Area Dean
The Rev Canon Myrtle Morrison For emergencies only 028 4372 2439
The Magazine of the Church of Ireland Parishes of
Clonallon & Warrenpoint with Kilbroney in the Diocese of Down and Dromore
Clonallon and Warrenpoint Facebook https://www.facebook.com/warrenpointcoi/ Kilbroney Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KilbroneyParishChurchRostrevor/
Look at the World
by John Rutter
Look at the world: Everything all around us
Look at the world: and marvel every day
Look at the world: So many joys and wonders
So many miracles along our way
Praise to thee O Lord for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of thee
Look at the earth: Bringing forth fruit and flower
Look at the sky: The sunshine and the rain
Look at the hills, look at the trees and mountains
Valley and flowing river field and plain
Praise to thee O Lord for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of thee
Think of the spring, Think of the warmth of summer
Bringing the harvest before the winter’s cold
Everything grows, everything has a season
Til' it is gathered to the Father’s fold
Praise to thee O Lord for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of thee
Every good gift, all that we need and cherish
Comes from the Lord in token of his love
We are his hands, stewards of all his bounty
His is the earth and his the heavens above
Praise to thee, O Lord for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share, and every blessing
All things come of thee
All things come of thee
One of the highlights of the Harvest Services in Kibroney and Clonallon Churches was the united choir. Members from both parishes joined to sing the John Rutter anthem, Look at the World. So often we can take for granted the simple pleasure of looking around us and giving thanks to God the Creator.
Photograph by Alex Woods, Banbridge (Sunflower Woods) taken over the Corbet Lough on 11th October 2024 12:30 am
In recent weeks we have been blessed with stunning images of the Aurora Borealis, glorious sunsets and amazing dawns. What a truly magnificent display in the heavens! Praise to thee, O Lord for all creation, give us thankful hearts that we may see all the gifts we share, and every blessing, all things come of thee!
Now, just a reminder that we gather for worship every Sunday, and the special time on 7th November at 7.00 pm when Bishop David will be with us to confirm young folk of the parishes. Do please come along to that service, even if you don’t often (or ever) attend church! You’d be most welcome, and you’ll have the opportunity to chat over refreshments afterwards.
With very best wishes,
The Pointer Editor.
Lectors
Christian Burial
We extend our prayerful sympathy to all who mourn, especially to the family and friends of
Robin Cumming
1970-2024
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
‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ says the Lord. ’Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.’ John 11:25-26
The
Thanks to Bill Major for this photograph of the Harvest Giveaway Tables at Warrenpoint on a gloriously sunny day! There were many opportunities to engage with folk on the street, to give out the Word for Today and copies of The Pointer. Join us in praying that contacts made will bear fruit in the weeks to come. Congratulations to the parishioners and friends of Clonallon and Warrenpoint, and to Dorothy and Bill, for a work well done, a harvest celebrated, and the church open for the community.
3rd November The Fourth Sunday before Advent All Saints (transferred)
24
1
Dates for Diary
Kilbroney Parish Church
Lectionary Year B
Clonallon and Warrenpoint
Nine Lessons and Carols 10.00 am
Sunday 22nd December in Clonallon (to be confirmed)
Parishioners, friends, and everyone in the area! You are all encouraged to come to the Service of Confirmation in Kilbroney on Thursday, 7th November at 7.00 pm.
Sunday Explorers
11.30 am each Sunday
All children welcome! If you’re new to the Rostrevor area … this would be a good place for young folk to meet.
Kilbroney Parish Room
Parish Prayer Time
10.00 am in the Parish Room Kilbroney
Each Wednesday
Everyone Welcome
Crafters on Wednesdays
Crafting (or chatting) in the Parish Room 11.00 am to 1.00 pm.
All levels of Crafters welcome. Tea, coffee, a biscuit and craic are obligatory! All are welcome
Warrenpoint Parish Church Open Church
From 11.00 am until Noon
Each Wednesday
Everyone is welcome to drop in for a bit of quiet.
Tower Bells and Handbells on Thursdays
Tower bells 6.45 to 7.30 pm
Handbells 7.30 to 9.00 pm
If you’re interested in joining this ministry please speak to Liz Farnan (handbells) or Kenny Roberts (tower bells).
Canon Dermot Jameson Railings
Thank you for your generosity in memory of Canon Dermot Jameson. The railings, with upper gate and linking pillar arch are now complete! The official opening will take place when our new Priest in Charge the Rev Andy Hay is introduced in January 2025.
