Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends in St Nicholas’

Over the last couple of months at our morning services we’ve been thinking about what God wants the church to be like. As we’ve looked at various relevant parts of the Bible, we’ve been realising that every Christian person has a part to play in making the church a place where God’s name is honoured, His people are loved and supported, and His kingdom is built.

We really want St Nicholas’ to be a place where everyone finds a welcome, where they are given the opportunity to know they belong to God’s people and supported as they discover His plans for their lives. As Rector of the parish, I’m so thankful for the many members of the congregation who work to make this happen. We know that there is always much more to do, always ways that we can improve, but I appreciate the efforts that many people put in to help St Nicholas’ fit God’s pattern and plans for his people.

At the recent annual meeting of the General Vestry of the parish (the church’s AGM if you like) I was able to express something of that thankfulness to many of the folk who carry out all sorts of work for the sake of God’s kingdom.

In particular, we took a few moments to say a special thank you to our People’s Churchwarden & Select Vestry Secretary, Mr Ted McAuley. It is now forty years since Ted was first elected to the Select Vestry of the parish. In the years that have passed since he has carried out a wealth of service for St Nicholas’ in a wide variety of roles. Apart from the more public duties that he fulfils, Ted puts in many hours every week in unseen ways doing little jobs that make sure the church functions well. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude and it was appropriate that we were able to honour his commitment with our thanks and a small gift to mark the occasion. Thank you Ted for all your service, your friendship and your service for God’s kingdom!

It always warms my heart when I have the opportunity to speak with someone who has visited our church, or perhaps come along for the first time, and they tell me of the way that they have felt welcomed. That’s not the work of one person, be they clergy or churchwarden, it’s something that we all can play a part in. God’s word tells us that people should know us as Christians by the way that we show his love in our life together (1 Thess 4:9). Let’s all make sure that every person who comes across the door of our church knows that they are important to us because they are important to the Saviour that we love! And if you haven’t been along for a while – come and give us a try – there’s a place for you, whoever you are!

With love in Jesus,

George

Get Well Soon

At the time this magazine was being prepared our church secretary Catherine was  unwell in hospital. We pray for God’s healing touch on her life and trust that she will soon be restored to good health.
Please excuse any errors, omissions, etc in this month’s magazine that have resulted from unfamiliar hands completing its compilation!

Mark & Ali Return to Nepal

Mark and Ali Gill returned to Nepal with CMS Ireland in March for at least another 3 years.  They will be based at Dadeldhura Hospital, in the Western Region of Nepal.

CMS Ireland in the past has received grants from the Irish Government for Mission Partners but unfortunately this is no longer available for personnel.

The parish have made a commitment to support them financially and prayerfully and I would encourage you also to support them in prayer.

I wonder if you would also be willing to help them financially.  If you feel you could assist in this way please contact me by phone or speak to me in church.

Prayer points for the Gills

Give thanks for the commitment of our supporters to pray and support.

Pray for Sarah Maya and Sarah Fiona on their travels in Australia, for Daniel as he studies in the Australian Centre for Mission Aviation in Melbourne.

Pray for us as we move out to Dadeldhura sometime during the last 2 weeks of April and give thanks for a good visit in our second week back and for the provision of housing.

Used Stamps

Thank you very much to all of you who have continually over the years saved stamps for CMS Ireland, it is much appreciated.

If any parishioner has stamps about the house and are not sure what to do with them, please pass them on to me to help boost the funds for CMSI.

Gladys McAtamney 
CMSI Parish Rep

A Letter from Tanzania

Kindest regards and God's blessings to everyone.  We have much to thank God for. Our shipping has finally arrived and seems to be mostly intact.  Sam was delighted to unpack and assemble his drums!

Classes continue and seem to be going well. Robert is living a bit from class to class at the moment and spending late nights getting material prepared.  Sharon too has agreed to do some teaching this semester as well as supervise dissertations. Do remember the students as they cope with the stress of study , some of them in their 4th language!

Remember in prayer also Canon Alfred Sebahene. He is the Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the University. Alfred is very busy with administration as well as teaching. Now that we are here he hopes to take time out to study for his PhD. Do pray that that will happen and that he can secure funding.

