Dear Friends at St Nicholas,

September is a time of things starting back after the summer break. The children are back to a new year in school, college & university students are preparing for a new term, their parents are back at work after a summer break. Within the pages of this magazine you will find details which tell of the many organisations in the church which are also beginning a new season of activities this month. I hope that amongst them you will find something of interest to you and your family.

In particular as we think about new beginnings, can I encourage you to consider taking time to consider our ‘Back to Church Sunday” service on Sunday 25th September at 11am.  Perhaps you have slipped out of the habit of attending church regularly yourself. We would love to welcome you back at any time, but this particular Sunday is a special opportunity organised by churches across the UK & Ireland. Our focus that day will be on helping folk feel at home in church, so if you decide to come along that Sunday you will be especially welcome!

If you are a regular attender, then “Back to Church Sunday” is an opportunity for you to invite that family member, friend or neighbour to come with you to church. Often people are open to the idea of going back to church, but they find the prospect of walking into the building on their own a bit intimidating. Here is your chance to be a real friend - invite them to join you and offer to give them a lift or arrange to meet them in the car park and walk in with them. It can make all the difference between someone feeling awkward or feeling wanted and welcomed!

We are very privileged to have the freedom to gather as Christian people for worship, it is not something that we should take for granted. In many countries around the world Christian people are persecuted for their faith. In the prayer diary in the centre of this magazine you will see that on Friday 9th September all Christian people are being asked to pray for the people of North Korea. This corner of the Far East is governed by what is possibly the most brutal regime in the whole world. Kim Jong Il and his followers mercilessly repress anyone who holds a different point of view to them. To be a Christian, to own a Bible or to speak about Jesus can result in arrest and often public execution. ‘North Korea - One Day’ is an effort to focus our prayers on change in this part of God’s kingdom. Will you join us in prayer?

I am very thankful to Ann McVeigh for the great work that she does in compiling our little prayer diary each month. It is a great help to know that through her work many people are enabled to pray meaningfully for the life of the parish. If you don’t already do so, please keep your magazine handy each day and use the prayer diary as a help to your own prayer life.

With love in Jesus,
George

POINTS TO PONDER

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point.

Joy is the serious business of heaven.                               C S Lewis

It is only with gratitude towards God that life becomes rich.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Recent Update from the Heaneys

Dear Partners and Friends it has been an interesting few weeks and we are not always confident of finding the words to convey our experiences and feelings.  Our Honorary Professor of Research, who is based in New Zealand, has been with us these past few weeks. It has been good to have him around and to have him manage our first internal funding round for research. Robert has learned much and appreciated his presence and advice.

Since the appointment of the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (AVC) we have been reviewing our roles and how best we might serve the vision of the university. Robert has asked the management to allow him to step aside from being Director of Postgraduate Studies and Research (DPGSR). The post is primarily an administrative one (a role he only agreed to do for one year) and Robert feels that others could do it better while also releasing him to do  things which he feels he can do well and has a heart for. The AVC had asked the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning and Finance (DVCPF) to meet with Robert with a view to reforming the DPGSR and of extending Robert’s tenure. That meeting has now taken place and it appears that the recommendations will include Robert stepping aside at the end of the calendar year. Robert is excited about that prospect but there’s no guarantee it will be a recommendation which will be approved.

Sharon’s parents are with us at the moment. Sam is delighted to have his grandparents around and we are looking forward to holidaying with them for two weeks. Sam has also started “Standard 1” (P2) and now stays at school until 2pm. We are so thankful that he has been happy during his first week and is enjoying his new teacher, Miss Debbie.

Sharon has her exams marked and her dissertations almost marked. It has been a busy semester for Sharon within and without the university. She is delighted to have her Mum and Dad here. Not only has it been good to have their company they too have been a great help with the day to day practicalities of life in Dodoma.

Please do continue to pray for us. Pray for the university leadership. Pray that the vision enshrined in the Charter of the university would be seen in practice and not just in principle.
Thank you for your continued partnership and friendship,
Robert, Sharon and Sam.

