St Gall's Church Magazine for April '24

9th Bangor St Gall’s Scout Group

Having a Fantastic Time

The Squirrel Drey, Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop have been have a very bust time at our weekly meetings in the Community Hall.

Each of the sections will be in touch with their Young People about returning to the weekly sectional meetings – the fun, excitement, noise and laughter will soon be back in the Community Hall on a Wednesday and Friday evening!

Fantastic Year!

We have had a great Scouting Season since our re-start in September, all the sections have a lively, active programme of events throughout the year!

The Beaver Scouts have been out and about around the Church learning the story of St Gall plus the history and some key facts of the Church Building as they worked towards their ‘My Faith Activity Badge’. Thank you to Rev. Michael for all his help!

The Squirrel Scouts have been working on their ‘Air Activities (Stage 1) Activity Badge’ which culminated with a visit from a Pilot who explained how an much fun it is flying a plane – there have been paper plane races and we even made hot air balloons.

The Cub Scouts have been herb planting, celebrating the Chinese New Year, celebrating Baden-Powell’s birthday, making cakes, playing with icing, visiting the Asda for a behind the scenes tour……the list goes on and on, with more to come!

The Scout Troop have been orienteering at Crawfordsburn, completed the District Ice-Breaker Hike at the beginning of January, making catapults in the Community Hall, lighting fires, cooking pancakes, did a local knowledge walk with the ‘Friends of St Columbanus’ learning about the adventures of St Gall, St Comgall and St Columbanus……the list continues and there is much more planned!

Congratulations to Akela (Emma). Kaa (Racheal) and Baghera (Marie) who were presented their Wood-Badge by the District Commissioner (Pamela) - This is the culmination of many years of hard

work, various weekends away on training courses, residential experiences, evenings of programme planning, learning new skills, meeting new people and completing assessments!

A huge congratulations to all the young people who have taken their Promise, received their Group Scarf and have been awarded their badges. There have been a number of Chief Scout Acorn and Chief Scout Bronze awarded the highest award in the sections!

Make sure you keep up to date with what we all our adventures on our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram)

9th Bangor (St Gall’s) Scout Group needs you – Adult Volunteers required!

A huge ‘Thank you’ to all the Leaders and members of the Group Executive who give up their ‘free’ time to help delivery the exciting, challenging and fun programmes across all the sections.

It is not just the ‘hour a week’ when they are at Sectional Meetings but the various planning meetings, text messages, phone calls and the training that happens in the background that keep them busy!

We are in need of your help, there are volunteer opportunities across the various sections in the Scout Group - whether you want to help out and be one of the Leaders Team at a sectional meeting, have a hobby or a skill that you can share with the Beaver Colony or Scout Troop, be part of the Group Management Team or have few free night a month to help manage the equipment, please get in touch with Simon Brown (Group Scout Leader) at gsl9thbangor@countydownscouts.org.uk

Membership of the Scout Group

9th Bangor (St Gall’s) Scout Group has been going from strength to strength over the last number of years with all our younger sections running at near full capacity. If you have or know of any young people who would like to join please let us on 9thbangorscoutgroup@gmail.com

Dear Folks,

The Rector’s Letter

As I write we are just standing on the cusp of Easter celebration. The joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is there to fill our hearts and renew our souls. As we journey through the Sunday’s after Easter we will hear again and again of the miracles that fill the story of Christ’s resurrection. The Gospel that can inspire us is a Gospel of miracles that transforms the lives of those individuals touched by Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

Keep’in her lit!

A really inspiring service was the one I attended on St Patrick’s Day in the cathedral at Downpatrick. People were packed in with the service drawing in representatives from every church in the diocese. I was there with Tanya and Amelia Blamphin who were representing St Gall’s that day and picking up a special torch for us to use to light our own beacon fire the following day after our Sunday evening service.There are some great photos of that later in this magazine. As the service in Downpatrick drew to a close Bishop David headed off outside to light the cathedral beacon and in an interesting first the congregation were invited to take out their phones, click on a link on the back of the service paper and then watch a live feed from a camera outside. We were able to watch the Bishop as he lit the very first of the diocesan beacons from the dry and comfort of our pews on what was a wet and windy day. I confess that none of us was in any great rush to join him outside as the wind and rain went sideways past the camera.

As a part of the service at the Cathedral Tanya and Amelia stood with all those who were there to pick up their parish torch. Prayers of dedication were said as each of these folks were commissioned to carry the torch back to their parish and mark St Patrick’s day in our local churches. Our thanks as a parish to Pauline Smyth who was responsible for setting up the beacon fire here at St Gall’s. She did a great job and the flame was lit and with a good wind behind it that night it was a lovely thing to watch. It was a reminder to me of the light of Christ that seeks to shine in this world. It is by the light of Christ that we can see clearly the needs of this world and the generous love of God for each one of us. It is by the light of Christ that we can overcome the darkness that we see around us day by day.

The story of St Patrick is something that can inspire us to renew our focus on outreach and building up Christ’s church.

It will be interesting to see what new initiatives develop in local parishes as they reflect on St Patrick’s legacy and faith. We for our part can be reflecting on what we need to do to grow our church Sunday by Sunday. Praying that God will lead us on.

