February 2014

The Columban st. columba’s church, knock

february 2014

The latest parish news, events and notices

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Parishioner, APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST/CHORAL DIRECTOR The Select Vestry have appointed Dr. Joe McKee to the position of Organist/Choral Director in St. Columba’s. Dr. McKee has been a parishioner of our parish for many years and has played the organ at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on occasions in the past.

He has considerable professional qualifications and extensive experience of working with choirs in different settings. Early in his career he was Head of Music at the Royal School Armagh, followed by a period as a Radio Producer with BBC Northern Ireland. He was Director of Music at Methodist College for 11 years after which he moved to become Head of Music Service with the Belfast Education and Library Board. More recently, he served as Acting Organist and Director of Music at Armagh Cathedral. Dr. McKee was awarded the OBE in 2007 for Services to Music and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Guild of Church Musicians in 2013. He lives on the Sandown Road with his wife, Yvonne, and a new German Shepherd pup called Psalm. His adult daughters, Clare and Christine, are both keen musicians.

St. Columba’s has a long established liturgical tradition which is greatly appreciated by parishioners and visitors alike. Music is an important part of our worship and through the hard work of our choir we benefit from a rich diversity of hymns, psalms, chants, anthems and communion motets. It is important that we maintain and develop this aspect of our worship as we prepare to welcome our new Organist/Choral Director.

In addition to his musical qualifications and experience, Dr. McKee brings a deep understanding of liturgy to his new position which he will commence on Saturday, 1st March. It would be a source of great encouragement if you could personally welcome him by attending the All Age Worship service on Sunday, 2nd March.

I am looking forward to working with Dr. McKee and to exploring further ways of developing the role of music in our services in the years ahead.

GERALD HILL In the November Columban, I made reference to the outstanding contribution that Gerald Hill has made to St. Columba’s throughout the past 27 years. It has been a great privilege for me to have shared ministry with him since my arrival in the parish. Gerald will become Organist Emeritus in recognition of his faithful and loyal service to the parish following his resignation at the end of the month. While Gerald, Glenys, Emma and Richard will be remaining as parishioners, Gerald will be frequently worshipping in other churches as he provides cover for his Organist colleagues. My predecessor, Archdeacon McCamley, who worked with Gerald for over 20 years will be preaching on Sunday, 9th February, and Dean Victor Stacey, a personal friend of Gerald’s and also a former Curate, will be preaching on Sunday 23rd, February. We will have an opportunity to express our gratitude to Gerald in a tangible way at the Annual Easter General Vestry meeting.

Yours in His service,

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SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Sunday 2nd 8.15am

10.30am

7.00pm

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (White) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller Hebrews 2: 14-18 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 2: 22-40 All Age Worship followed by refreshments Reader Henry Auchmuty Luke 2: 22-40 Choral Evensong Reader Anella Gallen Reader Anella Gallen Occasional Prayers Jennifer Johnston

Exodus 13: 1-16 Romans 12: 1-5

Thursday 6th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 9th 8.15am

10.30am

7.00pm

The Fourth Sunday before Lent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 5: 13-20 Holy Communion Reader Ian Noad 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16 Gospel Clergy Matthew 5: 13-20 Preacher: Archdeacon Gregor McCamley Intercessions Gina Greeves Late Evening Office Reader Victor Ryan Mark 1: 29-39

(Green) Thursday 13th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 16th 8.15am

9.30am

10.30am

7.00pm

The Third Sunday before Lent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9 Gospel Clergy Matthew 5: 21-37 Family Communion Gospel Clergy Matthew 5: 21-37 Morning Prayer Reader Reader Occasional Prayers Holy Communion Reader Gospel

Eileen Gibson David Beattie Clergy

Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 Matthew 5: 21-37

Billy McAlpine Clergy

Ephesians 4: 17-32 Mark 1: 40-45

(Green) Thursday 20th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry 3

Sunday 23rd 8.15am

10.30am

7.00pm

The Second Sunday before Lent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Patrick Wilson Romans 8: 18-25 Gospel Clergy Matthew 6: 25-34 Holy Communion Reader Brian Gillespie Romans 8: 18-25 Gospel Karen McAlpine Matthew 6: 25-34 Preacher: The Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin, The Very Revd Victor Stacey Intercessions Helen Donaghy Evening Prayer Reader Noel Higginson Proverbs 8: 1, 22-31 Reader Jennifer Johnston Luke 12: 16-31 Occasional Prayers Karen McAlpine

(Green) Thursday 27th 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (9065 5500).

