Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear friends at St Nicholas’,
I am so thankful for the warmth of welcome that I find when I meet with members of family at St Nicholas’ - I hope that that is your experience too! As we find faith in Jesus we discover the wonderful truth that we are called to be children of our Heavenly Father and members of the family of God. It is simultaneously a wonderful privilege and a real challenge to each one of us, as we are called to love and encourage each other in the Christian faith.

As I have said, I see many ways that the church family in St Nicholas gets this right. People who look out for each other, who welcome the ‘new face’, who enjoy the opportunities for fellowship that we share at Sunday worship, at the various activities that take place throughout the week, and as folk call on one another at home. It’s so important though that we also keep looking to improve! In any family there are inevitably relationships that are not what they ought to be, people who feel that they are forgotten or those who are simply missed out. I hope that each of us will prayerfully ask God to show us where we can be the catalyst for a relationship to be rebuilt, a hand of friendship to be extended, so that people will genuinely be able to say of us “see how these Christians love each other” and the name of Jesus praised.

I want to say particular thanks to one member of the St Nicholas’ family at this time. Following the annual meeting of the General Vestry, Harry Kirk has stepped down as Rector’s Churchwarden. We have all benefitted greatly from the very faithful way that Harry has carried out these duties over the last number of years. He has been utterly dependable and very diligent in making sure that everything was ready for our worship Sunday by Sunday; and, of course, this was always done with Harry’s customary warmth and friendliness. I am delighted that he continues to serve as a member of the Select Vestry. We welcome Gordon Dalton as his successor and thank him for his willingness to serve in this role.

On the Bank Holiday on 2nd May some members of our parish family are going on an outing to Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle. It’s a day out together with the opportunity for a walk, a picnic and some games for the young and young at heart! Whatever your age, it’s a great opportunity to renew or build friendships in this beautiful part of God’s creation! Details are given elsewhere in this magazine - why not come and join us?
Yours in Jesus,
George

CROSSLINKS CAMPS—SUMMER 2011

Crosslinks Camps have built up over a number of years and they provide a safe, appropriate and fun environment within which children from whatever background may hear first class bible teaching, build strong Christian friendships and have exposure to godly older Christian role models.  This year will be no exception.

Junior Camp, for ages 8—11, will be held at the brand new Cleenish Centre, Enniskillen, from 9th—16th July, 2011 and costs £140.  This fee covers all accommodation, food and activities.  Geoff and Karen Haugh are the overall leaders with a competent and experienced team of others.  Mr Mark Moorhead, the children’s minister at Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor, will be the main speaker at this camp.

Senior Camp will be held at Mullartown House, Annalong, from 30th July—6th August, 2011 and costs £140.  Mr Mark Smith, a second year theology student at Oak Hill Theological College, London, originally from Carrickfergus and a former ministry apprentice at St Elizabeth’s Church, Dundonald, will speak to the years 8—10.  Mr Jonny Gibson, originally from Belfast and a graduate of Moore Theological College, Sydney, and a current PhD student in Cambridge, is the speaker to the older teens.

Full details and a booking form are available from Peter Ferguson or Lynn Rodgers, or direct from Valerie Ellis at Crosslinks.  Valerie’s email address is vellis@crosslinks.org or the phone number is  028 9079 6028.


John Kane to run the Belfast Marathon!!

John hopes to support our Busy Bees group by raising some sponsorship for his run on Monday 2nd May.

If you would like to support him, donations can be given to any of the Busy Bees’ helpers or can be handed in at church in a clearly marked envelope.



At our April meeting we turned our minds to the Easter story in a bible study led by Janice Bisset from Belfast City Mission who took us through each stage of Christ's final journey from his arrival in Jerusalem to the resurrection. We are very grateful to Janice for taking the time to be with us and for helping us to remember the true significance of Easter.

Our spring outing will be on Tuesday 10th May to Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield. We will have a guided tour of the gardens followed by supper in the tea-rooms. We are planning to travel there by car - leaving Lancasterian Street at 6.30 pm. All ladies are very welcome and if you would like to come along and have not yet put your name down please speak to one of the committee members as soon as possible so that we can make car sharing arrangements.
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary

POINTS TO PONDER

Christianity is the revelation of God, not the research of man.            JA Stewart

He suffered not as God, but He who suffered was God.                  John Owen

When we take least notice of our good deeds ourselves, God takes most notice of them.  Matthew Henry

Where I am a Christian — In the Workplace

Thursday 26th May 2011 at 7.45pm
Methodist College, Belfast

For more information speak to the Rector

Prayer Diary – APRIL 2011

1st May – Sunday
Give thanks for our ministry team and for the opportunity for our Rector and Peter to spend some down time with family this past week.  Give thanks for Bishop Alan Abernethy’s return to health.

