The Pointer June 2022
Rector The Rt Rev Darren McCartney 028 4175 3497 suffragan1@gmail.com
The Magazine of the Church of Ireland Parishes of Clonallon & Warrenpoint with Kilbroney in the Diocese of Down and Dromore By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 1335 I was somewhat shocked to read of the experiences of some of the first Salvation Army workers. The historian Richard Collier writes the following concerning the experiences of the first Salvation Army workers, ‘Persecution was great from the beginning.… Gangs frequently hurled mud and stones through the windows at the preaching and the crowd. The liquor dealers worked hard to have Booth kicked out of East London. The police were no help; in fact, they often broke up outdoor meetings and accused Booth’s followers of being the cause of all the trouble.… Beatings were not uncommon: in 1889, at least 669 Salvation Army members were assaulted—some were killed and many were maimed. Even children were not immune; ruffians threw lime in the eyes of a child of a Salvation Army member. The newspapers ridiculed Booth. PUNCH referred to him as “Field Marshal von Booth.”’ The image of “lime in the eyes of a child of a Salvation Army member” is really what has lodged into my head and I have been contrasting this with the feeling that I got when looking out the bedroom window this morning. The beauty of the sight was quite something. The wind blowing across the long grass in the field, leading the eye to the rolling hills and then to the mountains in the background. The different shades of greens and browns the reflection of light, beautiful. I had thought, when I first looked out the window, that I was so blessed in being able to see such beauty. The image had remained in my mind and was amplified by the massive shock of reading “lime in the eyes of a child”. This morning as I looked through the bedroom window the thought came to me that it is so easy to take the beauty and good things around us for granted. How much more the strength of such after reading the reference to “lime in the eyes of a child”.
I still remember the feeling of being back in church and surrounded by other choir members, singing hymns after a period in my life when I was physically prevented from being there for a couple of months. What a feeling! I pray that as we look around, at those we see in church and the faces of those we don’t see, who aren’t able to be with us, that we don’t take them, or the opportunity to be in church for granted. When we speak about church, let we refrain from negativity, our words reflect on others and have a power greater that we sometime wish to consider. The enemy doesn’t need any further assistance in targeting and undermining the churches witness or the person who may be struggling. Rather let us celebrate the fact that we can come to church, that we are surrounded by others who are also journeying through life and on the road to faith. Perhaps they, or you yourself, are struggling with life and faith, perhaps we could spare a moment to sit or visit, to support, to encourage, to love one another as Christ has loved us.
Blessings, +Darren
Clonallon and Warrenpoint Facebook https://www.facebook.com/warrenpointcoi/
Sunday Services live streamed at 10.00 am.
Kilbroney Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KilbroneyParishChurchRostrevor/
Sunday Services live streamed at 11.30 am.
Christian Burial
Rostrevor Community Book Corner
We extend our prayerful sympathy to all who mourn, especially to the family and friends of
Rostrevor Community Book Corner is now operating at its new location – the Lecture Hall, Cloughmore Road.
Robert Francis ‘Crawford' Jones MRCVS MVB th
It is open every Saturday morning 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Everyone is welcome.
rd
25 October 1932 - 23 April 2022
People are asked to bring along a selection of books for swap, exchange etc. The Book Corner is a not for profit voluntary community group.
The funeral was on 27th April in Warrenpoint Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. They are blessed indeed, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labours. Revelation 14:13
It is a welcoming place for friends, neighbours and visitors to come together in the village of Rostrevor. A place to talk about literature, favourite books, newly released books … and many other topics. A typical Saturday morning involves people dropping in for a chat about books, a cup of tea/coffee and some home baked treats. The Book Corner was founded several years ago by Paddy Parr and previously operated from premises in Bridge Street. We hope to build our membership base over coming months and to invite writers and poets to the Book Corner to talk about their work. The Book Corner, as well as its Saturday venue, is engaged in organising a number of trips.
An alien is confused by how humans deal with scents. Human: “I must wash this blanket to get rid of that new smell.” Alien: makes a note that humans prefer to mark objects with familiar scents. Human: “You’ve got to love that new car smell.” Alien: scratches out previous note and replaces it with a question mark. Human: “Old books smell so good.” Alien: increasingly frustrated note taking. Human: “Mmmm I love that new book smell.” Alien: WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?
We recently took a 25 strong group from Rostrevor to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast for the Brian Friel play `Translations.’ Book Corner contact … William Graham wkg1951@gmail.com
Rotas It is good when folk sign up to cover tea and coffee after the morning service, and to provide flowers. If you can help please add your name to the lists! After explaining the commandment to honour your father and mother, the teacher asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill." 2
Church Services
Lectionary Year C
10.00 am
11.30 am
Old Testament
Epistle
Gospel
5th June The Day of Pentecost
Warrenpoint Holy Communion
Kilbroney Holy Communion
Acts 2:1-21 Genesis 11:1-9
Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:14-17
John 14:8-17 (25-27)
12th June Trinity Sunday
Clonallon Morning Prayer
Kilbroney Family Service
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
19th June
Warrenpoint Morning Prayer
Kilbroney Holy Communion
1 Kings19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39
26th June
Clonallon Holy Communion
Kilbroney Morning Prayer
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
3rd July
Warrenpoint Holy Communion
Kilbroney Holy Communion
2 Kings 5:1-14
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Bible Burst
Compline
The Holiday Bible Club for Young People (ages 3—14) is planned for 15th, 17th and 19th August. 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm.