1st
Sunday each month Wholeness and Healing
11.30 am in Kilbroney Parish Church
Prayer and anointing with oil will be offered in the Side Chapel after the main service. Folk from the community and other churches are welcome to arrive from 12.30 pm onwards and make their way to the Side Chapel. As always, no questions will be asked as we pray for you using the words from the service God alone knows your needs.
3rd Sunday in each month Compline
7.00 pm in Kilbroney Parish Church
Everyone is welcome to join us for this traditional evening service.
Ladies Guild
Christmas Dinner
28th November at 5.30 pm
Warrenpoint Golf Club
Ladies Bible Study
Tuesday 12th November at 10.45 am in the vestry Warrenpoint Church.
Badminton
Warrenpoint Parish Hall
Mondays from 5.30 pm and Thursdays 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm
Join the WhatsApp group for updates.
Standing Orders
It is helpful if parishioners use standing orders for their free will offerings. Details of how to do this may be obtained from the church treasurers.
Mr Stewart Nash—Kilbroney
Dr David Gaw—Warrenpoint & Clonallon
Rostrevor Literary Festival on 9th November is to be headlined by Mary McAleese, the former President of Ireland.
Dr McAleese will be in conversation with local journalist William Graham and will talk about growing up in Belfast, and also living for a period in the village of Rostrevor, and her time as President from 1997 until 2011.
Mary was the first President to come from Northern Ireland where she and her family experienced first-hand the sectarian violence of The Troubles.
The theme of her presidency was Building Bridges. Her work for peace and reconciliation culminated in the historic state visit to Ireland by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in May 2011.
She is author of a number of books including “Here’s the Story A Memoir of family, war, peace and politics” (2020).
The Rostrevor Festival will feature a diverse range of writers including Eanna Ni Lamhna, Martina Devlin, Denis Bradley, John McCavitt, Francis Devine and Florence Gillan. There will be music from Matthew McGrath.
Festival lead organiser William Graham said: “This is the 8th year of our popular annual festival on the stunning shores of Carlingford Lough. A day of talks, presentations and discussion with a wide range of writers from across the island. Sit back and enjoy as we light up your day in Rostrevor - a village which has rich treasures in literature and music”.
“The writer C S Lewis, who drew inspiration from Rostrevor and the landscape of the Mourne Mountains, once said: Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides, and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become”.
We look forward to an interesting and informative day at Rostrevor Literary Festival on Saturday 9th November at An Cuan, 44 Shore Road, Rostrevor BT34 3ET. 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Tickets £15, includes morning coffee. There will be a bookstall by Seaside Books, an independent travelling bookshop. Lunch available to purchase on site.
Tickets are available online from Ticket Tailor (www.tickettailor.com) or can be purchased on the day at door (cash sales) although it is advisable to reserve tickets beforehand.
On Sunday, 10th November there will be an event at Rostrevor Inn, 3.00 - 5.00 pm, led by Matthew McGrath. Bring a poem, story or song to `Take the Mic’ at Crawford’s Bar. This is a free event. We look forward to seeing you at the Rostrevor Literary Festival where the words roll down to the sea.
William Graham email: wkg1951@gmail.com
Rostrevor Literary Festival : supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Council
Fairtrade
Fairtrade was established in 1992 following persistent appeals for fairness in trade from Mexican small-scale coffee farmers.
Following these persistent appeals, the Fairtrade Foundation was established by CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, the World Development Movement and the National Federation of Women's Institutes.
In 1994 The first Fairtrade certified product Green & Black’s Maya Gold Chocolate made with cocoa from Belize is launched, followed shortly after by Cafédirect coffee, Percol coffee and Clipper tea.
What is Fairtrade Premium?
The Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum of money paid on top of the selling price that farmers and workers invest in projects of their choice.
Fairtrade producers want to enrich their communities through their work. They use the Fairtrade Premium to improve farming, businesses, health and education in their local communities.
The Fairtrade Premium gives them extra funds to bring their ideas to life.
In 1995 the first of a regular annual event, “Fairtrade Fortnight” happened bringing together campaigners, businesses and producers to raise awareness of trade justice. The Fortnight began by taking place during two weeks each year in February and March. It is their annual celebration whilst raising awareness for the need for fairer trade to support farmers in low and mid-income countries.
The dates changed this extra special year because it was celebrating 30 years in United Kingdom during Monday 9th September – Sunday 22nd September 2024. It was entitled the Big Change. So together there is a movement to being the change: an active choice supporting Fairtrade farmers and workers around the world, to ensure they can earn a fairer wage.
