May 2013

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RECTOR’S LETTERDear Parishioner,

“WORK TOGETHER AND RUN STRAIGHT TO WIN”

I have just returned with Henry from the CIYMS annual Father and Sons P7 rugby tour in Cork. It was a busy weekend! The boys played matches against different teams in the Festival at Midleton. At the half way point of each game, their coaches gave the boys this essential advice: “You must work together and run straight

to win”. This advice also applies to us in Team St. Columba!

As a parish, we need you to be an active team player if we are to meet future opportunities and challenges with confidence. It is essential that we work together and run straight at all times, and not just when we require support from the parish!

This edition of The Columban features a one-off centre pull out supplement for you to complete. It provides the opportunity for us to Reflect, Refresh and Rejuvenate as Team St. Columba. It is divided into three sections:

UPDATEEffective communication is essential for the smooth running of the parish. It is vital that you know what is happening in St. Columba’s and that you are made aware of any changes to scheduled services or activities. Our communication must be efficient and cost-effective. To achieve this, we first need to update your contact information, especially mobile and email details, so that we can all benefit from electronic communication on a more regular basis.

TALKBACKAs part of the parish’s evaluation and improvement planning, you have an opportunity in this section to talkback your views on our church services and activities. It is important that we connect with you and offer support in the best way possible. These results will allow us to understand what is required to improve, and perhaps lead to the introduction of new activities or church services!

INVOLVEMENTThis section will provide an opportunity for you to reconsider your involvement in all aspects of our parish life. This is particularly important as we can no longer rely on legacies to supplement our income as we have done in the past. This was particularly evident in our Financial Accounts for 2012.

Team St. Columba needs to “work together and run straight to win”. The May Columban has been delivered to you by post (for this month only!) to ensure that every family receives their copy on the same day. This will provide you with sufficient time to complete the supplement in full and return it by Friday, 31st May. A fellow parishioner will call to collect any forms not returned by this date.

Yours in His service,

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The Life of Saint Columba: a Celebration

in SongAn evening of uplifting

choral music in celebration of the life, witness and legacy of Saint Columba

with

THE RENAISSANCE SINGERS

St. Columba’s Parish Church FRIDAY, 7th JUNE at 7.00 pm

Wine and canapés

Tickets £10 per person (including refreshments) in aid of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund

For further details, contact Moranne Noad on 9079 3704 or e-mail: noadfamily@hotmail.com

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SERVICES IN MAYThursday 1st Saint Philip and Saint James (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 5th Rogation Sunday (White) 8.15am Holy Communion (The newly confirmed will receive Holy Communion for the first time) Reader Michael Davey Acts 16: 9-15 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 14: 23-29 10.30am All Age Worship and Holy Baptism followed by refreshments Reader Emma Craig John 14: 23-29 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Patrick Wilson Zephaniah 3: 14-20 Reader Patrick Wilson Matthew 28: 1-10, 16-20

Thursday 9th The Ascension Day (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 12th The Seventh Sunday of Easter: Sunday After Ascension (White) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart Acts 16: 16-34 Gospel Clergy John 17: 20-26 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Ian Noad Acts 16: 16-34 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 17: 20-26 Intercessions Gina Greeves 7.00pm Compline Reader Tony Greeves Luke 24: 44-53

Thursday 16th Saint Matthias (Transferred) (Red) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 19st The Day of Pentecost – Whitsunday (Red) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller Acts 2: 1-21 Gospel Clergy John 14: 8-17, 25-27 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine John 14: 8-17, 25-27 10.30am Morning Prayer Reader John Holland Acts 2: 1-21 Reader Fiona Haldane John 14: 8-17, 25-27 Occasional Clergy Prayers 7.00pm BDCC Pentecost Service in St. Mark’s, Dundela

No evening Service in St. Columba’s

Thursday 23rd (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

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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 (028 90655500).The readings are from Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:

www.coiknock.org

PARISH PRAYERGod, 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

Sunday 26th Trinity Sunday (White) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Leonard Pugh Romans 5: 1-5 Gospel Clergy John 16: 12-15 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Caroline Auchmuty Romans 5: 1-5 Gospel Clergy John 16: 12-15 Intercessions Karen McAlpine 7.00pm Evening Prayer Reader Anella Gallen Exodus 3: 1-15 Reader Anella Gallen John 3: 1-17 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers

Thursday 30th The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

MAY SIDESPERSONS’ ROTASunday 5th ................................................ Charles and Henry Auchmuty

Sunday 12th .............................................. Alison and Brian Acheson

Sunday 19th .............................................. Eileen Anderson and Ann McGarvey

Sunday 26th .............................................. Barbara Gibson and May Morrow

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SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTESSunday, 5th May 10.30am All Age Worship

Sunday, 12th May 10.30am Sunday School

Sunday, 19th May 9.30am Family Communion

Sunday, 26th May 10.30am Sunday School

The attendance each Sunday is excellent and we have even more children joining our primary class, so Patricia, Louise and Helen are kept very busy with all the activities in the new book. At the moment, the theme of our lessons is prayer and this class is making lovely prayer books which they are decorating in their own individual style. Our other classes are equally busy with dramas, quizzes, bible readings and, for the oldest class, discussions about several of the topics they are meeting in their confirmation class.

Just a reminder that the young people’s Prize Giving will be on Sunday, 9th June, so parents please try to ensure a full attendance of all the young people for this special day! Beth Cairnduff

NEWLY CONFIRMEDIt was a great privilege for St. Columba’s to host such a large Confirmation Service on Sunday, 28th April. The Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Right Reverend Harold Miller, confirmed 22 candidates at the service, which included nine young parishioners from our parish. Please continue to pray for:

Jamie Sadlier Zac Elkin Rebecca Burns Charles Auchmuty Asher Mills Andrew Jamison Isobel Mills Michelle Jamison Andrew Kelly

as they prepare to receive Holy Communion for the first time on Sunday, 5th May at 8.15am. To mark this important occasion, each of our candidates received a Book of Common Prayer from the parish, signed by the Bishop and myself.

The Rector

ALL AGE WORSHIP TEA AND COFFEEA very big thank you to everyone who supported Ratanak at our last tea and coffee morning, when £87 was raised. On Sunday, 5th May, we shall be supporting our local Marie Curie Hospice at our tea and coffee after our All Age Worship service. Please plan to be with us and help a very worthwhile cause.

Roberta

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CLERGY PARISH VISITINGIt 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 (028 90471514) or the Assistant Priest (028 91458706). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during May:

Rector Assistant Priest Belmont Road Cairnburn Park Bethany Street Cairnburn Road Bloomfield Avenue Cairnshill Close Brentwood Park Campbell Chase Burton Drive Campbell Park Avenue Cabin Hill Gardens Carrowreagh Gardens Cabin Hill Park Casaeldona Rise

There will be another opportunity to acquire an “outside wick” Quirky Craft Candle after the All Age Worship service on Sunday, 5th May. Donations are for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.

At the court of Louis XIV (1643-1715) a candle was never re-lit and the candle ends were perquisites of the ladies-in-waiting, who often realised more by selling them than the royal wages they received from the King. At night, a tall candle was held aloft when the King knelt in prayer. He was then solemnly asked by attending gentlemen to whom the candle should be given. Louis signified the man he had chosen to honour and the candle was proudly borne away.

CASH FOR CLOBBERCash for Clobber will be back in the church car park on Saturday, 1st June, from 10.30 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!

Remember, the heavier the better as all the bags are weighed. If you need to have any bags of clobber collected from your home, please contact Roberta Rogers (07912 360201) or Katrina Dukelow (07954 577107).

Roberta

Collection bags (for clothes,

shoes, handbags and belts only)

will be available at the back of church from

mid-April onwards.

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Hello Ladies,

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 7th May, when the Reverend Kerr from Randalstown will be joining us to speak about Royalty. The MU has invited us to a Pritt and Pizza Night on Thursday, 23th May, at 8.00pm in Saintfield Parish Hall. Any members interested in attending, please contact myself or Marion Edwards at: marion.edwards2@btopenworld.com. A young members’ weekend will also be be held on 11th/12th October in the City North Hotel, Dublin. The speaker will be Patsy Devoy and the subject is Sow and Grow.

