Parish Matters November 2008

8/14/2019 Parish Matters November 2008

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ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH MATTERS NOVEMBER 2008

Dear Friends, NOVEMBER 2008Our Diocesan Synod met on Tuesday 14 th and Wednesday15 th October in Taney Parish Centre. It is the single-mostimportant meeting of the year for the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough. It opened with a well-attendedEucharist in Christ Church Taney. The Archdeacon of Glendalough and Rector of Greystones opened the Synodwith prayers and a reading from Holy Scripture. This wasparticularly poignant as he retires at the end of the year.We wish him well as he prepares for retirement. CanonRicky Rountree was announced as his replacement takingeffect from next year. Again we wish Ricky Gods blessingin this new role. Archbishop Neill then addressed theSynods in his Presidential address. It was a very widespeech and I wish to speak about two specific areas onwhich he touched, one, education and two, the widerAnglican Communion.In recent months we have seen a definite shift away fromsupport of smaller Church-run Schools in favour of larger16 and 32 teacher Schools under the patronage of theVEC. The Roman Catholic Church has indeed been most

outspoken in the media on this subject and it is now timefor the Church of Irelands voice to be heard. Our societyas we know has been educated by Church-controlledSchools who have mostly been under the patronage of Roman Catholic and Anglican bishops. This shift awayfrom support for such Schools will leave such Schools asGreenlanes and Howth Road School in a very different anddare I say it very difficult situation. A move away from thepresent patronage system is a further secularisation and

pluralisation of our society in a time when people moreand more need faith and God in their ever-increasinglystressed lives. The Church Schools abide under an ethosstatement which considers faith and education as twoinseparable aspects of the childs life, and even more, onethat should be encouraged. It is incumbent that thegovernment rather than isolate and reduce the number of Schools under Church patronage, increase their support of such Schools.


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The second issue touched on by the Archbishop was therecent Lambeth Conference and in particular its dealingwith the issue of human sexuality and the problems whichcame to the surface following the Consecration of Gene

Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. The Bishop wasand is living in a single-sex union and continues to serveas a Bishop in the Episcopal Church of the United Statesof America. He himself was not present at the debatesthough the subject was very clearly discussed. Thedifference between this Conference and the previous onewas the tone of the debate. It was respectful of all sideseven if nearly 200 bishops were not present. Not all of these were absent directly due to the debates, thoughsome clearly were. The fact that one African Primate wentas far as forbidding his bishops to attend was less thanhelpful. The result is an ongoing debate between theProvinces of the Anglican Communion with a view toputting together an acceptable Covenant which will allowagreement and more importantly direction on where theCommunion will go. This Covenant process will include ananalysis and interaction between Scripture, Tradition and

Reason, the very tenets of Anglicanism down thecenturies. Scripture and indeed its interpretation will becentral to this work. As we know each one of us interpretsScripture to a greater or lesser extent. Two people willread it in two very different ways. One will mould his lifeby its very words and another will feel it has nothing tosay to us on this or that subject. But, through prayer andthe guidance of the Holy spirit it is hoped that thisCovenant will be God-inspired and represent the way

forward for our Church on this subject.I urge each one of you to pray for the Archbishop who isinvolved in this work and I ask you to pray especially forour Schools as they face this new challenge.Undoubtedly, you have all been touched by the recentBudget. It is the most challenging Budget in 25 yearshitting many where it hurts. Each of us realises that taxesare essential in any society though so also they should beequitable. I wish to write on two aspects of this budget.Firstly the 1 and 2% levy and secondly, the removal of theMedical cards to over 70s through means-testing.