The readings are from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:

www.coiknock.org

PARISH PRAYER God, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711

February SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 2nd..................................................Andrew and Jonathan Kelly Sunday 9th...................................................Jill and Brian Gillespie Sunday 16th.................................................Kathleen and Alex Acheson Sunday 23rd.................................................Irene Gray and Margaret McConkey 4

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday, 2nd February

10.30am All Age Worship

Sunday, 9th February

10.30am Sunday School

Sunday, 16th February

9.30am Family Communion

Sunday, 23rd February

10.30am Sunday School

Our Christmas party took place on Saturday, 7th December, and was a great success! The Crèche, Mums & Tots and junior Sunday school class had enormous fun in the downstairs hall watching DVD’s and playing with toys, while upstairs the games from the diocesan office were a huge success. In addition, the games played with the parachute kindly lent to us by Joyce Stevenson proved a super hit! Food came next, kindly supplied by the Young Families group and several members of the congregation. Very little was left over at the end of the afternoon! But the highlight of the day was the visit from Santa. Loaded up with presents for everyone, he brought with him the words of Rudolf which he asked us to sing for him before he gave everyone their Christmas gift. A tired but happy group of children left the hall at the end of yet another successful event.

Sunday, 12th January, saw everyone back at Sunday School. Brilliant attendances were recorded in the junior classes with some new faces, but we would like to see the children from the downstairs classes return after the break as well! At the beginning of February we start our new books with lots of new activities.

Beth Cairnduff

CLERGY PARISH VISITING It is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit, please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during February: Rector Green Road Greenwood Park Hanwood Avenue Hawthorne House Holland Drive Holland Gardens

Assistant Priest Holland Park Isoline Street Kensington Drive Kensington Gardens Kincora Avenue Kinedar Crescent 5

THE GENERAL REGISTER OF VESTRY MEMBERS In accordance with Down and Dromore Diocesan Regulations, the Register of Vestry Members is now open for review and available to parishioners for inspection.

If your name is not already on the Register and you wish it to be included, you must: •

be over 18 years of age;

•

be a recognised contributor to church funds; and

•

sign a Form of Declaration, which is available on request from the Rector or the Churchwardens.

Forms must be returned no later than 12 Noon, Tuesday 25th February 2014 All completed Forms of Declaration will be considered by the Select Vestry at its Register Review Meeting on 25th February 2014.

ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEE Many thanks to everyone who supported The Salvation Army at our tea and coffee last month when we raised just under £70. This month I hope to see you after the All Age Worship service on Sunday, 2nd February, when we shall be supporting Diabetes UK/NI. In Northern Ireland alone there are over 80,000 people living with diabetes, so please come along and support a very worthwhile local cause.

Roberta

AFTERNOON GROUP On Monday, 9th December, the Afternoon Group set off on their Christmas outing.

The coach arrived at the church promptly at 10.45am. On arrival at Dobbies, we were provided with tea, coffee and Christmas shortbread. A trip to the enchanted forest was followed by an enjoyable shopping spree!

We then continued to Hillsborough Presbyterian church where we were greeted by a very enthusiastic team of ladies. The sun beamed into the lunch room as we were joined by the Minister, John Davey, who was previously the Assistant Minister at Belmont Presbyterian. We were provided with a super home cooked lunch, a variety of scrumptious desserts, tea or coffee and shortbread.

Xmas presents were exchanged and after a tour of the new church halls we boarded the coach for the journey home. The girls in the back row led the Xmas singing!

My thanks to everyone who helped to make it a great day out.

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Joy Montgomery

ST. COLUMBA’S CRAFT AND HOBBY CIRCLE We continue to meet in the Choir Vestry on Monday mornings from 10.30am for a cuppa and chat while we continue with our individual crafts and hobbies. Our group has not increased at all since we changed our venue but those who come enjoy their time together. On Monday, 17th February, we plan to have a card making morning and you are more than welcome to come along and have a go. On Monday, 17th March, we will have a flower arranging morning when Eleanor will show us how to make the most from a bunch of flowers! We look forward to meeting you during the spring session of our group.

Carol (9079 9997/07831 345560 or email: pchwillis@hotmail.co.uk )

MU ACTIVITY GROUP On Tuesday, 17th December, on a lovely mild winter evening, twelve members of our group arrived at Neill’s Hill Restaurant for our Christmas Dinner. Everyone was there in their ‘best to impress outfits’ and the atmosphere all around us was warm and friendly.

The craic was really good while choosing our food and we were delighted with the menu that had been specially put together for us.

All too soon it was time to go home. As we left the restaurant, we were happy and smiling as it had been such a lovely evening.

Maureen

PARISH LENTEN LUNCH Our annual Parish Lenten Lunch will follow Morning service on Sunday, 9th March. Our soup lunches are always very popular and tickets will be available during February, so pop it in your diary now and bring the family along for a nice lunch and at the same time support the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.

Roberta

LADIES BOWLING After the Christmas break we’re back into our Monday afternoon bowling with renewed Enthusiasm, Energy and Effort – to match the three “C’s” of bowling – Concentration, Confidence and Consistency!

We are looking forward to our match with Knock Presbyterian at home this year.

Also our Club competitions – singles and pairs – which will round off the season.

Phyllis Newton 7

BEATITUDES RESTART Due to some problems in 2013 (such as the conductor getting married, then moving house!) the choir has not been undertaking any regular practices. As we are now into the New Year it is our intention to restart the choir. I am planning a “recruitment evening” on Sunday, 9th February, in the church hall starting at 8.15pm after Evening service.

