Dear Friends in St Nicholas’

At our morning services this Autumn we have been looking at the message of the book of Jeremiah. It’s been an interesting journey as we have listened to the message of this sometimes misunderstood prophet. Jeremiah is sometimes referred to as ‘the weeping prophet’ or even ‘the prophet of gloom’ because this lengthy book contains much that speaks of God’s judgement on his people. It wasn’t a popular message then and its not a popular message now, but both ancient Israel and modern day society need to hear it. In the midst of busy lives we need to remember who God is and how much we need him! It is easy for us to crowd God out with other things and slowly but steadily drift further & further away from him. Jeremiah is calling us to remember whose we are and how great is his love for us

In my mind November is always associated with remembering. Remembrance Sunday is an important milestone in the year as we take time to remember the horrible consequences of turning to war and give thanks for the lives of those who have paid the ultimate price for our safety and freedom. As is our custom in St Nicholas’ we look forward to welcoming the members of our uniformed youth organisations to this special service on 13 November. Parishioners are asked to note that on Remembrance Sunday our main morning service will be held half an hour later than normal at 11.30 am to facilitate those who wish to attend the Act of Remembrance at the town War Memorial beforehand.

Recently our Sunday School teachers attended an excellent training day organised by Lynn Rodgers to refresh and encourage and equip them in the task of teaching the Bible to children. As Rector, I am so thankful to Lynn and to Heather Gingles and the team of teachers who make it possible for us to run two Sunday Schools in our parish. They assist us greatly to fulfill our responsibility to help children grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. We are  indebted to them for their faithfulness Sunday by Sunday in preparing their lessons for the young people. At our family service last month we acknowledged one of our teachers, Jean Stewart, who has completed forty years teaching Sunday School! This is a wonderful record of service and we wanted to thank Jean on behalf of the generations of children that she has taught.

We have also welcomed a new face to St Nicholas’ in recent days. Mrs Heather Cooke will be serving in the parish as a Diocesan Lay Reader, assisting with the leading of worship and sharing in the preaching ministry. Heather comes to us from the Parish of Mallusk and will be spending the next year on placement in Carrickfergus. Heather’s husband Edwin serves as a Lay Reader in the parish of Rathcoole, so he and the family might only be with us very occasionally, but we assure them all of a warm St Nicholas’ welcome.

Yours in the service of Jesus,
George

LEPROSY MISSION

It’s coming to the end of the year and Leprosy Mission still needs funds for its work. 

Any boxes or donations should be given to Tina Campbell or one of the church wardens.
Thank you

 Gift Aid

In recent years parishioners have been advised of the benefit our Church can receive from the “Gift Aid” scheme.  A number of you are already part of that scheme.  Having said that, the Select Vestry is of the opinion that more of you would join the scheme if you were again furnished with information on “Gift Aid”.  In addition, new parishioners may not be aware of this benefit.  Accordingly, we would ask you to take the time to read and consider the following:-

Gift Aid – What is it?
Gift Aid is a Government incentive which allows our Church to reclaim basic rate tax from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on donations (gifts) made by tax payers.  It is calculated on the amount before basic tax was deducted.  As tax will already have been paid it means that, at present, in simple terms, our Church can claim 25p in every £1 donated by a tax payer.

For donations received between 6th April 2008 and 5th April 2011 our Church can also receive a further, separate Government supplement of 3p on every £1 given.  Does it sound too good to be true?  It may seem so but that is what the legislation allows.

Who qualifies to give Gift Aid?
Persons who pay tax and are
Persons in employment or self-employed; or
Persons who have tax deducted at source from savings interest; or
Persons who pay tax on State Pension and/or other pensions; or
Persons who pay tax on investment or rental income; or
Persons who pay Capital Gains Tax on gains;
and provided the person pays enough in tax to cover the donation.

For example.  If you give £100 to the Church in a particular tax year, £25 tax would need to have been paid for Gift Aid to be claimed.
Simply divide the amount you give by 4 to gauge the tax amount.

What is required from you?
Provided you qualify as a taxpayer all that is required is for you to sign a simple declaration form.  We will do the rest.  (A copy of the “Gift Aid” Declaration form is included in this Parish News).