We are hoping to have our own Summer Outing on Tuesday, 4th June, when we will be going to visit Titanic Belfast and meeting up with our parish and choir member, Judith Owens. It will be exciting and fascinating to experience the story from the construction and launch of the Titanic through to her famous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. We will also be able to view the opulent Titanic Suite with the replica grand staircase. Further details in next month’s Columban.

If there are any more overseas donations, please forward them to Yvonne or myself.Sandra

MEN’S CLUB NOTESApril saw the end of our 2012/13 season and a full report of the Club competition winners, along with one of the AGM, will appear in the June edition of The Columban.

Members were keenly anticipating the Annual Dinner and Prize Giving which was held on Friday, 26th April, and a visit, accompanied by wives and partners, to the Mission to Seafarers on Monday, 29th April.  

The Club wishes to offer congratulations to one of our younger members, Paul Rogers, on the occasion of his engagement to Joanna Evans. We wish them well for their future life together.

To those members who move to outdoor bowls for the summer months, I wish them every success for the season and I look forward to seeing everyone again when the Club resumes in September.

Geoff Launchbury

DOVESThe Doves are looking forward to their summer activities. These will

include parachute and ball games, art and craft, stories and cookery. We are planning some outings during the month of May. All boys and

girls, aged 3-6 years, are welcome to join us on Friday evenings at 6.30pm!Karen

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BROWNIE NOTESUnfortunately, due to the heavy snow on Friday, 22nd March, Brownies

had to be cancelled and our Easter party postponed. However, on our first Friday back we had our Easter egg hunt when we were joined by the Doves to find all the hidden eggs. Great fun was had by all and the Brownies

went home full of chocolate and energy! We finalised our selection of the flower for the Brownie Fun day and next month we will have a photo of

the final drawing. We hope to finish our Home Safety badge as well as have a cinema night in the hall. We are all hoping for better weather during the longer daylight evenings so that we can go out and explore the church

grounds and beyond, earning ourselves more badges while doing so!Beth Cairnduff

AFTERNOON GROUPIt was with some trepidation that I approached my first Bring and Buy Sale and Information Day on Monday, 8th April, for the Afternoon Group. I need not have worried. Ladies arrived with things to sell and purchased enthusiastically. Five hunky firemen appeared and gave us a talk on home safety. They offered a home check, and to provide and fit smoke alarms for anyone who did not have one. This service is available to anyone in the community. Robert, the community policeman, spoke on home  security and gave out personal alarms, as well as security pens to insert your postcode on electrical items in your home. Belfast Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership provided copies of their newly printed Directory of Information, key rings with a torch attached and pens for everyone. Our guests joined us for a cup of tea which concluded a very successful afternoon.

The total raised was £75. £37.50 was donated to the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund and £37.50 was put into funds for the Afternoon Group. My thanks to everyone who helped organise and support the sale. Our next meeting will be the Summer Outing on Monday, 13th May, when we plan to visit Glenarm Castle. After a light lunch at St. Columba’s, a coach will take us to Glenarm. A tour of the castle will be followed by afternoon tea and a walk round the walled garden. Any ladies who would like to join us will be made very welcome! My phone number is 9029 5427. 

Joy Montgomery

MYSTIC MEGIn a dark and hazy room, peering into a crystal ball, Mystic Meg delivered grave news. “There’s no easy way to tell you this, so I’ll just be blunt. Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year.” Visibly shaken, Laura stared at the woman’s lined face, then at the single flickering candle and then down at her hands. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself and to stop her mind racing. She simply had to know. She met the fortune teller’s gaze, steadied her voice and whispered: “Will I be acquitted?”

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LADIES GUILD NOTESDear Ladies,

It’s hard to believe that we have reached the end of our year and will be holding our AGM on Wednesday, 15th May, at 7.45pm. I hope you have all enjoyed our programme since last September. The Committee very much enjoyed planning and organising the different subjects and speakers and, I’m sure you will agree, we had an interesting and varied year. We are very keen to hear all your ideas for our future programme and will be asking for your advice.

Members and friends are very welcome at the AGM and we will be hoping to elect new Committee members. We are pleased to tell you that our Rector will be chairing the meeting and that Canon Ken Smyth is going to speak on a subject, yet to be confirmed!

