Carrickfergus, N Ireland

November 2009

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends in St Nicholas’
Our children are so important to the life of the parish. You often hear remarks that children are ‘the church of tomorrow’, but we need to remember that they are a vital part of the church family today. I love to see youngsters in church – they keep us fresh and on our toes. They remind us that the church is a community where all are to be welcomed – from the cradle to the grave! Jesus himself reminded his disciples that we learn so much from children about faith and trust.

In turn, we have a responsibility to teach and nurture the children of our community in the Christian faith. At every baptism service we, as a congregation, promise to support parents in this task. We do that through the excellent work done by our Sunday Schools, but we also do it by helping our children to understand that they belong and are welcome at public worship.

We look forward to welcoming the young people of the parish to church on two very different occasions during November. On Remembrance Sunday the youth organisations will parade to church for this important annual commemoration of those who have served and given their lives in the service of our country. The past year has seen the passing of the last veterans who served in the 1st  World War. As the generations pass it is so important that we learn from our history and pass on to a new generation the lessons we have learned.

Our Family Service takes place a week later than normal this month on the last Sunday of the month – Advent Sunday. As we turn our thoughts towards Christmas we will be celebrating with the Sunday School children during that service, as they receive their prizes for attendance during the past year. Do plan to be with us for this important service.

The pages of this magazine will tell you of other events and activities that are planned for the next few weeks. In particular, can I draw your attention to the Christmas Fair being held on Saturday 21 November in the Church Halls. This promises to be a great day for our church community with many of the organisations working together on this project. There’ll be something there for everyone and half the proceeds will go to support the work of the NI Children’s Hospice. Come and join in the fun!
Yours in the service of Jesus,
George

POINTS TO PONDER

God assures us of a future that is better than all our past.         J C Stern
Christians may not see eye to eye, but they should walk arm in arm.        anon
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.     D Hulse
Death is only putting out the lamp at the rise of a new dawn. -David Watson
Temptations are everywhere, and so is the grace of God.         anon

The 4th Northern Ireland Ministry Assembly

This year’s assembly will be held in Trinity Methodist Church, Lisburn, Co Antrim on 16 and 17 November. 

Monday 16 November    10 am—4.30 pm
Tuesday 17 November     10 am—3.30 pm
(lunch included both days)

The speakers will be Hugh Palmer and Voddie Baucham.  Hugh Palmer believes that Paul in 1 Thessalonians will help us make our preaching connect and in 4 talks will introduce us to the contemporary nature of the apostle's message.  From the Book of Acts and 2 Peter, Voddie will demonstrate how the apostolic message effectively engaged with the pagan cultures and world views of its day. He will also show that preaching this same message today is still God's way of revealing the truth of the Gospel to a post-Christian secular society.

The costs are as follows
Full Assembly: £60 (£30 for student/apprentice/unwaged)
One Day: £40 (£20 for student/apprentice/unwaged)

Further information and to book online please go to
www.niministryassembly.org.uk/nima2009.php



Global Mission Convention Evening

Rev George Davison will give a short address
on mission

A night to be inspired and challenged

5th November 2009 at 7.30pm
St Nicholas Church of Ireland, Carrickfergus
Music lead by St Nicholas Youth Group

Light refreshments afterwards

Proceeds of freewill offering to the following missions
MECO|UK and Ireland        CMS Ireland            IFES

Your Life, Your Choice: Everyday Relationships

How do we live with an awareness of Jesus’ presence in our everyday relationships ie spouse, children, work colleagues or neighbours? We can express our spirituality through the way we
love others: ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’ (John 13:34). As we have already said, different practices will train us in being more like Christ. Using Jesus as our example, how can we be more loving in everyday relationships?

Listening First we need to listen to others, just as Jesus did. He asked questions of people and waited for them to process their answer. According to James, ‘everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry’ (James 1:19). You can become more loving by listening more to those around you. When someone is talking, try resisting the urge to jump in with a comment, but say, ‘tell me more!’ Too often we don’t listen to others, as we are already thinking of what we want to say before they’ve finished speaking. Listening takes time; you can’t rush it!

Touching Jesus reached out to touch the untouchables in his world, including lepers, the sick & children, which was completely out of character for rabbis of his day. In a recent survey it was discovered that we all need at least 8-10 meaningful touches a day to maintain emotional health! A warm handshake, touch on the arm or hug can be of real value.  Of course, it should be appro-
priate touch – helpful for the other person, not just for ourselves.