Sunday at nine o’clock Kilbroney Tuesday at nine o’clock Clonallon & Warrenpoint
Registration on 15th August in the Parish Room when consent forms are to be signed. More details in the July-August Pointer.
These will be available on both Facebook pages. The text is on Page 154 in the BCP, or on the Church of Ireland Website, or in the Daily Worship App on your mobile phone.
Crafters on Wednesdays This group continues to welcome all folk with crafts of any kind. We gather between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm in the Parish Room. Meetings will continue through July and August, with a break for Fiddler’s Green Festival.
Deadline for the July-August 2022 edition of The Pointer is Friday 24th June 2022. Please keep sending in articles and photographs! Editor: hannamanor15@btinternet.com
Kilbroney Parish Church Prayer Group Wednesdays 10.00 am to 11.00 am
Handbells
Free call 116 123
Thursdays at 7.30 pm in Kilbroney
24 hours a day … 365 days a year 3
have been taken down, packed up and sent for repair to Loughborough, in England. It will be 6 weeks before they will be repaired and returned to Kilbroney Bell Tower.
Why aren’t the Tower Bells Ringing? Many folk are asking why the tower bells are not ringing and that they are being missed. This is very encouraging for the band!! The reason is that the bells ropes were discovered to be badly frayed in the belfry at the top of the tower, where the six huge bells swing through their 360 degree arc.
This should be in plenty of time, as Saint Bronach’s Kilbroney Bell Tower, has been asked by the Northern District Ringing Master, Mr Simon Chadwick of the Irish Association of Change Ringers (IRAC) to host the District practice on Saturday 1st October.
As this is our bicentennial year, we will certainly be wanting to make the most of this event.
"Just cleared out some space in the freezer" sounds so much more productive than "I just polished off another carton of ice cream." A man went grocery shopping with his son. They had the basket, they had the list ... Then the father whispered to the child, "You know, if we really mess this up, we'll never have to do it again." Three out of the six bell ringing ropes would have actually snapped shortly! Our Steeple Master, Paddy Jameson discovered the problem when bell ringer Tim Alexander reported that something had happened to his bell rope during the ring, which had caused him concern.
The Pointer is printed by
The 6 ropes, each measuring 55 feet, 4
Palm Sunday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday around the Parishes
Kilbroney
Clonallon
Warrenpoint
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to grow each different herb. She described the smell and strength of flavour and how to grow each one as well as giving us examples of how to use each herb as we cook and bake. Lily is very down to earth and it was like having a conversation with a friend.
Ladies Guild We welcomed ladies back to the Ladies Guild at the end of April. Morning tea/coffee, scones and tray bakes were a special treat to give people an opportunity to chat and catch up after the lockdown. It was lovely to experience a little bit of normality again and enjoy each other’s company after so much time apart.
The herbs included rosemary, basil, lemon balm, mint, spearmint, chives, thyme, fennel, lovage (everlasting celery), borage and sorrel.
Karen opened with prayer and announcements and towards the end encouraged us to support Rev Elizabeth and Rev Mellissa as they undertook the Belfast Marathon 8 mile walk to raise funds for the Bishop’s Appeal. Rev Elizabeth shared about the specific Christian Aid project in Honduras they have chosen to support. She shared a little about the region, which is being severely affected by climate change, as well as the needs of the people who live there. This project focuses on new agricultural practices, rain water harvesting and drip irrigation and improved nutrition. It has been an encouraging start to The Ladies Guild meeting again monthly. I think we had missed each other’s chat and laughter! The May meeting took place in Kilbroney Church with our speaker Lily Annett whose topic was Herbs of Moyad. Her introduction focused on Psalm 1: 1-3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever he does prospers.
Thyme, fennel, oregano and basil can be used in casseroles and soups. Thyme and oregano can also be used with fish. Pork chops cooked with Sage leaves and apple sauce works well. Sorrel looks like docken leaves and can be used in a salad. While baked cheesecake including lemon balm is delicious. Mint, roughly cut, can be used in meringue or roulade simply by adding the mint at the folding in stage. Mint tea helps your digestive system and can be made by adding boiling water to mint leaves in a china teapot.
and Isaiah 40: 28-31 and Isaiah 61:3 They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour. Using the image of what a tree needs to grow strong and healthy, she described starting with a commitment to Jesus followed by a need to seek nourishment from God’s Word to nurture our faith. Lily had brought many different bunches of herbs along with 2 cakes and a dessert, which made a very colourful display. We enjoyed hearing her tell us how
Lily manages Hanna’s Close holiday cottages in Kilkeel which is an Ulster Scots settlement. Lovage is one herb that has been grown there over many years and can be used in soups and casseroles. They 6
Basil Dessert Pastry case 1/2 double cream 2/3 creme fresh Basil (why not try using lemon basil or Thai basil) Strawberries Lemon juice A little Sugar
have yellow flowers and are also good for flower arranging. The herb adds quite a strong flavour so only use one stem in a soup.
Whip double cream and add creme fresh then fill the pastry case. Pour lemon juice over the strawberries and put chopped basil in the lemon juice. Strain the liquid and Cook the liquid with sugar to make a syrup. Decorate the dessert with the strawberries then pour the syrup over the top.