2nd May – Monday
Pray for today’s family day out to Tollymore, that everyone will travel safely and enjoy the fun and activities.  Give thanks for those who will provide food and refreshments.  Remember John Kane taking part in today’s Belfast Marathon to raise funds for Busy Bees.

3rd May – Tuesday
The new Select Vestry meets this evening with much to discuss.  Pray for them in their decision-making, as they seek to serve our Lord.

4th May – Wednesday
Tabora Diocese has a new bishop – Bishop Elias Chakupewa.  Pray for him and for his family as he takes up this new role in God’s service.  Pray for all who will work with him, remembering especially Emanuel and the work of Youth Ministry.

5th May – Thursday
Voters across Northern Ireland have the opportunity to elect our representatives at local Councils and the Stormont Assembly.  Pray for those who will be elected to office.  Pray for peace, for an end to dissident activity and bitterness, and for a more prosperous future for Northern Ireland.  Pray for today’s Connor Diocesan Council meeting.

6th May – Friday
Pray for the Busy Bees Parent and Toddler Group.

7th May – Saturday
Pray for the Parish Walking Group as they enjoy a scenic walk around Carrickfergus this morning.

8th May – Sunday
Pray for today’s services.  Give thanks for the opportunity to enjoy fellowship together over tea and coffee after Morning Prayer and for those who provide refreshments each Sunday morning.  Pray for Brian Courtney leading worship in Craigyhill Parish, Larne.

9th May – Monday
Pray for the sick and for their carers.  Pray that new treatments and medicines would be available to patients despite budget restraints in the Health Service.  Pray for Health professionals.

10th May – Tuesday
Women’s Fellowship rounds off its programme with this evening’s annual outing.  Pray for the members of Women’s Fellowship, for this evening’s outing and for planning for the next session.

11th May – Wednesday
As ‘Energise’ the Diocesan Youth Group meets to plan youth activities and the further development of Youth Ministry strategy across Connor Diocese, pray for this and for our Youth Ministry in St Nicholas’.

12th May – Thursday
The General Synod of the Church of Ireland meets in Armagh over the next three days.  Pray for Archbishop Alan Harper and for everyone attending.  Pray that our faith would not be compromised in the interest of conformity and popularity in today’s secular society.

13th May – Friday
Friday prayers appear to be the catalyst for anti-government demonstrations throughout the Middle East and North Africa.  Pray for fair government, peace and stability in the Middle East and Africa.

14th May – Saturday
Pray for those sitting examinations at school, college or university.  Pray that young people would be able to find time for revision and recreation, that they would not become overwhelmed by exam stress.

15th May – Sunday
Pray for today’s church services especially this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.  Pray for those who operate the sound desk each week and for parishioners listening to services via CD.

16th May – Monday
Peter Ferguson and other newly ordained clergy from Connor Diocese travel for Scotland for further training and Retreat with CEM.  Pray for safe and stress free travel to and from the venue, and for the Holy Spirit’s working in the hearts of every participant this week.

17th May – Tuesday
Pray for those struggling to cope in the aftermath of natural disasters, those bereaved, homeless, and jobless, those living in fear.  Pray for governments and relief agencies striving to bring aid and healing.

18th May – Wednesday
Pray for the ladies of the Widows’ Group.  Pray that new widows may find a source of strength, support and friendship in our Widows’ Group.

19th May – Thursday
Pray for our Small Groups giving thanks for those who have opened their homes to act as hosts for these fellowship and Bible study groups.

20th May – Friday
Pray for Robert and Sharon Heaney and their son Sam.

21st May – Saturday
Children from our Sunday Schools, parents, friends and teachers travel to W5 and Bangor for our Sunday School outing.  Pray for everyone travelling on today’s outing.  Pray for this evening’s Barn Dance to fundraise for Sarah Nelson’s visit to Uganda with Fields of Life.  Pray too for Gillian Hodge’s trek to Kilimanjaro with Practical Action.

22nd May – Sunday
Pray for today’s Family and Youth Services.

23rd May – Monday
Pray for the bereaved in our parish.  Pray that they would know God’s presence giving them the strength to cope with loss, and the assured Hope of Eternal Life with Him, for God’s people.

