Dear Friends,
It is an absolute pleasure to be writing to you this month. You have given me a wonderful welcome in these parishes of Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Kilbroney and I am very grateful.
It has not been plain sailing though. The change has involved a house move. I am perfectly happy with the move but somewhere along the way my new SIM-card with my new number vanished. In effect, I didn’t have a phone to go with the new phone number.
I contacted the phone company and told them I need to register a change of address and replace the SIM-card. They were delighted to help. They would change my details and all I needed to do was confirm the changes on my phone the one I do not have!
It can be very complicated trying to communicate with people sometimes. It can be frustrating being put on hold. It can be exasperating when you know the person on the other end of the line does not feel they are really understanding the issue.
God is different. He hears, he understands. Speaking to God does not make all of your problems vanish but it does allow him to come alongside us in the complexities of life. Prayers are often not answered quickly but none go unheard.
In this edition of The Pointer, you will find a short, night-time prayer for the close of the day. I hope it is of use to you. In addition, if you prefer to use an app, search for Lectio 365 online and consider downloading the app.
You can contact me on 07864 735871
Alternatively, you can email me at haycwk@proton.me
If you are aware of anyone who is going into hospital or if someone is housebound and no longer able to be out and about, please let me know.
I am so pleased to be with you in this beautiful corner of the world and I am looking forward to getting to know you more.
Andy
2nd February
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
9th February
Lectors
am
Dorothy Major Andy Hay
The Fourth Sunday before Lent Evelyn Greer Andy Hay
16th February
The Third Sunday before Lent
23rd February
The Second Sunday before Lent
2nd March
Rene Murphy Stephen Cooper Emma Cooper
Christopher Cooper Dorothy Major Andy Hay
The Sunday before Lent Evelyn Greer Andy Hay
9th March
The First Sunday in Lent Rene Murphy Andy Hay
Stewart Nash Timothy Alexander
Elizabeth Hanna Bethlehem Beck
Jonathan Heyhoe David Beck
William Graham Alanah Donaldson Joan Thompson
Mellissa Jeffers Shelagh Roberts
Liz Farnan Anna Farnan
The Rector was doing the rounds to meet parishioners. At one house where he knocked, a woman inside called out: “Is that you, Angel?”
He hesitated, and then replied: “No, but I’m from the same department.”
Christian Burial
We extend our prayerful sympathy to all who mourn, especially to the family and friends of
Marion Weir
16th May 1942 9th January 2025
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.’
Visits
There are small cards in each church building so that information can be given to the Rev Andy … especially details of hospital/residential/nursing care admissions and other illness or special needs. It is better to be told a number of times than not hearing at all. Clergy are no longer informed by the hospitals so it is really important for family/friends to pass on this information.
www.facebook.com/pipshopeandsupport/
Lectionary Year C
13th February: Legend tells us that it was the 6th century Saint Modomnoc, probably of the O’Neill family, who first brought bees to Ireland, in the early 540s AD. (Although it’s more likely that the bees had drifted over from Britain after the last Ice Age all by themselves.) When he was setting sail to go to Ireland, a swarm of his bees settled on his ship and went with him. He was given the duty of caring for the bees of the monastery.
Sunday Explorers
11.30 am each Sunday
All children welcome! If you’re new to the area this would be a good place for young folk to meet.
3rd Sunday each month
Compline
7.00 pm in Kilbroney Parish Church
Everyone is welcome to join us for this evening service.
Badminton
Warrenpoint Parish Hall
Mondays from 5.30 pm and Thursdays 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm
Join the WhatsApp group for updates.
Ladies Bible Study
Tuesday 11th February at 10.45 am in the vestry Warrenpoint Church. All ladies will be made very welcome.
Parish Prayer Time
10.00 am in the Parish Room, Kilbroney Each Wednesday Everyone Welcome
Warrenpoint Parish Church
Open Church
From 11.00 am until Noon Each Wednesday Everyone is welcome to drop in
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
Ladies Guild
Thursday 27th February 2025 at 11.00 am. Guest speaker: Brian McCalmont Old Warrenpoint Forum.
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).
Welcome to the Reverend Andy Hay, 6th January 2025
Farewell from Saint Finnian’s by Dr May Laverym Hon. Sec to Select Vestry, Saint Finnian’s.