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The levy imposed on all workers (1% up to 100,000 and2% above that) hits the poorest in our society thehardest.Much has been said and reported in the media on this levy

but from a Christian perspective we are called to speakout on behalf of the poor, for others will not. This levy hitsthe very poorest in our society the most. 1% of 35000hits one family much more than 2% on 300,000. This isunacceptable in a modern society. Each one of us mustspeak out against such an attack on the low-paid, whetherwe see ourselves as part of that group or not. After muchpressure the government removed the very poorest fromthe 1% levy though left all others to carry the burden.As I travel around the Parish over the last week or sosince the Budget many older people were rightly worriedthat they will loose their Medical Cards. This was to havehad a devastating effect on many elderly people inClontarf and elsewhere. There are many people who up toa few years ago were in VHI and on receipt of theirMedical card cancelled their VHI or BUPA subscriptions. If they wish to restart this membership there will be a lead-

in time leaving the most vulnerable in our society at themost risk. This was utterly unacceptable and went againsteverything we stand for as Christian people. Throughpressure by both TDs and voters, the Taoiseach has rolledback much of the legislative plans thereby leaving mostover 70s with their medical cards. Again it shows thepower of public sentiment. I am truly delighted that thegovernment have come to their senses on this matter.

Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will

give you rest. May God continue to bless you and your family.Derek

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9.00am 10.00pm Sunday12 th Dublin Company Boys BrigadeAnchor BoysWe are delighted to have 26 boys with us this session. Itis great to see so many boys interested. If there is anyonewilling to help us out on a Monday night from 6-7pm,please contact me. We are all looking forward to theHalloween Party. The costumes are always great. We willhave plenty of games and goodies to eat. We are lookingforward to our Annual Enrolment Service on Sunday 9 th

November at 7pm in the Church. I would like to thank thehelpers: Breda Sargent, Olive Jackson, Susan Connolly,

Jenny Newell for helping out and to Damien Duggan forteaching football skills and playing matches with the boys.Without this Anchors wouldnt happen.H McCullagh

Junior SectionThe new session has settled down. We have eleven boys we welcome Brian Keane and Conor Rutherdale to JuniorSection while we said farewell to James Taylor, Gareth

Doolan, Graham Blay, Matthew Dawkins, Hugh Grainger,Jordan OBrien and Ian Nugent who have all moved up toCompany Section. We also said farewell to Jamie Hickeywho was faced with the impossible choice between Boys Brigade and Football. We attended the Annual FoundersDay Service in St. Anns Church in Dawson Street. Theboys are now working hard at enjoying themselves withbadge work, preparation for the Scripture Test and avariety of other activities. Our Annual Enrolment Servicewill be on 9 th November in the Parish Church at 7pm. Welook forward to seeing lots of family and friends at it.M. Acheson

Company SectionCongratulations to our tag rugby team who retained thetitle of Champions at Clondalkin RFC on Saturday 11thOctober - Gareth, Craig, David, Matthew, Hugh and ourJunior Section representative Sam. It was a closecompetition that went right down to the wire.


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Practice for the Lewis Crosbie Drill Competition in Januaryis now underway and before then we will also be

competing in the National Competitions in badminton(home), table tennis (home) and Masterteam (away inPortadown). It is hoped that as many members aspossible will get to represent the Company across thevarious competitions. On the home front our Mondayparade nights continue as usual, the Scripture course forthe year is underway and the floodlights on the astroturf outside are proving very popular.A Ayling

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TOA CHEESE AND WINE EVENING HOSTED

BY THE NEEDS GROUP.

ON FRIDAY 21 ST NOVEMBER AT 8 OCLOCK IN THE PARISH CENTRE.

ALL ARE WELCOME, SO BRING A FRIEND

Clontarf Womens GroupWe meet in the Pavilion Room on Tuesday 4 th November at8.15pm. Elaine Allen will be joining us for an evening of wine tasting. If you havent attended before why not comealong. Cost 25.00 per person. Annual sub will also becollected at meeting (25.00).

Breda and Heather.


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Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides are now in full swing withloads of activities, games and challenges each week. Wehave all been collecting non perishable goods each weekas we are going to make hampers for the needy again this

year. The girls and their parents have been more thangenerous in bringing some lovely items for those lessfortunate than we are. Rev. Sargent will distribute theseat Christmas. As usual the Brownies are looking forwardto our annual trip to the pantomime in the Gaiety Theatreon November 30th with over 1000 Brownies attendingfrom all over the country. ( The guiders however lookforward with trepidation to the usual headaches etc afterlistening to over 2 hours of screaming "Oh, no youdidn't"etc!!!)M Watts.

Mothers UnionThe opening Service was held on Thursday 9th. October inthe Parish Centre. It was nice to meet up again after thesummer break and have a chat over a cup of tea.Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 13th.