To remind you of who and what we are, let me explain. Beatitudes came into being back in 1992 with a group of people who just wanted to sing in a particular style mainly, but not exclusively, sacred music. We are non-denominational and one of our main objectives is to help churches where there is little or no choral music, and we do not charge for our services. This has led to our singing in churches mainly around Belfast and North Down, but also as far away as Enniskillen on a number of occasions. An ability to read music is not essential but we do ask for a commitment to attending as many practices as possible. Beatitudes are not in competition with our own parish choir and most of our past members have belonged to their own parish/church choirs.

So if you would like to pick up the challenge, why not come along on Sunday, 9th February? Or if you cannot come on that evening, why not call me, David Beattie, on 9028 5868 and tell me of your interest.

BROWNIE NOTES

We are delighted that the older Brownies have returned to us after last year’s grammar school entrance examinations. The paper chains which we made for the children’s Christmas party were admired by everyone. We did not realise how long the walls of the hall really were and how many bits of coloured paper needed to be stuck together! Thanks to Roberta McKeown who kindly supplied the pattern for the candy cane mice. Our Brownies went home for Christmas with one they had made for each of their Mums and, by all accounts, these were very well received.

Our Big Birthday Year - 2014 - has just started and we will be going to our first major event on Friday, 31st January, when we are off for a weekend of fun and laughter at Lorne, Craigavad, along with Brownies from all over Northern Ireland. As well as that we have begun working on our Nature at Home badge and also taking part in activities to complete our Big Brownie Birthday Challenge badge.

This will be a very busy year for us all so if anyone else would like to come along and join in the fun, please give us a try on Fridays at 6.30pm!

Beth Cairnduff 8

On the evening of Tuesday, 3rd December, 41 MU members visited Willowfield Parish for a two course supper followed by the opening of their Christmas Tree Festival by Archbishop Richard Clarke. The church was transformed by 62 decorated, lit Christmas trees and enhanced by Christmas music from the City of Belfast School of Music. With marketplace stalls to browse as well, we enjoyed a lovely evening to begin Advent.

On the Tuesday, 7th January, we opened the New Year on a healthy note with Joyce putting us through our paces with “dance”, parachute games and a curling tournament! Great fun was had by everyone and our thanks go to Joyce.

Next month on Monday, 3rd February, at 7.30pm we are invited to Willowfield to hear Judith Gillespie, Deputy Chief Constable, speak on combining family life with a police career. We will meet at Willowfield but if anyone needs a lift, please ring Yvonne.

On Tuesday, 4th February, we will welcome Bob Killen to our meeting with Art for Beginners! We hope as many as possible will be there.

Mothers’ Union Annual General Meeting is taking place in Belfast this year. If any member would like to attend the Eve of Meeting Service in St. Anne’s Cathedral on Friday, 20th June, at 7.30pm (no charge) or the AGM in the Waterfront Hall on Saturday, 21st June, from 10.30 am to 3.30pm (ticket £8.50), please contact our Area Secretary, Irene Gray, on 9065 3438 before Sunday, 2nd February, to enable her to book places.

Yvonne

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FELLOWSHIP, FINGERS AND FUN! Well, that’s what we enjoy at the increasingly popular mid-week service of Holy Communion followed by tea or coffee and bickies in the Choir Vestry.

Here we have Cyril Thompson presenting the Rector with an extra large box of chocolate fingers and John gladly accepting the gift with his usual thanks and joy at anything covered in chocolate...

All are very welcome at 10.30 on a Thursday morning - no hymns, no sermon for those to whom this might make a difference!

Doreen Thompson

Ladies Guild Notes Dear Ladies, Hope you are all keeping warm and well during these cold, damp days. We are looking forward to our meeting on Wednesday, 19th February, at 7.45pm when we are having Norman Weatherall to speak to us on The Old Shops of Belfast, a subject which will appeal to those of us who remember the style and grandeur of the old departmental stores and beyond!

On Wednesday, 5th March, we hope to meet and sit together for the Ash Wednesday service at 7.30pm. I also want to tell you about our very special fund raising event which we have organised for Wednesday, 19th March. This is for our parish and invited groups from the Belmont Council of Churches and will take place in St. Columba’s with a supper afterwards. Dr Marion Gibson is coming to speak on Expect the Unexpected which will be very entertaining and amusing as Marion has had a distinguished career in nursing and social work, and is an accomplished public speaker.

Wishing everyone a very happy New Year!

Lilias Smyth (Hon. Sec.)

PAUSE

Pause was well supported in January at Neill’s Hill. I think everyone had returned to ‘porridge’ after the excitement of Christmas and the New Year! If you are free, do come and join us when we ‘pause’ for lunch and a chat on: Thursday, 13th F ebruary – Hillmount Garden Centre – 12.30pm.

Everyone is welcome – come on your own or bring a friend – we would love to see you!