Amongst the resources which the Fairtrade movement encourages is a guide on how to engage our Members of Parliament!
In the United Kingdom, which includes Northern Ireland, there are many schools and universities that are Fairtrade orientated. In 2023 more than one million children learned about Fairtrade and more than a quarter of UK universities were Fairtrade Universities.
An example is the banana-growing villages of Santa Marta in Colombia, where there were not many after-school activities for children – aside from hanging out in billiard halls. To provide local kids with more options, members of the Coobafrio cooperative decided to invest some of the Fairtrade Premium they earned from their banana sales into some fun and healthy alternatives.
The cooperative established a football school, an athletics club, a big band, and other after-school activities that give kids safe places to play and learn.
We can help those who receive Fairtrade Premium by looking at the items for sale in our shops and choosing those marked with the Fairtrade symbol.
Rev Mellissa Jeffers
Foncho is a member of Coobafrio Co-operative
The Study resumed on Tuesday 8th October after the Summer break. Weatherwise it wasn't exactly very pleasant, but as 5 gathered round the table, with a cuppa and the heater on, the weather didn't really matter.
It was lovely to meet up again and on the threshold of a new beginning. It was a time to give thanks to God for his goodness and for his Blessings to us. I was reminded of a word Karen gave me last year from Esther 4 v 14 "for such a time as this" and we continue to be in that time.
Not only did we get a Priest-in-charge for 5 years, we got two Pioneer Workers and Myrtle was appointed as a Parish Visitor. We had much to thank God and much to pray about and so instead of our usual Bible Study we wanted to take time and commit our year and the future of our Parishes to the Lord. That's what we did it was an hour of praise and prayer. We sang along with a CD.
In our prayers we remembered those who couldn't be with us; we prayed for the bereaved and for the Confirmation Class.
We had another wee sing and then went into prayer for the Rev Andy, our new Priest-in-Charge, his wife Jackie and two girls Maddie and Emmy. We prayed for Nevin & Lorraine and we prayed for Myrtle. We prayed for ourselves and the Congregation that we would have open hearts to this new season in the life of the Church, that we wouldn't miss any opportunities.
We prayed for the Harvest Service and for the guest preacher Mrs Hilary McClay. We prayed too for the Harvest Outreach … helping the work of foodbank, the connections with the community at our Giveaway Table.
We finished by saying the Lord's prayer together.
Our Bible Study will be on Tuesday 12th November at 10.45 am in the Vestry, Warrenpoint Church. All Ladies are welcome. Please come along, you will not be asked to do anything!
Looking forward to seeing you.
Love, God Bless and stay safe Dorothy Major XX
Prison Fellowship
The annual appeal for donations for the Christmas hampers which go the families of prisoners is now well underway. Like last year we are accepting money rather than food or toys. This enables PF to get the best value for money and provide just what is needed. Envelopes are in each church building and we’d like this collection completed by the end of November.
Christmas Hope is Prison Fellowship’s annual project to provide hampers and toys for families at a time of year when those impacted by crime can feel alone, forgotten and under extra financial pressure.
Last year, with the help of 82 faithful volunteers, we distributed 522 food hampers and 624 toy parcels, making a huge difference for many of these families. Items were donated by 90 contributors including churches, community groups and individuals just like you!
Each food hamper is worth more than £57 and is made up of various items listed below. Toys are all new and for children aged 0-16.
We are committed to bringing hope and sending a Christmas card to each prisoner in Northern Ireland.
All new family contacts will be offered ongoing support by PF family workers in the New Year.
Will you help us demonstrate God’s love in a very practical way this year?
The Ladies Guild met on Thursday 24th October, a week earlier because of Hallowe’en. There was a very good turnout of members present and it was lovely to welcome a couple of visitors.
Dorothy welcomed everyone and hoped they would enjoy their evening with us. The main announcement was about the Christmas Dinner on Thursday 28th November at 5.30 pm in Warrenpoint Golf Club. Menus were handed out and these are to be completed and returned with £28 to Dorothy by Sunday 24th November.
Dorothy then welcomed Karen Harding from Kilkeel who was going to teach us how to transform an ordinary bottle into something attractive and beautiful. Dorothy shared a few verses from Exodus 34 v 30-34 where God chose a couple of men and gave them all kinds of skills with the ability to teach others. After our opening prayer Dorothy invited Karen to come and share and teach her skills with us. She encouraged us to "let our imaginations run wild" and that is what we did. So over to Rev Elizabeth who will give us a report as to what happened.