24th May – Tuesday
The Encounter prayer group meets this evening.  Pray for our Prayer Ministry.  All sections of Girl Guiding welcome family and friends for their Parent’s Night.  Pray for this evening’s presentation.

25th May – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship as they participate in a Day of Reflection.

26th May – Thursday
Parish News is assembled this morning ready for distribution.  Pray for all involved in its making up and delivery, especially for Catherine Wallace and her preparation work.  Pray for ‘Explore’ Bible Study.

27th May – Friday
Pray for our Cubs and Scouts, and especially for our Beavers and their leaders, joined today by friends and family for their Parents’ Night.

28th May – Saturday
Pray for the Badminton Club.

29th May – Sunday
Pray for our Bible Class Sunday Schools and Youth Fellowship.  Pray for all those working with children and young people in our parish.

30th May – Monday
Pray for our Bell Ringers.  Pray for enthusiastic novices and experienced ringers willing to pass on their knowledge.

31st May – Tuesday
Remember those feeling alone and isolated in your prayers today.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

This year our Sunday School Excursion will take place on Saturday 21st May 2011 and will be to W5 at the Odyssey, Belfast and then on to Bangor for the afternoon.

The Excursion is free to all children attending morning or afternoon Sunday Schools.  In order to assist with travelling and admission costs, adults are kindly asked for a £10 contribution.

Children will receive a choice of fruit, a fruit drink, a chocolate biscuit and a bag of crisps.  Packed lunches should be brought with you, and a separate area has been set aside at W5 for us to eat our lunches.

We will be travelling by coach leaving Carrickfergus Railway Station at 10 am and returning at approximately 5 pm.

Please complete the Booking Slip brought home by your child or children, indicating the number of children and adults intending to travel and return this no later than Sunday 1st May 2011.
Thank you for  your co-operation
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent
Heather Gingles, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent

SMARTIE TUBE APPEAL

Could I remind parents and parishioners that this appeal is continuing to support the work of the Children’s Mission run by Emmanuel in Tabora Diocese in Tanzania. 

One of the aims is to have reached between 300-400 children by the end of 2011.  This will be achieved through recently established and yet to be established Good News Clubs and Junior and Senior Youth Clubs.  To run these Clubs every week in different locations, numerous volunteers have to be enlisted.  Often a simple meal is provided for the children and gifts and prizes are supplied as well.  There are expenses to be met, bearing in mind that the Diocese does not provide financial help.  (The Diocese was unable to pay Emmanuel’s salary, so St Nicholas’  Select Vestry agreed to do so for a year.)

You will remember that we enlisted the help of the Bible Society to provide 50 children’s bible at this time last year.  It is a wonderful privilege to be able to assist this work in reaching out to children and their parents with the Good News of Jesus.  We have, through your generosity, been able to send approximately £1000 for children’s ministry each year over the years this appeal has been running.

I am very conscious of the constraint on all our personal financials at the moment.  I also see the plans  that Emmanuel has for expanding this ministry, and he is stepping out in faith and with much prayer, not knowing whether there will be sufficient money.  His enthusiasm is infectious and I feel humbled and ashamed at my lack of vision even with the resources on hand here.

So could I ask you all to dig deep and I’m not just talking financially.  Please dig deep in your prayers for this work.  In Emmanuel’s strategic plan, prayer permeates every aspect of his plans and programme and it must for us also.

It would be wonderful to be able to send £1000 again this summer from St Nicholas’ children to Tabora children.                                          Thank you so much.
Lynn Rodgers, Sunday School Superintendent


Flowers in Church April 2011 (not in last magazine)
24th    David McAtamney and family—In memory of my wife Denise

Flowers in Church May 2011

1st     H Patton and Bishop family
8th    Kathleen Arthur
15th    Vacant
22nd    Vacant
29th    Vacant
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

LAUGHLINES

Money
There is the story of a minister who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building programme. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

Who’s been good?
A father of five young children won a toy at a raffle. Back home, he called his children together to let them determine which one should have the present. "Who is the most obedient?" he asked. "Who never talks back to Mother? Who does everything she says?"
Five small voices answered in unison: "You, Daddy!"

What it says...
On Sunday after church, a mother asked her very young daughter what the lesson in Sunday School had been about. Her daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt."
Needless to say, her mother was mystified. A few days later she ran into the teacher in town, and asked for details. The teacher smiled. “It was: ‘Be not afraid, your comforter is coming’."