Now is a good time to sew seeds planting them in a 12” pot of compost. Keep cutting them often when the herbs are grown to allow new, fresh leaves to sprout and use these for cooking. If a herb does go brown it is best to throw it out with the top layer of compost and start again. It does not usually work when trying to save the plant.
Next month, Thursday 30th June, we will have our outing and this year we have decided to stay local. Our venue is Narrow Water Castle and we have been invited for morning tea/coffee by Lady Kate and Sir Bill Hall who live on the Estate.
Rosemary Cake 8oz margarine 8oz sugar 8oz Self raising flour 3 large eggs 1 lemon rind Good bunch of Rosemary (ground using a herb mill) 2tbsp milk
Bill will speak to the ladies about the family history before we walk over to the Castle itself. After spending time in the grounds and castle we will make our way to Warrenpoint Golf Club for a 3 course dinner.
Put all the ingredients together in a food processor and mix. Bake in the oven at gas mark 5 (190 C) for 1 hour.
Mint Cake
There is a limit of 30 places with members having first preference and on a first come first serve basis after this. We will make our own way to the Hall Estate and directions/map will be provided. However if anyone requires a lift please let us know and this can be arranged. The cost will be £17.
7oz margarine 7oz caster sugar 3 eggs 7 oz Self raising flour Rind of 2 limes Good bunch of fresh mint (ground using a herb mill)
Karen McCartney. 07379749377 Dorothy Major 07720 017371
Beat the margarine and sugar together. Put this mixture along with all other ingredients in the food processor mix. Pour into a square tin and bake in the oven at gas mark 5 (190 C) for 45 mins until firm.
Celery has negative calories. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. 7
Clonallon and Warrenpoint and Kilbroney Thank you for the £215 raised during the Easter appeal.
Crafters Corner
Thank You We did it! £1,265 raised for Bishops’ Appeal work in Honduras where many farmers have suffered as a result of climate change. A big thank you to all who supported us on the eight-mile walk … and a special mention to the Ladies Guild Coffee Morning which raised a staggering £235.
The Crafters recommenced in March, finally, and immediately took up the challenge to knit something to give away to help others. Previously we managed a few Trauma Teddies for the Police but this time with the War in Ukraine being so prominent and the news bombarding us with images of the homeless refugees trying to escape, we focused on hats. Hats that could help those who found themselves helpless and homeless. Well, the ladies took up the challenge with gusto and produced a lovely collection of knitted items. Also Elfie Sherry helped fill out our collection with more of her own. Thank you very much Elfie. A substantial bag was then left into the Drop In Charity in Newry supporting their Ukrainian Appeal. Thank you Ladies for all your efforts! Crafters are still on going for anyone who is interested in joining us, beginner or otherwise. New faces are most welcome : Wednesday Mornings at 11.00 am to 1.00 pm in Kilbroney Parish Room.
Poem and Photograph by Pauline Coffey
I told my boss that three companies were after me and I need a salary increase. My boss asked, "What companies?" Gas, water and electricity.
I was in a taxi today and the driver said, "I love my job. I'm my own boss. Nobody tells me what to do." Then I said: "Turn left here." 8
Easter Day 2022
Kerygma led an inspirational service of Easter Praise in Warrenpoint
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Easter Day 2022 Sermon
He believed the body was there. But when he enters and sees that the body cloths were lying in one place and the head napkin in another, he believed that Mary was correct -- the body had been stolen. This would fit with the word that follows: "they still did not understand from the scriptures that Jesus had to rise from the dead." Peter and John return home.
We celebrate the good news of the resurrection. Remarkably, however, the very first news of Easter was not good news at all. It was terrible news that Mary Magdalene brought to the Apostles Peter and John when she came running with the announcement that the body of Jesus had disappeared. What a shock that must have been!
It’s here that Mary enters the picture again. She had returned to the tomb, following the apostles, but had remained outside.
We can only imagine the shock the disciples of Jesus felt, numbed as they already were at the unexpected death of their Lord, when they hear Mary's desperate announcement: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
We cannot but see how this affects Mary, she is sobbing v11, standing outside the tomb, still convinced that her Lord was dead and his body has been stolen. Then, looking in, she sees two young men, "angels" we read, sitting inside. "Woman, why are you weeping?" they asked her.
John didn’t write his account of the events of the resurrection until some fifty years after they had taken place. Yet our reading is as detailed and as fresh as if it had just occurred.
Then turning, she sees another man whom she takes to be the gardener. He asks her the same question, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
According to the other gospel accounts, other women besides Mary, went to the tomb early that morning. When they arrive at the tomb, probably around five or five-thirty in the morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, they see that the great stone had been pushed back.
There is a gentle rebuke inherent in that twice-asked question. It is saying, "This is no time for weeping, but for rejoicing, praise and thanksgiving."
Shocked at the discovery, Mary leaves the other women and runs to tell Peter and John that the tomb had been opened, the guards have left, and the body of Jesus has disappeared.
It implies that she could, and should, have known this.
Jesus had clearly stated several times, that he would rise again on the third day and one of the striking pictures in the Gospels is the deafness of the disciples to the consistent revelations of Jesus concerning his resurrection.
According to the gospel accounts the other women stayed, and there they met two angels who told them that Jesus had risen. But Mary had not yet received that news when she ran to tell Peter and John about the disappearance of the body of Jesus.