The Beavers Came to Visit

This magazine is full of some wonderful stories of the life of our church in all it’s different aspects. I had a great evening talking with the Beavers about St Gall and showing them all around the church talking about what the different parts of it were called and what they were used for. They were doing some badge work on belief and faith and coming to the church was the perfect thing to help them learn something more. The evening finished with them heading out into the darkened car park and looking back at the Lady Chapel window with the instruction that they had to look and find the face of Jesus hidden in it’s beautiful stained glass. The chatter and the excitement was terrific and we told stories about the big bear outside and who he was.

Please remember in your prayers all our youth organisations and the folks that lead them.They all do a terrific job of encouraging and guiding the children and young people in their care. I got a real sense of that from our Beavers that night - full of buzz and fun. It was great.

Our Family Service this Month

Our family service this month will take place on Sunday 14th April. If you have young kids in the family bring them along for this. After all of the recent baptisms in church it’s a lovely thing to hear the sound of babies filling the church - sometimes they join in with the singing of the hymns! Remember to say a prayer for all our young families as they find their feet in coming along to church. We are so thankful to see them.

Christian Aid Week 202412th - 18th May

I wanted to remind you that Christian Aid Week will be happening next month and to point you in the direction of Claire Farmer if you would like to help out at all. The

work of this global aid charity is always an inspiration to me and the impact they have is phenomenal.Their slogan is this: “Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.” This year they give a voice to Aline - a woman from Burundi who was a victim of domestic violence and found herself homeless and desperate. Thanks to the work of Christian partners Aline’s story became a good news story.

Have a look at the Christian Aid website if you want to know more - and have a think if there is anything you might consider doing to help raise much needed funds. Last year Christian Aid raised £90.6 million. 3.3million people benefited from their 275 global projects. They go to the hard places - working in the middle east and Turkey and Syria after the Earthquakes there. They are engaged in longterm project with a range of partners. They work to meet emergency needs as they arise. Christian Aid is a terrific organisation and you can share in their work.

Whatever you do - whether putting something in the wee red envelope, eating a breakfast or raising some sponsorship will all make a difference.

The Rector has gone on Sabbatical.

As I outlined in the magazine last month I shall be going on sabbatical following the services on Easter Day. On the back of this magazine you will see that the Very Reverend Rod Smyth is now listed as the priest with pastoral responsibility for the parish and his contact number is there. He is the person to contact for any and all needs that arise over the next number of months. I know I leave the parish in very capable hands and I would ask that you say a prayer for Rod as he begins this task.

Peace to you

Michael

PRAYER FOCUS GROUP

Usually, I would take out my Bible to read what it says about prayer but this time I have taken out my Church Hymnal. Probably, like me, you have a copy at home. We used to bring them to church on a Sunday but when the church’s copies were put in the pews, we had no need to. I came across a hymn I had never heard of or sung before.

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, unuttered or expressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear, the upward glancing of an eye, when none but God is near.

Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air, our watchword at the gates of death, we enter heaven with prayer.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try; prayer the sublimest strains that reach the Majesty on high.

Nor prayer is made on earth alone; the Holy Spirit pleads, and Jesus, on the eternal throne, for sinners intercedes.

O Christ, by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way, the humble path of prayer you trod Lord, teach us how to pray.

It was written by James Montgomery who lived from 1771-1854, so it is 200 years old. He has a way of looking at prayer which is original. I hope you enjoyed reading his perception of prayer as much as I did. Helen Williams

THE AFTERNOON GROUP

We meet on Monday 8th April - the second Monday this time as 1st is Easter Monday. Debbie Quinn is coming to talk to us about keeping healthy as we grow older. I first heard Debbie speaking on the radio in the Autumn, and got in touch with her. She gives talks to groups and takes exercise classes, but don’t worry, you won’t need your trainers!

Come along and enjoy a chat and a cuppa. We look forward to seeing you there.

Anne & Doreen

INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

The indoor season for our club finished on Thursday 21 March with an evening of bowls and light refreshments supplied by Pauline. A big thank you to all our members who regularly attended the Thursday nights and made the evenings fun and entertaining to say the least. So on behalf of our committee may I wish you all a happy Easter and sunny summer.

Hope to see u all again in September. Anyone interested trying or considering playing bowls please don’t be afraid to contact me for any advice. It’s free!

07733616229

Gary Ballentine

PRAYER FOR APRIL

based on John 20: 19-end

Almighty Father,

In these weeks after Easter, help us to receive afresh the new life Jesus’ resurrection makes possible.

Lord, come to us. Walk through the locked doors of our fears.

Bring us your peace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit.

Send us onto our daily front lines to share your resurrection peace and hope and love with those who are lost and lonely.

Thank you for meeting us in Jesus, our Lord and our God.

We are your Easter people. Hallelujah. Amen.

By Daphne Kitching

Services and Events in April

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. 1 John 3 verse 1

3rd April Wednesday

10.30 a.m. Holy Communion

7th April The 2nd Sunday of Easter

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion

10 a.m. Parish Communion

6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

9th April Tuesday - 12 noon until 2 p.m. Friendship Lunch

10th April Wednesday - 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion

13th April Saturday - 7 p.m. Parish Table Quiz

14th April The 3rd Sunday of Easter

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion

10 a.m. Family Service

6.30 p.m. Holy Communion

17th April Wednesday - 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion

21st April The 4th Sunday of Easter

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion

10 a.m. Morning Prayer

6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

24th April Wednesday - 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion

28th April The 5th Sunday of Easter

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion

10 a.m. Morning Prayer

6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

1st May Wednesday - 10.30 a.m.