Lilias Smith (Hon. Sec.)

Pause is our parish initiative which takes neither organisation nor commitment. It is simply a case of turning up! It may be for lunch, or for coffee and a chat. It is all about meeting with others. It is open to all…all ages, all friends, all individuals – anyone and everyone. This month, two further ‘Pauses’ are planned:

Tuesday, 7th May 10.30am:  The Bobbin in Belfast City Hall for coffee.

Friday, 31st May 10.30am:  The Stormont Hotel for coffee.

If you need transport for either of these, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Eileen (9020 3684)

PAUSE

ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUBOn Thursday, 7th March, our Rector made the draw for the winning ticket in the raffle for one of three oil paintings most generously donated to the Art Club by our tutor, Bob Killen. The painting, entitled Landevennec, Brittany, was featured along with the lucky winner’s name, Joan Arndell, in last month’s Columban.

As a result of the very successful sale of raffle tickets by Art Club members, the chairman, Billy Nelson, was able to present the Rector with the magnificent sum of over £600 in support of the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund.

Dr Billy Nelson, Chairman

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ST. COLUMBA’S YOUNG FAMILIES GROUPOh, what a night! On Friday, 12th April, about 20 parishioners gathered in Mandarin City for a Chinese banquet, a few glasses of carefully selected wine and lots of laughter. Our little group has thrown open the doors and welcomed some new faces, but there’s always room for more! It was a great way to start the weekend, spending time getting to know each other, sharing a few stories and relaxing. No entertainment was needed as some of our members have well perfected stand up routines!

At present, the group is called Young Families and we have a small committee of people who meet a few times a year to organise social occasions for parishioners and their families. Life is becoming increasingly hectic for all of us and the aim of our group is to provide opportunities for people to take time out, enjoy good company, friendship and, as was written in the April Columban, “deepen the sense of community and belonging within our church”. For that reason, there is no binding commitment to attend meetings or cater for events. So why not try to come along to our next soirée, everyone is welcome!

There are two events we shall be supporting this summer, the Patronal Festival Concert on Friday, 7th June, and the Parish Outing to Rathlin Island on Sunday, 23rd June.

Should you wish to know more about us or make any suggestions as to how we can best support young, or not so young, families and others in St. Columba’s, please speak to the Rector or any member of the committee (Victor Dukelow, Linda Wilson, Sharon Elkin, David Craig and Mark Reid).

Linda Wilson

Divine Healing Ministries invites you to

Training for those who would like to be involved in the healing ministryVenue: St. Anne’s Cathedral, Donegall St., Belfast

Five Thursdays in May, 2013 (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th) at 8.00 pm

Cost: there will be no charge but on the last night people may give a voluntary donation

for further information tel: 028 9031 1532 email: divinehealing@live.co.uk

web: https://divinehealingministries.wordpress.com

Training will be led by Brother David Jardine and team

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CHURCH 2013Perhaps one of the last places where a man or woman can speak to their audience uninterrupted for upwards of seven minutes is in church. The man or woman may be elected or employed to speak uninterruptedly. No one knows when the speaker will stop speaking. In the Anglican tradition, the man or woman at the top may dress differently as an indication to the rest of audience as to who it is who will speak uninterruptedly. The man or woman at the top will also give instructions to their audience to sit, stand, repeat phrases or sing from books. The books, usually two, are given to the audience as they enter the building to hear the man or woman speak uninterruptedly.

On occasions, the books will be given to the audience along with possibly three loose sheets. One of the loose sheets is a guide to the audience as to a) where to find in the books the phrases or songs which are to be repeated or sung, b) to alert the audience as to when the man or woman is going to speak uninterruptedly and c) to acquaint the audience when it is time to give the books back and go home – it is not known how long it will take to follow the order of the guide loose sheet, therefore going home time is indeterminate. Another of the loose sheets will usually have passage quotations from another book (not either of the first two). This third book is unique, only the man or woman who speaks uninterruptedly will have one though any member of the audience can buy their own from a special shop.