He had great difficulty convincing them that he was going to die in the first place. It was only as they saw the opposition closing in on him that they realized his words were true. But even now, none of them, seem to grasp that every time He mentioned his death, he also added that he would rise again on the third day.
On hearing the news from Mary, both Peter and John immediately left for the tomb, running through the streets of Jerusalem and through the Damascus Gate to the tomb. John, the younger of the two, outruns Peter and, stooping down, he looked into the tomb.
DEAFNESS NOW
TOMB FROM THE INSIDE
Yet are we not just like Mary? When we find ourselves in a distressing circumstance, when things seemed to be crashing down on us, and even though we have accepted Christ as our Lord, we too easily forget all the promises of God? We feel sorry for ourselves, we become anxious and upset. I know, I have.
As he peered in, John observed the burial cloths still lying on the rock shelf where the body of Jesus had lain. He does not tell us what he thought at that moment. Then Peter arrives at the tomb and characteristically he enters the tomb. Inside he sees the burial cloths that John had seen lying there, and he also saw the napkin that had been around the head of Jesus, lying in a place by itself.
Martin Luther once spent three days in a black depression over something that had gone wrong. On the third day his wife came downstairs dressed in mourning clothes. "Who's dead?" he asked her. "God," she replied. Luther rebuked her, saying, "What do you mean, God is dead? God cannot die." "Well," she replied, "the way you've been acting I was sure he had!"
At this point John also enters the tomb. According to his own account, when he saw these cloths, he "believed." What is it that he believes? He clearly believes that Mary, after all, was right, someone had taken the body. 10
Many of us have been caught in a similar trap. This is also what has happened to Mary.
but as Lord, Sovereign, authoritative and able to work through the difficulties and joys of your life.
Jesus only has to speak one word to her to open her eyes.
No one wants to face pressures all alone; it helps to have someone with you. And not only someone like yourself, one who can understand how you feel, but if it can also be someone who has authority and power, one who can work out solutions to your seemingly impossible problems, what a comfort that is!
Can you picture the scene? With tenderness and love, Jesus simply utters her name. She instantly recognized his voice, just as any one of us would recognize a loved one's voice.
The good news of Easter is, not only can you know Jesus but he can be close to you, through every situation. The risen Lord offers to share his victory with you, to take you through whatever you must face as your closest Companion, who will never, never leave you.
She flings herself at his feet and cries, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher"). She seizes him by the feet and begins to weep tears of joy. According to the account, Jesus gently says,
“Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Some of you may have to face very serious problems. Perhaps some of you will confront what looks like the end of your hopes and dreams. Fears and anxieties, loneliness, emptiness, heartache, and sorrow are before us. But the good news of Easter is, we don't have to face any of that alone.
Go and tell my brothers (not "my disciples") I believe this is the first and the chief "good news" of Easter. Most celebrate Easter as a reminder that there is hope on the day when they have to leave this earth -- that Easter means because he lives we shall live also.
Listen to Jesus' exact words,
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice, and open the door, I will come into him and will live with him and he with me."
Now this is a legitimate part of the message of Easter. It does indeed give us a glorious hope when each of us face death's door.
This is the promise that millions have trusted. They have asked Jesus to enter their lives, to come and dwell with them, to go with them through life, not only through death. To their joy they found his words true.
One writer that I read, (Ron Ritchie) has said there are three questions we all ask of ourselves at one time or another,
1. 2. 3.
"Where do I come from?" "Why am I here?" and "Is it really necessary to leave?"
There is a contemporary chorus that we sometime sing;
Because he lives, I can face tomorrow, because he lives, all fear is gone. because I know, I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives.
Most of us wish we didn't have to say "Yes" to the third. Yet this is not what comforted Mary or any of the disciples at this point. It never may have crossed their minds that this event would give them a hope in the hour of death. What brought them such joy was the realization, "Jesus is back again! We haven't lost him! He is here with us, and he will always be with us!" That is the truly good news of Easter. Through two thousand years of Christian witness what has sustained the hearts of millions is the realization that Jesus can enter a person’s life and go with them through the trials, pressures, tears and joys of life right here on earth.
+Darren
He will be with you at the hour of death, yes, but not as a stranger just then entering your life.
The Light of the World (1851–1853) William Holman Hunt
I do hope that he will already long have been a trusted friend of yours, not merely a comforting Companion, 11
such as Jesus Christ is Risen Today, This Joyful Eastertide, and In Christ Alone, and more recent hymns as Christ Triumphant, and Here is Love, recalling the sacrifice and saving for the world.
Clonallon and Warrenpoint Interview with Stephen Cooper Our family came to live in Warrenpoint in April 1964 from Preston in Lancashire where we had been members of Preston Parish, Church of England. Dad, Stuart and I had been choristers in the all-male, robed choir with sung services on Sundays both morning and evening. There was lots of ceremony associated with the services and the church was quite old and ornate in design and furnishings. It was also used for monthly services by the Orthodox Church.
It was a real joy for me to bring Kerygma (the Good News Choir) to Warrenpoint on Easter Sunday evening where our musical director Lorna Palmer had selected a wonderful programme of music which we as a choir delighted in singing for the audience.