If you require further details or transport, please get in touch with me.

Eileen (9020 3684) 10

CANON KEN’S GREAT RAILWAY CHALLENGE TRAINED AND RETIRED We are very grateful to Canon Ken who turned his passion for trains into a fundraising initiative for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.

Parishioners were asked to calculate the total number of miles he travelled on his railway journeys across all Ireland last summer, at £1 a go. Many took up the challenge, some googled, others used maps or apps but the majority just scratched their heads and guessed!

The grand total of railway miles actually travelled was 3405 and the winner was Liz McCaughey who was only one mile short (3404)! The under 16 winner was Belinda Acheson, granddaughter of parishioners Alex and Kathleen Acheson.

Canon Ken kindly presented prizes to the winners on Sunday, 1st December, at the Parish Advent Zambia Lunch. A grand total of £152 was raised for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. Our thanks go to Canon Ken and all who participated!

Moranne Noad

CASH FOR CLOBBER Cash for Clobber will be back in the Church Car Park on Saturday, 5th April, at 10.30am to 11.30am to raise funds for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. So have a good clear out of all those crammed wardrobes and cupboards, and fill a bin bag or two!

Yellow bin bags will be available in March at the back of church.

Remember, the heavier the better as all the bags are weighed.

If you need to have any of your bags collected, please let me know and I will collect at a time that suits you.

Roberta (9065 6183)

This time, we are able to take only the following: Clothes Shoes Handbags Belts

CONGRATULATIONS! Parishioners will want to extend their warmest congratulations to Geoff and Eleanor Launchbury on their receipt of Silver and Bronze awards from The Mission to Seafarers HQ in London for their outstanding voluntary service over the past 30 years (see page 18).

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CHICKEN RULES One day a new chicken was introduced to the farm. The duck, who was in charge, showed the chicken around.

“This is where you go to get fed, this is the water trough and that is the coop. Chickens hang out near the fence, us ducks near the pond and the geese near the gate.

We’re pretty friendly but we keep to our own. Oh, but whatever you do, do not cross that road. You’ll never hear the end of it.”

CHRISTMAS GIFTS On Boxing Day, Charles and Henry Auchmuty accompanied the Rector to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice to deliver all the gifts which the children had brought to St. Columba’s on Christmas Day. They are photographed with Staff Nurse, Ciara Barry, at the Children’s Hospice with all the gifts. She was delighted to receive them and was very grateful to St. Columba’s for such support and generosity. The gifts provided enormous pleasure to the patients.

The Columban st. columba’s church, knock

february 2014

New Year – New Photographic Resolution!

Readers will notice a change to the February Columban cover, reflecting a theme of seasonal photographs.

The latest parish news, events and notices

Any parishioners who would care to submit a high resolution photograph of their own will be most welcome to send it to the editor for consideration on the front cover of a future edition.

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MEN’S CLUB NOTES

Our new year commenced on Monday, 6th January, with an unexpectedly good turn out of 11 members. We were able to get the Club competitions under way with the first round in the Paul Stewart Cup being played.

A topic of discussion on the night was the successful November meeting when 20 people attended the talk given by Professor Shaw of QUB on the subject of research into alternative treatments for cancer. Of particular interest were the details of the research using a serum obtained from a breed of Chinese frog. The serum can be extracted without harm to the frog and is proving a viable alternative to the widely used pharmaceutical remedies.

In December, we held our usual Christmas competition night with prizes for all, followed by a delicious supper for which thanks are due to Roberta Rogers.

It is hoped that we will have another speaker on a topic of interest during March, details of which will appear in The Columban, Pew News and on the website.

Our next Inter Church matches will be on Monday, 3rd February, at Knock Methodist Church and on Monday, 24th February, against St. Colmcille’s. Results will appear in the March parish magazine.

I know some of our members have been unlucky enough to contract the current ‘flu like illness. I wish them a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them back with us very soon. It is still not too late for parishioners to come and join our Club for the remainder of the season - we would be delighted to see you!

Geoff Launchbury

Our Youth Etc members enjoyed the parish Christmas party in the church hall at the beginning of December. It was good to see so many members present participating in the activities and fun. In January, we had a very informative visit to Titanic Belfast and everyone enjoyed themselves. I am very grateful to the Operations Director of Titanic Belfast, parishioner Judith Owens, for organising our visit and for all her advice and support.

Youth Etc is for parishioners and friends aged between 11 and 16 years. There are now over 20 members which is extremely encouraging. We organise a different activity each month and details of our February outing will be included in the church Pew News sheet.

As we begin 2014, new members will be very welcome! Please contact me for further information.

The Rector 13

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PARISH Thank you very much for your financial support in 2013. We are still collating the final figures for the annual report and total contributions given by the parish will be published in the March Columban.

Josephine Kelly (Hon. Treasurer) Ronny Martin (Asst. Hon. Treasurer)

PARISH ADVENT LUNCH FOR ZAMBIA This event represented a great opportunity for parishioners to commence the seasonal celebrations! It was lovely to see the church hall packed after Morning service on Sunday, 1st December, for the Advent lunch which was organised to raise funds for the Zambia school project.