There we were empty bottles and jars ready for the adventure! One useful tip we learned right at the beginning was to fill the bottle with hot water to soften the glue and peel off the labels more easily! But I digress. We sat amazed as pots of PVA glue, dozens of packets of very attractive paper napkins, ribbon, string, stickers, and so much more, appeared in front of us. So what to do?
Having chosen a design the first task was to separate the very fine top layer of the napkin and then carefully remove the chosen image. This was done by dabbing some water around it and gently separating the image from the napkin. That tricky job was easy when compared to getting it stuck on the bottle without tearing.
Thankfully Karen was circulating to advise and assist as we all got stuck in to transforming the bottles into works of art! Trial and error was the order of the day and gradually our sticky fingers got to grips with the not-so-easy task on hand.
Designs were created, scrapped, tried again until we were happy with how the bottles began to look. Imaginations were certainly running wild as Rudolph rubbed shoulders with ocean going yachts, and Santa Clause competed with red hearts and pearls. Colourful tape and different kinds of string, as well as buttons and charms, were added to the emerging creations. Sharing ideas and comparing notes made the whole process an enjoyable experience. We thought that we were almost finished when Karen sprung another surprise. She came round with “bottle lights”
for each participant! Suddenly the creations came to life as we added the little string of fairy lights.
It was a most enjoyable experience as we saw the transformation of ordinary bottles into works of art which will be displayed with pride in our homes. My own bottle was the empty Shloer bottle from the Confirmation Class held in the same room on the previous afternoon; so for me, that’s an extra special reminder! Karen received our thanks, and a big hug, for a superb event.
You’ll have noticed in some of the photographs that there are examples from a Weaving Workshop which was held in the Parish Room at the beginning of October. We’ll try to get details of that for the next magazine.
Dorothy continues: The Meeting ended with a nice cup of tea, with fruit loaf and biscuits. Thank you to Lorraine our excellent Hospitality Hostess.
Don't forget to return those menus and the money by Sunday 24th November.
We look forward to seeing you at Dinner. Meantime, contact me if you need any further information (07720017371).
Love, God Bless and take care
Dorothy Major
Children’s Choir Workshop in Saint Bronach’s
th October.
Kilbroney Integrated Primary School
25th October 2024
The logos and badges of companies, organisations and schools give a message. Rev Elizabeth asked for some P1 & P2 helpers as she explained the theme of her assembly. The boys and girls heard all about the badges/logos from specific car manufacturers such as Mazda, some businesses, churches and some schools and the meaning behind them. Rev Elizabeth used our own school badge and spoke to the children about the caring and kind pupils we have in our school and talked about the values that she sees in the children on every visit, referring to our values posters on the wall. Her final badge was the cross, and the pupils identified that a person wearing a cross follows Jesus. A follower of Jesus should love God and love other people.
Open Day details in the December Pointer 4 6 pm on Wednesday, 18th December.
Thank you very much to Kilbroney Parish Church for hosting a workshop for the children’s choir. We were delighted to welcome Blánaid Murphy, director of the Palestrina Choirs in Saint Mary’s Pro Cathedral Dublin, to teach the children some new repertoire and work with them on improving their choral singing. The children are delighted to have been invited by Rev Elizabeth and the Select Vestry to join in the Harvest Service on 13
“It’s a Tradition!”
Clonallon and Warrenpoint Harvest Outreach
For the second year, and as Rev Elizabeth said, it has become a tradition, Clonallon Church was decorated with non-perishable food and garnished with some perishables to symbolise the harvest. A big thank you to Christ Church, Kilkeel, who donated strips of artificial grass which we used on the window sills to enhance the harvest displays.
This is our Harvest outreach a Giveaway table at the Warrenpoint Church gate, a perfect location where we can share the goodness of God with the community and also help the Cornerstone Foodbank in Kilkeel with their sterling work of providing food and also giving emergency supplies to those in need.
Once again this has proved to be a successful appeal. The Congregation has got on board with this Outreach and I would like to thank you all for your support and generosity. You will see by the photographs just what you have done.
Thank you Rev Elizabeth for your strong appeal and push for help in clearing the harvest displays after the Service! I am not good at delegating and I was completely overwhelmed after the Harvest Service by all the help from Parishioners and Visitors alike. Thank you all so much.