When we had settled in our new home, I took the opportunity on the first available Sunday to come to service in Warrenpoint Parish Church and my name still appears in the visitor’s book at the back of the church dated April or May 1964. I was surprised by the plainer style of service, simple altar with no cross but was taken by the commitment of the congregation and the sincerity of the minister.
Warrenpoint Church is welcoming in its design and layout with a beautiful, vaulted roof which is spectacular when fully lit and since the renovations completed a few years ago the church looks very well inside and out.
As I remember the choir was small (and is smaller still now) but the hymns and canticles were familiar, and I was able to join in the singing. That was the first of attendances lasting now over 58 years. Since that time (but with a few gaps), I have been a member of the choir, at one time with both Mum and Dad and have occasionally played the piano for services. In pre-covid times I also played in the small ensemble led by Maurice and which we hope to start again soon. During the incumbency of Gerry Carson, he asked me to undertake the role of Rector’s Church Warden and I have held that post for successive Rectors – Julian McCready, Jim Simms, Colin McCormack and now Darren. I have been a member of the vestry and select vestry during that time and for a period was Secretary to the vestry. Now my daughter Emma has joined me as a member of the Select Vestry and both my sons are registered vestrymen. A more recent role has been as assistant Treasurer due more, I think, to my slightly more familiarity with the use of computer programmes rather than any financial skills! The Church year holds many highpoints, but I think Easter Sunday with its promise of redemption and hope is special. Coinciding with Spring and regrowth in the natural world around us, it lifts the spirit, refreshes us and motivates us to look forward. As a singer, the music of Easter is uplifting with standards
My favourite part though is not inside the church, it is the magnificent garden avenue at the rear. This is a peaceful area which I have often thought would be of 12
Handbellers Visit Former Member On Thursday evening of the 19th May, the Kilbroney Handbellers instead of their usual 7.30 pm practice in Kilbroney, visited one of their founding members, Mr Sidney Donaldson, in Carlingford nursing Home.
great benefit as a quiet and restful place for the use of the people of Warrenpoint. Unfortunately, insurance, maintenance and supervision make it difficult to accomplish if not impossible. Still, it is nice to be able to use it from time to time and for special occasions – it was particularly useful during the pandemic as we were able to hold outdoor services including Palm Sunday.
The Kilbroney Handbellers performed a varied programme for Sidney and other residents. The pieces included, …’The Mountains of Mourne, Oh Danny boy, Black velvet band and Somewhere over the rainbow’.
I have a particular affection for the organ which has served the Church so well. It is in urgent need of refurbishment to maintain and improve its action and tuning and is a project we are seeking information and funding for. It is a wonderful instrument and will be a benefit to the Church for years to come provided we can complete its restoration.
The team of ten ringers with musical director, Liz Farnan were delighted to play and look forward to a return visit later on in the year.
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I love music and art. Therefore, I found this school a great fit for me. And it has been amazing so far! Youth With A Mission
My name is Hannah and I'm 25. I'm from California and Wisconsin in the United States of America. In my free time I enjoy walking, doing crossword puzzles and anything linguistics related. I am really enjoying being a part of YWAM Rostrevor's DTS this spring because we get to spend time combining learning about Jesus and the Bible with art and beauty. I really enjoy working in a wide variety of 2D media (watercolour, pen and ink, linocut, animation, film editing, charcoal, sketching, drawing, mural painting and probably something else I'm forgetting), and I've also discovered a deep love of storytelling while here in Rostrevor, which feels really apt since this is the place where C.S. Lewis imagines Narnia to be. Hola! My name is Rebekah, and I'm 19. I'm originally from Juarez, Mexico. I'm a singersongwriter and love to sing and paint and draw as well. Being on DTS has been awesome and allowed me to learn many new things about myself and God. In my free time I like to listen to KPOP, watch k-dramas, eat spicy foods and sing.
As young people begin to make their way in the world, two major options are joining the work force and going to university. If a young person loves Jesus, they have another option: attending a Discipleship Training School through the worldwide organisation, Youth With A Mission, known as YWAM and pronounced why-wham. One of the hundreds of YWAM bases is located here in Rostrevor and is known as An Cuan.
My name is Justine, I'm nineteen years old and I'm from Dublin. I grew up in a Catholic household and went to a Christian youth group with my friends every Friday. I have had a desire to join a missionary organisation for the last few years. I finished secondary school in June of 2021 and I originally started college in September. But I didn't enjoy the course I was studying so I withdrew. A good friend of mine told me about a discipleship training school called "Called to Create", in YWAM. I felt like God was calling me to join so I applied in December and was fortunately accepted in January! I have loved my time with YWAM so far. I have gotten to know God in a deeper way and I have had so much fun getting to make some lovely new friends and enjoy a major element of the school which is creativity. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
Currently, An Cuan is running a DTS titled “Called to Create”, focusing on developing the creative arts in a way that will glorify Jesus. Four young women answered the call to attend this school. Actually, it was six, but visa problems, a common occurrence for anyone doing international ministry, prevented two of them from coming. Here is a snapshot of each of those young women in their own words: My name is Mirelle, I’m 19 years old and I come from Israel/Palestine. I have finished high school two years ago, then worked for a year after that.
After 12 weeks of lectures, the trainees will do a two-month outreach in Wales.
Some good friends of mine that did their DTS several years ago, told me all about YWAM, it immediately felt the right place to be at since I always had the passion for missions but never found a place to join.