Following a delicious lunch of stew and mince pies, Jenny Smyth, from Christian Missionary Society (CMS), provided an update on the progress of the construction project and outlined CMS’s preparations to celebrate its 200 year anniversary in 2014.

Archbishop Chama has since reported that building work on St.Michael’s Primary School started in earnest in late October, following recruitment of the construction team. The foundations for the first classroom have been laid and work is expected to commence on the foundations for the second classroom early in the New Year. Local fund raising is in progress through contributions from church membership and project team members have pledged to contribute bags of cement.

The project, however, continues to represent a major challenge – retention of labour is difficult due to other major projects in the area and fund raising is slow. It was, therefore, particularly encouraging that the Advent lunch raised the magnificent sum of just over £1,000, including Gift Aid. The generosity of St. Columba’s is greatly appreciated by our friends in Zambia and is a great source of inspiration.

Thank you so much to all those who attended the lunch.

The Zambia team would also like to express their sincere thanks to all those who worked so hard to support this event – arranging tables, making stew and mince pies, serving lunch and washing up afterwards. We look forward to your continuing support for this important project during 2014.

Happy New Year from all our friends in Zambia!

Jayne Martin 14

Photographs kindly supplied by Brian Gillespie & Alan Boyd

CALLING ALL MODEL RAILWAY ENTHUSIASTS! I have quite a stock of model railway material such as engines, rolling stock, buildings, railway lines and lots of material for hills, fields, trees etc., as well as many un-built model railway kits. Most of my material is for ‘OO’ gauge but there is also some ‘OOO’ gauge material, again including engines, rolling stock, lines etc.

Are there any parishioners out there who would be interested in joining me, David Beattie, in using this material to build/run a St. Columba’s model railway layout? If so, I can be contacted at 9028 5868…look forward to hearing from you!

David

THE CHURCH of IRELAND GAZETTE INTERESTED? First published in March 1856 as a monthly journal under the title The Irish Ecclesiastical Gazette, the Gazette became weekly in 1880. Its name was changed to The Church of Ireland Gazette in 1900. The newspaper is editorially independent of the Church of Ireland and the views expressed in it, including editorial comment, do not necessarily reflect official Church of Ireland policy.

Our Rector is Chairman of the Board of the Church of Ireland Press Ltd., owners of the Gazette. Parishioner Patrick Good currently serves as Honorary Secretary to the Board and Robert Ferris, our former Curate, is Assistant Editor Online.

For an annual subscription of £37.50, the Gazette provides a valuable weekly source of news and commentary upon the affairs of the wider Church of Ireland. The ePaper is £30 per year. Should you wish to sample the Gazette, a number of spare copies are available at the back of the church at 75p each.

Anyone wishing to subscribe can either speak to me in church or contact me on 9079 3704 or email: noadfamily@hotmail.com Moranne Noad 16

PART OF THE PARISH – BELFAST EAST ROTARY CLUB

The Rector with parishioners Billy Geary, David Gibson and Jack Dunlop at the Stormont Hotel. Billy and David are Past Presidents and Paul Harris Fellows, and Jack is this year’s President.

In his lively Christmas and New Year address to the Rotary Club of East Belfast at their December Christmas Lunch, the Rector congratulated members on the outstanding work they have undertaken through service and fundraising, both locally and internationally, for almost 50 years and challenged them to continue to show a lead in East Belfast. The occasion was also marked by the presentation of a Sapphire Paul Harris Award to Past President and Paul Harris Fellow, David Gibson, for his continuing and active support of the ideals of Rotary within his Club.

For over 15 years, Belfast East Rotary Club has been the lead Rotary Club in Ireland to sponsor and promote the Rotary Charity Car Ballot, raising in excess of £500,000 in Northern Ireland and enabling the Club to make very substantial donations, amongst others, to Marie Curie, the Children’s Hospice and specialist Ulster Hospital services.

Belfast East Rotary Club are always looking for new members who would enjoy the fellowship, fun, challenge and commitment of making a real difference within the community and throughout the world. Even if such a commitment is not for you right now, what about encouraging like-minded friends, sons or daughters to contact Rotary and find out? Speak to parishioners Billy Geary, Jack Dunlop or David Gibson, or e-mail Liz Doherty at ldoherty@btinternet.com.

David Gibson, Past President 17

THE FINAL JUDGEMENT

THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS Christmas Appeal I wish to thank most sincerely all those who contributed so generously to my appeal for toiletry items which were used in this year’s Christmas parcels for seafarers. The parcels were prepared by volunteers and 220 were distributed in Belfast, Lisahally and Londonderry during the two weeks before Christmas. All were most gratefully received and appreciated. One captain who came to the Centre on one of my evenings was most anxious to convey his thanks for the generosity shown to him and his crew. He told me that when they are at sea for a long time they can feel forgotten and alone, and to receive a gift when they arrive in port, particularly at this time of year, is a wonderful boost to morale.