In essence you were all part of the outreach - you helped gather the harvest and sorted it and left it ready to share. I just can't thank you enough.
Maybe this too could become a tradition after the Harvest Service!
So to our Giveaway Table on Monday 14th October for a second year we were blessed beyond measure with the weather blue sky, golden sunshine. Surely, that is a sign of approval from the Lord.
God Bless you all Dorothy Major
Harvest worship was led by the Anglican Ensemble. Guest speaker was from the Bishops’ Appeal. Mrs Hilary McClay is the Education Advisor and she spoke of the various ways in which Bishops’ Appeal responds to crisis situations as well as ongoing work though trusted agencies on the ground.
Harvest Thanksgiving in Kilbroney
Preparations for Harvest Thanksgiving got underway on Saturday morning when An Cuan staff and the Discipleship Training School joined parishioners to create a harvest theme throughout the building. There was, of course, a tea break!
Thank you to all helpers and those who provided materials for the displays, among them, a wheelbarrow full of sunflowers from the Sunflower Woods, Banbridge, as well as flowers and foliage from folk who couldn’t be around that morning.
Thanks too to the folk who have been clearing up afterwards!
Music included the church organ, Kilbroney Handbellers, the United Choir with members from both parishes, the Kilbroney Praise Group, and also the Rostrevor Children’s Choir. The Choir anthem was “Look at the world” by John Rutter. The Explorers led thanksgiving prayers and intercessions were led by the Rev Mellissa. Guest speaker both in Kilbroney and also in Clonallon was Mrs Hilary McClay, Education Advisor to Bishops’ Appeal. Thank you to our choir director and organist, Liz Farnan, for the organising and rehearsing, and also thanks to all who took part in the service.
One of the three items sung by the Rostrevor Children’s Choir was “When I praise you, I’m filled with joy” … this was sung in Chinese and very much enjoyed by the congregation. The young people clearly had fun learning it as well.
讚美的孩子最喜樂
Inflation can be defined as the rate of increase in prices over time. Not everyone may know the definition, but everyone will know the effect of inflation in rising prices.
Most motorists will remember petrol and diesel prices peaking at over £1.90 per litre in July 2022, which lead to widespread inflation. Not all prices rise at the same rate, and published inflation figures can sometimes seem remote from real life experience.
I can remember buying an external grill for an extractor fan in 2020 for £5.00. I recently saw the same grill for sale for £7.56, being an increase of 51% over 4 years, or an annual average increase of 12.75% each year.
Unfortunately, the Church is not protected from inflation, and has seen increases in the cost of insurance, fuel, publishing and other items. Once prices rise, they rarely fall.
If the Church were a business selling goods or services, it could consider increasing the sale price of these items. Instead, it relies on people's generosity for funding. The Church could not survive without such finance, for which we are extremely grateful.
The Church can benefit from tax relief, on gifts from tax payers. This is known as gift aid. If you are a tax payer and support the Church, and you have not completed a gift aid form, please contact me, Stewart Nash, for Kilbroney or Dr Gaw for Clonallon and Warrenpoint.
Our parishes have been blessed with the appointment of a new Rector, and we pray that people will continue to support and give generously to the Church. We also pray that people will consider how inflation has reduced the effect of regular gifts, including standing orders, started many years ago.
Stewart Nash Treasurer Kilbroney Parish Church. stewartnash96@gmail.com
It’s a shame that nothing is built in the United Kingdom any more. I just bought a new TV and it says, “Built in Antenna” … I don’t even know where that is!
I shouted into a colander … I think I strained my voice!
At the United Service in September Clonallon and Warrenpoint had their new copies of Thanks & Praise dedicated to the Glory of God and for the use of the people of the parish. The service followed with a selection of hymns chosen from this supplement to Church Hymnal 5.
144 The church is wherever God's people are praising 215 Come and let us praise the Lord (venite) 173 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord (psalm 91) 92 Lord make us servants of your peace 99 My heart is filled with thankfulness 137 Spirit of the Lord come down (Mo guile mear).
We look forward to becoming familiar with some of these more recent compositions as we gather to worship week by week.
Solution on page 21
I recently climbed part of the Galtee Mountains in Counties Tipperary and Limerick, with my hiking group. The route which followed a horseshoe shape was 15.22 km in length, with an elevation gain of 1,099 metres, and took 4 hours and 41 minutes to complete.
The beginning the only way from here is up!
We passed two corrie lakes, which were carved by the glaciers during the ice age.