Pray too for the proposed launch of an online journal. Robert is heading this project up and has already recruited internationally recognized scholars to be part of the editorial board. The idea is that the journal would be first rate and free to anyone who can get access to an internet connection. Books are so very expensive here and many pastors and teachers have none. To have a world class journal (based in Tanzania) that is freely available could really transform theological practice and ministry. It will take $1,000 to launch and about $100 a year to maintain - this is very cheap compared to the price of setting up a traditional printed journal. We are praying that the University will have the funds internally to do this and that we won't need to go elsewhere for funding. We meet with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on Monday evening to discuss this.

We are well and thank God for this. Do continue to pray for Sam at school and as he continues to settle in Dodoma. He has done very well and has been a brilliant boy. Pray that he will continue in good health and good spirits.  We do miss family and friends. We do miss the comfort and convenience of home. But we know God has called us here.

Many thanks for your concern and prayers.

Robert, Sharon and Sam

Select Vestry 2010

The following appointments and elections were made at the Annual General  Vestry last month

CHURCH WARDENS

Rector’s:  Harry Kirk        Peoples’:  Ted McAuley


GLEBE WARDENS

Rector’s:  Eric McMullan        Peoples’:  Alan Miles

SELECT VESTRY

Kathleen Arthur, Christine Cahoon, Gordon Dalton, Ray Gilbert,
Frank Hill, Don Howe, Paul Letters, Jacqueline Kane, Sharon Maxwell, Ann McVeigh, Glenn Nelson, Lynn Rodgers

Church Tour Guides Meeting

There will be a meeting on Monday 17th May at 7.30 pm in the Vestry  when we plan to discuss availability to cover the opening of the church over the summer months.

Any parishioner interested in being a Tour Guide or Helper will be most welcome.

Church Openings – Summer 2010

May
Saturday 1st & Saturday 29th

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

Women’s Fellowship

We had a short AGM at the start of our April meeting at which our annual report and accounts were presented. Nadine Davison was invited to be an honorary committee member and the following people were elected to be on the committee for the next two years: Karen Bell, Christine Cahoon, Jacqui Kane, Valerie Kirk, Anne Laverty, Linda Mulvenny and Valerie Leighton. Sincere thanks were conveyed to all those who contributed to the activities of the Women’s Fellowship during the year.
We then enjoyed an excellent gardening demonstration by Julie Anne Jordan of Inver Garden Centre who showed us how to get the best effect when preparing  hanging baskets and patio pots.
Our outing on Tuesday 11 May is a visit to the beautiful Mountstewart House and Gardens followed by supper in Greyabbey and the cost will be £15. We will be travelling by coach which will be departing from outside our parish halls at 6.30 pm and if you would like to join us and you have not already put your name down please contact me as soon as possible. We look forward to a lovely evening together.

Valerie Leighton

POINTS TO PONDER

He who has the Holy Spirit in his heart and the Scriptures in his hands has all he needs.                                   A MacLaren

It seems like one of the hardest lessons to be learned in this life is where your business ends and somebody else’s begins.       FM Hubbard

Jesus Christ is the centre of everything, and the object of everything, and he that does not know him knows nothing of nature, and nothing of himself.                                   Blaise Pascal

It was not for societies or states that Christ died, but for me.    C S Lewis

Prayer Diary – May 2010

1st May – Saturday
An opportunity today to renew friendships and forge new ones as Derrylin Mothers’ Union come for a tour of St Nicholas’ and join members of our Women’s Fellowship for Morning Coffee.  Pray for both groups of ladies and for our Tour Guides.

2nd May – Sunday
Pray for today’s church services.  Pray for our ministry team, for George Davison our Rector and Canon Brian Courtney.  Remember Canon Kathleen Brown as she continues to enjoy her holiday with family.  Pray for Andrew Campbell, his work here in Youth Ministry and his plans to begin full time study for Ordination in the autumn.

3rd May – Monday
The annual Family Fun Day at Tullymore has come around again.  Pray for the families travelling today, for safe travel, good weather, and good fun and fellowship together.

4th May – Tuesday
This evening the new Select Vestry will meet for their first full meeting.  Pray for our Select Vestry, especially those serving for the first time.  Give thanks for those who have served in the past and pray that the business of this church would continue in a manner pleasing to God.

5th May – Wednesday
Pray for Archbishop Alan Harper and all those travelling to Dublin for the COI General Synod that begins tomorrow and continues until Sunday.  Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.

