St Gall's Church Magazine - February 2024 Edition

St. Gall’s NEWS C A R N A L E A

February 2024 FREE. FOR YOU.

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Christian Aid Week 2024

Suppport Conference Christian Aid Ireland’s annual supporter conference returns for 2024 on Saturday 9 March from 10am - 1:30pm

Christian Aid Supporters Conference - YOU are invited!

This year, we’ll be joining together in Carnmoney Presbyterian Church to celebrate Christian Aid’s impact over the past year, preparing for Christian Aid Week 2024 and learning more about how we can make a difference as we fundraise, act and pray.

informs and underpins everything we do.

As well as previewing Christian Aid Week 2024, there will also be informative and inspiring seminars to help you go deeper with Christian Aid’s aim to end poverty and injustice worldwide.

When? Saturday 9th March 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where? Carnmoney Presbyterian Church

Whether you’re a life-long supporter, an organiser or church representative, or entirely new to Christian Aid, everyone is welcome to attend the Conference and to stay for a delicious lunch afterwards.

We’ll hear from special guest speakers, as well as our community team and CEO Rosamond Bennet. Together we’ll learn more about Christian Aid’s distinctive way of working in communities and countries around the world, and how our Christian faith

PRAYER FOCUS GROUP

What does prayer mean to you? When do you use it?

I wonder if like me you feel that direct communication with God is a kind of communication you cannot have with another human being. Also, God is someone to turn to at times when humans fail us. We shouldn’t only turn to him when we are troubled.

The bible encourages us to pray continually at all times.

Something else I like is the privacy of personal prayer between oneself and God. Humans have needed prayer since early times.

Some of the disciples asked Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ (Luke 11) and he taught them the Lord’s Prayer.

Psalm 66v 16-20 persuades us to pray. ‘Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!’

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Visit the Christian Aid Ireland website to register to attend.

May I draw your attention to the Prayer of Faith – James 5 v 13-16 ‘Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.’

All Christian people are called to be patient and persistent in prayer. Psalm 40 v 1 ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.’

1Thessalonians 5 v 16-18 ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’

Colossians 4 v 2-6 ‘Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.’

Helen Williams

The Rector’s Letter Dear Folks, The year 2024 has started with a roar. As I write this Storm Isha has just torn through and we are readying ourselves for Storm Jocelyn. I was chatting with someone who explained that they had really wondered if the ‘big window’ on their house was likely to be coming in at some stage. Never in their time there had they known a storm like it or with quite the impact on their home.

Perhaps as this magazine goes out ‘Storm which begins with the letter K’ may be on the horizon. Hopefully some let up will allow for a clear up. The news images are coming in with the iconic Dark Hedges trees taking a battering.The human cost is also very real with these extreme weather events leading to tragedy for some.What these events can do is get us thinking about just how climate change is starting to impact our lives. The energy of the storms is increasing and that is what we are seeing at the moment. We need to learn more and consider just how we respond.

There are millions of Lapwings….’. In 2023 Ulster Wildlife have been celebrating the two breeding pairs of Lapwings discovered this summer in Downpatrick.Two is a cause for celebration. It turns out that this once ‘common’ bird is now an increasingly rare sight. But Ulster Wildlife have a plan and things are starting to look brighter.You are invited to come along and make the most of this opportunity to hear from Simon about the work of his team in restoring fragile and sometimes lost habitats.

Speaking of Downpatrick…

A note for your diary for next month with St Patrick’s Day celebrations taking on a new format down at the Cathedral. Look

This month - on Tuesday 6th February we shall be welcoming to St Gall’s Simon Gray. He leads the Peatlands Team at the charity Ulster Wildlife. His role is restoring and protecting peatland habitats around the province.We are so fortunate to have someone with his range of expertise and experience coming to share with us a little of their story and information about the work that they do locally. How climate change is impacting our world is a key issue for people of faith. If God has created His world and we are called to be guardians of that - then that leaves us required to respond. We need to engage with the issues around climate change and gain some knowledge around what it is that we face and need to work towards. Ulster Wildlife is a terrific charity. Look for their website online for some amazing stories of project that they are engaged with at the moment.

for the article in this month’s magazine for more details. The Bishop has asked folks to attend on Saturday 16th March for a special service that will include the lighting of a St Patrick’s beacon at the end of that service.

Then each church of the diocese will be presented with a torch. Not the sort with batteries.The sort that burns using paraffin!

The sort that lights a bonfire!