They are associated with Saint Patrick.
The summit is Galteemore at 917 metres, with a white cross.
The weather was perfect, sunshine, blue skies and no rain. It was the day before the storm Ashley. We had a great day's hiking and everyone returned safely.
Stewart Nash
The first corrie lake
The second corrie lake
Route to the summit
P.I.P.S.
Hope & Support Limited
(Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-harm) was formed in 2003 following the death of Séamas McCabe a 20 year old student from Bessbrook.
Séamas's death had a ripple effect on his family, friends, acquaintances, and the community at large. At the beginning the group was formed with the understanding that survivors need a place they can share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Part of our healing is in meeting others, who understand, can offer support, strength, and hope. Sometimes when you feel alone and isolated, just knowing that there are others who have survived this traumatic experience can be comforting.
Since its inception the organisations focus has evolved in response to community needs and has become a one-stop shop and Protect Life Resource Centre for information and compassionate assistance for those in crisis. Calling the office is often the first step an individual makes to access the services available. We are here for anyone facing crisis and personal turmoil. We provide comprehensive crisis services that are efficient, accessible, responsive, and fully integrated into the community.
On a shoe-string budget, we set up a “Drop in” centre to provide facilities for listening, counselling, therapy and training. We develop volunteers to provide assistance for those concerned about suicide and self-harm. We carry out “home-visits” to affected households within our community
PIPS Hope & Support volunteers have made a remarkable impact in the area of “taking immediate action”, suicide awareness, prevention, counselling and complimentary therapies. 8 th December 2024 Time: 4:00pm
• We will offer professional support to you (counselling and peer support) so that you can better manage your problems.
• We will support you to open up and talk about your concerns.
• The very heart of our work is to help you resolve your emotional struggles
• This will be provided in a unique social space at 3 River Street, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 2DQ
• You can drop-in during operation hours on Fridays: 5.00 pm 10.00 pm, Saturdays: 12.00 pm 7.00 pm, Sundays: 12.00 pm 7.00 pm, Mondays: 5.00 pm 10.00 pm
Alternatively, you can call 028 3044 2326 during operational hours to make an appointment to come into the cafe in person if you wish or 028 3026 6195 outside of operational hours
The Well Bean Café
Signs of Rain
Dr Edward Jenner 1749-1823
The hollow winds begin to blow, The clouds look black, the glass is low, The soot falls down, the spaniels sleep And spiders from their cobwebs peep.
Last night the sun went pale to bed, The moon in halos hid her head; The boding shepherd heaves a sigh, For see! A rainbow spans the sky.
The walls are damp, the ditches smell, Closed is the pink-eyed pimpernel.
Hark! How the chairs and tables crack.
Old Betty's joints are on the rack; Her corns with shooting pains torment her, And to her bed untimely send her.
Loud quack the ducks, the peacocks cry, The distant hills are looking nigh. How restless are the snorting swine!
The busy flies disturb the kine.
Low o'er the grass the swallow wings; The cricket, too, how sharp he sings!
Puss on the hearth, with velvet paws, Sits wiping o'er her whiskered jaws.
Through the clear stream the fishes rise, And nimbly catch the incautious flies. The glow -worms, numerous and bright, Illumed the woodland dell last night.
At dusk the squalid toad was seen Hopping and crawling o'er the green. The whirling dust the wind obeys, And in the rapid eddy plays.
The frog has changed his yellow vest, And in a russet coat is dressed.
Though June, the air is cold and still, The mellow blackbirds note is shrill;
My dog, so altered in his taste, Quits mutton bones on grass to feast. And see, yon rooks, how odd their flight, They imitate the gliding kite, And seem precipitate to fall,
As if they felt the piercing ball‘twill surely rain – I see with sorrow
Our jaunt must be put off tomorrow.
I hadn’t made the connection!
Our parents quoted that poem frequently, often when the days were damp and dark. It had been taught by rote in their school, and, decades later, they were able to recite it perfectly.
We had no idea that the author was none other than the noted doctor who had pioneered the smallpox
vaccine! This has made me begin to find out something of his journey, the opposition he faced, and eventually the acclaim he received from across the world.
A Google search will give you more information than I can include here but this is the outline of a life dedicated to the service of others by a man who was not only a highly respected local doctor, but also a poet, musician (violin player), author, fossil collector, horticulturalist, naturalist, and perhaps above all, “the father of immunology.”