What will it cost you?

Absolutely nothing.  You will already have paid tax before our Church makes any claim.  If you pay higher rate tax you can claim further tax relief in your Self-Assessment tax return.

Who can give you advice?

The Select Vestry has appointed a small team of four to look at how our Church could further benefit from Gift Aid.  Any one of the team members can be contacted.  They will be only too pleased to offer you advice.  The team is:-

Jacqui Kane  
Ann McVeigh 
Alan Miles      
Eric McMullan

“Gift Aid” can be claimed on any source of your giving (Free Will Offering; Personal Subscription; Building Fund; Harvest Envelope; or any other form of giving with which you are associated).  To enable us to reclaim this Tax simply complete the “Gift Aid” Declaration form and give it to a member of the Select Vestry or enclose it in an envelope and place it on the collection plate in Church.

Gift Aid declaration                        giftaid it

Name of charity or CASC St Nicholas’ Parish Church, Carrickfergus

Please treat
□  The enclosed gift of £ ________________ as a Gift Aid donation; OR
□  All gifts of money that I make today and in the future as Gift Aid donations; OR
□  All gifts of money that I have made in the past 4 years and all future gifts of
    money that I make from the date of this declaration as Gift Aid donations.
⎫  Please tick the appropriate box
You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the  tax the charity or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) will claim from HM Revenue & Customs on your Gift Aid donation (s)

Donor’s details

Title  _______  Initial(s)  _______  Surname  ________________________________

Home address  _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Postcode  ___________________________  Date  ____________________________

Signature  _____________________________            Free Will Offering Number
Please notify the charity or CASC if you:
Want to cancel this declaration.
Change your name or home address.
No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.
Tax claimed by the charity or CASC
The charity or CASC will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 you gave up to 5/4/2008.
The charity or CASC will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 you gave on or after 6/4/08
The Government will pay to the charity or CASC an additional 3p on every £1 you gave between 6 April 2008 and 5 April 2011.  This transitional relief for the charity or CASC does not affect your personal tax position.
If you pay income tax at the higher rate, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax return if you want to receive the additional tax relief due to you.

St Nicholas’ Women's Fellowship
At our October meeting we learned about the impressive work of The Gideons International. We were joined by local Gideon auxiliaries, Rosemary McCall and June Wright, and we were also pleased to welcome Stuart Horner who is the Gideon representative here in St Nicholas. We heard about the work they do to distribute thousands of copies of God’s word to a wide range of organisations including schools, universities, hospitals, hotels, and prisons etc.We also heard some powerful stories of lives that were completely transformed through the simple act of being given a Gideon bible. We were pleased to present our speakers with a donation towards the important work of the Gideons.

At our meeting on 8th November we will be holding a flower arranging evening. Our guest will be Phyllis Boyd who will be demonstrating some easy to copy ideas for attractive flower arrangements especially for the Christmas period. As always, all ladies are welcome to come along and get some ideas for festive displays - you may even consider making some of the arrangements later in the month to sell at the Christmas Fair.  
Valerie Leighton

Prayer Diary – NOVEMBER 2011

1st November – Tuesday
Pray and give thanks for our Church Wardens Ted McAuley and Gordon Dalton, for the many hours they dedicate to their duties, often going above and beyond what is required of their office.  Pray for their health and strength and for their supportive wives Maureen and Gillian.

2nd November – Wednesday
Severe flooding in Thailand may not have received a huge amount of coverage in the media but over 300 are dead and 110,000 are displaced.  Pray for the Thai people, for PM Yingluck Shinawatra, for those bringing aid, for supplies of food, clean water, shelter and medicine.

3rd November – Thursday
The ‘Explore’ group continues its study of the Apostles’ Creed this evening.  Pray for the preparation work for these meetings and for the working of the Holy Spirit increasing knowledge and understanding.

4th November – Friday
Two recent reports highlighted Fuel Poverty in the UK.  One report stated that thousands die each winter as a result of the cold and another stated that some people, having agreed to have energy costs paid direct to suppliers from their benefit, could lose as much as one quarter of that benefit.  Charities report an increase in demand for food parcels.  Pray for those in need here in the UK as well as those in need overseas.