I have a quick confession. My favourite project report on the Ulster Wildlife website is to do with the re-introduction of Lapwing nesting sites within County Down.Why? Well, I have a very vivid memory as a child sitting in the back of the car driving to Comber and passing a field by the road that was just full of Lapwings. I remember that I gave a mental shrug at the time, thinking: ‘Lapwings. So common. Nothing remarkable to see here.

Then, to mark St Patrick’s day on Sunday the 17th March we are asked to light our own beacon - with real fire! - in the grounds of the church. This mention in this magazine is by way of an ‘ask’ for any volunteers out there? Those with a very particular set of skills who would like to volunteer to build and light the Carnalea beacon! If we have any fire starters who would like to be on hand to help that day do let me know.

Our Family Service this Month…. 11th of February.

Just a reminder that our Family Service this month will be taking place on Sunday 11th of February. This service will also be our Thinking Day service for our Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. The theme for Thinking Day in 2024 is: ““Our World, Our Thriving Future:The Environment and Global Poverty”. That sounds like a pretty weighty theme but we promise that it’s going to be a lovely service with some really good stories to be told. With tea and buns afterwards.

This year our Guides will be taking the lead and helping with the service. The girls have been learning some terrific new skills and are keen to share the story of how they are working with donkeys! Donkeys! I don’t want to give too much away - No spoilers! - but look for the article later in this magazine for a few more clues. A gentle nudge - After the Family Service the Guides will be selling some cakes and buns with a view to funding some really interesting animal welfare work that they are doing.

Our Annual Easter Vestry Meeting 2024 Please pop this in your diary! This year our Annual Vestry meeting will be held following our Sunday morning service on Sunday 17th March.

As has been our custom lately we shall finish the service, have some refreshments and then return to the church for our meeting.

To actually vote at the Easter Vestry you need to ensure that you are on the Register of Vestry men and women.This is the electoral roll of the church.

There is more information on how to do this in the coming weeks elsewhere in this edition of the magazine. Have a chat with one of our Churchwardens if you have any questions - or need any help to fill out a form.

Peace to you Michael Rector

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THE AFTERNOON GROUP

Our meeting in December was a light lunch ( our thanks again to Pauline, our cook) followed by the film “Ladies in Lavender.” Thankfully there were no complaints and everyone seemed to enjoy the afternoon.

In January we welcomed Fiona Barton who told us about her work at The Folk Museum at Cultra. She spoke very well and once again, it was greatly enjoyed.

For our February meeting we have invited Lyn Cumberland to read some lighthearted poems to us, and one of our own members, Diane, has agreed to make pancakes again - as she did last year. They were delicious.

Come along and join us if you can and enjoy a chat and a cuppa as well.

INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

VACANCIES There are currently a number of exciting vacancies for those wishing learn and expand their life skills and knowledge in our club. No references required.

Training and equipment will be provided on site. Don’t miss this great opportunity.

Those interested contact: Gary Ballentine 07733616229 And….. a Big thank you to all our members who supported the club in the past year. Hope all enjoyed the January New Years Party. Big thank you to Pauline for providing the refreshments.

Gary Ballentine

Doreen and Anne

It’s hard to believe it’s 2024 and on reflection wonder where 2023 went! Time does pass so quickly but when we recall all the events throughout the past year it’s hard to imagine how we had time to do so much.

It’s even harder to believe that in the past year we have donated over £8,000 to various local good causes including of course St Galls. We are really grateful for the use of such a wonderful hall and facilities and this makes our dance one of the best on the circuit. We also like the dancers to have their say as to who we support and to keep our donations local. This year we have supported among others, Tor Bank, Cancer Focus, Parkinsons NI, Mourne Mountain Rescue, Air Ambulance, Christian Aid and Hospice. It really is so rewarding and humbling to receive the “Thank You” cards and the explanations of how the donations are used.

We finished off the year with our super spectacular Christmas dance on 2nd December. As usual it was a “Sellout” but a

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GUIDE REPORT

St Gall’s Guides and Rangers have a new service project. It’s to do with helping hard working donkeys, and providing practical support in Africa.

We’ll be able to fill in more details during the Thinking Day Service on Sunday 11 February. We are hoping to see you there!

Can you help us to help the donkeys?

After the Thinking Day service the Guides and Rangers will be selling full cakes, tray bakes and a selection of buns. Please bring some money to buy goodies and support both the girls and a charity making a difference in developing countries.Thank you.