November at 3pm.The North Dublin Area meeting will take place in FinglasParish on Tuesday 25th. November at 8pm. Lookingforward to seeing you there.Iris Acheson.

Sunday ClubWe are settling in nicely. Our new schedule is varied and betweensinging and breakfast , following some bible stories on DVD and

doing some worksheets following them and this month we will bedoing some Art/Craft working towards a Jessie Tree thisChristmas. We would welcome anyone aged 4 or more to comealong and see if they would like to join us. We would love to meetyou and your child/children.Parents Please complete a consent form if you are leavingyour child in. A new one is needed each year. Thanks to thosewho have already done so. Also remember the 30 th November and 7 th December might be a little more messy than usual sodont have the best clothes on!


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We hope to have an extra practice on Saturday 13 th December 4.30pm (provisional date) in preparation of 14 th in Church. Please contact me if you have any queries.

November 2008Date2 nd

9 th *

16th

23 rd

30 th

Church ServiceMorning Prayer

Parish FamilyCommunion(*BB enrolment inevening)All Age Worship

with BaptismParish FamilyCommunion withBaptismService of theWord

ScheduleSundayClubSundayClub

In Church

SundayClub

SundayClub

Any CommentsBreakfast &Music/SongStory Keeper & W/S

Song in Church

Story Keeper & W/S

Art/Craft for Jessie Tree

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Tennis Club
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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With the advent of court lighting the Parish Tennis Club isenjoying a new experience - playing tennis in winter. Itprovides a great opportunity to get some exercise throughthe winter months so anyone who would like to try their

hand at winter tennis should come along on Tuesdaynights from 7PM.On Saturday 27th September the Tennis Club held it'sFinals Day in the afternoon followed that evening by anofficial re-opening of the club. Over 100 past and presentmembers attended including some members from 1935the year the parish tennis club was founded. In trueTennis Club fashion the re-opening was followed by greatfood and dancing late into the night.

Elaine Allen (Ladies Captain), Helen Erskine (FoundingMember), the Rector and Nigel Darragh at the turning on

of the lights ceremony.

Coaching for Juniors is well underway on Saturdaymornings and we still have some vacancies for the currentcoaching session. For further details pop down on anySaturday morning.

Full details on the Club website - seewww.clontarftennis.com

Alice Joy Flood
http://www.clontarftennis.com/http://www.clontarftennis.com/


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(1932-2007)

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations

Psalm 119: 90Rather than commemorate our dear Joys first anniversaryin the public press, we feel she would have appreciatedmention in our Parish Matters.She lived out her priorities she loved the Lord dearly,loved her church and was devoted to her family andfriends. Two siblings remain. From choice, Joy remainedsingle and lived a happy, fulfilled life. She was a loving,

loyal daughter, sister and relative. She delighted in hernieces and nephew, having a unique bond with Karinwhom she regarded as nearly a daughter.All mourn her passing, not least the writer, and we thankGod for every remembrance of her. She was known as

joy by name and nature and lived up to the title. Giftedby God in many ways, she used her gifts. PrivateSecretary and PA to two successive Chairmen of Cadburys. We could never forget her sense of fun and herpiano and guitar-playing. Her generosity was remarkable.Joy died suddenly in Fethard-on-Sea Co. Wexford (hersecond home). Diagnosed with cancer 14 years earlier anddeemed to live only two months, she cast this care on theLord and He held her here for us for a long spell.How humbled she would have been by the support andlove from her Parish into which she was born.She attended Greenlanes National School before RutlandHigh School. The Parish Church was her spiritual home.We mourn still but not as those without hope.

He is faithful that promised.

Audrey Maharry.Noel Flood.

Youth NewsSeptember came and it felt like I hit the ground running.


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Klub has grown beyond our imaginations this year with amax of 26 children joining. This is a vibrant group wherewe learn action songs and doing crafts and baking! Wemeet on a Wednesday afternoon at 4pm till 5pm.

Wired is also growing and we are completing a coursecalled Rock Solid where we learn about our faith and wediscuss how it effects our lives. We play games and sports- Dodge Ball definitely being a favourite!! - Sundayevenings.