However, in order for the audience member to be able to buy their own unique book from the special shop and thereby follow the passages being read, the audience member will need to know which translation of the unique book is being used by the man or woman who speaks uninterruptedly (there are upwards of forty English translations of the unique book currently available). The passage quotations, sometimes two, are on occasions read by a member of the audience and not by the man or woman who will later speak uninterruptedly. This useful protocol serves to preserve the voice of the man or woman who will later speak uninterruptedly, until it is time for he or she to speak uninterruptedly. The passage quotations will usually indicate what the man or woman is going to speak about uninterruptedly – though this is not guaranteed. Any additional loose sheets will refer to forthcoming minority events.

Is all this remarkable? No, it is not, it is miraculous. From an event thousands of years ago, from words said thousands of years ago, the Christian Church lives on faithfully served, sometimes at tremendous cost, by those men and women of all colours, creeds and backgrounds who speak uninterruptedly. The mystery of Easter is in Psalm 8: “Ah, what is man that you should spare a thought for him, the son of man that you should care for him” (the Jerusalem Bible).

May the men and women who speak uninterruptedly continue to preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words.

Victor Ryan

Please help us to CHAMPION OUR CHURCH!

We’ve set ourselves a few summer goals to enable us to “Reflect, Refresh & Rejuvenate” and we’d like everyone to help!

• Update: It’s a high tech world and we’re keen to include email addresses and mobile numbers for everyone in our parish records.

• Talkback: We’d love you to give us your thoughts and views on St. Columba’s by completing our quickfire survey (see next page – return envelope supplied).

• Involvement: No need to sit on the bench or be on the side lines, it’s better craic to be on the pitch – so why not be part of the action and get involved... Check out our happy snaps featured on these pages!

Now, simply fill in your family details below and complete our short questionnaire overleaf. Then pull this insert out of the magazine and pop it into the envelope provided.

Name: ..........................................................................................................................

Address: ......................................................................................................................

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Home Phone Number: ...............................................................................................

Mobile Number: ..........................................................................................................

Email: ...........................................................................................................................

Additional names/ mobiles/ emails: .........................................................................

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................................................................................. (use separate page if required).

Now complete our survey – just answer the questions or tick the most appropriate box which applies. There is also some space at the end for your comments.

1. a. I consider myself a member of St. Columba’s ............................................... Y/N b. If not, do you attend another church locally? .............................................. Y/N c. Would you be prepared to become more involved in parish organisations? e.g. Sunday School, Doves, Brownies, Crèche, Mums and Tots, Choir, Music Group, Youth Etc, Young Families Group, Bible Study Group, Mothers’ Union, Afternoon Group, MU Activity Group, Ladies Guild, Men’s Club, Craft & Hobby Circle, Art Club, Pause, Ladies Bowling, Ladies Badminton (am & pm), Toddler Mini Soccer ......................................... Y/N

Strongly Agree Agree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Disagree Strongly Disagree

2. I receive my copy of The Columban magazine promptly each month. o o o o o

3. The magazine is a good source of parish information. o o o o o

4. The parish provides a good range and schedule of activities that suit me/ my family.

o o o o o5. I feel welcome and

comfortable when attending church. o o o o o

6. I would like to contribute (if I don’t already do so) to St. Columba’s through Standing Order or Free Will Offering envelopes.

o o o o o7. I would like some more

information on the benefit to the parish of Gift Aid.

o o o o o

8. I attend St. Columba’s (please circle one only): weekly / monthly / quarterly / annually / on special occasions only (e.g. funeral/ wedding/ baptism) / other (please state).

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9. I would like more information on the following group(s) - circle all that apply: Sunday School / Doves / Brownies / Crèche / Mums and Tots / Choir / Music Group / Youth Etc / Young Families Group / Bible Study Group / Mothers’ Union / Afternoon Group / MU Activity Group / Ladies Guild / Men’s Club / Craft & Hobby Circle / Art Club / Pause / Ladies Bowling / Ladies Badminton (am & pm) / Toddler Mini Soccer.

10. I would like St. Columba’s to consider other ways of helping me to join in (please state your ideas for new groups, or describe what we can do to help you become more involved).

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11. Any other questions or feedback you would like us to consider?

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A BIG thank-you for swinging into action and helping us drive this forward!