Edward was the eighth of nine children born in a clergy family. His father, the vicar, died when Edward was five years old, so he was brought up by one of his brothers, who was also a cleric. At age fourteen Edward was apprenticed to a local surgeon. Seven years later he began training in surgery and anatomy at a London hospital. After twenty years of training and practice he obtained his MD from Saint Andrew’s.
He had observed that milkmaids who caught the mild disease cowpox did not go on to catch smallpox Edward decided to scientifically test whether cowpox could prevent smallpox so he carried out experiments and recorded his findings.
His first experiment was on a healthy eight-year-old boy called James Phipps, the son of his gardener.
Edward took cowpox from a sore on Sarah Nelmes’ hand, (she was a milkmaid) and inserted it into James’ body via two cuts.
Edward noticed that James experienced uneasiness, a loss of appetite and a headache as a result of the mild disease but became well again. Two months later James was inoculated with smallpox but did not get the disease.
Edward conducted similar experiments, including one on his eleven month old son, with the same results. In 1798, the results were finally published and Jenner coined the word vaccine from the Latin 'vacca' for cow.
As use of the vaccine expanded there was a fall in the death rate from smallpox. In 1852 the UK government made vaccination against smallpox compulsory.
Edward has been honoured around the world with awards and statues.
Some days before his death, he stated to a friend: "I am not surprised that men are not grateful to me; but I wonder that they are not grateful to God for the good which he has made me the instrument of conveying to my fellow creatures"
Elizabeth Hanna
One day, a police officer pulled a car over and saw the backseat is full of penguins. The officer told the driver, “You can’t be doing this, you need to take those penguins to the zoo!”
The next day, the police officer pulled the same car over again, and said, “Hey! I told you to take those penguins to the zoo!” The driver said, “I did, and today I’m taking them to the cinema!”
A lady returned home from an evening church service when she realized there was an intruder in her home.
Seeing that he was in the act of robbing her home of its valuables, the lady yelled “Stop! Acts 2:38!”
Hearing her, the burglar stopped dead in his tracks and stood motionless. The woman calmly called the police and explained what was going on.
As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, “Why did you just stand there? All she did was yell a Bible verse at you.” “Bible verse?” said the burglar, “She said she had an axe and two 38s!”
Across
1 He must be ‘the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well’ (1 Timothy 3:12) (6)
4 ‘For we must all before the judgement seat of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 5:10) (6)
7 ‘They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their end’ (Psalm 107:27) (4)
8 See 19 Across
9 It concerned who among the disciples would be the greatest (Luke 9:46) (8)
13 Formed by the Jews in Thessalonica to root out Paul and Silas (Acts 17:5) (3)
16 ‘He has sent me to bind up the ’ (Isaiah 61:1) (6-7)
17 Moved rapidly on foot (Matthew 28:8) (3)
19 and 8 ‘ a great company of the host appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2:13) (8,8)
24 Hindrance (Romans 14:13) (8)
25 Comes between Luke and Acts (4)
26 Empower (Acts 4:29) (6)
27 ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a !’ (John 2:16) (6)
Down
1 Sunrise (Psalm 119:147) (4)
2 The part of the day when Cornelius the Caesarean centurion had avision of an angel of God (Acts 10:3) (9)
3 He was one of those who returned with Zerubbabel from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 7:7) (5)
4 ‘No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born ’(John 3:3) (5)
5 Animal hunted or killed as food (Ezekiel 22:25) (4)
6 ‘He encouraged them remain true to the Lord’ (Acts 11:23) (3,2)
10 Ruses (anag.) (5)
11 Jewish priestly vestment (Exodus 28:6) (5)
12 Visible sign of what had been there (Daniel 2:35) (5)
13 This was the trade of Alexander, who did Paul ‘a great deal of harm’ (2 Timothy 4:14) (9)
14 ‘This is my , which is for you; do this in remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:24) (4)
15 One of Noah’s great-great-grandsons (Genesis 10:24) (4)
18 Traditionally the first British Christian martyr (5)
20 Relationship of Ner to Saul (1 Samuel 14:50) (5)
21 Jacob had one at a place he named Bethel while on his way to Haran, fleeing from Esau (Genesis 28:12) (5)
22 Bats (anag.) (4)
23 ‘You strain out a but swallow a camel’ (Matthew 23:24) (4)
Confirmation Class
Confirmation candidates have been engaging with many important topics as they prepare for 7th November. Some of the learning is though activities. For example when we looked at human nature and our tendency to miss God s standards we had a darts tournament. If that didn't get the message of “missing the mark” clearly enough we then played Tiddlywinks!
