RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends at St Nicholas,
We take so much for granted in our daily lives, don’t we? I enjoy watching those programmes on the television that show life as it was in days gone by - whether it’s a documentary like ‘The Edwardian Farm’ or a drama like ‘Downton Abbey”. We forget how “hands on” life was just a generation or two ago -though growing your own vegetables is enjoying a bit of a come back, few of us now make our own clothes or rear our own meat. Programmes like that  make me stop and think - where would I be without the people who work to provide me with the things that I need for daily living? Perhaps even more importantly - where would I be without the God who provides me with all that I have?

On the second Sunday of this month we will share in the Harvest Thanksgiving services. We look forward to welcoming the Rector of Cloughfern, The Revd David Lockhart to St. Nicholas’ for our morning Harvest service at 11 am. Once again, members of our church choir have been joined by other members of the congregation to prepare music for the special service of Harvest Praise that will take place at 7pm that evening. Do plan to come and share in the special times of worship as we give thanks to God for all his provision for our daily needs and pray for those whose livelihood is in farming and food production.

It is so important that we do not simply thank God for what we have without remembering others. We are all very conscious that, though times may seem uncertain and most of us are having to ‘tighten our belts’, our situation does not compare with the needs of those who are suffering at the moment because of the drought in East Africa. Thank you to all those who made donations through Tearfund to help provide aid to those who are most in need.

Our friends in Tabora diocese are starting to feel the effects of the drought too. Although not in the worst affected area, they have noticed that food is getting very expensive as a result of the demand in the region. The clergy there live on around £50 a month, but often the cheque is delayed or does not come at all! As a result of an appeal from the new bishop, Elias Chakupewa, the Select Vestry has sent a donation to help alleviate their situation. If any parishioner would like to make a personal contribution to help in Tabora, donations will be gratefully received by the churchwardens.
Finally, can I invite you to join us for an evening of fun & fellowship at our Harvest Thanksgiving Supper which will be held in the Church Halls on Saturday 8 October. There will be an evening of entertainment organised by Don Howe and the ladies of the catering group will no doubt have a fine supper for us! Come along and enjoy some warm Christian friendship - you will be most welcome!

Yours in the service of Jesus,
George

POINTS TO PONDER

Though the Lord is out of sight, we are not out of his.                            M Henry

We never do anything so secretly but that it is in the presence of two witnesses: God and our own conscience.

All that Jesus was and taught and did is but a revealing of the eternal God.
E F Hallock

HARVEST SUPPER

ST NICHOLAS’ PARISH CHURCH HALLS

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2011
7.30 PM

THERE WILL BE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Tickets are available from Members of the Catering Group

Adults £5.00        Supper will be included    Children £2.50

Statement by the Select Vestry of Carrickfergus Parish

(St Nicholas’)

The Select Vestry of the Parish of Carrickfergus (St Nicholas’) wishes to make the following statement as a result of the recent confirmation that a member of the clergy of the Church of Ireland has entered into a same-sex civil partnership.

We acknowledge that every person is a child of God and is therefore deserving of respect, love and a welcome in the church that God has called us to be. Not one of us is perfect. We all are dependent on the mercy of God and the forgiveness which he offers to a fallen humanity through His Son Jesus. Men and women who struggle with their sexuality will always be welcome in St Nicholas’ Church.

However we also believe that the Bible is clear on the subject of human sexuality and that the proper place for sexual activity is within the context of a faithful marriage relationship between a man and a woman. Anything outside of this is outside of God’s purposes for humankind and must be named as sin. This is what the Bible says and this has been the teaching of the church for many years.

When Jesus invites fallen sinners to come and receive his forgiveness, he invites us to come as we are, but not to stay that way! The message of the gospel is one of transformation, that through the death and resurrection of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, men and women can grow not only in faith but in holiness of life.

We regret that one who seeks to lead the church of God would wish to espouse such a patently unbiblical way of life. We are also disturbed that it seems apparent that the Bishop of Cashel & Ossory knew of and gave tacit assent to Dean Tom Gordon’s intentions to enter a civil partnership with another man.

Such leadership is neither biblically based, nor Christ-honouring and not the direction that the Church of Ireland should be following.