6th May – Thursday
Today we have the opportunity to elect our next MP.  Pray for those standing for election, for our future government, that our nation would be governed wisely and fairly, and give thanks that we have a vote, remembering those nations of the world governed by dictatorship.

7th May – Friday
At the time of writing aircraft are grounded in the UK and much of Europe following the eruption of the volcano in Iceland.  TV screens show images of deserted airports and stranded travellers but also images from the earthquake in China.  Once again ‘man’ is powerless.  Pray for those affected by natural disaster not forgetting the people of Haiti.

8th May – Saturday
Pray for the members of our Badminton Club and for all parishioners who enjoy fellowship through sport including footballers, and Bowlers.

9th May – Sunday
Pray for our Sunday Schools.  Pray for teachers and the time they dedicate to preparing lessons.

10th May – Monday
Pray for our Hon Treasurer Don Howe, the Gift Aid team and for those who record our FWO giving as they all get to grips with the new Charities Commission requirements.

11th May – Tuesday
The 2009/10 season of Women’s Fellowship comes to an end this evening with an outing to Mount Stewart and supper provided by Greyabbey Mothers’ Union.  Once again, pray for the ladies of both groups and give thanks for our Women’s Fellowship Committee.

12th May – Wednesday
Pray for the sick.  Pray for those undergoing a long period of treatment or recovery.  Pray that finances would be available for new treatments.

13th May – Thursday
Pray for families recently bereaved, that they would know God close to them as this time of loss.

14th May – Friday
Pray for CMS Ireland and our link Missionaries Mark and Ali Gill.

15th May – Saturday
Girl Guiding Centenary celebrations continue today as our Guides join others from across South Antrim for a trip to Lowden Castle.  Pray for the girls and their leaders, that they will travel safely and enjoy their day together.

16th May – Sunday
Pray for our services today especially this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing service, remembering Stella Neill who updates the list of those requesting prayer.

17th May – Monday
Once again the season of exams has come around.  Pray for young people sitting GCSE, AS and A Level examinations and for those coming to the end of term at university or college.

18th May – Tuesday
Pray for the work of the church in Tabora Diocese and for the Heaney family at St John’s University.  Pray for Crosslinks.

19th May – Wednesday
Carol Mulligan will be the guest speaker at this evening’s Widows’ Group meeting.  Pray for this evening’s meeting, for Carol as she tells of her recent visit to Uganda and for the ‘Fields of Life’ child sponsorship programme.

20th May – Thursday
Pray for the ‘Explore’ Group nearing the end of their ‘Lost for Words’ series this evening.

21st May – Friday
Pray for Catherine Wallace in the Church Office.

22nd May – Saturday
Pray for Peter Ferguson and his family; and final preparations for their move to Coates Gardens.

23rd May – Sunday
At this morning’s family service our Boys’ Brigade Company will have awards presented for attainment during this past year.  Pray for the boys, for officers, leaders and helpers, and for an increase in interest from parishioners that the company would grow in number.

24th May – Monday
Pray for our Youth Fellowship and the Girls Bible Fellowship Group.

25th May – Tuesday
Pray for the unemployed and those whose job is under threat.

26th May – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship meeting this morning.

27th May – Thursday
This morning Parish News is assembled ready for distribution.  Pray for the small group of volunteers who will meet this morning to put the magazine together.  Pray for Parish News distributors.

28th May – Friday
The Beavers finish tonight with their Parents’ Evening.  Pray for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, for their leaders, family and friends.

29th May – Saturday
Today marks the first of our regular summer Church Openings.  Pray that our beautiful church building would continue to bring us opportunities to speak to people of Carrickfergus about our faith.

30th May – Sunday
Pray for our friends in the Methodist congregation meeting in our Church Hall this morning.  Pray for our services and the Tape Ministry.

31st May – Monday
Pray for Israel and its Arab neighbours, that they would find a way to co-exist in peace.  Pray for MECO’s work in the region.

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

LAUGHLINES

Beware of Terrorist Groups in Church!
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches.have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.

Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ.plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.

However, there have been reports of a sixth group.tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church.other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.

Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ.We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others.They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.

NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!
(However, you can spot them if you bin lookin and bin goin.)