Holy CommunionSt Philip & St James

The Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: Give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dates for your Diary

The Friendship Lunch

9th April - from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

The Choir Table Quiz

13th April - Saturday at 7 p.m.

Family Service

14th April at 10 a.m.

Repair Cafe

27th April - 10a.m. to12 noon

Family Fun Day

1st June - Saturday - Lots of advance notice with this one!

At 8.30 a.m. each Sunday morning there will be a service of Holy Communion. At 10.30 a.m. each Wednesday morning there will be a service of Holy Communion. Prayers are said at this service for the sick. If you or someone who you know would like us to pray for them at this service please write their Christian name in the book beside the lamp at the back of church.

Christian Aid Week 2024 is coming!

With your help, we can work towards a world where families can escape the trap of poverty and fulfil their ambitions. Seven days, so many ways to fund lasting change.

This Christian Aid Week, what will you do?

Christian Aid Week is seven days of fundraising fun – your way, to fund lasting change.

Take part and fundraise as part of the new 70K in May challenge - see the Christian Aid website for more information - or choose your own event.

However you fundraise, together we can beat extreme poverty.

Pushed to the brink of survival

Poverty pushed Aline to the brink of survival. She was abused, homeless and hungry. But Aline pushed back harder. Driven by hope, faith and the love of her children, Aline was able to fight against the inhumanity of poverty and build herself a new life

Life in Burundi

In Burundi, malnourishment and poverty affect more than 70% of the population, making survival a daily struggle. Jobs and food are hard to come by, and those who have homes often have no electricity or running water.

For Aline, life was a constant struggle. She was married young and gave birth to her eldest son, Fisto, when she was just 14 years

old. Aline experienced constant abuse at the hands of her violent husband.

A few years later, Aline faced even more devastation. Her husband married another woman, forcing Aline to flee. He prevented her from taking their children with her, and in a further act of cruelty, told the local community that Aline was mentally ill and unable to care for her children.

How Christian Aid stepped in

Hungry, scorned and alone, Aline took her first step towards her new life. She started by participating in a transformative three-day community workshop, funded by Christian Aid.

‘I came out with amazing knowledge and skills. The trainer restored a sense of hope and energy in me,’ says Aline. She was taught how to form a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) and establish a steady income.VSLAs mean people can save for their future and borrow money to kickstart small rural businesses. With all she had learned, Aline’s dream of getting her children back finally felt possible.

Building a business

With a small start-up loan, Aline started trading avocados and peanuts locally. With her profits, she bought a bicycle so she could transport greater quantities of goods to markets further afield. Eventually, her hard work had finally paid off, and she had earned the money she needed to rent a house.

Once Aline secured a home for herself, her three eldest sons were able to escape their father and join her. They told Aline that their

father had abused them and sent their three young siblings to live with different members of his family.

Aline still hopes that she’ll be reunited with her youngest children in time.

Today, Aline lives peacefully on her own plot of land in a remote village in the Kayogoro Commune in Makamba Province. She’s baked her own bricks and is building a strong home for her and her children in every sense.

Now Aline can afford food, clothes and essential healthcare for her family. She’s also purchased solar panels so her children can do their evening homework by electric light.

Recovery and resilience

Of course, Burundi continues to be one of the toughest places on earth to live. The future is uncertain and challenges wait for families like Aline’s around every corner.

When a ferocious storm destroyed Aline’s home, almost killing her and her children, she was able to recover by selling the cows she’d been keeping. Now when crisis threatens her family’s survival, Aline has options.

Even a small business can provide just enough resilience to weather the most brutal of storms here in Burundi.

Aline can not only look ahead to her children’s future now, but her own too. Naturally, Aline wants security as she ages.

In the next five years she hopes to expand her current wholesale business by selling a range of goods, so that one day she can buy a mill. This will provide a source of income without the need to

transport heavy goods over long distances.

Aline told us: ‘This is not a dream. It is a plan, and I will do it. I am a woman who is an achiever.’

The difference with Christian Aid

Aline’s long and difficult journey out of extreme poverty began with a little support, knowledge and faith from Christian Aid supporters like you.

‘When we see Christian Aid, we feel comforted; we feel we are not alone.You helped us to change our poor living conditions. I really thank you from the very bottom of my heart.’

- Aline.

No one should have to live on the brink of survival. During Christian Aid Week 2023, you raised £5 million to help transform lives just like Aline’s.

This year, you can help us support even more people living in poverty. With 7 days and so many ways to raise funds for our Christian Aid Week appeal, what will you pick? Bake, run, swim, walk - we can’t wait to see what a difference our supporters can make!

Want to offer to help? Contact the parish office and leave your details.

Some Good Books on the Good News

The Empty Tomb

– a story of Easter

By Brian Sibley, SPCK, £6.99

Here is an illustrated retelling of the Easter story in short chapters, ideal for 6+ years. It would be a good introduction to the stories of Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the death and resurrection of Jesus, His Ascension, and Pentecost.

The book includes the procession of the singing crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the moment Jesus shared the bread and the cup at the Passover meal. It also tells of how the disciples’ sorrow turned to joy and wonder when they saw Jesus once again after His death, eating and drinking with them. The book also relates the excitement of Pentecost. The stories can be read alone, or read aloud.