We call on all members of the congregation to pray for godly leadership in the church that we cherish; for repentance on the part of those who have so publicly fallen; and call on the bishops of the Church of Ireland and those who sit in the councils of the church to affirm and work to restore the biblically orthodox position on human relationships which heretofore existed.
Adopted unanimously at the Select Vestry Meeting on 6/9/2011

Recent Update from the Heaneys
Dear Partners and Friends we are back in Dodoma after holidays with Sharon’s parents. We had an enjoyable trip exploring the (much greener!) North.  We hope you like the photo!

Most of Sharon’s and Robert’s students passed their exams. The dissertations were too, on the whole, good. Some of them were very good. A variety of subjects were submitted, for example, “Towards an Understanding of Poverty and How to Preach About It”; “Towards a Biblical Approach to Ecology”; “Street Children: The Responsibility of the Church”; “Refugees in the Great Lake Region”; “The Christian Response to Female Dropout in Schools”; “A Comparative Study of Biblical Levirate Marriage and Luo Traditions”.

Since coming back, Robert has been catching up with things in the office and making preparations for the new semester. Yesterday was Senate. The main topic for discussion was the exam results both for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Robert also submitted the admissions lists for Masters students. The programmes continue to grow and this year we have 170 students doing Masters. We continue to wait for news from the Tanzanian Commission for Universities (TCU) on our PhDs. Subject to the students finding funding, the Master of Theology and Contemporary Issues MATh will begin in October. Sharon and Robert will be the main lecturers on the course and are both looking forward to it.

Sam is doing well. He loved having his grandparents around and loved his holidays.  In school he is enjoying Art, Music, Poetry, and Kiswahili along with the usual. We’re delighted with the progress he is making with his reading and enjoying the choices he makes when he gets to go to the school library once a week!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers,
Robert, Sharon and Sam.



We were delighted with the turn-out for our "Can't Cook Won't Cook" evening on 13th September when we were joined by a large group of ladies from North Street PW.

After a time of worship together the evening was presented by Pampered Chef hostess Shirley Kerr, and our contestants Deirdre Beck and Janice Nelson bravely donned their aprons and chef's hats to demonstrate some "impressive" cooking skills. Karen Miles and Alison Irwin provided some much needed assistance and eventually, after much fun and laughter, the audience got to sample the results and vote for the winner.

This was a very entertaining evening which got our winter programme off to a good start. Our next meeting will be on 11th October when we will hear from two local representatives of The Gideons. As always all ladies will be warmly welcomed.                             Valerie

ENCOUNTER

Next meeting Tuesday 25th October 2011
7:30pm in the church

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

Prayer Diary – OCTOBER 2011

1st October – Saturday
Our Boys’ Brigade Company Enrolment took place during last Sunday’s Family Service.  Pray for the Officers, Boys and Helpers of the Company, and for ourselves, that we would be ready to fulfil our promise to support the Company.

2nd October – Sunday
Pray for our church services today, for all who will attend today’s services and for those who will listen via the CD Ministry.  Pray for the children and young people of our Sunday schools and Bible Class.  Give thanks for teachers and their preparation work for lessons.

3rd October – Monday
Pray for this month’s Select Vestry meeting.  Give thanks for Hon Treasurer Don Howe, Hon Secretary Ted McAuley and for members who sit on various committees within Select Vestry.

4th October – Tuesday
This evening the Rector will speak at the Carrickfergus Presbytery service.  Pray for this service and for the ongoing good relationship between our Presbyterian neighbours and us.

5th October – Wednesday
Members of the extended choir for Harvest meet for final practice this evening.  Pray for all choir members and for Organist Alison Irwin.

6th October – Thursday
The ‘Explore’ group continues to study The Apostles’ Creed.  Pray for everyone attending this evening’s study.

7th October – Friday
This evening parishioners will decorate the church in preparation for our Harvest services.  Pray for Mary Withers and Sandra and their helpers.  Give thanks for God’s bounty in the materials donated.

8th October – Saturday
The Catering Group host this evening’s Harvest Supper.  Give thanks for their contribution to the life of our parish.  Pray for this evening’s event and this opportunity to come together in friendship.