Speaking Jesus often spoke to those he came into contact with, using words of grace and truth: ‘the Word became flesh…full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14). In the course of our everyday relationships we all have the opportunity of speaking words of grace, including offering comfort, giving encouragement or expressing care and concern. However we should also be prepared to speak words of truth, including asking for forgiveness, seeking reconciliation or addressing conflict. These are the things which we all try to avoid addressing, however Paul encourages us to be: ‘speaking the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15).
So if you want to be more loving in your relationships, why not try training yourself in the practice of loving others?

Prayer Diary – November 2009

1st November – Sunday
Pray for our Tape Ministry and for parishioners no longer able to attend church who continue to worship through Tape Ministry.  Pray for John Kane who operates the Sound Desk, and those who distribute tapes and CDs.  Pray that we would have a recording system fit for purpose.     
2nd November – Monday   
In late September, once again natural disasters hit the headlines.  Earthquakes in Sumatra and a Tsunami affecting Samoa, US Samoa and Tonga followed severe flooding following a Typhoon in the Philippines and Vietnam.  Pray for those still suffering the after effects of these disasters and for the work of aid agencies bringing relief, food, water, shelter  and medicines to those in need.
3rd November – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets this evening.  Pray for members, for their discussions and decision-making.  Pray for God’s guidance in the management of our parish finances.  
4th November – Wednesday
Give thanks for our Organist Alison Irwin, her understudy Angie and for the members of the choir who enrich our worship each Sunday.
5th November – Thursday 
This evening we will have our Global Mission event.  Pray for those coming to speak to us about mission here in Northern Ireland and overseas.  Pray for CMS Ireland; MECO; and for Phillip Howe and IFES.  Pray for Mark and Ali Gill preparing for their return to Nepal.    
6th November – Friday
Pray for the sick in our Parish, those ill at home or in hospital.  Give thanks for the skills of doctors, nurses, technicians and therapists.  Pray for carers, especially those caring for someone with a mental illness.
7th November – Saturday
Pray for Christian Marriage and family life.  Pray for families where there is conflict, families in poverty, and for parents striving to pass on their faith to children growing up in a world with very different values.
8th November – Sunday
At Morning Prayer we will have an act of Remembrance.  Pray for everyone attending; our uniformed organisations; those remembering a loved one:  Pray for those suffering the after effects of conflict, be they physical or mental, for those bereaved, and pray for those currently serving in our armed forces, especially those in Afghanistan.
9th November – Monday
Pray for the Girls Fellowship and for its leaders.  Pray that this group would grow in number and in faith.  Pray for the members of the Hall Committee, giving thanks for their management of the Church Halls.
10th November – Tuesday
The Women’s Fellowship meets this evening.  Pray for the Women’s Fellowship as they enjoy this evening’s Christmas Craft Workshop. 
11th November – Wednesday
The Connor Clergy Conference begins today.  Pray for our Bishop, Alan Abernathy, for clergy attending and our Rector, George.
12th November – Thursday
Give thanks today for Canon Kathleen Brown, her service here and her continuing commitment to this parish.
13th November – Friday
Pray for the decision-making process regarding the Carrick Masterplan.
14th November – Saturday
Pray for Celia Richardson and her ordering and distributing SU Bible Study Notes for parishioners.  Pray that more parishioners will wish to purchase notes to enhance their Bible Study at home.
15th November – Sunday
Pray for our services today.  Remember this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.  Pray for Stella Neill who compiles the list of those requesting prayer, and for intercessors.
16th November – Monday 
Pray for those bereaved over recent months.  Pray for those who feel completely alone and lost following the death of a loved one.
17th November – Tuesday
The Standing Committee of the General Synod is meeting today in Dublin.  Pray for this meeting; for the government of the Church of Ireland; for wisdom; and that decision-making is in accordance with God’s law.     
18th November – Wednesday
Pray for the members of the Widow’s Group meeting tonight.
19th November – Thursday
Pray for ‘Explore’ Bible Fellowship.
20th November – Friday
Pray for this evening’s Civic Carol Service and for this opportunity to bring the Christian message to many who would not normally attend church.  Pray for the members of our Youth Fellowship on their weekend away.
21st November – Saturday
This morning our church organisations will come together for a Christmas Fair in the church halls.  Pray for this fundraising effort and this opportunity to come together as a church family.  Pray for the NI Children’s Hospice who will receive half of monies raised.
22nd November – Sunday
With 3 weeks until the Sunday Schools’ Nativity presentations, pray for children and teachers as they practice for this year’s Nativity.  Pray for our Services today.
23rd November – Monday
Pray for Crosslinks.  Pray for the Church in Tabora, for Emmanuel and his work with children and young people there.
24th November – Tuesday
Pray for our Guides, for successful fundraising efforts and planning for next month’s Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party and their Centenary Camp next Easter. 
25th November – Wednesday
Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship meets this morning.  Once again pray for all who work in Christian Ministry in our town. 
26th November – Thursday
The next issue of Parish News will be assembled this morning.  Pray for Catherine Wallace our Secretary and her team of volunteers who will be helping her this morning.   
27th November – Friday
This evening Parish News distributors meet in the church to receive their magazines and FWO envelopes for the parish.  Pray for all distributors, and remember especially the person delivering your copy of Parish News.
28th November – Saturday
Pray for Andrew Campbell in Dublin today as he continues his training for Ministry.  Pray for all currently studying for Christian Ministry.
29th November – Sunday
This being the first Sunday in Advent, pray for all services today, especially the special Family Service this morning and this evening’s Youth Church.
30th November – Monday
Continue to pray for a suitable candidate to fulfil the role of Curate in our parish.  Pray for our Ministry Team, George, Kathleen and Andrew.

SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Organised by St Nicholas’ Girl Guides

Please come and celebrate the Christmas Season
with us in the Church Halls on
Tuesday 15th December 2009 at 7 pm

To help with catering and transport arrangements, please return the slip below to the Church office
by Friday 4th December

If you would like to come along and need transport—telephone
Church Office    028 9336 0061
Morag Stewart    028 9335 5173

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I will be attending the Christmas Party

Signed _________________________

Address ________________________

Telephone ______________________

I require transport YES/NO
Gift Aid    Update

Dear Parishioner

Since our first appeal to you, which appeared in the Parish News (March 2009), almost 100 parishioners have completed a new “Gift Aid Declaration” form.

To categorise:- of the forms received (a) 76% were submitted by parishioners who had signed up to “Gift Aid” in the past and (b) 24% were from parishioners who had signed up to “Gift Aid” for the first time.  Receipt of forms from each category is important to us in the “Gift Aid Team”.

To explain:- receipt of forms from parishioners in category (a) confirms to us that they are still tax payers and we can continue to process our claim to H M Revenue and Customs based on tax paid.  Receipt of forms from parishioners in category (b) will help us generate fresh income when our claim is made in 2010, based on tax paid in 2009.

A big THANK YOU to all concerned but, let’s not get complacent.  In general terms 500+ parishioners are regular givers to our Church (free will offering; building fund; personal subscription etc).  When we compare the number of “Gift Aid Declaration” forms received, to the 500+, this presents a figure of less than 20%.  We know that some of the remaining 80% plus parishioners are non-tax payers but others, who are tax payers, can assist our Church by joining the “Gift Aid” scheme.  Simply complete the form enclosed in this Parish News.  IT DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING.

As previously identified the Select Vestry recognises the importance of “Gift Aid” and we, in the “Gift Aid Team” will continue to recommend the scheme to you.  We have been speaking individually to some of you already and will continue to do this with others.  Please remember that our efforts and your endorsement of the “Gift Aid” scheme will enhance God’s work in the Parish.

Please identify, to the “Gift Aid Team”, if you had signed up to “Gift Aid” in the past but no longer pay tax.

Eric McMullan
(on behalf of the Gift Aid team)

Jacqui Kane    Ann McVeigh    Alan Miles        Eric McMullan


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 6 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  _______  Initials(s)  _______  Surname  ________________________________

Home address  _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Postcode  ___________________________  Date  ____________________________

Signature  _____________________________            Free Will Offering Number

Please notify the charity or CASC if you:
1.Want to cancel this declaration.
2.Change your name or home address.
3.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 April 2008.
The charity or CASC will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 you give on or after 6 April 2008.
The Government will pay to the charity or CASC an additional 3p on every £1 you give between 6 April 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.