The school is being led by Michaela from Dublin, assisted by Thiago from Brazil, and Americans Beth and Jeremy (who contributed to this article).
After that, I applied and got accepted to the “Called to Create” DTS, which was awesome!
Ron Somers
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United Service in Warrenpoint on
The Sunday after Ascension Day For the first time since Covid-19 our churches were able to gather together for worship. Afterwards we enjoyed fellowship over tea and coffee … what a joy to be back for a united service!
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Ladies Bible Study
Rest - He makes me lie down in green pastures. The shepherd knows when the sheep need to lie down and so he takes them to a nice green grassy spot. The Lord our Shepherd knows when we need to rest - rest from our busy life styles our busy church life; rest from our cares, worries, sickness, disappointment. He brings us to a place of rest. Jesus said Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11 v 28).
It is so nice to be back again after 2 years of lockdowns and restrictions due to Covid. We thank God for his love, for his goodness, for his protection, and for bringing us together again. However, we still need to be cautious and so for the next couple of months we will meet in the Vestry. We look to the time when we will be sitting together in our little house group. Till then we know that, wherever we are, God is present. We had a few apologies and we missed those who were unable to be there.
The Lord our Shepherd takes us to our green pastures, where it is comfortable, quiet and serene. Where is your 'green pastures'? It might be just sitting quietly in his presence, remembering little Bible verses or hymns. Psalm 119 v 11 Thy word have I hidden in my heart that may not forget you. Jesus often went off with his disciples to rest and so we are allowed to do so.
As we have only two Bible Studies before breaking up for the Summer our Study for the next two sessions is entitled 'A walk through the 23rd Psalm'.
There is a place of quiet rest Near to the heart of God A place where sin cannot molest Near to the heart of God When we have had that quiet rest we come to the still waters and so we come to another stop -
David the writer had been a shepherd and he knew all about tending sheep. We agreed that it is fascinating watching sheep and lambs. They a so vulnerable and where one goes they all go. So a shepherd’s job is to take care of them, protect them and even correct them. Isaiah says in Chapter 53 v 6 ...we are like sheep. That is so true. We need a shepherd and we could have no better shepherd than the Lord. David knew the Lord and here's our first stop Relationship - David wrote The Lord is MY Shepherd. It was personal. David had entered into a personal relationship with the Lord and so he was confident to say he is mine. In John Chapter 10 verses 11, 27 and 28 Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd. So we have a relationship with the Shepherd and so we come to our second stop -
Refreshment - The shepherd knows the sheep need water to drink. Isn't it lovely to just stand by a gentle stream and just watch and listen to the water rippling over the stones. It's safe enough for the sheep to have a drink. The Lord our Shepherd takes us to go beside our "still waters"? That place where you can be still for the presence of the Lord the Holy One is there with you … Be still and know that he is God. After being in the Lord's presence you feel a peace that washes over you. All those cares and worries have
Provision - I shall not want. Sheep need food, water and shelter. So, it is the shepherd’s job to see to that. When we have that personal relationship with the Lord our Shepherd, He provides us with what we need, NOT what we want but most definitely what we need. In Philippians 4 v 19 it says: My God shall supply ALL your needs. Such a wonderful promise. Here we are going to make a stop at one of our needs. 16
On that day, the priest carried out his duty of visiting the parish's sick, especially those who were unable to attend Mass.
subsided. Jesus assures us in John 4 v 14 that the water He gives will be a spring of living water welling up to eternal life. We are now refreshed then there's restoration. This will be our final stop for now.
After finishing the celebration of the Mass on First Friday, the priest, instead of returning home for his breakfast, would have tea and toast provided by my mother and served in the parlour.
Restoration - He restores my soul. The sheep are rested, fed and watered and are ready to go. The Lord our Shepherd has given us a new lease of life, we have his strength, his comfort and his peace and so we are able to get up and go again. We read in 1 Peter 5 v10 that after we have suffered a little while, the God of all grace will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast.
My mother served the toast with McCann’s plain loaf bread, country butter from Mrs McElroy’s dairy farm, at Dromantine Hill, and her own homemade marmalade.
Just to sum up, John paints a lovely picture of Heaven which in a way brings together this first part of Psalm 23. It's in Revelation 7 v 17 -
She always made plenty of toast. The priest hardly ever ate all the toast. Shortly after finishing his tea and toast, he would depart on his visitations.
For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their Shepherd and he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
This was a golden opportunity for us children. We loved that lovely bread, toasted with plenty of butter and marmalade, especially when it was cold. My mother was never short of a volunteer to clear the parlour table when the priest had gone.
Now that we are renewed, refreshed and restored, we will continue our walk again on TUESDAY 14th JUNE AT 10.45 am IN THE VESTRY.
He was no sooner out the door than we rushed to the parlour to ‘clear’ the table. And ‘clear it’ we soon did. There was a scramble to grab a slice of the lovely cold toast, get it buttered and with marmalade and savour every morsel.
Looking forward to seeing you there. All ladies are most welcome. Love and God Bless Dorothy xx
My Mother was the soul of discretion and did not come to check if we had cleared the dishes until we had enjoyed the last crumb. It is now over four score years since my younger siblings and I looked forward to the First Friday and the lovely cold toast and marmalade.