9th October – Sunday
Give thanks that we live in a land where crops are usually plentiful, and supermarket shelves are full.  Pray for those less fortunate.  Remember the people of East Africa where famine and drought continues, and those affected by flooding in Pakistan.  Pray for the Rev David Lockhart, Rector of Cloughfern who will preach at Morning Prayer and for this evening’s Harvest Praise service.

10th October – Monday
Harvest Gifts will be distributed this morning.  Pray for the distribution volunteers.  The final Marriage Preparation Class takes place this evening.  Pray for the couples that have taken part in this year’s series of classes and for Christian Marriage.

11th October – Tuesday
The ladies attending this evening’s Women’s Fellowship will hear about the work of the Gideons.  Pray for this evening’s meeting.

12th October – Wednesday
The Rector will be at today’s meeting of the Silver Liners at the Church of the Nazarene in Glenfield.  Pray for the fellowship of this gathering.

13th October – Thursday
The Diocesan Synod meets today.  Pray for Bishop Alan Abernethy and for all clergy and laity attending.  Pray for the Church of Ireland.  The Small Groups meeting this evening continue to focus on life’s challenges through the ‘Strugglers’ study programme.

14th October – Friday
Pray for the Girl Guides and their leaders who are having a ‘Bakeover and Sleepover’ this evening followed by a coffee morning tomorrow.

15th October – Saturday
Pray for the Parish Walking Group.

16th October – Sunday
This morning the Rector and Peter are preaching at Harvest services in Larne and Holy Trinity respectively.  Pray for our Ministry Team.  Pray for this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing service.

17th October – Monday
Pray for the church in Tabora Diocese.  Pray for Bishop Elias Chakupewa, for Pastors, Evangelists and all who seek to show God’s love during this time of great need in the region.

18th October – Tuesday
Join with those attending the Northern Ireland Memorial Service for the late John Stott in giving thanks for his life and for his contribution to Christian teaching and understanding of God’s Word.  Pray for the Rev Chris Wright from Langham Partnership who will preach at the service.

19th October – Wednesday
Pray for the members of the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.
Pray for the Bereaved, especially those who have lost a life partner.

20th October – Thursday
Pray for the sick.  Pray for those undergoing treatments for life threatening conditions.  Pray for those for whom there will be no cure.  Pray for Carers.
   
21st October – Friday
Pray for the boys and girls of our Beavers and Cubs, the young people involved in Scouting, and the girls in our Rainbows and Brownies.  Give thanks for those who undertake leadership of these groups.

22nd October – Saturday
Pray for the Sunday School Teachers’ Training Day at Holy Trinity.  Pray for the ‘Kindness’ outreach this morning at Carrick Grammar.

23rd October – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s Holy Communion and Morning Prayer services and this evening’s Youth Service.  Pray for SNYF.

24th October – Monday
Pray for the Heaney family, for health and strength, and that their needs would be supplied.  Pray for Crosslinks.

25th October – Tuesday
Pray for this evening’s ‘Encounter’ group.

26th October – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship.

27th October – Thursday
Parish News will be assembled this morning.  Pray for Catherine Wallace and her team of volunteers.  Pray for magazine distributors.

28th October – Friday
Pray for the unemployed.  Remember young people searching for a first job.  Remember those who are searching for work in the building and hospitality industries.  Pray for the downcast.

29th October – Saturday
The clock going back tonight signals the beginning of long dark evenings.  Pray for those who feel particularly vulnerable at this time of year; those of all ages living alone; those concerned about the cost of heat and light; and those worried about how a loved one is coping.

30th October – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s Family Service.  Give thanks for those volunteers who staff the Crèche each Sunday morning and for those who provide the tea and coffee after the service.

31st October – Monday
Pray for peace and for stable and fair governance in the Middle East.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

Parents and children are advised that there will be no Morning Sunday School on Harvest Sunday, 9th October.  It is hoped that all children will attend the morning Harvest Service instead, with their parents, at 11 am, when we can all thank God our Father for all His goodness.

May I ask any parents who received my letter, regarding a rota of parents to attend Sunday School, and have not yet returned the acceptance form to please do so at your earliest convenience.