Tanya Blamphin

fantastic way to put us all in the seasonal mood (aided by the Christmas music which we only get to dance to once a year, the traditional Christmas fare provided by Pauline, imaginative and brilliant table decorations provided by Margaret and the hall decorated with tinsel, balloons, Christmas tree and of course the dwarf sized Santa who helped hold up the keyboard stand!

We had a break from dancing for the month of December – we needed it! - But we have now resumed our Friday night dances, refreshed and eager to get back into our normal routine. At this point I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us by coming along week after week; helping with setting up the hall and putting away tables and chairs after the dance; providing food for catering – the list is endless, but all the help and support is greatly appreciated.

As always and open invitation is extended to anyone who would like to come along and see what goes on, even to have a cup of tea and a chat or just to enjoy the music and the dancing – I can guarantee you will receive a very warm welcome.

Bobby and Phyllis Magill

Services and Events in February All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 25 verse 9

31st January

Wednesday - Holy Communion at 10.30 a.m.

10 a.m.

Morning Prayer

4th February

The Second Sunday before Lent

6.30 p.m.

Evening Prayer

8.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

28th February

Wednesday

10 a.m.

Parish Communion

10.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

6.30 p.m.

Evening Prayer

3rd March

The Third Sunday of Lent

6th February

Tuesday

8.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

10 a.m.

Parish Communion

6.30 p.m.

Evening Prayer

7 p.m. Peatlands and Net Zero - Simon Gray of Ulster Wildlife comes to St Gall’s to give a talk on his work on peatlands in Northern Ireland.This is a public talk open to everyone. Do you want to hear more?

7th February

Wednesday

10.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

11th February The Sunday Next before Lent & Thinking Day 8.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

10 a.m.

Family Service with Thinking Day

We welcome our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.This year the Guides will sharing a story about donkey welfare and what they are doing to care for God’s creation.

6.30 p.m.

Holy Communion

13th February Tuesday The Friendship Lunch. See sign up sheets for more info.

14th February

Ash Wednesday

10.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

18th February

The First Sunday of Lent

8.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

10 a.m.

Morning Prayer

6.30 p.m.

Evening Prayer

21st February

Wednesday

10 a.m.

Coffee Morning. Open to everyone. Pop along for the craic!

10.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

24th February - Saturday The Repair Cafe is back at St Gall’s. Check on their Facebook page for more info.

Search for ‘Bangor Repair Cafe NI’.

25th February

The Second Sunday of Lent

8.30 a.m.

Holy Communion

The Collect for the First Sunday of Lent Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: Give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dates for Your Diary Ulster Wildlife with Simon Gray - 6th February at 7 p.m.

Family Service 9th February at 10 a.m..

Repair Cafe 24th February.

You need to book in. Find them on Facebook.

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.

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AN EVENING WITH SIMON GRAY OF ULSTER WILDLIFE AN ECO-CONGREGATION EVENT

landowners, farmers, contractors and communities to restore peatlands so that they can filter water, prevent flooding and reduce carbon emissions, helping NI meet its net zero targets.

Speaking of this lecture Simon said: “Peatlands are Northern Ireland’s most important natural carbon store and home to some of our rarest and most interesting wildlife. Protecting and restoring them can help us tackle climate change and reduce Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions.”

Simon leads the Peatlands Team at Ulster Wildlife, working to restore and protect peatland habitats and species across Northern Ireland. He’ll be coming to St Gall’s to give a public talk on his work on

NUNC DIMITTIS

Tuesday 6th February at 7 p.m..

For the past 6 years he has been working with

Waiting is a common human experience.

Our lives are made up of waiting that leads to encounter, and the waiting requires patience and humility. Milton wrote in his blindness, ‘They also serve who only stand and wait’ as he wondered what he could do for God’s kingdom now that his sight had gone.

Simeon had been waiting. He belonged to a people who had been waiting for centuries. He was heir to the hopes and dreams of a nation waiting for a better world now that the holy city was in the hands of Roman invaders. With his people he clung to the hope that God would come to bring freedom and a new life. God’s chosen one, the Messiah, would bring this about. When it came, there was no fanfare, no warning, just an ordinary family from faraway Nazareth in the Temple, performing the religious duties for the firstborn son. But the waiting led to encounter, and the sight of the new-born child led to insight as Simeon recognised that light and salvation had at last come.