REMEMBRANCE

Have you seen the film ‘Saving Private Ryan’? The film’s first 20 minutes is a powerful account of war, portraying the first landing crafts arriving at the Normandy beaches on D Day. The film brings to life the events of that day as a vivid act of remembrance.

From a biblical perspective, the word remembrance means making present a past reality, so that we can benefit from it today. On Remembrance Sunday we think about those who have given their lives in wars over the years, as well as those who continue to grieve over their lost loved ones. We want to make their sacrifice in past conflicts real for us today, so that we can engage with the horror of war and those enduring suffering today.

It involves dealing with the why question in the face of relentless tragedies and injustices: why does God allow such suffering to take place? One of the great themes of the Scriptures is that God identifies with the suffering. But the Christian faith goes beyond this! It affirms that in Jesus, God’s son, divinity became involved in suffering and death on the cross. It is at Calvary that we see how God himself knows what it is to lose a loved one in an unprovoked attack. ‘I could never myself believe in God if it were not for the Cross. In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?’ (John Stott).

Although we don’t fully understand the reason why God allows evil & suffering to continue, we do know what the reason isn’t! It can’t be that he doesn’t love us! God so loved us & hates suffering that he was willing to come down and get involved in our hurting world. This can be a source of real strength on such an occasion.

However, how can we ensure that those who have given their lives are truly honoured, not forgetting those who are risking their lives in conflicts today? An appropriate response is to actively work and pray for justice in our world, especially where there is inequality and conflict. In a divided world we are also called to renew our efforts to work for peace. We need to be serious about being peacemakers, especially where it involves those close to us. As Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God’ (Matt 5:9).



St Nicholas’ Youth Church
29th November @ 7pm
Real ministry
Colossians 1:24-2:5


SNYF
For 11 to 18 year olds
Sunday nights from 8:30pm to 10pm
@ St Nicholas’ Church halls
(No YF on November 1st)


SNYF Weekend
@
Greenhill YMCA
20th to 22nd of November
Cost £35

Speaker: Jonathan Kirk


For details and forms see Andrew

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The guest speaker at our October meeting was Ken Ewart from Mission Aviation Fellowship. Ken gave a very interesting presentation on the work of MAF across the world to bring aid and the Christian message to needy people in areas which are difficult to reach except by air. We were pleased to make a donation towards this important work and promised to remember the work of MAF volunteers in our prayers.

We will be holding a Christmas crafts evening at our next meeting on 10 November when everyone will have an opportunity to participate in various craft activities. Please come along for what should be a very enjoyable evening.

Members are reminded that we will be running a Women's Fellowship Cake Stall at the Christmas Fair in the Church Halls on Saturday 21 November. More information will be provided about this at our next meeting. Please also remember to provide your recipes as soon as possible to Jacquie Kane for our Recipe Book which we also plan to sell at the Christmas Fair.
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary



IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.



Christian Marriage
‘Those whom God hath joined let no man put asunder’
26th September 2009
Thomas Clarke, 36 Thorndale Square, Carrickfergus
and Ann Rebecca Barclay, 89 Maritime Drive, Carrickfergus


Christian Baptism
“Suffer the little children to come unto me”
13th September 2009
Cherith Joy Horner, 12 Hillview Drive, Carrickfergus
Alexander Stewart Downey, 37 Balmoral Drive, Bangor

18th October 2009
Dale Adam Fisher, 28 Kellier Park, Derrylin, Co Fermanagh


Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
22nd September 2009
William George Harpur, 11 Quayside, Carrickfergus

30th September 2009
John McCracken Jenkins, 8 Westmount Avenue, Carrickfergus

7th October 2009
William (Billy) Wilson, 6 Sandes Court, Carrickfergus

9th September 2009
George Henry Campbell, 11 Beech Drive, Carrickfergus

Flowers in Church November 2009

1st    Eileen Mawhirk—In memory of my mother and father,
    Agnes and Bill Betts
8th    The Finlay Family—In memory of Betty
8th    The Connor Family
15th    Doris Close—In memory of my dad
22nd    Hilary Wilshin—In memory of our son David
22nd    Mrs Robb—In memory of my husband William & my son Bill
29th    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 (9336 2869)

CRÈCHE ROTA NOVEMBER 2009

1st     Katrina Todd, Sharon Lutton, Sarah Nelson, Rebecca Leighton
8th     Ann Hodge, Heather Gingles, Christine Stewart, Ruth Nelson
15th    Karen Bell, Kristine McKee, Lorraine Gibson, Jonathan Nelson
22nd    Faye Hamilton, Kathleen Arthur, Ann Laverty, Rachel McVeigh
29th    Joan Gray, Annie Crawford, Rebecca Patton, 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.