Welcome to Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Kilbroney by Stephen Cooper, Churchwarden.
Prayers of the Bible
Praying in your Discouragements
‘Moses said to the Lord, “… I am not able to carry all this people alone, the burden is too heavy for me …”’ Numbers 11:10-15.
Moses prayed this prayer in a day of dark depression and discouragement. The opening verses of the chapter relate how divine punishment fell on the people of Israel because they complained about almost everything. Then Moses prayed and the punishment stopped but sadly, not the people’s complaints. They wanted meat to eat.
For years they had been sustained by manna from heaven, but now they longed for the fish, cucumbers and melons they had eaten in Egypt (vv.5,6). They forget how the Lord had delivered them from Pharaoh’s bondage. Now they preferred Egyptian food, and the slavery that went with it, to the goodness of the Lord and his provision for them.
Moses was beside himself with despair. Would these ungrateful people never stop complaining?
Then the Lord’s anger threatened the people again (v.10). Moses was caught in the middle. On one side of him the people complained, and on the other side God’s wrath was about to fall. Moses couldn’t go on.
His frustration broke out in petulant questions to the Lord:
‘Why are you dealing so severely with me?’
‘Why do you lay this burden on me?’
‘Did I conceive these people?’
‘Why am I a nursing mother to them?’
‘Am I responsible for getting them to Egypt?’
‘How can I provide meat for so many?’
‘Lord, this burden is too great for me.’
‘I’d rather die now than go on like this’ (see vv.11-15).
Moses was depressed, irritable and resentful. He poured it all out before the Lord. It was a prayer born of frustration and anger. He was angry with his ungrateful congregation, and he was angry with God. Why did the Lord leave it all to him? After all, it was God’s plan to bring the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. Moses had only gone along with it because God commanded him. But now it was all too much.
Worn out with listening to the people’s whining and not sure of what God would do next, Moses had just had enough. He blamed the Lord for giving him a burden he couldn’t carry, and he wanted to die.
But God answered Moses graciously!
He understood the frustration, the petulance, the lack of faith and the rebellious spirit that blamed God for it all.
He provided Moses with seventy elders who eased the burden of leadership (vv.16, 17).
He sent an east wind that brought quails into the camp and provided meat for them (vv.31, 32).
In grace and mercy God ‘overlooked’ the faults of Moses and sent him help and refreshment.
In our deepest disappointments, God understands.
In our frustrations, God is merciful.
When we lash out at circumstances and even at God himself, he does not answer in kind. In our deepest discouragement, his love and grace and understanding are with us still.
The Revd Dr Herbert McGonigle, formerly principal of the Nazarene Theological College, Manchester
Good Night!
Sometimes the days can be busy and crowded. Sometimes they can be quiet and a little lonely. Whatever your day has been like, it is good to get a chance to give it into God’s hands. The Late Evening Office is a night-time service.
Below is a shorter, adapted version that you may want to use as you go to bed at night. It will only take around four minutes.
I hope this is of use to you. Sleep tight!
Let us Pray …
Andy
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen
Common Collect
Lord Almighty, come and scatter the darkness of our hearts by the light of your presence; that we may know you the Light of the world and the one true God, blessed this night and for evermore. Amen.
Blessed be our God for all time, now and for evermore. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory be to you, Holy Spirit, Comforter, treasure of all goodness and giver of life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us from all sin, and in your love bring us to salvation.
Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.
Psalm 134
Come bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you that by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands towards the holy place and bless the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Song of Simeon
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
May the Almighty and merciful God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen
Material from The Book of Common Prayer pages 100, 151, 162-164. Copyright © RCB 2004.
A Prayer of the Eastern Church
Be mindful, O Lord, of thy people present here before thee, and of those who are absent through age, sickness, or infirmity.
Care for the infants, guide the young, support the aged, encourage the faint-hearted, collect the scattered, and bring back the wandering to thy fold. Travel with the voyagers, defend the widows, shield the orphans, deliver the captives, heal the sick. Succour all who are in tribulation, necessity, or distress.
Remember for good all those that love us, and those that hate us, and those that have desired us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them. And those whom we have forgotten, do thou, O Lord, remember.