Rembrandt has captured all this in his painting, ‘Simeon with the Christ Child in the Temple’: the faith and patience, the hope and humility of an old man, a priest, who takes the babe into his arms and blesses God. It was the artist’s last

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painting and left unfinished at his death in 1669. The figure of Mary by Simeon’s side may have been painted by another artist at a later stage. It is the aged priest and the new-born babe that impress us as we look: Simeon with his venerable beard and eyes half closed, and the tiny child cradled in his strong arms, looking up intently with his eyes open.

As Rembrandt painted this canvas, was he saying something about his own life?

He had not been afraid to paint his portrait at various stages – at 21, at 35, at 53 – a total of 60 portraits covering the span of years.

In this final painting the years have moved on as we see Simeon, mouthing ‘Nunc dimittis’ with his eyes half closed.

Is the waiting over and the journey coming to an end, so that his eyes will fully close? Or will he open them to see that with the babe in his arms, God has more in store: the promise of a future as they step out together on a new journey?

‘Picture used by kind permission of the National Museum, Stockholm.’

The Very Reverend Roderick Smyth

WHAT A TREE CAN DO FOR YOU Trees can help prevent you getting depressed. At least, you are less likely to be on antidepressants if you live on a tree-lined street.

That is the finding of a survey by the Forestry Commission, which looked for the first time at the mental health value of our forests and woodlands. Apparently, they save the NHS millions of Pounds in antidepressants each year.

A spokesman at Mind, the mental health charity, said: “Although many of us feel like hibernating in winter, getting outside in green spaces and making the most of the little daylight we get can really benefit both your physical and mental health.”

The Very Reverend Roderick Smyth

LIGHT THE BEACONS:

ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS 2024 ‘Light the Beacons’ is the theme for this year’s annual St Patrick’s Day festival which will focus on praying for a rekindling of the fire of faith that Patrick lit in Ireland almost 1600 years ago.

the Flame of Faith in our Hearts). means she is the ideal person to encourage us to pray as a diocese for rekindling of the fire of faith that Patrick lit in Ireland almost 1600 years ago.

The diocesan celebrations will take place on Saturday 16 March and include special prayer services in parishes on Sunday 17 March.

“In 433AD in defiance of the pagan king, Laoise, Patrick lit a Paschal fire to celebrate Easter. It was said that if that Paschal fire was not put out on that day it would never be extinguished. Almost 1600 years later the fire of the gospel has not been put out but needs fanned into flame in Ireland again.”

Our guest preacher at the Festival Service at 11.45am in Down Cathedral is Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster.

Bishop David says: “Bishop Jill’s scholarly and yet deeply spiritual insights into the lives of the saints including St Patrick (see her book Lighting the Beacons: Kindling

Bishop David will light a symbolic fire at the end of the Festival Service and a representative from each church in the diocese will take a torch and a container

of concentrated paraffin oil back to their parish.

On the evening of 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, every church large and small, will hold a special service of prayer for revival. With beacons lit, we’ll be asking God to light the fire of the gospel in Ireland and in that local church context once again.

PROGRAMME 9.15am: Holy Communion at Saul 10.15am: Prayer Pilgrimage from Saul to Downpatrick 11.45am: Festival Service in Down Cathedral with Bishop Jill Duff Wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick’s Grave and lighting of symbolic beacon 1.00pm: Complimentary ‘Picnic in the Pews’

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REPORT FROM SOUTH SUDAN As we start our journey through another new year, we look back and give thanks for the many blessings we received during 2023 and we look forward, with hope and faith, that this coming year will bring good health, happiness and contentment to all.

We think especially of those in countries where war and strife continues to create pain, suffering and loss and we are mindful too of our own country.

We pray that those who have power and influence will use it wisely and for the good of all mankind wherever they may be.

In December I received emails addressed to you all from Archbishop Justin in Juba and Bishop Moses in Maridi as follows: Greetings to you all from Juba, South Sudan during this feast of the Nativity of Christ.

I hope you are all doing well. In our family prayers every evening, we pray for you.

God willing, I may come to see you in the 3rd week of April, next year.{2024] May the Infant Christ born in a manger in Bethlehem, grant unto you all joy, peace and strength in all His unceasing help.

Best wishes for Christmas.

The Most Reverend Dr.Justin Badi Arama,Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church of S.Sudan and the Metropolitan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Juba.

Dear Partners and Friends, It has been a privilege to walk with you through 2023 with all its challenges.

Thank you for partnering with us, so that the church in the Diocese of Maridi sees more of who God is and what He is doing through His people, the Church.

Your communications, thoughts and words of encouragement are cherished by all of us in Maridi and we are grateful for your friendship.