BOOK REVIEW

Approaching Christmas        by Jane Williams Lionhudson, £9.99
This beautiful companion to the season of Advent and Christmas helps readers to explore the meaning of the season through word and images. The text is thematic in approach, offering a strong authorial voice and a selection of excellent quotations.

The book has some really splendid full colour fine art reproductions. Its themes range from ‘Making preparations’ to ‘Decorations’, from ‘Believing in Christmas’ to ‘Gifts’, from ‘Christmas Eve/Day’ to ‘Epiphany'

LAUGHLINES

Worried Son
As my five-year-old son and I were heading to McDonald's one day, we passed a car accident. Usually when we see something terrible like that, we say a prayer for whoever might be hurt, so I pointed and said to my son, "We should pray."
From the back seat I heard his earnest voice: "Dear God, please don't let those cars block the entrance to McDonald's."

Six items
I was in the express lane at the store quietly fuming. Completely ignoring the sign, the woman ahead of me had slipped into the checkout line pushing a cart piled high with groceries. Imagine my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman to come forward, looked into the cart and asked sweetly, "So which six items would you like to buy?"

Can’t scare me
My wife and I were watching the gorillas at the zoo when several of them charged at the enclosure fence, yelling terribly, rolling their eyes around, and clenching their fists. They looked quite terrifying. The crowd scattered except for one elderly man, who did not bat an eye. Later, my wife asked him how he had kept his composure. "Oh, easy,” he said cheerfully. “You see, I used to drive a school bus."

SERVICES IN NOVEMBER 2009

1st    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
    11.30 am    Holy Communion—Two Kinds of Wisdom
            James 3 v 13-18
            John 11 v 32-44
    7 pm        Evening Prayer—Expecting the Glory of God
            Zechariah 2 v 1-13   
8th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
    11.30 am    Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance
            Submit Yourselves to God
            Isaiah 10 v 33– 11 v 9
            James 4 v 1-12
    7 pm        Informal Service—Hearing a call
            Mark 1 v 9-20
15th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
    11.30 am    Morning Prayer—Boasting About Tomorrow
            1 Samuel 1 v 4-20
            James 4 v 13-17
    7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            Fresh Clothes
            Zechariah 3 v 1-10   
22nd    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
    11.30 am    Morning Prayer—Warning to Rich Oppressors
            2 Samuel 23 v 1-7   
            James 5 v 1-12   
    7 pm        Evening Prayer—The Light of the Spirit
            Zechariah 4 v 1-14       
29th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
    11.30 am    Family Service
            Stories Jesus told: The 10 Bridesmaids
            Matthew 25 v 1-13
    7 pm        Youth Service—Real Ministry
            Colossians 1 v 24– 2 v 5

Other Events in November 2009

3rd        7.30 pm    Select Vestry
10th        7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship
18th        7.15 pm    Widow’s Group
21st        10 30 am    Christmas Fair
27th        7.30 pm    Magazine Distributors Meeting in Church

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

Would parents please note that there will be no Bible Class or Morning Sunday School on 8th November.

Children are encouraged to attend the Remembrance Day service in church at 11.30 am with their parents; to help them in their understanding of the sacrifice that many Carrick people made during both World Wars.    Lynn Rodgers

CHRISTMAS FAIR

In aid of the Children's Hospice

ST NICHOLAS PARISH
CHURCH HALLS
on
Saturday
21 November 2009
at 10.30 am

Tea/Scones      Hand Made Christmas Cards
Bric a Brac      Books      Games      Cakes
White Elephant      Crafts      Santa

Everyone Welcome


St Nicholas’
Superstar Soccer

Every Monday
@ 5.45 pm

Cost: £3

Carrickfergus
Leisure Centre



‘Explore’
(St Nicholas’ Bible Fellowship)
Thursdays at 7.30pm in the Church Halls

Come and join us as we ask questions, search together for answers and discover how God’s Word can help us get the most out of life.

“Fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere”
All welcome – no previous experience necessary!!