Grandparenting for Faith: sharing God with the children you love the most

By Becky Sedgwick, BRF, £9.99

Grandparenting brings the opportunity to walk spiritually alongside our grandchildren, offering tools and skills for the journey. Whatever your circumstances, God has positioned you to be a unique voice, speaking into your grandchildren’s lives, helping to nurture them into the reality of a relationship with the God who loves them.

This book will help grandparents to encourage and equip their grandchildren to know God better.

Yearning for the Vast and Endless Sea

– the Good News about the Good News

By Chris Russell, Canterbury Press £16.99

This book’s title is taken from a quote by the author Saint-Exupery: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to gather wood, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”

Drawing on writers like Bonhoeffer, Newbigin and Pope Francis’ landmark Euangelii Gaudium, Chris Russell asks how the church and individual Christians can communicate the love of God in language and action, and also explores how the good news is received.

PARKES’ BRIDGE CLUB

Some games have teams, some games have individuals participating in the game. Bridge, however, is a partnership game. It is a game when sometimes your partner makes the right bid and sometimes your partner gets it wrong. Sometimes your partner leads the correct card and sometimes they don’t.

Bridge partners agree the conventions they are going to use before the game starts and it is very important that each partner does not deviate from what they have agreed. Bridge, to me, is a fascinating card game. You never get the same cards twice – the cards are so different in every hand of cards. Some cards are easy to bid but there are others that leave you uncertain as to the bid you should make and more often than not the wrong bid is made by one partner – that’s when you get a ‘funny’ expression appearing on your partner’s face and you are saying a quiet prayer that the contract will be made.

When the results are issued, and you have come first it does give you a ‘lift’ and when you have come last – and someone has to come last – you do feel a little bit low. But bridge is still a brilliant card game that I do enjoy and sometimes I get it wrong and sometimes my partner gets it wrong – but you know something – we are only human and not machines that are programmed to get everything right.

Bridge Results

North/South East/West

6th February 2024

1st Elise Flaherty/Joy Hughes

2nd Neil Farmer/Steve Garland

20th February 2024

1st Rod McComb/Pam McComb

2nd Nanette McCoy/Neil Farmer

5th March 2024

1st Rod McComb/Pam McComb

1st Pat Browne/Mervyn Henry

2nd Jill Caruth/Carol McAuley

1ST Elsie Flaherty/Joy Hughes

2nd Pat Browne/Averil McCarty

1st Pat Browne/Averil McComb 2nd Liz Hall/Heather Cummings

All the glory to you Lord

Nanette McCoy

Repair Cafe

Come to St Gall’s on Saturday 27th April

Check out the Bangor Repair Cafe Facebook page for more info.

You can book in an item for repair or you can just come along and bring it with you. Drop in 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

2nd Elsie Flaherty/Joy Hughes

The big choir quiz night!

Saturday 13th April 2024 at 7pm

The church choir are taking over the church hall on Saturday evening, 13th April at 7pm and are holding our first family quiz night in over 5 years.

It’ll be a fun night – nothing too serious, with questions for all ages, young and old.

The hall will be set up for tables of 6 or so, but don’t worry - if you want to come as a ‘single’, a coupleor a small group we’ll help sort teams on the night.

There’ll be a light supper, tea and coffee for all, provided by Pauline and the Choir.as well as a raffle prize draw.

The choir is running the event to raise money to cover the recent rebinding of the choir hymn books.

So spread the word, keep the evening free, and most importantly, come along and join the fun!

To help judge numbers for catering etc. please add your name to the sign up sheetsin the welcome area, and we’ll see you all there.

God in the Sciences

This series is written by Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, who is Church Engagement Director at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. Ruth writes on the positive relationship between Science and Christian faith.

Science and Society: How Can We Approach New Ethical Issues?

Science tells us how the world works, and technology offers applications of that knowledge, but neither can tell us what we ought to do. All scientific discoveries or new technologies can be used to either help or harm others. For example, a smartphone can be used to stay in touch but also enables bullying.

It is important to get past our initial reactions: the ‘yuk!’ or ‘wow!’ These feelings may well change once we learn more about the science and other factors behind a new development.

Ethical thinking can be divided into three main categories. The consequentialist approach is demonstrated in Proverbs, when Wisdom calls young men to consider the outcome of their actions. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialist ethic that tries to maximise the greatest good for the largest number of people affected, but unchecked it leaves minorities out in the cold.

Duty or law-based ethics start with intrinsic values, asking what is the correct course of action, or our duty? These values might be God-given, such as the Ten Commandments, or worked out by human reason. It is possible, however, to do harm while obeying the law, especially if someone asks ‘What can I get away with?’ Also, what happens when rules collide? For example, who should be treated first when resources are limited?

Virtue ethics are about building character, growing in wisdom and the fruit of the Spirit. There are plenty of biblical principles to guide virtuous living, such as the idea that we are ‘made in the image of God’ which supports the value of every human life (e.g., Genesis 1:26–27, Genesis 9:6, James 3:9–10), but the right decision can vary depending on circumstances.

So how can we make ethical decisions about new technologies? The five Cs bring together a number of different types of ethical thinking into a helpful framework for decision-making.

Clarify the facts and key questions.

Consider our choices: what could we achieve?

Constraints: External - what must we do? ; Internal - how should we behave?

Compare the pros and cons of each approach. Choose what is best, with all parties in mind.

Finally, we have to recognise that the information available to us will change over time, our knowledge of God and His Word will keep growing, and we cannot avoid making mistakes - so our ethical decisions will need to be revisited and revised from time to time.