As we come to this special celebration of “God with us” it is my prayer that you will find peace and restfulness in the presence of God, our Father, Saviour and Comforter.

For all your hard work, frustration and sacrifice you have made as you served God in 2023, I pray that you will find refreshment and great joy to walk forward in faith into 2024.

With warmest Christmas greetings, Bishop Moses Zungo, Diocese of Maridi.

At the end of 2023 Bishop David hosted an evening in Bangor Abbey, where the focus was on Overseas Mission Links in Down and Dromore. The literature highlighted the fact that “ Our overseas links have been mutually enriching. They’ve helped us

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to be more outward looking and enhanced the prayer life of our church.” In Autumn 2023 a survey of the parishes and church plants was done to discover the extent and nature of their overseas mission links. The survey response rate was 89% and it was discovered that almost three quarters of our churches have one or more overseas links. 32 of the churches have links with Mission Partners, 38 with projects and 14 with other churches.

Some have a mixture, and a few have links of all three types.

The churches have all kinds of ongoing projects from building schools and supporting the persecuted church to resourcing clinics and training pastors. Thrown into that mix is mental health support and help for the members of the Mothers Union who do amazing work in every village and town.

In December we were given the opportunity to provide a gift wrapping service in Neptune, Ormeau Road, Belfast. Claire Farmer and I covered the morning and Anne Thompson, ably assisted by her two daughters, Clare and Ruth, covered the afternoon. We raised £115 which was supplimented by donations of £55 from friends outside the Parish. Both amounts go towards our projects in South Sudan.

In December CMS Ireland introduced the idea of gift cards, asking people to “buy” a card as a gift for a relative or friend. No fixed amount was suggested, it was left up to each individual to decide how much they wanted to give.

A total of £140 was raised and this goes towards the work of CMSI. We are conscious that we have not been as visible in our fund raising efforts over the past year but our support group is small and we are all doing as much as we can. It would be great to have some new faces willing to help us continue the work we started in 2005. It is only with the love, care and support from the members of St. Gall’s church that we have been able to fund so many projects over the past years.

We hope and pray that we will be able to continue this work and ask that when you use your little tealight, given to you on Advent Sunday, you will remember our brothers and sisters in Maridi, being mindful of their needs.

We wish you all every blessing in 2024 and go forward in the knowledge that whatever challenges we are asked to deal with, we will not be alone. We always have the assurance that “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joan Farrell.

PARKES’ BRIDGE CLUB THANK YOU from

For the first time in ages, I will be buying a copy of the Spectator newspaper this week. Not to catch up on the news but hopefully to see the results of our bridge club making its debut appearance in the Spectator. This is thanks to one of our members, Wesley Taylor. Not only has Wesley offered to pass our bridge results to the Spectator but in the past, he has given us bridge tables, cards, and his full support at each of our meetings. Due to Wesley’s thoughtfulness and kindness our club is being brought to the attention of other bridge players in Bangor and from this I pray that our club will go from strength to strength. Thank you Wesley!

Bridge Results North/South

East/West

17th October 2023 1st Neil Farmer/Steve Garland 1st Margaret McQuiston/ Carol Ennis Joint 2nd Vera Reid/Nan Simms Nanette McCoy/Mervyn Henry 2nd Carol McAuley/Jill Caruth 7th November 2023 1st Wesley Taylor/Elsie Flaherty 2nd Pam McCombe/Rod McCombe

Storehouse North Down

This Christmas we gave out 528 Christmas hampers and 71 normal hampers between 4th and 14th of December. It is only with your support that we were able to do this. I would like to thank all who supported us with donations of groceries and also financial support.

We were overwhelmed by incoming groceries. In fact we ran out of trolleys and there were queues in the car park waiting to leave donations.

I have never seen our shelves so empty, so we would be very grateful for your continued support.