It was interesting to look at the different versions of the Bible and compare translations of Psalm 19.
A “treasure hunt” around the church gave the leaders a chance to set up the Parish Room for a surprise fondue party! That was when we talked about the service of Holy Communion and what it means to share a meal. We also looked at what prayer is and how we might develop that part of our lives.
It seems that the leaders like to party! When we were that lesson also began with a party! A Christmas party! The works! The Parish Room was filled with the aroma of Christmas spices and pine and the sound of Christmas Carols. The tree was sparkling, and the table laden with food, traditional crackers, Christmas cards and presents!
on the table was an unusual feature. The Crown of Thorns plant gave a chilling reminder of the horror of crucifixion.
The blood red flowers spoke for themselves.
After the party we spent some time looking at the timeline of Jesus’ life from birth, through age 12, to his baptism at age 30, and then the three years of ministry before arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.
Classes continue as we look at the Commandments and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. That class was held in the café across from the church and we had a feast of delicious sausage rolls with teas and cappuccinos!
Thank you Zoe for allowing us to take up a corner of the room as we thought about how the Holy Spirit works in creation and recreation, in the church and in the lives of individuals.
Next time we’ll reflect on the importance of baptism and confirmation as we prepare for the service on 7th November at 7.00 pm.
Please join us as Bishop David confirms our young folk.
Folk soon noticed that the tree wasn’t just about the incarnation … it was decorated with nails, hammers, the cross, and Easter eggs! The pot plant which had been
What did Jonah’s family say when he told them about what happened before reaching Nineveh? "Hmm, sounds fishy."
What was Moses' wife, Zipphora, known as when she'd throw dinner parties?
ACROSS: 1, Deacon. 4, Appear. 7, Wits. 8, Heavenly. 9, Argument. 13, Mob. 16, Broken-hearted. 17, Ran. 19, Suddenly. 24, Obstacle. 25, John. 26, Enable. 27, Market. DOWN: 1, Dawn. 2, Afternoon. 3, Nehum. 4, Again. 5, Prey. 6, All to. 10, Users. 11, Ephod. 12, Trace. 13, Metalwork. 14, Body. 15, Eber. 18, Alban. 20, Uncle. 21, Dream. 22, Stab. 23, Gnat.
"The hostess with the Moses."
What’s the best thing about Switzerland?
“I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.”
Still
Life of
Peaches
and
Figs
, Paul Cézanne (1839 - 1906), Watercolour and graphite on paper Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Looking for fruit on the fig tree
Luke 13:6-9 Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard, “Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.”’
Reflection on the Watercolour
When sudden disasters occur, it can be tempting to see them as a sign of God’s judgement. However, at the start of this Gospel, Jesus rejects this notion. He is told about a tragedy involving the killing of pilgrims by Pilate, a disaster caused by human cruelty, and he also mentions another event, the collapse of a tower that resulted in the deaths of eighteen people, which seems to have had no human cause. In both cases, Jesus makes it clear that those who died were not greater sinners than anyone else. He acknowledges that innocent people can die tragically and without warning.
Jesus teaches therefore that the fragility of life should prompt us to turn to God every day, to repent and seek a deeper relationship with him. Such unexpected events can serve as moments for reflection on our
spiritual lives. In the parable of the fig tree Jesus illustrates God’s patience. Rather than resembling the vineyard owner who wished to cut down the unproductive tree, God is more like the gardener who argued for giving the tree more time to bear fruit. God is patient and continuously grants us time. God offers us the opportunity to grow and become the person that we are called to be, allowing our lives to flourish with the fruits of the Spirit, just as the fruiting fig tree.
The watercolour by Paul Cézanne depicts a simple bowl filled with peaches and figs. Paul Cézanne often painted still life featuring everyday objects like bowls of fruit, including figs, because he was interested in exploring form, colour, and composition rather than merely depicting the objects themselves. They were not just subjects but tools for examining the relationship between shapes, light, and perspective. The simplicity of the objects allowed him to focus on the fundamental elements of painting how colours interact, how light affects perception, and how objects relate to one another in space.
Father Patrick van der Vorst
Paul Cézanne (19th January 1839- 22nd October 1906)
French artist, one of the greatest of the Post-Impressionists Cézanne’s art, misunderstood and discredited by the public during most of his life, grew out of Impressionism and challenged all the conventional values of painting in the 19th century because of his insistence on personal expression and on the integrity of the painting itself.
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