HARVEST SUPPER

ST NICHOLAS’ PARISH CHURCH HALLS

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2011 @ 7.30 PM

THERE WILL BE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Tickets will be available in September from Members of the Catering Group

Adults £5.00        Supper will be included        Children £2.50

Are you hoping to be married in St Nicholas’ over the next year or two?

All couples are expected to attend a Marriage Preparation Course and the next one will be taking place in September/October 2011.

It will be held in the Church Halls over the course of five successive Monday evenings beginning on Monday 12th September. We’ll start promptly at 7.30pm and aim to be finished by 9.30pm.

All couples are asked to contact Catherine in the Church Office (9336 0061 or office@saintnicholas.org.uk to confirm that you will be attending.

If you have any queries or need more information please speak to George.

Church Openings – September 2011

Saturday 3rd – 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Tuesday 6th – 2.00 pm—3.30 pm

European Heritage Weekend

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


Any Tour Guides who are available on Saturday 10th September please speak to Ann McVeigh ASAP



Tour Guides Visit to Andrew Jackson Centre
Saturday 17th September at 10.30 am

Please let me know before Monday 12th September if you wish to be part of this visit, as I need to confirm numbers with Tourist Office.            Ann McVeigh

S N Y F

9th - 11th September 2011 St Nic's Youth Weekend@ Moyallon Centre, Portadown. It's a must!

Theme “A fresh Encounter with Jesus”
For ALL YOUNG PEOPLE secondary school age

UNITE

Concurrent Planning Project
“Securing Children’s Futures”

Unite is an exciting & innovative new project of the Family Care Society, aimed at providing permanent families for babies and young children aged 0-2 years. They are presently seeking to recruit carers willing to foster a young child but with a view to adoption, should that become the agreed plan for the child.

For more information on Unite or adoption in general
please contact  Family Care Society Tel: 02890691133
Email: email@familycaresociety.org    Website: www.familycaresociety.co.uk

LAUGHLINES

There was an elderly lady who was posting an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.  "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the Post Office  clerk.  "Only the Ten Commandments." answered the  lady.

Giving thanks
A man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then he would ask the blessing. One day after his usual combination complaint-prayer, his little girl asked, "Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?"  "Why, of course," he replied. "He hears us every time we pray."  She pauses on this a moment, and asked, "Does he hear everything we say the rest of the time?"  "Yes, dear, every word," he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters.
However, his pride was quickly turned to humility...
"Then which time does God believe you?"

SOUND DESK ROTA SEPTEMBER 2011

             Morning                          Evening
4th          Glenn Nelson                   Paul Letters
11th        Julie Irvine                     Steven Todd
18th        Johnny Hodge                Lynn Rodgers
25th        David Stockard                Adam Dalton

Prayer Diary – SEPTEMBER 2011

1st September – Thursday
The mass killing in Norway, violence in Northern Ireland including Carrickfergus and in English cities has shocked us all.  Pray for our nation, for governments, police and security forces as well as for those who have suffered loss through violence or public disorder.

2nd September – Friday
Busy Bees Parent and Toddler Group commences again next Friday.  Pray that parents of young children would continue to come along and that the group would continue to flourish and for children moving on to Nursery or Primary school.  Pray for planning for more daytime groups.

3rd September – Saturday
The drought and famine in East Africa is ongoing.  Pray for those working to provide food, clean water, shelter and medicine to the hungry, displaced and sick.  Pray for Tearfund.

4th September – Sunday
Sunday schools and Bible Class resume today.  Pray for Lynn Rodgers and Heather Gingles, for teachers and helpers, and that parents would bring their children to Sunday school.  Pray for today’s church services.

5th September – Monday
The Bowlers meet in the church halls this evening and the Badminton Club resumes on Saturday.  Pray for both groups.

6th September – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets this evening.  Pray for the members of Select Vestry, for their discussions and decision-making.

7th September – Wednesday
The Choir meets this evening.  Pray for them and for our Organist Alison Irwin.  Pray for preparations for an extended choir for our Harvest Praise service next month.

8th September – Thursday
This evening a few parishioners will again open their homes to host our Small Groups.  Pray for these groups and for continued interest in these groups and the Girls’ Bible Study Group.