Fused is our new confirmation group and we meet on aSaturday evening and are doing Confirmation classesevery second Saturday. We do games on the other nightsand have more of a social night, playing games cooking

and just generally hanging out.Connect is our oldest youth group and we are doing RockSolid with this group also but going into more depth withthe discussions etc. Sunday nights.All the youth groups are going from strength to strength,but we are in need of helpers.So please consider volunteering even just for a nightevery couple of months would be helpful. Also keep all thechildren in your prayers as they grow in their faith

together.S Connolly

Whist GroupParish Whist Drives will take place on the first Thursday of every month 6 th Nov and 4 th Dec at 7.30pm in thePavilion Room. Do come along and support this Parishactivity. Entrance 5 euros.H. Hunter

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Parish Centre NotesWelcome back to all Parish Centre Users andwelcome to new users!September marked the beginning of our second year of operation and more importantly the restart of activities formany organisations.The last year has been extremely busy for the ParishCentre Management Committee (PCMC) as we all continueto learn about the operation of the Centre and itsassociated challenges.We had a very positive meeting with the centre users inJune at the Licence renewal meeting. We believe there

are lots of good things happening in and around theCentre and thank you for your support with those. Wewelcome new users Buzzy Bees Montessori (LauraMurphy; Monday to Friday mornings), Tai Chi Chuan(Ross Cousens; Tuesday evenings), and the Seafield Singers (Alison Young; Thursday evenings). All our otherregulars have returned for another session, both parishgroups and external groups. There is a full list of activitieson the notice board in the Centre and these can also be

seen by going onto the Parish Website.


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We are receiving more enquiries to book the Centre forvarious activities, such as art exhibitions and workshops.We were pleased that the contributions made by Parishorganisations were able to be kept at the same level as

the first year, although the charges for external groupswere increased. The cost of running the centre for theyear was matched by income generated. In the year 90%of the income raised was generated from external groups.A new feature this year is the installation of floodlights onthe all-weather surface. We can expect to see these beingused most evenings, for tennis and other sports. Wewould welcome comments from users inside the Centre if you find these affecting your use of the Centre. Othernew matters include the installation of small paving settsin place of the white stones at the triangles outside thenew west door.Unfortunately, while very attractive, the stones were toohigh maintenance, too attractive to children and causedmalfunction in the front door (stones in the frame).The lift in the centre is now operated by a keypad insteadof a key. This should make life a lot easier for all the

groups using the lift. A couple of flat screen televisions areavailable for use.One is positioned on the wall in the upstairs Pavilion Roomwhile the other is mobile, and can be moved to whateverroom its required. There is a Wii games console linked tothe mobile TV which is proving very popular with children(and some leaders!!).Finally the Stepping Stones Book of Record has now beenplaced in a specially made cabinet on the wall of the

Meeting Room. You might like to view it during the coffeeafter church on Sundays or anytime youre in the centrewhen someone is around to give you access to it.

Please support the Organisations using the Centreby referring friends and contacts to them. If youare aware of any matter that requires attention

please let the PCMC know.B Maxwell (PCMC)


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PARISH REGISTER

Victoria, Jonathan, Colin and the Rector following Jonathan McCullaghs Baptism

BaptismsRory William Free and Jonathan Derek McCullagh werebaptised on 21 st September and 28 th Septemberrespectively. May God bless them both in their lives of faith.On 26 th October we look forward to the baptism of GemmaKate Louise Sargent, daughter of Andy and Sandra. The

following Sunday we baptise Naoise Watson and RachelBlake. Mina Dawson will also be welcomed into Godsfamily on Sunday 23 rd November. May God bless each oneas they begin their journeys of faith.

WeddingsThe marriage of Michael Scully and Felicity Rowden(daughter of our Organist, John) took place on Friday 26 th

September in the Parish Church. It was a lovely day and

we wish them every blessing in their married life.

Interment of AshesOn Friday 3 rd October Bea Lynchs ashes were placed inour Columbarium. It was a lovely service with her childrenand grandchildren leading the readings. Bea was awonderful quiet and friendly person with a warm andloving way. May she and all Gods faithful people rest inthe presence of God for ever. Our prayers are with herfamily in these days.