For thou art the helper of the helpless, the saviour of the lost, the refuge of the wanderer, the healer of the sick.
Thou, who knowest the need of each one, and hast heard their prayer, grant unto each according to thy merciful loving-kindness, and thy eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of Saint Chrysostom
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
The McFall Family Handrail
Thomas Henry McFall and Anne Robinson were married in Kilbroney Parish Church on Wednesday 19th October 1955. Their wedding ceremony was taken by Rev. J Hobcroft.
Harry’s twin brother, Alan was the Groomsman and Eva Sandford, best friend of Anne, was the bridesmaid.
Harry had been employed as a Textile Manager at Forestbrook Mill, and was residing in the village at the Roxboro House Hotel. At that time, Anne’s mother was in poor health and the couple opted for a quiet wedding in Rostrevor for their special day.
The couple first settled in Ballinran in a bungalow perched on the side of the mountain just outside Rostrevor. Their children David, Joanne and Alan followed and they all attended the local Kilbroney Primary School. The family later moved home to the new houses on the hill … Cherry Hill.
The McFall family were very much involved in Kilbroney Parish Church life from the start, Joanne and Alan’s name for instance being listed on the Cradle roll by the font. Harry was a member of Church Vestry and was involved in many activities including bellringing and bowls. The children attended Sunday school, youth club, bell ringing, choirs and confirmation classes.
The McFalls were very much part of Kilbroney Parish church and Rostrevor village life. We were all sad when they relocated to Banbridge in the mid 1970s. It’s so very special, that the McFall family wish to commemorate their parents and their family life here in Kilbroney.
So this beautiful handrail has been gifted by the McFall family in 2025 in loving memory of their parents, Harry & Anne McFall.
The Jameson Gates and Handrails
Dermot Christopher Ledgard Jameson, was born in Kodaikanal, South India in 1927, at the heart of the ‘Tea Country’, which was an English Summer Resort. His parents were Christian missionaries. Dermot was the middle child of three siblings Patricia and Tommy. The church was in his blood as it turned out, and he was to became the ninth generation in his family to enter the ministry.
In 1979, Canon Dermot Jameson was appointed Vicar of Kilbroney and Warden of the Kilbroney Centre. When he and his wife Sheila arrived in Rostrevor, they were accompanied by their six adult children: Susan, Margaret, Patrick, Kath, Allen and Mark.
Canon Dermot was known for his energy, dynamism and charisma to such a level not even dreamed of by most, or achieved by few. His many ideas were realised into visible accomplishments and are highly valued and treasured legacies for Kilbroney Parish. His thoughts and works were at high speed and his only course was full speed ahead. When galvanised he was unstoppable. His main focus has always been for the betterment of the people of the Parish and the entire community.
Canon Jameson retired from Kilbroney Parish Church and Warden of the Kilbroney Centre in 1993 after 14 years at the helm.
In 2017, Canon Jameson turned 90 years old and was awarded the BEM in the Queen’s Honours List. Three years later, in 2020 he celebrated 70 years in the Priesthood. Then it was, with great sadness, Canon Dermot Jameson passed away, aged 93 years, on Tuesday 14th April 2021.
Mary McAleese, President of Ireland from 1997 said ‘Canon Jameson has been instrumental in building peace, reconciliation and healing in Rostrevor, reaching out to all communities. He has led by example through difficult and testing times.
Canon Dermot was much loved, and respected in this village. The fact that this project was completed in such a short time is testimony to the generosity of his family and friends in the local community.
Shelagh Roberts
Some excellent bell ringing welcomed the Reverend Andy to his first Sunday Service in Kilbroney on 12th January 2025.
The Bells on Christmas Day
In 1861, two years before writing this poem, Henry Longfellow's personal peace was badly shaken when his second wife of eighteen years, to whom he was very devoted, was fatally burned in an accidental fire.
Then in 1863, during the American Civil War, his oldest son, Charles Appleton Longfellow, joined
the Union Army without his father's blessing. Longfellow was informed by a letter dated 14th March, 1863, after Charles had left.
"I have tried hard to resist the temptation of going without your leave but I cannot any longer", he wrote. "I feel it to be my first duty to do what I can for my country and I would willingly lay down my life for it if it would be of any good."