Looking at God - Thinking on Faith

It’s amazing what treasure can be unearthed with metal detectors! In this season of Easter, let’s rediscover the greatest unburied treasure of the Resurrection.

The Apostle Peter reminds us that God ‘has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.’ (1 Peter 1: 3,4). What does he say about this treasure?

On the one hand, it is the reason for hope. Peter was writing to Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who faced persecution under the Emperor Nero. In an uncertain world we know that Jesus suffered, but by His resurrection has secured eternal life for us. This inheritance not only guarantees life now, but also for eternity, as it ‘is kept in heaven for you’ (4). Do we share this confidence? D.L. Moody, the 19th Century American evangelist, spoke of the time when people would read his obituary: ‘Don’t believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now’.

On the other hand, this treasure is a source of joy. This unburied treasure fills us ‘with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the

end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.’ (8,9). We face all kinds of trials in our lives, but God uses them to refine our faith and character, ‘These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (7). We reflect this treasure by developing the Jesus’ character and becoming more holy, obedient and loving.

‘Christmas is the promise, and Easter is the proof’!

Prayer Walking

Prayer walking is just what it sounds.You pray as you walk. What is the point? Think of it as stepping out as God’s children, to intercede for those who are living in your community. Be intentional about praying for God’s blessings on what you see and feel.

Simply praying: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done…” is an excellent start. Prayer walking is NOT about being seen to be praying, you are not doing it to ‘show off’. It is about seeing your neighbourhood with compassion, and then praying for God’s mercy and blessing to be upon it. So, as you go along, you can pray quietly, or in silence. If you do want to pray out loud, take a friend along, so that it will seem merely as if you are chatting. In fact, when you do a prayer walk, it is best not to do it alone. Always try and go with someone else. After all, Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs.

On your prayer walk, try and be aware of what God is saying to you as you move around the community. As the former Archbishop of York, Lord Sentamu, once advised: “If any Bible verses pop into your head or if you have any pictures, visions or words of knowledge, turn these into prayer.” At the end of the prayer walk, share with others what you prayed for, and heard from God. Write any impressions down, so you can keep track of how you have prayed for your area.

Again, to quote Lord Sentamu, “If you feel that God has highlighted specific needs or challenges, think about how to take action. Could you or the church be part of God’s solution practically, as well as prayerfully?”

The Easter Glow

For three years Jesus had held the tiny band together, through journeyings, storms and opposition. And now – following a public trial and execution –He was gone.

Take away the dominant figure, and an organisation can quickly crumble. Take Theudas, an earlier messianic claimant. Once killed, his 400 devotees melted away. Then there was Judas the Galilean. When he, too, was removed, the movement scattered.

Now, it was Easter Day. Here were two disciples walking to Emmaus. As far as they were concerned, their leader was dead. The ‘scattering’ process had already begun. It had started on that fateful Thursday evening of Christ’s arrest, when Jesus had quoted to His disciples from the prophet Zechariah: “It is written ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31).

The dream was over. “Let’s go home – back to Emmaus.” Yet Luke 24 is the glowing account of the entire re-building of a worldview. As the apparent Stranger joins the two, it was like the uncorking of a bottle; the story pours out. Surely crucifixion and the future Redeemer of Israel had nothing to do with each other!

Then began a fascinating Bible study on the road. Evidently in their studies, the two had skipped the passages that spoke of a suffering Messiah. The Stranger says, “Let me fill in those bits for you.” Now the figures of a Conquering King and a Suffering Servant begin to coalesce into a single photo fit. Then, at supper with the two, comes the familiar action of the breaking of bread, and – Why…. it’s Jesus.

The disciples rush the seven miles back to Jerusalem. They can’t keep the glowing news of the risen Christ to themselves!

If Jesus had not been bodily raised from the grave, the demoralised movement – like those of Theudas and Judas the Galilean – would have folded within days. And you and I would never have heard of Him!

Reconciliationthe message and the ministry

Joint Holy Week & Easter Message from the Archbishops of Armagh

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation”. (2 Corinthians 5:18–19)

“Never mind”. Although it’s an easy phrase to say, and we’ve probably all used it at times to mask our own shortcomings or those of the ones we love, those words “Never mind” are two of the most demoralising in any language.

The events of Holy Week and Easter are the exact opposite of “Never Mind”. Christians have attempted to explain the meaning the Cross and Passion in a host of ways. But amidst all the theories, there is complete agreement that God did mind. God cared that the creation which he loves with an everlasting love was alienated from him, and God Himself bore the cost of reconciling it to Him.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ. … In one sense that was the end of the matter. God had done something which we could not do. But in another sense it was only the beginning of the matter as God has entrusted to us both the ‘message’ and the ongoing ‘ministry’ of reconciliation.

This time last year, when we marked the twenty–fifth anniversary of the signing of Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, we asked people to remember what a significant and gracious achievement that was. Among its many virtues it carried the message of reconciliation and held out the promise of a truly reconciled society in Northern Ireland and within “the totality of relationships” across these islands.

One year on, rather than simply re–emphasising the message of reconciliation, we prefer – in all humility and admitting our own failings – to call Christians, and all people of goodwill, to the ministry of reconciliation. Reconciliation is not merely an optional extra to the work of peacemaking; it is an imperative – an

essential duty and service.