Similarly, Registration Forms need to be completed as soon a possible.
Your co-operation is appreciated
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent

Crèche Rota October 2011

2nd    Lorraine Gibson, Valerie Leighton, Ann Hodge, Rachel McVeigh
9th    Catherine Wallace, Janice Nelson, Heather Gingles, Jonathan Nelson
16th    Carol Moneypenney, Annie Crawford, Faye Hamilton, Hester Gingles
23rd    Katrina Todd, Alison Kane, Karen Bell, Ruth Nelson
30th     Deirdre Beck, Nichola Downey, Kathleen Arthur, Erin Davison

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.

LAUGHLINES

Accident
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."

Stories
As part of his talk at a banquet, our minister told some jokes and a few funny stories. Since he planned to use the same anecdotes at a meeting the next day, he asked reporters covering the event not to include them in their articles. Reading the paper the following morning, he noticed that one well-meaning cub reporter had ended his story on the banquet with the observation "The minister told a number of stories that cannot be published."

SOUND DESK ROTA OCTOBER 2011

        Morning                    Evening
2nd        Jonathan Nelson                John Kane
9th        Johnnie McAlister                Paul Letters
16th        Gillian Dalton                Steven Todd
23rd        Jamie Davison                Jonathan Nelson
30th        Derice Maguire                Lynn Rodgers

BUSY BEES

10.30 am – 12 noon Fridays 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



Outgoing Treasurer

Flowers in Church October 2011

2nd    Mr and Mrs Withers
9th    Harvest Flowers
16th    Vacant
23rd    Liz Hanna
30th     Vacant

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.

Christian Marriage

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

2nd September 2011
Andrew Charles Jordan Simpson, 6 Bluefield Park, Carrickfergus and
Sarah Margaret O’Neill, 6 Bluefield Park, Carrickfergus 

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’

27th August 2011
David (Davy) McMurtry, 62 Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus

8th September 2011
Esther Robb, Englewood Nursing Home, Larne

Date for your Diary!

Parish Walking Group
Saturday 1st October

Details to follow on the notices sheet

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 (9336 0061.

SERVICES IN OCTOBER 2011

2nd    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
         11.00 am    Holy Communion—At the Crossroads
            Jeremiah 6 v 10-21           
            John 14 v 1-6           
         7.00 pm    Evening Prayer—Resting in God
            Hebrews 4 v 1-16           

9th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
         11.00 am    Harvest Thanksgiving
         7.00 pm    Harvest Praise

16th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
          11.00 am    Morning Prayer
            What the Church needs now is Reformation
            Jeremiah 7 v 1-15           
            Matthew 21 v 12-17       
         7.00 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            The Church’s biggest problem: stunted Christians
            Hebrews 5 v 1-14           

23rd    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
          11.00 am    Morning Prayer—Something to boast about
            Jeremiah 9 v 17-24           
            1 Corinthians 1 v 20-25       
          7.00 pm    Youth Service
            Warnings from John—“Watch out for Temptation!”
            1 John 2 v 12-21           

30th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
          11.00 am    Family Service—Elisha and the God who heals
            2 Kings 4 v 8-37 (summarised)           
          7.00 pm    Evening Prayer—The Christian Faith: a one way system
            Hebrews 6 v 1-12           

Other Events in October 2011

1st     10.30 am     Parish Walking Group Outing
4th     7.30 pm    Select Vestry
19th    7.15 pm    Widow’s Group 
25th    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


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 leave a message with
Catherine in the church office.

ENERGIZE THE SOUL

(for all Youth Leaders)

Monday 19th October 2011
7 pm
Antrim Civic Centre

Why do you do what you want to do? 
Do you dare to dream?

Speaker: Peter Ferguson

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

CRAFT FAIR

King’s Hall, Belfast
Thursday 13th October 2011

The Women’s Friendship & Fellowship group are going to this event and would extend an invitation to anyone interested.
If interested, please speak to Janice Nelson
as soon as possible to get discounted tickets. 



‘Busy Bees’ need people to help set out chairs, tables and carpets in the hall each week.

If you could help with this any Friday morning at 9.15 am please contact Catherine in the church office.  Many thanks.