hall each week
5th March – Saturday
Last month Rev Morris Gault left Carrickfergus to take up a new post at Cooke Centenary. Pray for Morris and his wife Helen as they settle into life with their new congregation, for the congregation of Downshire Presbyterian and God’s provision of a new Minister.
6th March – Sunday
Today our Sunday Schools will learn about this year’s CMS Project, ‘Living Stones – Building the Church in Burundi’. Pray that the children would be enthused by the Project, that they and we may raise funds to support church construction and leadership training in Burundi.
7th March – Monday
Pray for Mark Gill in his new secular position with Himal Hydro as Project Manager of the Mai Hydro Project. Pray that God would continue to use Mark and Alison in His service in Nepal.
8th March – Tuesday
At this evening’s Women’s Fellowship Karen Miles will give a hairdressing demonstration. Pray for all the ladies attending. Pray for Peter and Carrick Grammar students attending this afternoon’s Scripture Union meeting in the school.
9th March – Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Pray for parishioners attending this morning’s Holy Communion service.
10th March – Thursday
Pray for the ‘Explore’ Bible Study Group.
11th March – Friday
Tonight the Beavers plan to ‘stay awake’. Pray for them, also the Cubs and Scouts, giving thanks for leaders and helpers.
12th March – Saturday
The Walking Group meet again this morning. Pray for everyone taking part in this morning’s walk.
13th March – Sunday
Give thanks for our ministry team, for George our Rector, for Peter our Curate, and for the support of Brian and Kathleen. Pray for today’s church services and for those listening via CD or Internet.
14th March – Monday
Pray for the recently bereaved, for those who have lost a life partner or parent and not forgetting those who have lost a child, thinking especially of the two families whose teenage sons died so tragically just a few weeks ago. May they all know God’s presence and peace.
15th March – Tuesday
This week Catherine Wallace will be busy gathering material for the next issue of Parish News. Pray for Catherine, giving thanks for her work. Pray for the compilation of this Prayer Diary.
16th March – Wednesday
The Rector is the guest of the Church of the Nazarene’s Silver Liners today. Pray for this and for our Widows’ Group meeting this evening. Pray for peaceful St Patrick’s Day celebrations tomorrow, especially for those residents living in the ‘holy land’ area of Belfast.
17th March – Thursday
Pray for the Small Groups meeting in parishioners’ homes. Once again give thanks for those parishioners acting as hosts for these gatherings.
18th March – Friday
Pray for the sick. Pray for doctors, nurses, therapists and carers. Pray for those working in research into new medicines and treatments for the relief of pain and improved quality of life.
19th March – Saturday
Pray for Robert and Sharon Heaney at SJUT. Pray that they would have the support and resources they require for work as well as time to relax with son Sam. Pray for their continued good health.
20th March – Sunday
At Morning Prayer today our guest preacher will be John Carrick of MECO. This evening’s Holy Communion service includes Prayers for Healing. Pray for both services and Middle East Christian Outreach.
21st March – Monday
Pray for those who faithfully record our Free will offering.
22nd March – Tuesday
The Encounter Prayer Group meet again this evening in the church. Bring this group to God in prayer. Pray that our prayer life will grow through ‘Encounter’, our Prayer Chains and Intercessors for the sick.
23rd March – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship and for the planning for this year’s Holy Week services in Holy Trinity.
24th March – Thursday
Pray for the team of volunteers who assemble Parish News. Pray for distributors of Parish News. Pray for this evening’s CIEF meeting and the members of this parish travelling to attend.
25th March – Friday
Unrest that began in Tunisia spread to Egypt then to other North African and Middle-Eastern states. Pray for the governments and peoples of the region, for fairness and justice, and for all citizens.
26th March – Saturday
The recent upsurge in dissident activity, the continuing recession, falling house prices, unemployment and job insecurity, debt and the effects of government cutbacks, all add to a sense of unease in Northern Ireland. Pray for our province, for our government at Stormont and for the PSNI and others charged with our security.