This year, unusually, there were a number of ships in Belfast Port over the holiday period and this was reflected in the numbers coming to the Centre. We welcomed 227 seafarers between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, 25 on Christmas Day and 38 on Boxing Day alone. Geoff and I were there on Boxing Day evening and were glad to have some of our family there to help us. It was a busy evening!

An appeal was launched at the Centre for the Philippines Disaster Fund which raised in excess of £5000 from benefactors and visitors to the Centre during December.

The money will be used as required on the ground in consultation with ISWAN (International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network).

Finally, the New Year has got off to a positive start with news that following meetings and consultation the Mission will soon have a permanent presence at Warrenpoint Port. A significant number of ships use the port and it is felt important that the crews should have access to help and advice, if needed. There will also be a facility to purchase phone top-ups etc. In addition, the formation of a joint approach covering all ports, North and South, remains under discussion and hopefully will be realised during this year. The Chaplain, the Revd Colin Hall-Thompson, thanks the congregation of St. Columba’s for their help and support and asks that you continue to pray for the success of the new initiatives.

On a personal note, Geoff and I were surprised and honoured to receive recently from MTS HQ in London a Silver and Bronze badge respectively in recognition of our voluntary service over the years. Geoff has been associated with MTS for almost 30 years now and we both hope to continue our involvement for some years to come.

Eleanor Launchbury 18

PARISH MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION Following the successful re-launch of the parish website at the end of the summer, a number of parishioners have commented on how easy it is to access The Columban parish magazine on the parish website at www.coiknock.org and have indicated that they no longer require the parish magazine to be delivered.

We want to ensure that the parish website achieves its full potential and we would encourage all parishioners to consider whether they require hand delivery of the parish magazine. We realise that some parishioners will wish to continue to receive a hard copy of the parish magazine – because they do not have access to the internet, are not comfortable using the internet or simply prefer having a hard copy to read.

We are committed to providing a delivery service, where required, and we will also ensure that extra copies of the parish magazine are available for collection at the back of church each month.

We will continue to deliver the February and March editions of the parish magazine to all parishioners as usual, but thereafter distribution will only be made to those parishioners who specifically request a home delivery.

If you would like to continue having a copy of the parish magazine delivered to your home each month, please contact our Parish Administrator, Karen Patterson, on 9065 6891 or e-mail office.knock@down.anglican.org during February.

Alternatively, simply complete your details on the form below and post it in the Churchwardens’ box at the back of church during February.

Many thanks, Ronny Martin, Magazine Distribution Co-ordinator

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ADDRESS .................................................................................................

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WHAT EXACTLY IS AN AREA DEAN? An Area Dean is a Rector of a parish who has been given additional responsibilities by the Bishop. Our own Rector, in addition to his ministry in St. Columba’s, is the Area Dean of Lagan which consists of the following parishes in our local area: Ballynafeigh, Belvoir and Moneyreagh, Cregagh, Gilnahirk, Knockbreda, Mount Merrion, Orangefield, St. Clement’s, St. Donard’s, Stormont, Willowfield and St. Columba’s.

The Area Dean chairs the meetings of the Clergy in the local deanery when they come together for their monthly meetings which take place throughout the academic year in the parishes within the deanery. The duties of an Area Dean are discharged by a Rector as a temporary addition to his or her current responsibilities.

As an officer of the Bishop, the Area Dean’s key roles include looking after parishes that are vacant, ensuring everything keeps going throughout that period which is normally between six and nine months. This specifically involves chairing the Select Vestry meetings in those vacant parishes. The Area Dean does not conduct Sunday services in vacant parishes as his first responsibility is to his own parish. In addition, the Area Dean would be present for the Quinquennial Inspection of church buildings and the annual inspection of Rectories. This is to ensure that church fabric and the general welfare of the parishes are kept in good order.

It’s not all about administration - being the Rector of a parish is not always as quiet and calm as you might think! Clergy can be affected by pressure just like anyone else and Area Deans provide support to the Clergy in their deanery as well as for the parishes. They also ensure that communication between the parishes and the Bishop is effective.

The Bishop of Down and Dromore meets with his Area Deans on a few occasions each year. This is an opportunity for each of the Area Deans to share news and developments within their individual deanery and also for the Bishop to discuss new diocesan initiatives. The Area Deans then pass this information on to the Clergy at their deanery meetings.

PAPER PROPERTY Morris Schwartz is on his deathbed and knows the end is near, with his nurse, his wife, daughter, and two sons, so he says to them: “Bernie, I want you to take the Beverly Hills houses. Sybil, take the apartments over in Los Angeles Plaza. Hymie, I want you to take the offices over in the city centre. Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings downtown.”

The nurse is just astounded by all this and as Morris slips away she says: “Mrs. Schwartz, your husband must have been such a hard working man to have accumulated all this property.” Sarah replies, “Property? ... the schmuck has a paper run!”