Charles was soon appointed as a lieutenant but, in November, he was severely wounded in the Battle of Mine Run. Charles eventually recovered, but his time as a soldier was finished.
Longfellow wrote the poem on Christmas Day in 1863.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good-will to men! Till ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day, a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth the cannon thundered in the South, and with the sound the carols drowned of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent the hearth-stones of a continent, and made forlorn the households born of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head; "there is no peace on earth," I said; "for hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1863
From a Cambridgeshire local newspaper in January 1900: ‘WANTED – a steady respectable man who is able to look after a garden, milk a cow, and sing in the church choir.”
The Tower Bell team on Christmas Day
Ring out 2024 ring in 2025
Christingle Second Sunday of Advent
The annual Christingle celebration was at the December Family Service. Once again we were delighted to welcome the Rostrevor Children’s Choir who sang a number of items. The Second Sunday in Advent candle was lit by Joan Toase and son Paul.
Photographs from Shelagh Roberts
It seems ages since our November Meeting when we all got dressed up in our style and headed out to Warrenpoint Golf Club for our Christmas Dinner. As usual we were delighted once again to welcome some guests and they too would be most welcome to join the Ladies Guild.
After the announcements, prayers and grace, everyone tucked in heartily into a delicious meal ... piping hot until the last mouthful. All the plates were scraped clean making washing up easy.
To finish, Lorraine treated us to warm mince pies with our coffee. Thank you Lorraine.
It was a pleasure to have Molly with us and we were able to present her with a little plant and a card to celebrate her 90th Birthday.
Since that evening a number of our members have been unwell and we send our love, God's Blessing to Pam, Molly and Claire who are in hospital. Joan Toase is convalescing in Slieve Roe after some unexpected surgery; and also to Mary Purdy who is back home after a short spell in hospital.
Ladies Guild meet on THE LAST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH. Our January and February Meetings are in the mornings at 11.00 o'clock
Our Speaker for the January Meeting is Yvonne Dalzell who will be speaking on the work of Good News for Everyone, formerly known as GideonsUK.
Our Speaker for February is Brian McCalmont on Old Warrenpoint Forum.
It’s always good to share a birthday cake so Molly’s 90th was an excellent opportunity to celebrate together.
Dorothy Major Happy Birthday Molly
Christmas Dinner at Warrenpoint Golf Club
There were three apologies for our December Bible Study. We had rather a late start when four of us gathered around God's Word and we managed to cover the key part to the lesson and that was Praise and Worship.
We continued our journey with Miriam, the big sister of Aaron and Moses. What a team they were - Moses the Leader; Aaron was a Priest, and Miriam who was a Prophetess, supporting her brothers and encouraging the women.
Several years have passed from Exodus 2 until we meet Miriam again in Chapter 15. Her brother Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and we know it was years and years of travel. Some commentators reckon that Miriam was now in her 80s, and that could well have been so. People lived longer then. Well, you know the story of how God led the Israelites … the pillar of cloud by day and fire at night. God parted the Red Sea with a path to allow the Israelites to escape and then how he closed the path and Pharoah's army was drowned.
Miriam would have been in the front line to witness it all. What jubilation there must have been. In Exodus 15 V 20 & 21 we see that Miriam is described as a Prophetess and it says she took up the tambourine and led the women in song and dance. It looks like she made up the words just as she had seen it for herself. She was in her element.
Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.
That is exactly what happened in Exodus 14 v 27 & 28.
We could say that Miriam was the first Praise/Worship Leader in Scripture. So you see there were Praise/ Worship Leaders in those days too.
She simply praised God for what he had done and praised him for His power and greatness.
In Psalm 150 we are encouraged to Praise the Lord. Just look at the instruments we are encouraged to use trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, strings, flute, cymbals - what an orchestra and what a sound that would be! We are allowed to dance too you know. Though I don't think that would go down well in our congregation at present!!!
However, at the close of our Bible Study we did the next best thing and finished with a rousing rendition of
Hymn 364 in the Church Hymnal. We didn't dance but we swayed, smiled and clapped.