27th March – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s Holy Communion services and for the children and teachers attending Sunday School. Pray for this evening’s Youth Service and for the leaders and members of our Youth Fellowship.
28th March – Monday
Pray for the Girls’ Bible Study and Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.
29th March – Tuesday
This evening there will be an Energise Diocesan Youth Leaders training event ‘Refresh the Soul’ in Antrim. Pray for all those taking part.
30th March – Wednesday
As our Rector attends assembly at Oakfield PS this morning, pray for parents and teachers and all involved in education in Northern Ireland.
31st March – Thursday
Pray for the church in Tabora Diocese and the election of a new Bishop.
In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. Philippians 4.6
The Real Jesus
Some say Jesus was a good manThat He helped the humble poor,
Some say He was such a wise man,
But a prophet, and no more;
Some say that He was a hero –
Just a martyr for a cause –
But He is the Lord I follow
He’s the Christ – the Living Word.
For He was in the beginning,
Through him everything was made.
He’s the light, no darkness dimming
The True Light, which cannot fade.
But the world has not believed Him
Those He made – unreconciled.
And yet those who have received him
Each become God’s cherished child!
He has shown the Way to follow
He has proven how to live;
When in deepest pain and sorrow
He cried out “Father, forgive”,
So this is the real Jesus
Not a man from history –
But our living Lord who frees us
To new life, eternally
By Nigel Beeton
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES
Would parents of our morning Sunday School please note several changes to our routine; Sunday 27 March Sunday School at 11 am in our Halls - NOT Family Service and Sunday 3 April - Mothering Sunday - Family Service in Church - no Sunday School.CMS PROJECT
The C M S Project this year is centred in Burundi, the small central African country sandwiched along with Rwanda, between Tanzania and Uganda. The project is entitled “Living Stones—Building the Church in Burundi”The aims are two-fold, to fund the physical building of a Church, and the spiritual building up of pastors and Church leaders through theological training at the local Bible College.
Both morning and afternoon Sunday Schools will be learning about this project through the showing of a DVD coupled with relevant and related lessons.
Children will receive a C M S collecting box which can be taken home, so that the whole family can be involved in supporting this project. Boxes can be returned after Easter. There is no specific deadline.
Any parishioners can also support this project by taking a collecting box which will be available in church.
Thank you
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent
Heather Gingles, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent
NEWSFLASH—TABORA
Tabora Diocese in Tanzania is currently without a Bishop: Bishop Sadok having been appointed Bishop of a neighbouring Diocese towards the end of last year. The election of the new Bishop for Tabora Diocese is on 8 April 2011.You are asked to pray that a godly man with a servant heart, steeped in Bible truth and motivated by the Holy Spirit, will be elected to this important position in the Anglican Church in Tanzania.
Calling all Youth Leaders!
Connor Energize presents ‘Refresh the Soul’ – we really want youth leaders to have the opportunity to be inspired in their role among young people – to feel supported – to know that the role they have can hold great promise in the lives of young people.
The evening will be taking place in Antrim Parish Halls on Tuesday 29th March 2011 at 7:30pm
LAUGHLINES
Off to the vetIn his younger days our golden retriever Catcher often ran away when he had the chance. The vet’s surgery was about a mile down the road, and Catcher would usually go there. The nursing staff knew him and would call me to come pick him up. One day I called the vet to make an appointment for Catcher's yearly vaccine. "Will you bring him," asked the receptionist, "or will he come on his own?"
Flowers in Church February 2011 (not in last magazine)
13th Doris Close—In memory of my father
Flowers in Church March 2011
6th Kaye Cheshire—In memory of my father13th Vacant
20th Vacant
27th Maureen McVea
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.