5th November – Saturday
Pray for the Parish Walking Group.

6th November – Sunday
Pray our ministry team; the Rector, Peter, Kathleen and Brian; and lay reader Heather Cooke.  Pray for the children and young people who attend morning and afternoon Sunday schools, and Bible Classes, for Superintendents Lynn Rodgers and Heather Gingles, for teachers, and the preparations for this year’s Nativity presentations.

7th November – Monday
Pray for the Bell-Ringers meeting for practice this evening.

8th November – Tuesday
The Women’s Fellowship meets this evening.  Pray for all the ladies attending and for this month’s guest Phyllis Boyd.

9th November – Wednesday
Pray for the officers, helpers and boys in all sections of our Boys’ Brigade Company.

10th November – Thursday
A number of parishioners will attend this evening’s CIEF meeting at Methodist College Belfast addressed by Dr Dickie Barr on the subject of ‘Being a Christian Witness in the Family.’  Pray for this evening’s gathering and remember friends and family members who do not yet know Christ as Lord and Saviour.

11th November – Friday
The ‘Busy Bees’ Parent and Toddler group meets again this morning.  Pray for the continued success of the group, for the community outreach it brings and give thanks for those who make the hall ready each week.

12th November – Saturday
Yesterday was the 93rd anniversary of the end of WW1.  Pray for the Armed Forces especially those currently serving in Afghanistan.  Pray for those who bear the physical and mental scars of conflict.  Remember army, navy and air force personnel away from home for long periods, and their families at home.

13th November – Sunday
Pray for all those taking part in Remembrance services today, including groups and individuals from our own congregation.  Pray for our 11.30 service and the service at Holy Trinity, Ballysillan being led by Rev Brian Courtney.  Remember those feeling their own personal loss today.

14th November – Monday
Give thanks for those who work behind the scenes ensuring the smooth running of our parish and the maintenance of our church and halls.

15th November – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets this evening.  Pray for the members of Select Vestry at what promises to be another busy meeting.

16th November – Wednesday
The Rector will be at Oakfield and Peter at Downshire School for their morning assemblies.  Pray for the staff and pupils especially P7 and Year 12 pupils, and those preparing to leave school next June.  Pray for the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.

17th November – Thursday
The Small Groups meet this evening.  Pray for the members of these groups, giving thanks for the parishioners who host them.  Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship group.

18th November – Friday
This evening our church is once again the venue for the Civic Carol Service.  Pray for our Mayor and Councillors.

19th November – Saturday
Pray for the sick.  Pray for those anxiously awaiting a diagnosis or treatment.  Give thanks for the skill of doctors, nurses and technicians.

20th November – Sunday
SNYF members go to Lisburn Cathedral for the ‘Energise’ Youth Workshop this evening.  Pray for SNYF and for this event.  Pray for today’s services, especially this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.

21st November – Monday
Pray for the church in Tabora Diocese.  Pray for the Heaney family as they continue to serve God at St John’s University Tanzania.

22nd November – Tuesday
Pray for those in our parish who have been recently bereaved, that they would know God’s Love as well as the support of family and friends.

23rd November – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship.

24th November – Thursday
Catherine Wallace and volunteers who assemble Parish News meet this morning to prepare the magazine for distribution.  Give thanks for Catherine’s work at what is a very busy time in the Church Office.

25th November – Friday
Magazine Distributors meet this evening to collect the next issue of Parish News and FWO envelopes for 2012.  Pray for this gathering.

26th November – Saturday
Our Christmas Fair takes place today.  Pray that our Christmas Fair will be well supported and for the Alzheimer’s Society, this year’s chosen charity.  Pray for the members of the Parish Catering Group.

27th November – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s Family Service including Holy Baptism.  Pray for this evening’s Youth Service.

28th November – Monday
Bring the final preparations for the Church of the Nazarene ‘Bethlehem Experience’ to God in prayer today.