We are delighted to welcome Rev Andy Hay as our Priest-in-Charge (Rector), his wife Janet and their daughters Maddie & Emmy. We pray God’s Blessing on them. We look forward to this new chapter in the life of our Parishes.
Our next Bible Study is Tuesday 11th February AT 10.45 am In the Vestry Warrenpoint Church
ALL LADIES WELCOME.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Love, God Bless and Take Care
Dorothy Major xx
26th January 2025
At the dedication of the new gates and railings
Dr Milton & Mrs Irene Pillow, long time Kilbroney parishioners and friends of Canon Dermot, discuss going out in the torrential rain and also the limited disabled parking in Rostrevor with Patric Harris.
Isaiah 60:1-5, Ephesians 3:14-21
It’s a great honour to be asked to preach for Andy on this very special evening for the parishes of Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Kilbroney. I thank Andy for the invitation.
It’s a bittersweet evening for those of us from Saint Finnian’s. We are excited for Andy as he takes on the role of Priest-in-Charge. We know that as you share with him in ministry in this place there is enormous potential for God to move and work in people’s lives, but there’s sadness too as we say farewell to him.
Andy has built wonderful relationships with people of all ages in his time with us. He has been with people in the best and worst of times and has been a caring pastor, an inspiring preacher, and an outstanding colleague. He has mobilised all sorts of initiatives to reach out beyond our walls and enabled people’s gifts to flourish as he does this.
In considering the readings before us this evening I wanted to say three very simple things both to the congregation and to Andy as you begin this new chapter together.
The first comes from the epistle reading.
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father 15 from whom every familyin heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
It’s remarkable to think that these words were written as Saint Paul was chained to a Roman guard and in prison. His circumstances were difficult and precarious. Death could come at any time, and yet, despite all of this, he calls the Ephesians to a life of prayer.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. Paul’s instinctive posture in good and bad times was to get on his knees and pray. As we investigate what he prays for its really interesting. Most of us tend to pray for what’s going on in the externals of our lives.
We think about problems and illnesses and we pray that God will help to see us through those things, either on behalf of ourselves or those whom we love. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s a really good thing to do, but Paul’s starting place is different. He prays for their inner life.
Verse 16 that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit … That’s the part of our lives that really needs building up as we endeavour to do the work of the kingdom.
How is your heart towards God? Do you love him? Do you spend time in his presence? Do you listen to hhim and seek his guidance upon your next steps?
There are lots of things to distract us away from paying attention to our inner life. There is busyness, of course, where we want to hit the ground running. We want to start new initiatives, we want to visit and get to know people. We want to see our parishes heaving with life and activity. But what is all the activity about? It’s about getting to know Jesus either better, if we already know him, or perhaps coming to encounter him for the very first time.
So the first thing I say to Andy and to you his new congregations, is to be a praying people. Focus not just on external activity but on a rich inner life, centred on Jesus, which will inform and direct all other things.
The second thing I want to say also comes from the Epistle reading, and it’s part of Paul’s prayer where he prays that they will get even the smallest glimpse of the love of Christ for them. As we start to grasp the extent of his love demonstrated most powerfully on the cross, it moves us outwards. We receive it first into the deepest part of our being, and then we can’t contain our desire to share it with others. Andy is extremely gifted at reaching out to groups and people that others might overlook. He has a brilliant way of allowing that love, which reached him first in the deepest places of his life, to spill out naturally in conversation and friendship to impact others. He could sometimes spot areas where people might be struggling, like after the pandemic, with things like numeracy and literacy. He reached out to local primary schools, and mobilised a team of volunteers to go in regularly and share important things with children who were struggling. He’s a faithful visitor and he will encourage you to look out for those around you, to visit them, and to pray for them, and to introduce them to the love which is unrivalled and
unsurpassed, and which is found in Jesus Christ.
So be a prayerful people and be a loving people.
The last thing I want to say both to Andy and to you, is be a confident people. We get this exhortation in the Old Testament Reading.
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
Arise, shine; for your light has come … the prophet was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah and he spoke into a context of darkness and despair. People had seen multiple times of failure and falling away from the Lord. They had repeatedly turned to other gods and forsaken God’s ways, those in power seemed to revel in wickedness and corruption.