9th September – Friday
Join in worldwide prayer for Christians in North Korea, who may, and often do, face execution for their faith.  Youth Fellowship members leave this evening for a Youth Weekend at the Moyallon Centre Portadown with the theme of ‘A Fresh Encounter with Jesus’.  Pray for their safe travel today and on the return journey on Sunday.  Pray that this weekend would help them in their Christian life.  Pray for Rainbows and Brownies, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

10th September – Saturday
This weekend – European Heritage Weekend — marks the end of Church Openings for this year.  Pray for our Tour Guides and for opportunities to speak to visitors about the Gospel message.

11th September – Sunday
Give thanks for our Ministry team, for our Rector George Davison, for Peter, Kathleen and Brian bringing and explaining God’s Word to us.

12th September – Monday
Marriage Preparation Classes begin this evening for couples planning to marry in St Nicholas’ in the coming year.  Pray for couples taking part.

13th September – Tuesday
This evening the Guides resume their weekly meetings and the Women’s Fellowship begin their monthly meetings after the summer break.  Pray for the girls and ladies attending both organisations.

14th September – Wednesday
Boy’s Brigade gets underway this evening.  Pray for officers, boys and helpers in all sections.  Pray that numbers and support for our BB Company would increase.

15th September – Thursday
The Diocesan Council meets today.  There is also a Diocesan Course for Rectors and Curates.  This evening ‘Explore’ Bible study resumes.  Bring all three to God in prayer.  Pray for Alan Abernethy our Bishop.

16th September – Friday
Pray for the sick in mind or body.  Pray for those who live with pain.  Pray for research to find new treatments for the relief of pain and for the skill of medical professionals.

17th September – Saturday
Pray for the Parish Walking Group.

18th September – Sunday
Pray for today’s church services, especially this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing.  Remember Stella, Maureen and Sally and our team of Intercessors.

19th September – Monday
Remember Robert and Sharon Heaney our Link Missionaries and their son Sam in Dodoma, Tanzania.  Pray for Robert and the responsibilities he has undertaken at St John’s University.  Pray for God’s provision of adequate resources for staff and students at SJU.

20th September – Tuesday
Pray for Catherine Wallace.  Give thanks for Catherine and for Uel Stewart who endeavours to keep our church and halls clean and tidy.

21st September – Wednesday
The Widow’s Group meets this evening.  Pray for the group’s members remembering those who have taken on an organisational role.

22nd September – Thursday
Pray for Parish News distributors and for the volunteers who will gather this morning to assemble the magazine ready for distribution.

23rd September – Friday
During July and August we had the opportunity to come to church for prayer and to hear something of the work of various Mission groups - MECO, Operation Mobilisation, Mission Africa, FEBA, Locos Ministries, Open Doors, IFES and AIM.  Pray for all these groups and for their work in spreading God’s Word and supporting God’s people.

24th September – Saturday
Pray for those recently bereaved.  Pray for our Lord’s provision, for strength, comfort and the help and support of friends.

25th September – Sunday
This ‘Back to Church’ Sunday pray for all those who have accepted the invitation to join us for today’s services.  Pray for this morning’s Family Service and the Youth Service this evening.  Remember those who would like to join us today but cannot because of age or infirmity.

26th September – Monday
At this time of year many young people are heading off to university and for the first time will be living away from home.  Pray for parents and young people.  Pray for those for whom higher education is not an option.  Pray for those young people struggling to find employment.

27th September – Tuesday
‘Encounter’ the monthly prayer group meets this evening in the church.  Pray for those who come together to pray for our parish, our world and for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

28th September – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship.

29th September – Thursday
Pray for Bishop Elias Chakupewa at this time of great need in Tabora.

30th September – Friday
Pray for Crosslinks and CMS Ireland.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

Parents of all children are advised that our Sunday Schools and Bible class resume on 4th September 2011.

Our Morning Sunday School is for Nursery School and Primary School children.  Children attend church at 11 am and leave for Sunday School with their teachers after 10-15 minutes.  The exception to this is that on the first Sunday of each month children are to go directly to the Halls for 11 am.  On the fourth Sunday of each month all children are encouraged to attend our Family Service in Church with their parents.  Children are taught in age-related classes and can be collected from the Halls at the end of the Church Service.