Anne Thompson

1st Carol McAuley/Jill Caruth 2nd Averil McCarty/Pat Browne

21st November 2023 1st Neil Farmer/Elsie Flaherty 1st Maisie Burton/Wesley Taylor 2nd Nanette McCoy/Mervyn Henry 2nd Patricia McCormack/Miriam Gibson

CHRISTMAS SHENANIGANS

5th December 2023 1st Nanette McCoy/Elsie Flaherty 1st Patricia McCormack/ 2nd Averil McCarty/Pat Browne 2nd Jill Caruth/Carol McAuley 19th December 2023 (Howell Movement) 1st Wesley Taylor/Pat Browne 2nd Nanette McCoy/Elsie Flaherty 2nd January 2024 1st Nanette McCoy/Elsie Flaherty 1st Cathryn Keenan/Andrew Keenan 2nd Wesley Taylor/Maisie Burton Averil McCarty/Pat Browne All the glory to you Lord Nanette McCoy

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BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP Each year in early February I place an order for Bible Reading Fellowship notes and the deadline this time is 4th February 2024. The year coming up starts in May 2024 and finishes in April 2025. I will continue the order for our parishioners already reading these notes unless I am told otherwise. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to start ordering these notes. Likewise, if you would like to change to another series or if you would like to cancel your order. These notes are published every four months (three copies per year) starting from 1st May 2024 and the first copy will be available in April.

In New Daylight the full Bible text is included. The passage is explained by one of our experienced writers, who will help readers understand the Bible passage and how it is relevant for their own spiritual journey. The series is particularly appropriate for people who want readings that link to the church festivals of the year.

Cost £14.97 Large print £19.05 The Upper Room contains meditations that show real people living faithfully in real-life situations, with the Bible as the touchstone for and measure of faithful living. The meditations are provided by the Upper Room readers themselves from around the world.

Ideal for new Christians.

Cost £14.97 Day by Day with God provides a woman’s eye view of the Bible. Written by women for women with an evangelical emphasis taking account of the things that matter most to women.

Cost £14.97 To find out more visit www.biblereadingnotes.org.uk Barnabas Children’s Catalogue. This is highly recommended and can be viewed on www.barnabasforchildren.org.uk For more information contact Helen Williams, BRF Secretary Tel 9146 2175

Lent with the Beloved Disciple – the 2024 Lent Book

By the Rt Revd Bishop Michael Marshall, Bloomsbury, £10.99 The 2024 Bloomsbury Lent Book invites you on a six-week journey in the company of the ‘beloved disciple’ as found in the narrative of the Gospel of St John. As the only disciple to have stayed close to Jesus at every stage from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion at Calvary, John records certain subtle details and signs which indicate a deeper and far lasting significance.

Michael Marshall explores what these signs are and how, with prayerful reflection, they draw us ever more deeply into the personal, eternal and cosmic significance and awareness of all that Christ accomplished by His death and resurrection. Ideal for both individual use and for small group study.

Curious Contemplative

– Daring to Discover New Depths with God

By Chris Webb, SPCK, £11.99

Many people would like to move beyond the superficialities of so much of church life, and explore the spiritual practices of silence, solitude, and stillness. These all help to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, with others and with ourselves.

This book explores Christian contemplation by following the remarkable journey of Elijah, from attention seeking self-appointed leader to reflective and deep-rooted contemplative.

It examines what we can learn from this story, and how we can incorporate such spiritual disciplines into our own lives.

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In this month of St Valentine we bring you

The Rules of Marriage – real life answers from children

How can a stranger tell if two people are married?

What do most people do on a date?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Lynnette, age 8

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.

– Derrick, age 8

And the #1 Favourite is……..

What do you think your Mum and Dad have in common?

Both don’t want any more kids.

– Lori, age 8

How would you make a marriage work?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a lorry. – Ricky, age 10

Church Leaders’ 2024 New Year Message

In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, the late Nelson Mandela wrote: ‘No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.’

If we, as Church Leaders in Ireland, along with our predecessors, were to write a book, it might have a title similar to the one referenced above. We would though probably change the word ‘Freedom’ to ‘Peace’. It has been a ‘Long Walk to Peace’ in this island and between its peoples. During 2023 we reflected on the twenty–five years which have passed since the signing of the Belfast/Good

Friday Agreement. It has been a long walk, which on occasion picked up pace, at other times was reduced to a crawl, and is still ongoing. Since the signing of the Agreement in 1998 a whole generation has now come and gone and much has changed in our world on a global scale as well as at a local level but very few people living in these islands would want to return to the past. We therefore need to stay clearly focused on the future, with a renewed commitment to the process of building relationships of mutual respect and trust. Although we have travelled a long way, there is still some distance to go in our journey to peace and much work remains to be done.

As we acknowledged in our St Patrick’s Day Statement back in 2021, as Christian churches we have often been captive churches; not captive to the Word of God, but to the idols of state and nation.

The shackles of our troubled and difficult past have restrained and hindered us.