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SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER

2 nd November All Saints Sunday

8.30am Holy Communion10.30am Service of the Word with

Holy Baptism

9 th November Remembrance Sunday

8.30am Holy Communion10.30am Parish Family Communion7.00pm BB Enrolment Service

16 th November 2 nd Sunday before Advent

8.30am Holy Communion10.30am All-Age Worship with Holy

Baptism and ChildrensAddress

23 rd November Christ the King

8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Parish Family Communionwith Holy Baptism

30 th November Advent Sunday

8.30am Holy Communion10.30am Service of the Word

for Advent


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Scripture Readings for November

2nd

November All Saints SundayRevelation 7: 9-17Psalm 34: 1-101 John 3: 1-3Matthew 5: 1-12

9 th November Remembrance SundayAmos 5: 18-24Psalm 701 Thessalonians 4: 13-18Matthew 25: 1-13

16 th November 2 nd Sunday before AdventZephaniah 1: 7, 12-18

Psalm 90: 1-121 Thessalonians 5: 1-11Matthew 25: 14-30

23 rd November Christ the KingEzekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24Psalm 95: 1-7Ephesians 1: 15-23Matthew 25: 31-46

30 th November Advent SundayIsaiah 64: 1-9Psalm 80: 1-7, 16-181 Corinthians 1: 3-9Mark 13: 24-37


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ReflectionWe learn something every day. In a daily reading, it was

amazing to learn that the dreaded locust cannot fly! Hecan, however, jump 200 times his own height. He waitsfor the wind, jumps and the wind carries him to hisdestination. It brought to mind the eagle using thethermals.

An analogy sprang to mind. We read in Scripture, John15: 5, without me you can do nothing. The spiritualconnotations of this are very real.


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The Holy Spirit, the Comforter and the Enabler is spokenof in the Bible in terms of wind. Yes, much is done andmuch achieved by human effort and much is valuable.But, unless our aims are Spirit-inspired and Spirit-driven,

all effort is really ephemeral. Indeed, just as the desireddestination of a sailing-ship is reached depending on thewind, so our destination, in Gods purpose, can only bereached guide by the wind of the Holy Spirit.The locust, by instinct, fulfilled his need not our,however salutary his method.A. Maharry

YOUTH GROUPS

As you will notice there are4 youth groups in the Parish now.

Klub (4-6 yr olds) Wed 4-5Wired (7-10 yr olds) Sunday 6-7

Fused (11-14 yr olds) - Saturday 6-7.30

Connect 15+ - Sunday 7.30-9

It is increasingly difficult to man these groups,considering the legal requirements for a ratio of

adults to children.

We are asking that you seriously consider helpingon Wednesday, Saturday or Sundays, even just

once a month.

You help with this would be muchappreciated.

Please contact SusanMobile: 086 377 7278


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PARISH GROUPS/CONTACTS

RECTOR:The Revd D.C.Sargent (833 1181)

[email protected]

YOUTH AND CHILDRENS PASTOR: SusanConnolly(086 377 7278) [email protected]

GREENLANES NS: Principal:Ms.C.Atkin (8331554)

YOUTH GROUPS: Susan Connolly (as above)

ANCHOR BOYS: Mrs.H.McCullagh (853 5594)B.B.JUNIOR SECTION: Mr.M.Acheson (831 8645)B.B.COMPANY SECTION: Mr A.Ayling (831 5234)

WOMENS GROUP: Mrs.B.Sargent (833 1181)Mrs.H.McCullagh (853 5594) BOWLING CLUB: Mrs. H. Erskine (833 8139)

BADMINTON CLUB: Mrs.P.Watts (832 6078)JUNIOR BADMINTON: Mr.R.Watts (832 6078)

PARISH STUDY GROUP: The Rector (above)

FLOWER GUILD: Mrs.I.Acheson (833 8288)Mrs B.Gallagher (833 8683)

LADYBIRDS: Ms. E. Richardson (087 322 4670)BROWNIES: Mrs.P. / Ms.M.Watts (832 6078)GUIDES: Ms. N. Flynn (086 379 3218)
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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MOTHERS UNION: Mrs.I.Acheson (833 8288)SUNDAY CLUB: Mrs.J.Acheson (831 8645)

Documents

Parish Matters November 2008