ENCOUNTER MONTHLY PRAYER

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

Next meeting Tuesday 24th May 2011
7:30pm in the church

Crèche Rota MAY 2011

1st    Annie Crawford, Janice Nelson, Carol Moneypenney, Hester Gingles
8th    Ann Hodge, Faye Hamilton, Heather Gingles, Ruth Nelson
15th     Sharon Lutton, Catherine Wallace, Alison Kane, Erin Davison
22nd    Deidre Beck, Katrina Todd, Karen Bell, Jonathan Nelson
29th     Sarah Nelson, Lorraine Gibson, Kathleen Arthur, Rachel McVeigh

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.

Christian Marriage

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

15th April 2011
Karl Andrew Milligan, 14 Ellis Street and
Tamera Elizabeth Dalton, 14 Ellis Street

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

23rd March 2011
Sarah (Sally) Stewart, 83 Minorca Drive

10th April
Robert Kennedy, 21 Coronation Crescent

SOUND DESK ROTA MAY 2011

        Morning                    Evening
1st        Julie Irvine                    John Kane
8th        Derice Maguire                Steven Todd
15th      Glenn Nelson                Lynn Rodgers
22nd      Jonathan Nelson                Adam Dalton
29th       Gordon Dalton                Paul Letters

Services in May 2011

1st        9.30 am    Holy Communion
            11.00 am    Holy Communion — “We have seen the Lord”
            1 Peter 1 v 3-9       
            John 20 v 19-31       
            7.00 pm    Evening Prayer — “Are you the one?”
            Matthew 11 v 1-19       
8th        9.30 am    Holy Communion
            11.00 am    Morning Prayer — “You will be my witnesses”
            Isaiah 43 v 1-12       
            Acts 1 v 1-11       
            7.00 pm    Informal Praise — “A Warning and an Invitation”
            Matthew 11 v 20-30   
15th     9.30 am    Holy Communion
            11.00 am    Morning Prayer— “A New Disciple”
            Nehemiah 9 v 6-15       
            Acts 1 v 12-26       
            7.00 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            “Lord of the Sabbath”
            Matthew 12 v 1-14       
22nd     9.30 am    Holy Communion
            11.00 am    Family Service—Moses and the plagues on Egypt
            7.00 pm    Youth Service— “God’s chosen Servant”
            Matthew 12 v 15-21   
29th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
            11.00 am    Morning Prayer— “Holy Spirit Power!”
            Isaiah 41 v 17-20       
            Acts 2 v 1-13       
            7.00 pm    Evening Prayer— “Who’s in your heart?”
            Matthew 12 v 22-37   

Other Events in May

3rd     7.30 pm    Select Vestry
7th    10.30 am    Parish Walking Group Outing
10th     7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship Outing
18th     7.15 pm    Widow’s Group
21st            Barn Dance in the church halls
24th     7.30 pm    Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in the 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

ANNUAL FAMILY DAY OUT

MAY DAY—Monday 2nd May 2011

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 10.00 am

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 – 2.00pm
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

European Heritage Weekend

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

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

There will be a "Barn Dance" in the church halls on Saturday 21st May 2011

This event is in support of Sarah Nelson who intends to go with "Fields of Life" Uganda this summer.

Fields of Life is committed to changing lives and building sustainable communities in East Africa through teaching the Christian faith and through the provision of quality education, water, health promotion and income generating projects

Happy 400th Birthday, King James Bible!

On 2nd May it will be exactly 400 years since the King James Version of the Bible was first published. The Authorised Version, as it is also known, has sold more than one billion copies since it was first published in 1611. It is arguable that there has been no more important single publication, as its impact on culture and language over the last 400 years has been huge around the world. Not only has it inspired great art, music and literature, but it has changed lives and shaped whole societies.

In our parish to mark this important anniversary we will be using the King James Bible for the readings at the 9.30 am Holy Communion services on first, third and fifth Sundays.

DAFFODIL TEA

Thank you to everyone who supported the Daffodil Tea in any way.  At the time of going to print just over £530 was raised for Church Funds.

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
Early booking advisable

THANK YOU

Just a short notice to say thank you to the person who found and handed in a Freewill envelope that had been lost by one of our parishioners.


Date for your Diary!

Parish Walking Group
Saturday 7th May

Meet at 10.00 am at Church Halls for local scenic walk

For further details contact Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson

DATE FOR YOUR DAIRY

PETER’S ORDINATION

Thursday evening 9th June 2011
In Ballymoney Parish Church

We plan to organise transport.  If you would like to go, please add you name to the list in the Church Porch or phone Catherine in the Church Office.