29th November – Tuesday
Pray with those attending ‘Encounter’ this evening as they focus on ‘God’s Mission.’

30th November – Wednesday
Pray for the ongoing preparations and planning for the new outreach for senior members of our community.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

Parents are asked to note that arrangements for Remembrance Sunday, 13th November, are different from previous years.

There will be Sunday School and children are to be brought to the Halls before 11.30 am and not to the Church as would normally be the case. 

The Family Service returns to its usual slot of the 4th Sunday, 28th November.
Thank you for your co-operation

SMARTIE TUBE APPEAL

If there are any children who have recently started Sunday School who have not received their Smarties and collecting plastic pot, in aid of Children’s Ministry in Tabora Tanzania, please do let me know as soon as possible.
Lynn Rodgers, Sunday School Superintendent

BUSY BEES

Fridays 10.30 am – 12 noon in the Church Halls

All parents welcome.
Come along and enjoy fellowship whilst
the children get to make friends.

For further information please speak to
Alison Kane or Amy Ferguson

POINTS TO PONDER

History is a story written by the finger of God.                    C S Lewis

There never was a good war, or a bad peace.             Benjamin Franklin

We may ignore, but we cannot evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with him.   C S Lewis

TEA ROTA NOVEMBER 2011

Please organise within your group as to who will bring milk or biscuits.  If you can’t be present on a Sunday listed, please arrange for another volunteer to cover for you or ring Gillian (9336 5687).  Many thanks for your support.

06/11/11
Grace Howe
Valerie Kirk
Gloria Penrose
13/11/11
Deirdre Beck
Valerie Leighton
Linda Mulvenny
20/11/11
Sally Campbell
Tina Campbell
Kenneth Irwin
27/11/11
Nadine Davison
Anne Laverty
Sharon Luton

Crèche Rota November 2011

6th    Amy Ferguson, Lorraine Gibson, Heather Gingles, Rebecca Leighton
13th    Catherine Wallace, Ann Hodge, Janice Nelson, Rachel McVeigh
20th    Valerie Leighton, Carol Moneypenney, Faye Hamilton, Jonathan Nelson
27th    Annie Crawford, Christine Stewart, Deirdre Beck, Hester Gingles

Children can be left in the Choir Vestry 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.

ENCOUNTER

Next meeting Tuesday 29th November 2011
7:30pm in the church

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

Flowers in Church November 2011

6th    Andrene Johnson—In Memory of my husband Colin
13th    Doris Close & Lorraine Gibson—In memory of our father
20th     Ben Geddes, Colin & Alexa, Jimmy & Sarah—In Memory of Margaret Geddes
27th     Rayma Hill—In memory of my mother

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 at (9336 2869)

SOUND DESK ROTA NOVEMBER 2011

        Morning                    Evening
6th        Julie Irvine                    Paul Letters
13th        David Stockard                    John Kane
20th        Glenn Nelson                    Lynn Rodgers
27th        Gillian Dalton                    Adam Dalton

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

12th October 2011
(Ashes interred 17th October 2011)
William Robert (Bobby) Burns, 68 Davys Street, Carrickfergus

21st October 2011
Jocelyn Sarah (Joy) Montgomery, 65A Salia Avenue, Carrickfergus

LAUGHLINES

Which man won?
Little Charlotte was at her first wedding and was enthralled by the entire ceremony. When it was over, she asked her mother, "Why did the lady change her mind?"  Her mother asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another one."

Praying for a brother
A small boy badly wanted a baby brother, so his dad suggested he pray every night for one. The boy prayed earnestly, night after night, but his prayers seemingly weren't answered. After a few weeks, he didn't bother to ask anymore.
Some months later, his dad said they were going to see Mum in the hospital and he was going to get a big surprise. When they got to the room, the little boy saw his mother holding two babies. "Well, what do you think about having twin brothers?" his dad asked.
The little boy thought for a moment and replied, "It's a good thing I stopped praying when I did."

New Gym
One Sunday a pastor got up 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 gym - fellowship hall building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."