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ON WHY IT IS SO HARD TO READ

(Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren) The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren

ings someone should review a book Your suggestion that every month at clergy meet d to be greeted with uneasy resistance. of theology they have been reading was boun to start opening books, rather than just It would mean that the majority would have s does not necessarily imply that they occasionally dusting them. Possessing book are ever read.

Racing News, low church members the Your high church colleagues will only read the those with tendencies towards nonRailway Review, liberals the Knitting Weekly and es may be lined with books but they conformism, the Vegetarian Times. Clerical studi es on the wallpaper. Anything with are largely for effect – and to hide damp patch best of intentions - but somehow the hard covers will have been bought with the taken precedence. And from what I vicarage lawn or the church hall drains will have books he will buy will be to colour in. know of your colleague at St. Crispin’s, the only mercifully intervenes after the first ten I do try to keep up with my reading but sleep window so passers-by can see me minutes. On those days when I sit by my study useful that my large tome on the deeply occupied in intellectual activity, it is most ha Christie inside it. letters of Eusebius can easily conceal an Agat when I tried to get one of our blue I confess that I was once gloriously put down evsky novel. She replied: “I have never stockings interested in a new edition of a Dosto my suspicions that she had worked read Dostoevsky in translation.” It only confirmed as a Russian spy in earlier years. r cold of last winter the Earl of Stowe, I was hugely impressed when during the bitte of our cathedrals, told me he was whose library would comfortably contain one sands of volumes. It was only some slowly getting through its contents of tens of thou the occasional one onto the fire when time later I discovered that he meant he threw he was running low on wood. will spark interest will be crosswords No, my dear Darren, the only literary activities that truly dedicated – with weighty tomes for the majority or diocesan reports for the being used as door stops.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

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Dr Kim Stevenson with her Mum Joyce, Dad Jim, sister Laura and the Rector after delivering her address ‘My Experiences in Malawi’ to St. Columba’s at Holy Communion on Sunday, 24th November

The Zambian Mission Team present a cheque for £1469.14 to Jenny Smyth, CMSI Partnership Co-ordinator, for forwarding on to the Zambia Education Project.

Present were (L to R): Helen Donaghy, Alan Boyd, Yvonne Robb, Jenny Smyth, the Rector, Murray Hunter and Linda Wilson 22

THE FIRST WOMAN ANGLICAN BISHOP 25 years ago, on 11th Feb 1989, Barbara C Harris became the first woman to be ordained Bishop in the world wide Anglican Communion, in a ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts.

Last November, the Revd Pat Storey became the first woman to be ordained Bishop in the Church of Ireland, when she was consecrated as the Bishop of Meath and Kildare in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

TONY AND CLODAGH REID’S OPEN GARDENS

Did you know that the crossword puzzle recently celebrated its centenary?

The poet tells us that we’ll find some clues in verses 3 and 5, and the answers in verses 4 and 6 – have fun!

Tony and Clodagh Reid’s gardens will be open to the public under the National Trust Gardens Scheme from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May. St. Columba’s have been invited to supply and serve the teas/coffees and all proceeds will be kindly donated to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.

Why not come along and enjoy a lovely summer’s afternoon with refreshments in a delightful and tranquil setting?

CROSSWORD FUN A cryptic crossword brings great fun, If you’ve got a twisted mind.

With gems like anagrams and puns And hidden clues to find.

For a hundred years we have been clued For words across and down.

It’s wondrous how the setters brewed Such clues to make us frown!

Lots of lucre but little luck? (5,7) For nothing squared’s a cube. (3) Japanese once flew a duck! (4) Men used to wear this tube. (4) A small fortune should come to you, An oxo cube you know; A Zero was a plane they flew, And hose worn long ago.

You may have seen a cake walk, If you’d had plenty at the time! (8) Or heard within a science talk A line concerning lime. (6) A cake walk or a bun dance?

Alkali you’ll not have missed.

Are you, dear friend, by any chance, A cruciverbalist?

Nigel Beeton

Tony and Clodagh’s address is: Unicarval, 88 Ballyrainey Road, Comber, BT23 5JU Further details to follow!

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CANDLEMAS – THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE In bygone centuries, Christians said their last farewells to the Christmas season on Candlemas, February 2nd. This is exactly 40 days after Christmas Day itself.

In New Testament times, 40 days old was an important age for a baby boy: it was when they made their first ‘public appearance’. Mary, like all good Jewish mothers, went to the Temple with Jesus, her first male child, to ‘present him to the Lord’. At the same time she, as a new mother, was ‘purified’. Thus we have the Festival of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

So where does Candlemas come in? Jesus is described in the New Testament as the Light of the World and early Christians developed the tradition of lighting many candles in celebration of this day. The Church also fell into the custom of blessing the year’s supply of candles for the church on this day - hence the name, Candlemas.