No doubt these twin ideas of the message and ministry of reconciliation occurred to St Paul because of his own experience as an apostle. He had tramped around the Mediterranean world proclaiming the ‘good news’ that the world had been reconciled to God by the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. Although the number of ready believers was initially small in number, and for the most part insignificant in social status, still together they began the transformation of the world and gave it the gift of its most enduring symbol – the Cross.

Paul also discovered that it was never a case of “job done”. As soon as he moved on from one newly established Christian community to the next city, he left behind innumerable disagreements, rivalries, misunderstandings and sometimes worse. So, as we would say, he embedded his message by his ministry – his service to the continuing and always unfinished work of reconciliation. He wrote to, and sometimes re–visited, the churches he had established – advising, encouraging, admonishing, pleading, explaining and warning. He knew that his work would never be done because everywhere there were forces and influences and individuals which undermined the work of reconciling and restoring broken relationships.

Within our own broken society, the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement has held out the challenging ‘message’ of reconciliation. However, it will only be put into effect if we commit ourselves to the ‘ministry’ (i.e. the service) of reconciliation. Christian people have a particular calling to this work of service, knowing ourselves to be indebted to God in a way we can never repay. We have been forgiven much and are called to love much.

Meaningful reconciliation here is the unfinished work of peace. We all have a part to play in the service of building a reconciled society: governments, in the framing of policy and legislation and in the rebuilding of relationships at the highest levels; civic society, in fulfilling their varied tasks with competence and honesty; individual citizens, in remembering that great societies are those which take into account not only their debt to the past, but also their obligations to those yet to be born.

We are thankful these days for having recently witnessed in Northern Ireland ‘a little resurrection’ of certain institutions, which in themselves are necessary but which in reality are impotent things without the ministry of reconciliation which we each hold in our hands. “Never mind” is not an option.

St Patricks Weekend Services and Beacons

We had a powerful St Patrick’s Day Festival Service in Down Cathedral on Saturday 16 March culminating in Bishop David lighting the first of many beacons which will burn across the diocese this weekend.

Our preacher the Rt Revd Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster, had spoken of how St Patrick’s humble faith, fired by the Spirit in the secret place of prayer, lit the torch of the gospel which travelled across the British Isles, defying the darkness of his day. She said: “My prayer is that we may carry his mantle afresh in our day, to light many beacons. Until that day when there is no more darkness in the world, and the whole world is full of the light of Christ Jesus.”

Bishop David earlier in the service consecrated torches and oil which have been carried back into the diocese. On St Patrick’s Day evening each church will light a beacon in the context of a prayer service and ask God to revive his church in this land.

Saul and the Prayer Pilgrimage

The diocesan festival began earlier in the day with Holy Communion at Saul Church. Canon Bill Press, rector of Knockbreda Parish, preached from Hebrews 5:9 and reminded us that Patrick’s mission has become our mission. He urged us to stay close to Jesus and, like Patrick, to hold fast to the faith even when it is difficult and we face many challenges.

After the service a large band of pilgrims set out from Saul in dry weather and stayed with us through heavy rain to pray at several stops on the way to Down Cathedral. The pilgrimage was led by Pastor David Legge, a Bible teacher with a cross–denominational ministry, who guided us using Psalm 24. David also led the prayers of intercession at the Festival Service.

Down Cathedral was full to capacity, and the congregation spilled over into the narthex. Musical highlights included the Cathedral Choir’s rendition of Dana’s song, Light the Fire and Sionan Mullan’s performance of The Dove’s Cry. Lydia Harvey and band led the congregation in singing Hearts on Fire, a song written some years ago by her Dad, Archdeacon Mark Harvey.

After Bishop David consecrated the torches and oil, Archdeacon Jim Cheshire lit the first torch which was used to light the first beacon at the doors of the Cathedral.

Following the service, Bishop Jill laid a wreath on St Patrick’s grave and the congregation stayed on in the cathedral for a complimentary ‘Picnic in the Pews’.

Bishop David’s prayer

In her address, Bishop Jill shared a prophetic sense that God wanted to hollow out the places of pain in our land and make room for deep wells of grace to spring up. This was echoed in Bishop David’s prayer as the first beacon roared into flame.

Lord, visit our nation with your Holy Spirit. Send the wind of your Spirit and the fire of your Spirit once again.Visit every church in this diocese, visit every Christian tradition in this nation. We pray for healing where there is pain and hurt; we pray for grace for those who need help to forgive; we pray for salvation to be poured into the hearts of many who need to believe. But we

pray above all for your church to be filled with grace, to be filled with truth, to live under the authority of your Holy Word, and to be baptised afresh with your Holy Spirit’s fire and an energy to preach the Gospel. In Jesus name. Amen.

Lighting our St Patrick’s Day Beacon

All across the diocese on St Patrick’s Day, beacons and torches burned as a symbol of our earnest prayer and desire to see faith rekindled in our hearts, our parishes, our communities and in this island of Ireland. This act was an echo of Patrick’s fire defiantly lit on the Hill of Slane in 433 AD and followed Bishop David’s lighting of a beacon at the Festival Service in Down Cathedral on Saturday 16 March.

At St Gall’s the lit beacon was roaring outside the church as the wind chilled out the Sunday evening congregation. A special service of readings for St Patrick’s day included a sermon by the Very Reverend Rod Smyth picking apart some of the mythes and legends around the Saint himself. All of this was happening at every church in the diocese of Down and Dromore as they all responded to the Bishop’s call to reflect and pray through the example of St Patrick.