Cold toast and Marmalade When I was one year old, my parents moved from the Old School House, where I was born, to the Old Parochial House beside Glen Chapel. Built in the year 1848 to accommodate the Priests of the Parish, it was in use until the late 1920s when it was discontinued as a parochial house and leased to a local parishioner.
God bless my Mother, McCann’s Bakery, Mrs McElroy on the Hill and, of course, the Priest for not eating all the toast. To this day, I enjoy nothing better than Cold Toast and marmalade. John Kennedy
A woman went to the doctor's office where she was seen by one of the new doctors, but after about 4 minutes in the exam room, she burst out, screaming as she ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, and she told him her story. He then had her sit down to relax in another room. The older doctor marched down the hallway to the back where the first doctor was and demanded, "What's the matter with you? Mrs Terry is 67 years old, she has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?!" The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said, "Does she still have the hiccups?"
My parents moved there in 1939. One condition of the tenancy was for my parents to look after the upkeep of the chapel regarding cleaning, taking care of the Vestments and providing flowers for the altar etc.
First Fridays My Mother provided a cup of tea for the priests who used our parlour between masses, On the First Friday of the month, the routine was different.
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Saint Bronach’s Bicentennial Events
Next Events in the 200 Celebrations
Kilbroney Parish Weekend Barbecue on Saturday and Open Air service with Picnic on Sunday. Two days of glorious weather made the Parish Weekend at the Kilbroney Centre one to remember!
Email +Darren to reserve a place
bushcrafting360@gmail.com
Art Exhibition A reminder to artists of all media that the depiction of Saint Bronach’s, near or far, is coming up in July … contact Susan for more details and to register your interest.
Thank you Jan & co!
The exhibition will begin at Fiddler’s Green Festival and the display will continue until European Heritage Week in September.
sufarrellewis@hotmail.com After the Open Air Service picnics were unpacked and much food shared … lemon drizzle cake, a Persian dish, Haggis (with neeps and tatties) and finally, the pièce de résistance the Platinum Jubilee Trifle!
Music Day Saturday 20th August A variety of bands, groups and individuals will provide a varied programme throughout the afternoon and evening. The event is free and folk are encouraged to drop in at any time. Weather permitting at least some of the performances will be open air. 18
'Rathlin' Good Time
In the April-May Pointer Liz described how the Kilbroney Handbell Ringers were to make a trip to Rathlin around Easter to play and to run workshops on the island in cooperation with the Rathlin Development and Community Association. Her article explained the goals of the project, building relationships while sharing skills and accessible musical experiences.
Words are inadequate to express the pleasure, undiluted fun and satisfaction of this adventure. But the rest of the team will give it a go anyway!! We are all signed up for the next one!! Eileen My best memory – celebrating Anna's 10th birthday in sunshine in her grandparents' garden on the edge of the sea, eating home-made chocolate cake with golden bells for decoration, singing Happy Birthday and having the craic. Pure heaven!
The trip went ahead with ten ringers and Liz directing, conducting and leading the coaching during the workshop sessions. The engagement of audience members was good and the response from the Community Association warm, positive and welcoming the idea of a return visit. “What happens in Rathlin stays in Rathlin” we promised one another. However we did ask team members to share their impressions of the island, the trip and favourite memories. Ken My overwhelming feeling is never having been part of a group of sexagenarians or septuagenarians who were so excited! “Why?’ You may indeed ask, and the reason was we were all on the slipway on a blessedly glorious day awaiting the Rathlin ferry to take us there!
Ron Over the years I have played many gigs with the Kilbroney Handbellers and with secular and worship bands as well, but the trip to Rathlin Island stands out as a singular highlight – the glorious weather, the island scenery and wildlife and the sessions themselves. It was great fun playing for the community and tourists. Then the workshops where audience became co-players added another dimension to the joy of ringing handbells.
We had to load up the two handbell boxes, music folder and stands, the large bell setting cushion and our personal luggage to perform and run handbell workshops on the island. Ron Somers spent some time unsuccessfully looking for his “Roadie” to perform this task. The excitement continued the whole trip, every last one of us determined to enjoy the experience to the full. We were welcomed on disembarking by our Musical Director, Liz, her daughter Anna and 'early bird' Susan, which was lovely and dramatically reduced the average age of our group.
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Jo
of our second piece ‘Oh my Beloved Father’ (from Puccini’s opera Gianni Schicchi), the clapper which had by then managed to dislodge, twist and turn broke free!
Rathlin Island….. it's a different world! Corncrakes, golden hares, grey seals, a plethora of seabirds, stunning scenery, wonderful walks in glorious sunshine, spectacular sunsets, afternoon tea and birthday cake alfresco, delicious fish and chips coupled with a very warm welcome from a really enthusiastic bunch of people, all awaited us in Rathlin.
Whilst striking my next note, the brass clapper flew out of the bell, landed loudly, bounced and clattered on the wooden floor creating quite a racket! The shock and horror is recorded on my face…I had to play on without my number 3.
Our performances in the hotel and the beautiful little St Thomas’s church, were met with much appreciation and we even had the pleasure of entertaining Frances Black's family! Then we “rang the changes,” when eager islanders aged 4 to 84, tried their hand at ringing! Our very own photographer was on hand to capture all the excitement!