Christian Marriage

‘What God has joined together, let man not separate’

1st April 2010
Steven David Simpson, 310 Ballysillan Road, Belfast and
Claudine Jeane Carse, 3 Sandringham Avenue, Carrickfergus.

8th April 2010
Steven Jonathan Beattie, 25 Cormorant Park, Carrickfergus and
Sonia Wendy Dundas, 25 Cormorant Park, Carrickfergus.

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

22nd March 2010
Maurice Gaston Stone, 5 Marlborough Close

27th March 2010
Victor Hamilton, 92 Sunnylands Avenue

2nd April 2010
William James Skelton (Billy) Brennan, 15 Belfast Road

3rd April 2010
Victor Carse, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

5th April 2010
Mary Margaret Glenn, 4 Cragfergus Avenue

8th April 2010
Roderick Degnan, 21 Prospect Park

FLOWERS IN CHURCH MAY 2010

2nd    Kathleen Arthur
9th    Vacant
16th    Mr and Mrs G. Armstrong
23rd    Vacant
30th    Mr and Mrs R. McVeigh

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.

CRÈCHE ROTA MAY 2010

2nd     Kathleen Arthur, Christine Stewart, Ann Hodge, Rebecca Leighton
9th     Valerie Leighton, Katrina Todd, Sarah Nelson, Hester Gingles
16th    Annie Crawford, Heather Gingles, Lorraine Gibson, Erin Davison
23rd    Karen Bell, Faye Hamilton, Deirdre Beck, Ruth Nelson
30th    Rebecca Patton, Sharon Lutton, Kathleen Arthur, Rachel McVeigh

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.

SERVICES IN MAY 2010

2nd    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
         11.30 am    Holy Communion—Ruth—Hard Times
            Ruth 1 v 1-22            Valerie Barr
            John 13 v 31-35            The Preacher
          
        7pm Evening Prayer
            The Master’s message—Don’t do it!
            Matthew 5 v 27-37        Janice Nelson

9th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
        11.30 am    Morning Prayer    Ruth—Help in need
            Ruth 2 v 1-23            Gillian Dalton
            John 14 v 23-29            Gordon Dalton
        7 pm        Informal Service—Hear my call
            Mark 2 v 13-17            Christine Cahoon

16th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
          11.30 am    Morning Prayer    Ruth—Redemption Plans (1)
            Ruth 3 v 1-18            Marion Letters
            John 17 v 20-26            Karen Bell
          7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Master’s message—Expecting more
            Matthew 5 v 38-48        The Preacher

23rd    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
          11.30 am    Family Service—Invitation to a Party!
            Luke 14 v 15-24       
          7 pm        Youth Service
            Psalm 61   
30th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
          11.30 am    Morning Prayer    Ruth—Redemption Plans (2)
            Ruth 4 v 1-12            Linda Mulvenny
            John 16 v 12-15            Jackie Kane
         7 pm        Evening Prayer
            The Master’s message—Purse strings & Praying
            Matthew 6 v 1-15        Audrey Agnew

Other Events in May 2010

3rd     Family Day to Newcastle
4th    7.30 pm    Select Vestry
11th  7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship Outing to Mount Stewart
19th  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

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXCURSION

This year our Sunday School Excursion will be on Saturday 5th June and will be to Armagh Planetarium. Included in the visit is an age-related film show; one  suitable for children under 6, the other for over 6’s

Buses will leave at 10 am, returning as close to 5.15 pm as possible.

This excursion is free to all St Nicholas Sunday School children, both AM and PM. Again this year the children will receive a goody bag consisting of a piece of fruit, a fruit drink, a biscuit and a bag of crisps. Adults accompanying their children are asked for a contribution towards transport & admission of £10 per person. 

Parents are asked to pay careful attention to the letter which has been sent home with the children. Those wishing to join the outing are asked to return their forms by Sun 2 May at the latest.

 Lynn Rodgers, Sunday School Superintendent

Thank You!

On Easter Sunday evening we enjoyed a service of praise and worship led by our hard-working organist Alison and the members of the extended choir. We want to say a real thank you to them all for their preparation and the wonderful music we enjoyed!
Thanks to each choir member and to the group of people who don’t normally sing in the choir, but who came along to help raise the sound of God’s praises this Eastertime. Your efforts really helped us to worship God that evening!


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
For further information