May the Wisdom of God instruct us. May the Hand of God protect us. May the Way of God direct us. May the Shield of God defend us. And the blessing of God Almighty, + the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hear us, most merciful God, for that part of the Church which through your servant Patrick, you planted in our land: that it may hold fast the faith entrusted to the saints and in the end bear much fruit to eternal life: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2023 marked the 1460th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the UK. It was brought by St Columba from Ireland to Iona – a tiny island off Mull, in the Western Highlands.

Columba (c. 521 -97) was born in Donegal of the royal Ui Neill clan, and trained as a monk. He founded the monasteries of Derry (546), Durrow (c.556) and probably Kells. But in 565 Columba left Ireland with twelve companions for Iona, an island off southwest Scotland. Iona had been given to him for a monastery by the ruler of the Irish Dalriada.

Why would a monk in his mid-40s go into such voluntary exile? Various explanations include: voluntary exile for Christ, an attempt to help overseas compatriots in their struggle for survival, or even as some sort of punishment for his part in a row over a psalter in Ireland. Whatever the reason, Columba went to Iona and spent the rest of his life in Scotland, returning to Ireland only for occasional visits.

Columba’s biographer, Adomnan, portrays him as a tall, striking figure of powerful build and impressive presence, who combined the skills of scholar, poet and ruler with a fearless commitment to God’s cause. Able, ardent, and sometimes harsh, Columba seems to have mellowed with age.

Saint Columba Parish Pastoral Care

God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to serve humankind and give His life for our sins. As Christians it is our role too – to serve others. As Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians, ‘Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ Ephesians 4:32

I am aware that Michael does visit parishioners at hospital and at home, but he is just one person and can’t be expected to visit all who need a visit. When I look at the congregation on a Sunday morning, I see an ‘ageing’ congregation, (and I include myself in this category) and I also notice members of our congregation who are no-longer attending church.

For this reason, the Prayer Focus Team, with the blessing of Michael, have decided to set up a Pastoral Care Team for St Gall’s. This is not a totally new venture for St Gall’s for I know that in the past members of our congregation – Sandra Foote, Margaret |McKeown and others – did carry out home and hospital visits. I am also aware that there are members of our church who still do carry out regular visits but if we could establish a list of every

As well as building his monastery on Iona, Columba also converted Brude, king of the Picts. Columba had great skill as a scribe, and an example of this can be seen in the Cathach of Columba, a late 6th century psalter in the Irish Academy, which is the oldest surviving example of Irish majuscule writing. In his later years Columba spent much time transcribing books.

Columba’s death was apparently foreseen by his community, and even, it seems, sensed by his favourite horse. He died in the church just before Matins, and it is a tribute to this man that his traditions were upheld by his followers for about a century, not least in the Synod of Whitby and in Irish monasteries on the continent of Europe.

Here is a prayer of St Columba:

Christ With Us

My dearest Lord,

Be Thou a bright flame before me,

Be Thou a guiding star above me,

Be Thou a smooth path beneath me,

Be Thou a kindly shepherd behind me, Today and evermore.

parishioner in need of a visit from which we can monitor and record that everyone who needs a visit does receive one.

Not everyone who is added to the list may want a visit and the wishes of an individual must be respected. But if we could extend our love to others by visiting the housebound and the sick, we will be fulfilling our roles as followers of Christ. Therefore, if you know of someone who would like a visit, please tell a member of the Pray Focus Group. And if you would like to play a role in the Pastoral Care Team, please let me know. It won’t be an onerous task and I think that giving a few hours each month will be suffice. But our first task is to get a list together and this requires the assistance of us all.

One final thought for today – I wonder who will be visiting me in the not-too-distant future? Those of you who also fall into the ‘ageing’ congregation, have you ever given this any consideration?!

Nanette McCoy

I’m a Senior Citizen

I’m the life of the party - even if it lasts until 8 pm.

I’m very good at opening childproof caps - with a hammer.

I’m usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going.

I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.

I’m very good at telling stories; over and over and over and over...

I’m not really grouchy, I just don’t like traffic, waiting, crowds, lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, barking dogs, politicians and a few other things I can’t seem to remember right now.

I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.

I’m sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen?

And, how can my kids be older than I feel sometimes?

I’m wondering, if you’re only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150?

I’m a walking storeroom of facts - I’ve just lost the key to the storeroom door.

Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life.

Saturday 1st June

Following on from the success of last year’s event, our 2024 Family Fun Day is taking place on Saturday 1st June. We’ll give you lots of notice, and closer to the date we would really appreciate your help with donations of bottles, Raffle Prizes and goodies from our lovely Star Bakers! So watch out for details in next month’s magazine.

Volunteers: Would you be able to give some time to help set up/ clear up on 1st June and maybe the day or so before? As the old Chinese proverb says, many hands make light work! If you might be able to help, please email Lyn in the office at stgallsmail@gmail. com or speak with James Hanna, Steve Garland, Janis Dunn or Pauline Smyth any Sunday morning.

CHRISTIAN BURIALS

DAVID BELL

1ST MARCH 2024

Our sympathy to Paddy, Julie, Leslie and family.

ROSEMARY YOUNG

12TH MARCH 2024

Our sympathies to Derrick, Manisha and family.