The Bible Class is aimed at Secondary School pupils and begins at 10 am in the Hall, running to approximately 10.45 am, leaving sufficient time to get to  Church for 11 am.  Children from P5 and upwards who received Bibles for their Sunday School prizes are asked to bring them each Sunday as they will be referred to as part of the lessons.

The Afternoon Sunday School is for Nursery and Primary School children and takes place in Oakfield Community Centre each Sunday, from 2.30—3.30 pm.

In St Nicholas’ Sunday Schools it is our intention, through the Grace of God and by His Holy Spirit, to sow the seeds of Bible truths from an early age, to help children and young people to grow and deepen their faith from year to year.  Children born into this congregation should come to know Christ as their friend and Saviour as they progress through the children’s classes.   It is our sincerest hope and prayer that they will turn out to be mature Christians and lifelong disciples of Christ. 

If your child is new to Sunday School, whatever age, do bring them along and they will all be made very welcome.

NEWS FROM TABORA

The Smartie Appeal money (£1000) was sent to Emmanuel in early July and he has sent a couple of emails expressing his sincerest thanks to all the boys and girls and their parents for their support.

He asks for our prayers for more helpers to be identified for the Good News Clubs and Junior Youth Clubs that are run in several of the Churches.  These clubs are growing and new ones are being set up all the time, so new helpers are constantly needed. 
Emmanuel also mentions the food and water shortages that are being experienced throughout the Diocese as well as throughout East Africa.  He refers to Acts 11 v 27-29 and I would urge you to remind yourselves what the Bible has to say regarding helping  our brothers ad sisters in need.

Our Smartie Tube Appeal in aid of the Childrens Outreach Mission in Tabora Diocese continues as we share in their mission to reach out to so many children throughout the Diocese who don't know about Jesus.
Thank you in anticipation.
Heather Gingles, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent

Christian Marriage

‘What God has joined together, let not man separate’
28th June 2011
Andrew John William Gray, 4 Orchardville Gardens, Bangor and
Lauren Jane Mulvenny, 4 Orchardville Gardens, Bangor

Christian Baptism

“Suffer the little children to come unto me”
3rd July 2011
Zara Ann Fisher, Derrybrick, Derrylin, Co Fermanagh

10th July 2011
Heidi Charlotte Stronge, 10 Tudor Gardens, Carrickfergus

Christian Burial

‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
23rd June 2011
Elizabeth Telford, 94 Ellis Street, Carrickfergus

8th July 2011
Robert (Bertie) Craney, 69 Rosebrook Avenue, Carrickfergus

19th July 2011
Margaret Marie Sheldon, Chester PNH, Whitehead

2nd August 2011
Lynda McMurtry, 62 Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus

3rd August 2011
Margaret Horner, 61 Windsor Avenue, Whitehead

Crèche Rota September 2011

4th    Ann Hodge, Janice Nelson, Carol Moneypenney, Rebecca Leighton
11th    Annie Crawford, Faye Hamilton, Alison Kane, Hester Gingles
18th    Karen Bell, Katrina Todd, Nichola Downey, Ruth Nelson
25th    Sarah Nelson, Kathleen Arthur, Amy Ferguson, 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.

GOING GLOBAL

What is it?
Going Global is an event organised by CMS Ireland to help you consider how to take your engagement in God’s mission to a deeper level. Going Global offers you the chance to take time away from the chaos, to be still and listen to God, to look into mission.

Who is it for?
Those who are exploring the possibility of some form of mission service in another place, whether for short-term or long-term.
Those who have returned home after some form of mission service elsewhere, (whether on a team, or some form of mission placement), and want to consider how their experiences can impact their life and mission in their Irish context.
Those who simply want to think more deeply about ‘mission’ and what it might mean for them.

What happens?
During the weekend, we will spend time sharing stories and experiences and looking at some biblical principles for mission. There will also be seminars on the Saturday afternoon – to address the questions of the 3 groups of people outlined above and for those who want to have an individual discussion with a CMS Ireland staff member or a former Mission Partner, there will be an opportunity for such a conversation. The theme is ‘Looking into mission’

Where is it?
The Kilcronaghan Activity and Conference Centre just outside Tobermore, near Magherafelt in County Londonderry. The centre is clean and comfortable and all bed linen is provided. To keep costs down, we will be using twin rooms where possible.