Remembrance Sunday Service Time

In order to facilitate those parishioners who wish to attend the Act of Remembrance at the Town Cenotaph our service on
Remembrance Sunday, 13th November,
will be at the later time of 11.30am

SERVICES IN NOVEMBER 2011

6th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
         11.00 am    Holy Communion
            Scarecrows in the melon patch—useless idols
            Jeremiah 10 v 1-10           
            John 15 v 12-17           
        7.00 pm    Evening Prayer
            Melchizedeck & Jesus—priesthood perfected
            Hebrews 7 v 1-22           

13th    REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
         9.30 am    Holy Communion
        11.30 am    Morning Prayer—In the Potter’s Hands
            Jeremiah 18 v 1-12           
            Ephesians 2 v 4-10           
        7.00 pm    Evening Prayer
            Greater ministry, better covenant, better promises
            Hebrews 8 v 1-6           

20th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
          11.00 am    Morning Prayer—Dark night of the Soul
            Jeremiah 20 v 7-18           
            Matthew 27 v 45-50       
         7.00 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            Purifying the conscience
            Hebrews 9 v 1-14           
            Luke 22 v 14-23           

27th    9.30 am    Holy Communion
           11.00 am    Family Service—Elisha—getting ready to serve
            2 Kings 2 v 1-18
          7.00 pm    Youth Service
            Warnings from John—Don’t stray from God’s love!
            1 John 2 v 28—3 v 10           

Other Events in November 2011

8th    7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship
12th    10.30 am     Parish Walking Group Outing  (details inside)
15th    7.30 pm    Select Vestry
16th    7.15 pm    Widow’s Group 
26th    10.00 am     Christmas Fair
29th    7.30 pm    Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in the church

VESTRY HOUR

Parishioners wishing to see clergy during the vestry hour on
Wednesday evenings are asked to ring the office on 028 9336 0061 to book an appointment.  This is to avoid clergy waiting in the church hall unnecessarily. 
Thank you for your co-operation in this matter

St Nicholas' Parish Walking Group dates and walks

Below is a timetable of events for the Parish Walking Group over the rest of the year through to next June.
If you have any queries or require further information,
please speak to Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson.


Date
Walk
Meeting time and place
12th November 2011
Cranny Falls walk, Carnlough

10:30 Spar car park Carnlough
7th January 2012
Glenarm walk
10:30 Glenarm car park (Carnlough side of Glenarm)

11th February 2012
Carnmoney Hill
10:30 lay-by at Knockenagh
Avenue

10th March 2012
Cushendall Layde walk
10:30 Car Park behind Harry's Restaurant

14th April 2012
Skernaghan Point walk

10:30 Browns Bay
12th May 2012
Black & Divis Mountain
10:30 National Trust car park Divis Road, off B38 Upper Springfield Rd

9th June 2012
Crawfordsburn coastal walk
10:30 Crawfordsburn Country Park car park

Catering Group

If any church organization would like the group to cater for any of their events please contact Jean Stewart or Catherine in the Church Office.

Christmas Fair

Saturday 26th November 2011

10.00am - 12.30pm

Following the success of our ‘Christmas Fair’ last year we are aiming to make this one as good, if not better.  To help achieve this we are looking for donations of handicrafts, home baking etc.

Our stalls will include:
Home baking – cakes, shortbread, tray bakes, buns, mince pies

Christmas Decorations – table centres, tree decorations, Christmas cards

Hand Crafts – cushion covers, wall hangers, bookmarks, jewellery, knitted and crocheted garments.

Confectionery – fudge, chocolates, sweets

All proceeds will be in aid of the ‘Alzheimer’s Society’ and ‘church funds’.

If you would like any further information or wish to make a contribution to any of the stalls, please contact Jean Stewart or Catherine in the church office.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Carrickfergus group of Alcoholics Anonymous would like to invite any interested people to a public information evening to be held in Sunnylands Community Centre on Friday November 18th at 8pm.

At this meeting there will be the opportunity to hear members of AA speak of their recovery experience, and also listen to a member of the health professional community talk about alcohol abuse and
treatment.

If you would like to learn a little of what Alcoholic Anonymous do (and do not do), please come along to this meeting.