FLOWERS IN CHURCH

Flower List for April

7th Mrs P Shanks

14th Mrs N McCoy

21st Mrs G Lawther

25th Mrs J Clarke

28th Mrs K Cathcart

Mr H Foote

5th May Available - Please contact the church office if you would like to provide flowers on this Sunday

12th May Available - Please contact the church office if you would like to provide flowers on this Sunday

The cost of flowers start from £25

LESSON READERS APRIL / MAY 2024

Morning 10am

7 April

14 April

21 April

28 April

5 May

12 May

19 May

26 May

2 June

Anne Thompson

Michael Dunn

Judy English

Chris Houston

Derrick Conn

Pat Corker

Claire Farmer

Julie Waters

Gillian Lawther

Evening 6.30pm

Nanette McCoy

Maureen Jenkins

Tanya Blamphin

Derek McCambley

Susan Cartwright

W Tennis

Nanette McCoy

M Jenkins

Steve Garland

Note: Lesson Readers required during the summer months of June and July to be advised.

SAFEGUARDING AND ST GALL’S

The Church of Ireland is committed to ensuring all children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm. We as a parish strive towards the highest standards in Safeguarding with children and vulnerable adults.There is a dedicated website for Safeguarding within the Church of Ireland.

You can find more information here: https://safeguarding.ireland.anglican.org/

We have a Parish Panel who carry the responsibility of ensuring the Safeguarding Trust policy is fully implemented and communicated to the parish community.

If you have questions or concerns regarding a Safeguarding issue you can contact the parish panel. Our team are:

Safeguarding Trust Panel for St Gall’s.

BAPTISMS

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

10TH MARCH

ELIZA CHARLOTTE

Daughter of Caroline and Richard Jones

Michael Parker 02891 853 366 Rector

Julie Gillespie 028 91450589

Michael Dunn 028 91453036

Gary Ballentine 028 91456818

Kathleen Celebrates her Birthday

The birthday lady arrived for her birthday party and a great roar of “Surprise!!!!!” Went up from all her family and friends come together specially.

Kathleen Cathcart recently had a terrific gathering of family and friends to mark her recent 90th Birthday. The preparations had all taken place on the quiet with the church hall being transformed with some great decorations. Tables were all beautifully presented as guests slipped in ahead of welcoming the woman of the moment. Timing was the key to keeping Kathleen herself in the dark about all that had been made ready.

Worth a special mention was the amazing birthday cake made by Christopher her grandson. See the accompanying photos! The beautiful cake provided a lovely focus to the room.

Once the roar the birthday cheers faded Kathleen took it all in her stride. She moved around the room to every table and met with everyone to be congratulated and receive birthday best wishes. A lovely party was enjoyed by all.

Congratulations Kathleen!

WHO’S WHO

The Very Reverend Rod Smyth

Priest with Pastoral Care of the Parish

Contact on 0777 8219 649

SELECT VESTRY

Rectors Churchwarden: Tanya Blamphin

Rector’s Glebewarden:

Hon. Secretary: William Tennis: 9146 6950

Gary Ballentine

People’s Churchwarden: sTeve

People’s Glebewarden:

Hon.Treasurer:

Steve Garland

David Gray

Janis Dunn Claire Farmer

Pauline Smyth

Christine Grey Mervyn Henry Chris Houston James Hanna

Gillian Lawther Noel McKeown

Diocesan Lay Reader: Doreen Tennis 9146 6950

Director of Music:

Parish Administrator: Lyn McCambley

Parish Reader: Nanette McCoy 9145 9756

Children and youth worker:

Parish Office: Open 10am-12noon; Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Telephone: 028 91853810

Parish Office Address: 171 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, BT19 1BT

E-mail: stgallsmail@gmail.com

Parish Website: www.carnalea.down.anglican.org

CONTACT INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED

Rainbow Guides 6:30pm 12thbangorrainbows@gmail.com (4-6 yeats old)

Brownies 6.30 pm Jennifer Leonard.............07855 684075 (7-10 years old)

Afternoon Group 2.00pm Doreen Tennis .................9146 6950 (1st Monday of month)

Anne Thompson

Sequence Dance

Class 2-4.00pm Bobby & Phyllis Magill..07870892269

Monday Practice

Tuesday

Ladies Bowls 2.00pm

Bridge Club 10.00am Nanette McCoy ..................9145 9756 (1st & 3rd weeks)

Wednesday

Coffee Morning 10 a.m- Pauline Smyth.................07973 934781 (3rd Wednesday of the month) 12 noon

Squirrels (4-6 years old) 5.30pm Simon Brown gsl9thbangor@countydownscouts.org.uk

Beavers (6-8 years old) 6.30pm Daphne Haslett.............02891 459810

Choir Practice 7.15pm

Thursday Indoor Bowls 7.00pm Gary Ballentine ...................91456818

Guides 7.00pm 12th.bangor@gmail.com

Friday Sequence Dance

7.30-10pm Bobby & Phyllis Magill...07870892269

Friday Cubs (8-10 years old) 6.15pm Emma Orr....................07564 348135

Scouts (10-14 years) 7.30pm Jack Denvir...................07994 510620

Group Scouts Leader Simon Brown.....GSL - 9th Bangor gsl9thbangor@countydownscouts.org.uk

Sunday

Worship 8.30am & 10.00am

Sunday Club 10.00am Christopher Ballentine...07572 384479 (During morning worship)

Prayer Focus Group 5.30pm Helen Williams.......................9146 2175 (1st Sunday of month)

Wednesday 10.30am Holy Communion