Please now tear out the central four pages which include your contact details and the survey, pop them into the addressed envelope supplied and either:

• Post back (you’ll need a stamp) OR

• Place in the labelled box at the back of church OR

• A fellow parishioner will call and collect – please phone the parish office (9065 6891) Monday to Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm to make arrangements.

Please return by Friday, 31st May 2013

We really appreciate your support. We aim to collate all the data during the summer months and we’ll let you know how we get on!

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OUR PARISH WEBSITE – www.coiknock.orgHave you checked out our parish website? It is the fastest and most cost effective way for you to keep up to date with parish news!The website has been updated to include some new features:

• Breaking news / updates on new or exciting things you should be aware of! • General updates. • Recordings of Sunday 10.30am services, designed for those who are

unable to attend church (password for this is obtained from the Rector).Other features include:

• Prayers. • Online Columban library, to read or browse previous editions. • Contact information.

This is a very important resource if you want to keep up to date, so have a look today …and every day!

PENTECOST Pentecost was the old Jewish festival of Firstfruits which took place at the

beginning of the wheat harvest. It was exactly 50 days after the Passover, the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. A feast day to celebrate the country’s wheat harvest does not sound exactly world-changing, but that year it became one of the most important days in world history. For Pentecost was the

day that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit - the day the Church was born. Jesus had told his apostles that something big was going to happen and that they were to wait for it in Jerusalem, instead of returning to Galilee. Jesus had plans for his apostles – but he knew they could not do the work

themselves – they would need his help. And so the apostles and disciples waited in Jerusalem, praying together for several days. And then on that

fateful morning there was suddenly the sound as of a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of flame flickered on their heads and they began to praise God in many tongues – to the astonishment of those who heard them. The curse of Babel (Genesis 11: 1- 9) had been dramatically reversed. That morning, the Holy Spirit came to indwell the apostles and disciples of Jesus, and the Church was born. The Christians were suddenly full of life and power, utterly different from their former fearful selves. The change in them was permanent. Peter gave the first ever sermon of the Christian Church that morning: proclaiming Jesus was the Messiah. His boldness in the face of possible death was in marked contrast to the man who had denied Jesus 50 days before. And 3,000 people responded, were converted and baptised. Of course, Pentecost was not the first time the Holy Spirit had acted in this world. All through the Old Testament there are accounts of how God’s Spirit guided people and strengthened them. But now, because of Christ’s death and resurrection, he could indwell them. From now on, every Christian could have the confidence that Jesus was with them constantly, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

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LARGE PRINT EDITION OF PEW NEWSWe are conducting a trial of a large print A4 version of the Pew News, to be used in conjunction with the large print version of the Book of Common Prayer. The large print Pew News will also contain the Bible readings of the day. The aim of the trial is to make sure that everyone is able to follow the lessons and services clearly as we are aware that sometimes the small print can be difficult to read, especially if there is a lot of information. Some of you may have already seen these editions in church!

I would be delighted to hear your opinion on the trial, particularly if you use the large print edition. Please contact me during office hours Monday to Friday, 9.00am-1.00pm if you would like to discuss it, or have any other queries that need answering.

Karen Patterson, Parish Administrator (9065 6891)

VOLUNTEERING AS A STEWARD AT ST. ANNE’S CATHEDRAL, BELFAST(Can you spare a couple of hours per week or fortnight?)

As a steward, you will make an important contribution to the mission and work of the cathedral. This includes working at the Welcome Area, an extremely important role, ensuring that all visitors receive a warm welcome and have all the information they need to make the most of their visit. You may, when competent, conduct organized tours of the cathedral.

You will learn a great deal, gain valuable experience, meet many people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, and hopefully derive immense enjoyment out of it!

Why volunteer?

• You may wish to serve St. Anne’s Cathedral as an extension of your faith. • You may love the beauty and awe of the building itself, its history and architecture. • You may enjoy helping people, whether it as a ‘listening ear’ or telling them about

the building of the cathedral and its history. • You may wish to get out and make some new friends.

Whatever the reason, the rewards are immense and you will gain so much from the experience, from forming new friendships to acquiring valuable work experience. We encourage people from all backgrounds to offer their services as a steward. If you want to find out more about becoming a volunteer, contact the Reverend Campbell Dixon on 9032 8332 ex. 223 or email: campbell@belfastcathedral.org

or

Contact parishioner, Moranne Noad, who is a steward, for an informal chat on 9079 3704.