The bell ringers on either side of me, Anna and Joan wondered what on earth I was doing! When they realised note 3 was absent because my clapper was missing, they allowed for the musical gap! The audience took it calmly – or didn't notice. This had never happened before to any of the bells or ringers! At least now we know, that we must have a ‘Handbell First Aid’ kit to hand!
Where are we off to next year? Elfie Eileen drove us up by the coastal route which was a lovely start to the trip well worth the extra time. The excellent weather meant that the crossing – both ways – was as smooth as the drive. Everything – the greeting, the hotel, the hospitality from Liz's parents – made for a most relaxed atmosphere.
Every day is a school day! Anna My favourite part of Rathlin was when we performed seeing people's faces light up and seeing them enjoy the handbells and it was funny rewatching the video of Shelagh's face when her clapper fell out!
The first performance and workshop was in the hotel foyer. It wasn't clear how many would come to the event. Would it be too big? Would it be too small? In the end it was – just right with a lively buzz. Liz proved she is the Greatest Show-woman. Team members 'worked' the audience. Susan sweet-talked a party of hearty lighthouse (maintenance) men and press-ganged one from Annalong – how could he refuse to join in “Mountains of Mourne”?
Joan Memories of Rathlin with the handbellers will be etched in my mind for years to come. The scenery is just beautiful and our weather showed the island to its very best. We had great interaction from the folks there particularly the children who just couldn't wait to get the bells in their little hands. We had lots of laughs not to mention photos. Also a delightful visit with Liz's parents and a chance to celebrate Anna's birthday and eat cake. So all in all a wonderful few days away
Then – nice food, a restful night and a good time including a long walk to Rue Lighthouse with Eileen before the second workshop and – homeward bound.
Susan I enjoyed it all. I enjoyed the notion of it, the planning, the rehearsing - finally being able to play 'Sunshine on Leith' - and seeing the same anticipation build up in the other ringers. I went a day early to give myself time to 'chill out' walking, swimming - and to paint. I also enjoyed the welcoming hospitality of Liz Farnan's parents, the Bartons,and an evening drink with Liz and her friend
Shelagh
On Friday afternoon, we were in the beautiful Rathlin Island Parish Church of Saint Thomas. We began the second workshop with a short performance from some of our classical tunes. I was blissfully unaware that the clapper on my bell Number 3, had come loose. During the first few bars
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be very appreciative. I was delighted after directing the handbells for almost 7 years that I could offer the players a trip to thank them for their years of voluntary service. A little secured funding to help share the costs of the trip was a bonus.
Dr. Dave who is employed controlling rats and ferrets that kill ground-nesting birds - the Pied Piper of Rathlin PhD. We welcomed the other team members the following noon, who spent the afternoon settling in and sampling the laid-back atmosphere before we all went to the Bartons for tea and a certain young person's celebration. Our performances went... well they went flyingly at least at one point and the audience islanders and some tourists - joined in the workshops with the youngsters being most eager. All good things come to an end. Sadly then having to return home, by a wandering scenic route.
I had travelled ahead of them and it was exciting to meet the boat to welcome them to the Island. It was a joy to see how excited and enthusiastic they were to participate and I think the experience firmer cemented them as a team. I was also proud to bring something completely new to the Island community that has formed an important part of my life, especially after the trials of Covid. Young and old joined in and we sang Happy Birthday to an islander in her 90s. One young island girl in particular was a little star. Reports from the island have been positive and I think we can expect to receive an invitation to return.
Tim As to the travel and performances and indolent interludes others have told it already. What can I add? It all went very well. I must admit though to a taste for things that go a bit wrong, as a kind of seasoning to the dish (thanks, Bell #3!). They make the most lasting impression I find and mature into an agreeable anecdote with hindsight and especially , embellishment.
Tributes to the Organiser It was a wonderful successful trip, organised to the last detail by our Musical Director, Liz. Liz did a remarkable job in setting up the trip, made all the more enjoyable by the gorgeous weather.
Waking before dawn on Friday in the hotel room I decided on a walk to watch sunrise. As I was 'sharing' with Ron dressing was a haphazard business involving tiptoe trips into the bathroom with items selected by touch and guesswork in the dark. Fumble to turn on the light from inside the bathroom, stare at the motley items, retain any appropriate ones and Repeat. After a considerable amount of shuttling to and fro I crept away dressed but wondering belatedly whether I would set off an alarm as I let myself out. As if! They don't even lock the front door of the hotel on Rathlin.
Thanks to Liz, her family and the Islanders particularly their children who were all stars. The team enjoyed it and it seems the Community Association want us back. Win-win, Liz
So away off up the road (aka 'track') relying on occasional finger-posts to guide me to a good viewpoint - the East Lighthouse - and enjoying a swelling dawn chorus including multiple corncrakes. You wait a lifetime for a corncrake and three or four turn up at the same time. On to the lighthouse and sunrise. One picture is worth a thousand words but in the confusion of the bedroom I forgot to bring my camera! I'll spare you nine hundred and some words of purple prose. It was a spectacular sunrise over Kintyre under a technicolour sky. Then back to the harbour before anyone else appeared to be about, provoking a hauled -out seal (or was it a mermaid or even a fellow ringer having an early dip?) to startled retreat, followed by a doze, a shower and breakfast with a well-earned appetite. Would I go again? Try and stop me.
Liz Having spent all my childhood summers on Rathlin I was fairly confident that the handbellers would have a great and rewarding time and that the islanders would 21
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