It sounds in many ways like our own day, doesn’t it? People say things like:
“… there are no young ones coming to church any more …”,
“… everyone’s too busy …”,
“… no one has time for God anymore …”.
It’s like that if our expectations are so low then we can’t really get disappointed. Our heads are often down there.
There are three important words in verse 2 of Isaiah 60. BUT THE LORD.
Isaiah speaks out of the context of darkness, and then he says “but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” Later he says, “Lift up your eyes and look around.”
So why are you to be confident?
Is it because you have a very competent and able priest in charge? Well, you do, but that’s not the reason to be confident.
It’s because the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. As you worship God together and
Be a prayerful people.
Be a loving people.
Be a confident people, not in your own abilities, but rather in the Lord who dispels the darkness from before you and sends you out in the power of his Holy Spirit to live and work and proclaim his glory together.
May the journey be a blessed one as you undertake it together. Amen.
During December, to draw attention to the work of the Samaritans, the church in Rostrevor, Saint Bronach’s, was given green floodlights. Thank you to the team who organised that to coincide with the village lights and crib in the Square. It was a clear message for people to call Samaritans if in need of a listening ear.
The Rev Canon Jono Pierce
Arnie Black and Mary Moreland
Saturday 25.1.25
The wedding of Arnie and Mary took place in Saint Bronach’s on Saturday 25th January, the gloriously sunny day after Storm Eowyn had passed. The Rev Andy led the service and the Rev Elizabeth officiated.
26th January 2025
“I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise: I will say this is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice for he has made me glad.
The Kilbroney Handbellers led the opening hymn on the day that the new gates and railings were dedicated.
As the wind and rain was disrupting the official ribbon cutting Joanne, Shelagh, Mags. Kath, and Sue caught up on their teenager chat!!
Kilbroney Handbellers
Kilbroney Handbellers, busy carolling in December, celebrated Christmas Dinner in January at the Rostrevor Inn.
This dinner was hard earned after ten years of performances without celebrating together! Hopefully the first of many annual dinners. Even the glitzy place settings were bell themed with bell numbers instead of names, and musical napkins. Annual honorary awards included best newcomer, furthest travelled and of course, best director!
It was again a delight to mark the beginning of Advent with the annual service of lessons and carols as we joined with the brothers from Holy Cross Abbey.
There are services each day in the Abbey, these are live streamed. Details are available on the website. www.benedictinemonks.co.uk
People in church tend to sit in the back rows.
To encourage folk to move forward the rector wondered if he should install mobile phone charging ports in the front three pews?
Ronnie writes:
I've chatted to some of our team in Kajiado and after the recent rains all the tanks we've built since 2020 are full this means that thousands of people will have clean and safe drinking water for their families over Christmas and beyond … that was truly a wonderful gift for all of them. Thank you to you all for making this a reality. We have plans already in place for 2025 and we hope to travel to Kenya in mid-January to work on 2 community tanks and a minimum of 10 Boma Tanks. This means that potentially another 3,500 people will have drinking water closer to hand. I will give more information when travel plans are confirmed and work is beginning on the tanks.
Ronnie and Maggie Briggs
Liz Farnan
Nine Lessons and Carols in Clonallon
Thanks to Patric Harris, Liz Farnan, Soloist Leah Cumming, choir members and all readers and to those who decorated and cleaned the church, providing seasonal arrangements. Thanks also to Bill Major for photographs. This annual service of lessons and carols continues to be a popular time together on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Nine Lessons and Carols in Kilbroney
The Third Sunday of Advent gave the whole community the chance to gather in Saint Bronach’s for the annual celebration of our Lord’s Nativity. Readers came from across the village joining with the choir, the Kilbroney Handbellers, the Music Group, and the church organ. Liz Farnan sang the ’s City.
Some of the readers at Nine Lessons sorry I missed a couple of others!
The Wedding at Cana (Italian: Nozze di Cana, 1562–1563) Paolo Veronese (1528-1588)
There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee
John 2:1-11
At that time: There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’
Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding seventy or one hundred litres. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.’
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Many of us have received invitations to weddings, often from those we hold dear, be it the bride, the groom, or both. Such invitations are meaningful as they show that the couple values us and wishes to include us in their joy on their significant day. When we accept, we step into their circle of love and happiness, sharing in a joy so profound that it cannot be contained by the couple, but overflows to embrace those who have been important in their lives.