When is it?
Going Global will take place from 11am on Saturday 15th October to 2:30pm on Sunday 16th (departing after lunch)  We would encourage you to come for the whole event – the late night for chatting on Saturday and the Sunday morning sessions are all important parts of the programme. However, if you really aren’t able to stay for Sunday’s sessions, we would still encourage you to sign up for Saturday.

How much does it cost?
If you earn a wage, the cost is: £40 for the full programme; £25 for one day.
Otherwise, the cost is: £30 for the full programme; £20 for one day.  A booking form is available from our website (www.cmsireland.org), or by e-mailing gillian@cmsireland.org.  Alternatively, phone our Belfast office – 028 90775020 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

EARLY WARNING - A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 26th November
will be our annual Christmas Fayre

More details will be published in next month’s magazine

Flowers in Church September 2011

4th    Rayma Hill—In memory of my father
11th    The Lutton Family—In memory of Catherine
18th    Roy and Ann McVeigh
25th     Roy Anderson—In memory of my wife Sally

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)

Flowers in Church August 2011 (not in last magazine)

21st    Eileen Mawhirk—In memory of my husband Jim and my aunt, Ruth Burton

Correction for 19th June
“Gordon Potsworth—In memory of my mother and brother”

CALLING ALL SINGERS!

As the new session approaches, we would welcome any new
members into our church choir, especially male voices.

However, we do recognise that many of you would enjoy the
fellowship, camaraderie and 'craic' we have at practices but cannot
afford the time to commit to this on a permanent basis, so we would, once again, offer the opportunity for anyone who enjoys singing, to attend for about 5 weeks in preparation for the harvest evening when the choir takes a larger role than usual at the annual Harvest Praise Service.

Harvest Choir rehearsals start Wednesday 7th September in the Church at 8.30 pm and will last for 45 minutes approximately.
Hope to see you there. Alison

BOWLING CLUB

The Bowling Club resumes Monday 5th September in the Church Halls at 7.15 pm.  All members old and new are
welcome and there is no age restriction.




Our new programme of events starts on Tuesday 13th September at 7.30 pm in the Church Halls with a Can't Cook Won't Cook! evening hosted by Pampered Chef representative Shirley Kerr. We have two contestants lined up to put their cooking skills to the test in what promises to be a very entertaining evening. There will be an opportunity to sample the dishes and a light supper will be served. All ladies are invited to come along, bring a friend if you want to, and enjoy a time of fun and fellowship together.     

Valerie Leighton

SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER 2011

4th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
         11.00 am    Holy Communion—Courage to Stand: Introducing Jeremiah
            Jeremiah 1 v 1-19       
         7.00 pm    Evening Prayer—God’s Last Word—Jesus
            Hebrews 1 v 1-12   

11th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
          11.00 am    Morning Prayer—God files for Divorce!
            Jeremiah 2 v 1-9       
            Ephesians 5 v 21-33   
          7.00 pm    Informal Praise—Jesus: God’s answer to despair
            Hebrews 2 v 1-15       

18th      9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
            11.00 am    Morning Prayer—A Good Man is hard to find
            Jeremiah 5 v 1-6       
            Romans 3 v 9-18       
            7.00 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            Revolt against God
            Hebrews 3 v 1-19       

25th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
          11.00 am    Family Service—Back to Church Sunday
            Mark 2 v 1-12
          7.00 pm    Youth Service
            Warnings from John—“Don’t say it if you don’t mean it!”
            1 John 2 v 1-11       

Other Events in September 2011

6th     7.30 pm    Select Vestry
10th     10.30 am     Parish Walking Group Outing (details inside)
21st    7.15 pm    Widow’s Group
27th    7.30 pm    Encounter Monthly Prayer Group in the church

Date for your Diary!

Parish Walking Group
Saturday 10th September

Please meet at 10.30 am
at Hazelbank Car Park

For further details contact Harry Kirk or Peter Ferguson

BUSY BEES

Busy Bees will be starting again Friday 9th September at 10.30 am.

For further information please speak to Alison Kane or Amy Ferguson



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

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