Encounter
Jesus said: “My house will be called a house of prayer.” Matthew 21:13Next meeting Tuesday 22nd March 2011
7:30pm in the church
For further information contact Peter Ferguson
Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’29th January 2011
Samuel (Sam) Campbell
Ravenhill PNH Greenisland (formerly 10 Skelton Close)
1st February 2011
Edna May Thompson, 34 Victoria Rise
10th February 2011
Dillon Philip Samuel Robin Woodside, 19 Westmount Avenue
11th February 2011
John (Jackie) McClean, 62 Davys Street
12th February 2011
Ethel Elizabeth (Betty) Cooke
14 Fairacres Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire (Burial of Ashes)
21st February 2011
Noel James Kingston, 18 Castlerocklands
SOUND DESK ROTA MARCH 2011
Morning Evening6th David Stockard Paul Letters
13th Johnnie McAlister Steven Todd
20th Gordon Dalton Lynn Rodgers
27th Glenn Nelson Adam Dalton
Crèche Rota March 2011
6th Lorraine Gibson, Valerie Leighton, Kathleen Arthur, Jonathan Nelson13th Christine Stewart, Amy Ferguson, Janice Nelson, Rachel McVeigh
20th Nichola Downey, Annie Crawford, Catherine Wallace, Ruth Nelson
27th Sharon Lutton, Deirdre Beck, Carol Moneypenney, Hester Gingles
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.
Services in March 2011
6th 9 30 am Holy Communion11.00 am Holy Communion—What can you depend on?
Philippians 3 v 1-11
Matthew 7 v 21-29
7.00 pm Evening Prayer—To fast or not to fast?
Matthew 9 v 14-17
13th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Morning Prayer—Don’t look back!
Genesis 19 v 15-26
Philippians 3 v 12—4 v 1
7.00 pm Informal Praise—Help needed—urgently!
Matthew 9 v 35-38
20th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Special MECO Service
Guest speaker: Rev John Carrick
7.00 pm Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
Lives transformed
Romans 4 v 1-5
Matthew 9 v 18-34
27th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Holy Communion—Keep focused
Philippians 4 v 2-9
John 2 v 13-22
7.00 pm Youth Service—Go and preach
Matthew 10 v 1-16
Other Events in March
1st 7.30 pm Select Vestry
8th 7.30 pm Women’s Fellowship
12th 10.30 am Parish Walking Group Outing
16th 7.15 pm Widows Group
22nd 7.30 pm Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in church
ANNUAL FAMILY DAY OUT
MAY DAY—Monday 2nd May 2011Calling 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 10.00 am
Big choir’ for Easter
We recognise that many of you would enjoy the fellowship, camaraderie and 'craic' we have at practices but cannot afford the time to commit to this on a permanent basis, so we would, once again, offer the opportunity for anyone who enjoys singing, to attend for about 6 weeks in preparation for the Easter Services when the choir takes a larger role than usual.
Easter Choir rehearsals start Wednesday 9th March at 8.15 pm
and will last for 45 minutes approximately.
Hope to see you there.
Alison
Date for your Diary!
Parish Walking Group
Saturday 12th March
Meet at 10.30 am
at Hazelbank Car Park
For further details contact Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson
Gillian Hodge is hosting an event to raise funds to go on the trek of a lifetime up Kilimanjaro, the world’s largest free-standing mountain to raise funds for Practical Action (charity no 247257)
CHINESE BANQUET AND AUCTION
14th April at 7.30 pm
Bambou Restaurant, Templepatrick
Tickets £25 available from Ann Hodge
Practical Action works and employs local people to create simple,
sustainable answers to poverty.
Do you have any photographs??
We are looking for photographs of things that happened in the church over the past 100 years. These will be scanned and put on the church website in an online photo gallery where
parishioners can look back and remember past events, times and people.
Anything church related - weddings, christenings, church
outings, BB, Guides, Scouts, Barn Dances, Flower Festivals etc.
Please give/send your photographs to Paul Letters or leave them in the church office. Don’t forget to supply your details so that your photos may be returned to you!
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