The story of how Candlemas began can be found in Luke 2:22-40. Simeon’s great declaration of faith and recognition of who Jesus was is, of course, found in the Nunc Dimittis which is embedded in the Office of Evening Prayer in the West. But in medieval times the Nunc Dimittis was mostly used just on this day, during the distribution of candles before the Eucharist. Only gradually did it win a place in the daily prayer life of the Church.

FOR S E T Y DA DIAR R U YO k it Mar it! miss or

Sunday, 9th March Parish Lenten Lunch Saturday, 5th April Cash for Clobber Saturday, 24th/Sunday 25th May Tony and Clodagh Reid’s Open Gardens Saturday, 7th/Sunday 8th June Patronal Festival Weekend 24

MARCH PARISH MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the March parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 9th February.

Many thanks

FLOWER ROTA FOR FEBRUARY Sunday 2nd..............................................................Vera Hewitt Sunday 9th...............................................................Brenda Clingen Sunday 16th.............................................................Geraldine and Anella Gallen Sunday 23rd.............................................................John and Sandra Little

HOSPITAL VISITING The Clergy would appreciate being informed if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer them pastoral support.

Do not assume the Clergy already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or the Assistant Priest (9145 8706) to enable them to take careful note of the details.

FROM THE REGISTERS Our Joys Holy Baptism Sunday, 1st December

Felix Thomas Walls 155 Barnetts Road Our Sorrows

Christian Burials Wednesday, 8th January

Sarah (Sadie) Benson Glenmachan Tower Nursing Home

Wednesday, 15th January

Jean Neely Elton House, Belton Rutland, England (formerly of Glenbank, Bangor) 25

PARISH ORGANISATIONS SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig Patricia Wilson

9047 2512 07712 593773

Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stevenson

9058 3381

X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd

07833 391945

The Grid (11-14 years) Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047 8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 9028 5868 MONDAY 10.30am Craft & Hobby Circle Carol Willis 9079 9997 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 9048 2113 2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) Joy Montgomery 9029 5427 7.30pm Men’s Club Geoff Launchbury 9028 1204 TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Vi Dowie 9067 1051 2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 9079 7155

TUESDAY (continued) 7.30pm Activity Group

(except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 9079 5155 8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 9080 8755 WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group The Rector 9047 1514 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 9059 2039 THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen 9079 0210 7.30pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 07954 273755 FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 9065 1412 3.45-4.30pm Toddler Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine Email: readercolumba@gmail.com 6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047 Youth Etc (11-15 years) (Monthly outings as arranged) The Rector 9047 1514 Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 9047 1514

Please note, requests for the occasional use of church halls must first be submitted to the Parish Administrator & Premises Convenor, Karen Patterson, on 9065 6891 or email: office.knock@down.anglican.org (Monday-Friday: 9.00am-1.00pm).

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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.coiknock.org

RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 9047 1514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com

PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN Mark Reid 54 Knocklofty Park BT4 3ND Tel 028 9028 4367 Mob 07810 648167

ASSISTANT PRIEST The Revd Canon Ken Smyth 3 Mount Royal Bangor BT20 3BG Tel 028 9145 8706

HONORARY SEXTON John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9087 0526 Mob 07989 469773 SELECT VESTRY Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Jill Gillespie, Patrick Good, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad, Ivan Roche, Roberta Rogers, Gillian Sadlier

PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood, BT18 OHT Email readercolumba@gmail.com DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber, BT23 5SZ Tel 028 9187 8816

HONORARY SECRETARY Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 9065 6183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com

RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN John Little 14 Barnetts Lodge Barnetts Road, BT5 7FS Tel 028 9080 8755

HONORARY TREASURER Josephine Kelly 15 Manse Road BT6 9SB Tel 028 9079 6658

PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Mark Wilson 7 Finchley Vale BT4 2EU Tel 028 9076 1040

ASSISTANT HONORARY TREASURER GIFT AID SECRETARY MAGAZINE DISTRIBITOR CO-ORDINATOR Ronny Martin 8 Gillycourt Manor 309 Gilnahirk Road BT5 7SL Tel 028 9079 0821 Mob 07526 396838 Email ronny.martin@sky.com

JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENS Zac Elkin, Rebecca Burns RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 9058 3381 Mob 07973 392448 27

PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad

MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com

DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Victor Dukelow Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Ross Thompson

PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 9514 0141 Email ivan.roche@me.com

ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Gerald Hill Mob 07954 273755

C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Moranne Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 9079 3704

ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX Tel 028 9079 3641

BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 9048 9884

READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 9065 5500

CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 9065 0716

SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 9754 2198

ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Parish Administrator Premises Convenor Financial Giving Secretary Karen Patterson

CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Michelle Jamison 11 Richmond Gardens Glengormley, BT36 5LA Tel 07533 871166

Office Hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pm Tel 028 9065 6891 Email office.knock@down.anglican.org

SAFEGUARDING TRUST

The Rector, Select Vestry and parish leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact a member of the parish panel below, or any of the statutory agencies.

The Rector 028 9047 1514

Patrick Good 028 9065 6908

Elizabeth Leonard 028 9065 3162 28