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HERITAGE IN THE LANDSCAPE IRELAND’S ROUND TOWERSOne advantage of the new network of motorways that connects the cities of Ireland is that we can quickly travel from one place to another. But on a motorway we must often miss places of interest or ignore aspects of landscape and heritage that can pass by in an instant. One iconic structure that can, nevertheless, still capture our interest by virtue of its height and shape is the early Christian round tower.

Across Ireland, more than 100 round towers were built as the Christian faith consolidated its role, mainly between the 10th and 13th centuries. All of these structures are associated with either monastic or church sites, but only 74 have survived the ravages of time and in many places only the lower portions

of the tower remain in place today. Here in Northern Ireland we still possess some striking examples, such as those at Armoy on Ram’s Island, Lough Neagh, and at Nendrum on the western shore of Strangford Lough, just a few miles beyond Comber.

Round towers are almost unique to Ireland – they only exist elsewhere at two sites in Scotland and one on the Isle of Man. At the time of its original completion, a tower would have averaged a height of between 20 and 30 metres – a considerable building feat. It would then have served its attendant monastery or church as a belfry, a treasury or – especially at the time of Viking raiders – a place of refuge. Archaeological indications from all the surviving towers indicate that none possessed suspended or hanging bells. So all the bells would have summoned the faithful through being struck by hand.

One abiding mystery about the Irish round tower is the origin of its original design. This may have been sourced from monastic or other ecclesiastical places in Europe but many experts remain unsure about this element. Nevertheless, the round tower has survived in the landscape and endures as a special reminder of the Christian legacy – and as something almost uniquely Irish in its own way.

While comparatively little now remains of the round tower at the monastic site at Nendrum, its position on a hilltop among other ruins that also overlook Strangford Lough gives it a wonderful setting. There will be few nicer places to enjoy a summer picnic this year – and to marvel upon the ingenuity of its builders!

Ivan Maginnis

Round Tower at Nendrum

Round Tower

on Ram’s Island

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THANK YOU!Flower arranging, cleaning and tidying, meeting and greeting, singing, making music, photography, calligraphy and dress making are just a few of the varied talents of St. Columba’s parishioners. To that list can be added encouragement, patience, thoughtfulness and kindness. We experienced all these, and more, over recent months as we prepared for our wedding. We really enjoyed our day with family and friends and it was very special to have three ministers (John, Robert and Ciaran) participate in our service. We have been overwhelmed by the love and support offered to us by so many of you. We would like to thank you for your good wishes and prayers, and to say how much we appreciate belonging to the St. Columba’s family.

Karen and Kieran

Karen and Kieran surrounded by fellow choir members after their marriage in St. Columba’s on Thursday, April 4th

NORTHERN IRELAND HEALTHCARE AWARDSParishioners will wish to extend their warmest congratulations to parishioner Peter Armstrong, husband of Lesley-Ann and son of Niall and Carol, who at the recent prestigious Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, won the Hospital Pharmacist of the Year Award. Attending the glittering showcase for Northern Ireland Healthcare were the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Dr Norman Morrow, and the Minister for Health, Edwin Poots, who

addressed those assembled in each of the 14 categories of healthcare: “You should be proud of the excellent service you provide for the people of Northern Ireland, whether or not you have received an award. I hope that you will have been inspired to continue your good work. These awards recognise and celebrate the high standard of healthcare carried out in the province, and also encourage innovation and the translation of evidence into practice to improve the quality and safety of patient care.”

(L-R) BOC’s Mark Warner, winner Peter Armstrong and Professor Michael Scott

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IN THE BEGINNING WAS ITIn ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dorothy. And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham, her husband, “Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?” And Abraham did look at her as though she was several saddle bags short of a camel load but simply said, “How, dear?” And Dot replied, “I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price. The sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah’s Pony Stable (UPS).”

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent. To prevent neighbouring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew. It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS) and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew To The People (HTTP). And the young men did take to Dot Com’s trading as the horsefly doth take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS. And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land. Indeed, he did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates’ drumheads and drumsticks.