Relationships have been damaged.Yet we also need to appreciate that healing takes time. Nelson Mandela was right in his observation that people are not born hating others, it is something which they learn. We need therefore to ensure that we teach our children to love, respect and care for one another so that they

learn that love is stronger than hate, good overcomes evil and light scatters the darkness.

We enter a new year in which war, violence and conflict now overshadow so many parts of our world. With our experiences here in this land, may we encourage and support others to take those first steps down the road to peace, to walk in the way of reconciliation, to seek to heal and not hurt.

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s life and ministry were based on faith, hope and love. As we try to faithfully follow in the steps of the Master, seeking to love God and our neighbour, may the words of St Paul encourage us to work more closely together for a better future: ‘So then let us pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another’ (Romans 14:19). Let us therefore continue to build relationships, break down barriers, and work for a sustainable and lasting peace and as ambassadors of Christ’s message of reconciliation may we model a better way of living and loving now and in the years to come.

May you know God’s blessing and peace throughout 2024.

Most Rev Eamon Martin Most Rev John McDowell Rt Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney

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With Lent in mind…

Celebrating Holy Baptism

Still water and still religion freeze the quickest. – Anon

14TH JANUARY LARA

Some Christians are not only like salt that has lost its savour, but like pepper that has lost its pep. – Albert George Butzer Christianity is the total commitment of all I know of me to all I know of Jesus Christ. – William Temple Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. – E H Chapin It is dangerously possible for activity to be no more than a dizzy whirl around a central emptiness. – Anon God would not rub so hard, were it not to fetch out the dirt and spots that be in his people. – Thomas Brooks God denies a Christian nothing but with a design to give him something better.

– Richard Cecil It is not great talents that God blesses, so much as great likeness to Jesus.

– Robert Murray M’Cheyne I am so busy at this present time I cannot do with less than four hours each day in the presence of God. – Martin Luther Great eagles fly alone; great lions hunt alone; great souls walk alone – alone with God. – Leonard Ravenhill No man ever said, at the end of his days, ‘I have read my Bible too much, I have thought of God too much, I have prayed too much, I have been too careful with my soul.’ – J C Ryle A guilty conscience is a hell on earth, and points to one beyond. – Anon Nature forms us; sin deforms us; school informs us; Christ transforms us. – Anon

Daughter of Claire Wylie and Robert Adrain

That faith which is never assaulted with doubting is but a fancy. Assuredly that assurance which is ever secure is but a dream. – Robert Bolton Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. – Anon Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbour as yourself. – Jesus Christ The heart of man is like a creeping plant, which withers unless it has something around which it can entwine. – Charles James Apperley

FLOWERS IN CHURCH Flower List for February 4th 11th 18th 25th

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Mrs N McCoy Mrs K Cathcart Mrs J Clarke

21ST JANUARY SOPHIA ERICA

Thank you to all who contribute flowers.

If you would like to gift flowers for a Sunday please contact the Parish Office.

Like other aspects of life today costs are spiralling and the cost of buying flowers is no different - £20.00 has been the usual donation and this is still be acceptable but if it is at all possible, and only if you can afford it, a higher donation would be appreciated.

Contact me at the church office from 10-12 noon on a Wednesday on 91853810 - if you would like to ask any questions or would like to give flowers to church in memory of a loved one.

Many thanks.

Nanette McCoy

Daughter of Jessica Smyth-Rice and Michael Brown

CHRISTIAN BURIALS

LESSON READERS FEBRUARY 2024

KAYE MCIVOR

Morning 10am

Evening 6.30pm

4 February

Mechthild Baxter

Maureen Jenkins

9TH NOVEMBER 2023

11 February

Rosemary Anderson Sam Anderson

Derick McCambley

Our sympathy to Mark, Neill and family.

18 February

David Openshaw

Linda Ballentine

25 February

Joan Farrell

Steve Garland

3 March

Derrick Conn

Susan Cathcart

Formerly of Carnalea Avenue

The Register of Vestrymen and Women The electoral roll of the church is now open for review through February. A formal review meeting will be held on Sunday 25th February 2024 when the register will be formally closed.

BAPTISMS

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

This is the electoral roll of the church. It allows parishioners to vote when it comes to the Annual Easter Vestry. If you would like to add your name to the register ask for a Form of Declaration. You need to fill that out and return it for your name to be added.

Forms available from the Church Wardens or the Hon. Secretary.

SAFEGUARDING AND ST GALL’S

23RD DECEMBER FINLEY ADAM Son of Adam and Eve Berry

23RD DECEMBER ALEXANDER JOHN Son of Michael and Victoria Patterson

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:

23RD DECEMBER OLIVIA EVE

Safeguarding Trust Panel for St Gall’s.