In this Gospel reading, we hear about a wedding in Cana of Galilee where a family extended such an invitation to Jesus, his mother, and some of his disciples. Their presence at the celebration reveals the couple’s esteem for them. This event marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in the Gospel of John. It is compelling that his gospel starts with Jesus sharing in the joy of a couple starting their married life and ends with him mourning the loss of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. Just as Jesus rejoiced with the newlyweds in Cana, he also stood with the grieving family in Bethany. This juxtaposition reminds us that Jesus lived fully among the people, sharing both their moments of intense joy and their deepest sorrows.
Probably one of the most spectacular and theatrical depictions of the wedding feast of Cana, is Paolo Veronese's canvas, now in the Louvre Museum. It is a monumental (6.77 m × 9.94 m) masterpiece that vividly captures the biblical scene of Jesus turning water into wine, his first miracle.
The scene unfolds in a bustling, opulent banquet setting, with over 130 figures, including Jesus and Mary who placed at the centre of the composition amidst a lavish feast. Veronese masterfully combines biblical narrative with contemporary Venetian society, as the attire, architecture, and customs depicted reflect 16thcentury Venice.
The painting is infused with dynamic energy, featuring musicians, servants, and guests engaging in lively interactions, while subtle details, such as the water jars, point to the miraculous moment unfolding. So much to look at!
The painting was commissioned on 6th June 1562 by the Order of Saint Benedict, to decorate the far wall of the monastery's new refectory, designed by the architect Andrea Palladio, at the San Giorgio Monastery. Among the wedding guests are historical figures, such as the monarchs Eleanor of Austria, Francis I of France, and Mary I of England, Suleiman the Magnificent, tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.
Christian Art Clergy House Westminster Cathedral
For over two centuries the painting hung in San Giorgio giving the impression that it was an extension of the refectory dining. However, in 1797, soldiers of Napoleon's French Revolutionary Army plundered the
Restoration work began on the painting in 1989 amid much controversy. For example: the museum removed the red over-painting on the tabard coat of the house steward, returning it to the original green.
The Association to Protect the Integrity of Artistic Heritage (APIAH), who were not permitted access to the restoration, claimed that the red had been added by Veronese himself! During the restoration period the painting was damaged first by rain water that leaked through the roof, and then by scaffolding that collapsed and pierced the canvas. Fortunately the holes were in the architectural images and no serious harm was done to the artwork.
Information gleaned from the internet by the Editor!
Make a Difference!
A man was walking down the beach at sunset and saw another man in the distance. He noticed this man kept leaning down, picking up something and throwing it out into the water, again and again. As he approached he noticed that the man was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and was throwing them back into the water.
Puzzled he said, "Good Evening. I am wondering what you are doing."
"I'm throwing these starfish back into the sea. If I don't throw them back, they'll die.
"But, there must be thousands of starfish on this beach. You can't possible get to all of them. And don't you realize this is probably happening on hundreds of beaches all up and down this coast. Can't you see that you can't possibly make a difference?"
The man bent down and picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the ocean. With a smile he replied, "Made a difference to
Paolo Veronese painted himself as the musician in the white tunic, other artists and poets of the time are also included in the foreground.
Kilbroney Integrated Primary School Pupils heading back to school after the Christmas Carol Service in Saint Mary, Star of the Sea.
Tuesday Luncheon this time Santa made his traditional appearance and distributed gifts to everyone. Another very enjoyable event with some
Over 140 guests at the GAA Christmas Dinner.
Rostrevor Children’s Choir provided the opening music.
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March 2025 Pointer
Deadline: Friday 21st February
Editor: hannamanor15@btinternet.com
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Standing Orders
Parishioners are encouraged to use standing orders for free-will offerings. Details of how to do this may be obtained from the church treasurers.
Mr Stewart Nash—Kilbroney
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Flowers in Church
A number of folk take the opportunity to put flowers in our churches in memory of a loved one or to mark a celebration. If you’d like to do this please sign the flower list and if you want someone to do the arrangements for you that is also possible. Just have a word with someone who does the flowers.
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