Daughter of Michael and Victoria Patterson

Michael Parker 02891 853 366

Gary Ballentine 028 91456818

Julie Gillespie 028 91450589

Michael Dunn 028 91453036

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ALAN SPENCE INTERIORS & GIFTS 8 LOWRY HILL, BANGOR, CO DOWN, BT19 1BX TEL: 07737366562 www.windyridgeinteriorsandgifts.com

Painter and Decorator

Fabrics Wallpaper Colour Schemes Curtains Carpets Cushions Blinds

BELFAST

Tracks & Poles

Stationery Homeware Pottery Candles Skincare Jewellery Accessories Baby Gifts

Tel: (028) 9022 8414

johnstonflorists@gmail.com

02891-464-666 / 02891-459-617 www.johnstonflorists.co.uk 5 Market Street | Bangor. Co.Down. | BT20 4SP

To book a pamper or if you would like to view the collection contact Mel TEL: 07817696085 E: melwalker01@btinternet.com www.tropicskincare.com/melwalker Free 1-2-1 Skincare & Makeup Consultation

Miles ahead!

Tobermore Paving & Walling

14

MY BUSINESS ADVERTISMENT

MY BUSINESS ADVERTISMENT

Would you like to advertise here?

Contact Lyn on 028 91853810 MY BUSINESS ADVERTISMENT

14

MY BUSINESS ADVERTISMENT

Would you like to advertise here?

Contact Lyn on 028 91853810 Walkers Seeds and Paints.

Tel: 028 9181 3971

E: seedsandpaints@btconnect.com

www.walkersseeds.co.uk

15

WHO’S WHO Rector: Canon Michael Parker, Tel: 9185 3366 carnalea@down.anglican.org

SELECT VESTRY

Rectors Churchwarden: Tanya Blamphin Rector’s Glebewarden: Hon. Secretary: William Tennis: 9146 6950

Steve Garland People’s Churchwarden: sTeve People’s Glebewarden: Bertie Thompson Hon.Treasurers: Noel McKeown 9146 6192

Gary Ballentine Janis Dunn Claire Farmer Pauline Smyth Christine Grey Mervyn Henry Chris Houston James Hanna Nanette McCoy Jim Noble

Parish Reader: Nanette McCoy 9145 9756 Diocesan Lay Reader: Doreen Tennis 9146 6950 Director of Music: Children and youth worker: Parish Administrator: 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 Monday

CONTACT INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED Friday

Rainbow Guides

6:30pm

12thbangorrainbows@gmail.com

Cubs (8-10 years old)

6.15pm

Emma Orr..................07564 348135

Brownies

6.30 pm

Jennifer Leonard..........07855 684075

Scouts (10-14 years)

7.30pm

Jack Denvir.................07994 510620

Afternoon Group

2.00pm

Ruth Garland...................9146 8891 Elizabeth Pollock.............9146 8472

Group Scouts Leader

Simon Brown.....GSL - 9th Bangor

gsl9thbangor@countydownscouts.org.uk

(4-6 yeats old)

(7-10 years old) (1st Monday of month)

Sunday

Tuesday Ladies Bowls

2.00pm

Bridge Club

10.00am

Nanette McCoy ...............9145 9756

(1st & 3rd weeks)

10 a.m12 noon

Pauline Smyth.............07973 934781

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

(3rd Wednesday of the month)

Sequence Dance Workshop

16

Sunday Club

10.00am

Christopher Ballentine...07572 384479

5.30pm

Helen Williams..................9146 2175

(During morning worship)

Prayer Focus Group

Wednesday

10.30am

Follow us on

Sunday Services

facebook.com/CarnaleaBangor

8.30am 7.00pm 7.00pm

Gary Ballentine .........91456818 12th.bangor@gmail.com

Friday Sequence Dance Class

Canon Michael Parker.......9185 3366

Holy Communion

Thursday Indoor Bowls Guides

8.30am & 10.00am

(1st Sunday of month)

Wednesday Coffee Morning

Morning Worship Practice

10.00am 6.30pm

Bobby & Phyllis Magill...9127 1578

Eucharist on

7.30-10pm Bobby & Phyllis Magill....9127 1578

Wednesday at 10.30am

2-3.30pm

twitter.com/StGallsChurch

St Gall’s Church Bangor Co. Down

Catch up with us online at

www.carnalea.down.anglican.org