And Dot did say, “Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.” And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or eBay, as it came to be known. He said, “We need a name that reflects what we are.”

And Dot replied, “Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.”

“YAHOO,” said Abraham.

And because it was Dot’s idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com.

Abraham’s cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot’s drums to locate things around the countryside.

It soon became known as God’s Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE).

And that is how it all began… 

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Parish Outing to Rathlin Island Sunday, 23rd June

A day to Pray, Play & Picnic! All parishioners, their families and friends are invited to a very exciting day out on Rathlin Island! Come along for Sunday Worship, conducted by our very own Rector, in St. Thomas’s church at 11.30am. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lovely afternoon exploring, chatting and spending time with family and friends!

How do we get there?

There is a ferry sailing from Ballycastle at 10.00am, returning from Rathlin at approximately 17.30pm. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and return fares are £12 per adult, £6 for children under 15 and £32 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). For senior citizens with a valid N.I. Smart Pass – FREE!

What can we do when we are there?

Bird watch, especially as it is the breeding season at the bird sanctuary. Watch the seals, explore the beautiful coastline and visit the lighthouses and boathouse visitor centre. There are several restaurants/chip shops and a hotel if you would prefer not to enjoy the outdoors. Bikes can be hired, there is a small play-park and guided walking tours are also available on early booking. But most importantly, get away from it all and spend quality time with your family, church family and friends!

Please put you name on the noticeboard at the back of church if you would like to come along!

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Children’s Colouring Page

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ON HOW TO DEAL WITH CHURCH CORRESPONDENCE (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren)

The Rectory St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

You may have had several years of intensive training on biblical interpretation,

preaching and church history, but theological courses never seem to cover the

most important matters in parish life: how to evade disgruntled parishioners, run

a tight jumble sale and, in your case at the moment, deal with correspondence.

The accepted practice is to read all the letters you receive and then discard them. If

the matter is truly important, you will receive a second one, to which you respond;

more likely, the sender will either have forgotten all about his first letter after the

second month or will write to some other cleric instead. In either case, you will be

saved a great deal of trouble.

You only need two folders for your filing system. The first is for complaints; they

are to be filed and ignored, no matter how many duplicates you are sent. Should

you be confronted personally, you simply say that the matter has been passed

on to the Bishop. Those truly dogged complainants who pursue the matter will

eventually receive an episcopal reply saying he knows nothing of the matter, for

which you then blame the postal system. After letters have ricocheted round the

county for many months, the person complaining will either lose the energy to

pursue the matter, or the will to live.

The second file receives all other correspondence chronologically. The earliest

letters will be at the bottom of the pile and the most recent on the top. In my

experience, this file only needs attention when it reaches a height of about two

feet and becomes unstable. The practice then is to discard the lower 12 inches

and allow it to continue its steady growth until the process is repeated. If the stack

is kept in the Clergy Vestry, then mice usually attend to the papers on the bottom

of the pile in their own omnivorous way.

Sadly, your own church, with its electronic systems for filing, sorting and retrieving

correspondence, as well as your parish secretaries, removes all of these blessings

at a stroke. You have, therefore, no excuse for not dealing instantly with every

note that comes your way. As ye sow, so shall ye reap.

May I also remind you that not even St. Paul, that unflagging letter-writer, ever

ended one of his letters with a request for a prompt reply. Need I say more?

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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Saturday, 1st June Cash for ClobberFriday, 7th June

Patronal Festival ConcertSunday, 23rd June

Parish Outing, Rathlin Island

DATES

FOR YOUR

DIARY

JUNE MAGAZINEPlease note, any articles or photographs for publication in the June parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 12th May.

Many thanks

HOSPITAL VISITINGThe 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.

FLOWER ROTA FOR MAYSunday 5th .............................................................................Ella Wilkinson

Sunday 12th ...........................................................................Moranne Noad

Sunday 19th ...........................................................................Caroline Auchmuty

Sunday 26th ...........................................................................May Preston

FROM THE REGISTEROur Joys

Marriage

Thursday, 4th April Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court, Holywood

and

Kieran Patrick Tolan 28 Church Crescent, Newtownabbey

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SUNDAY

10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays)

Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig 9047 2512 Patricia Wilson 9040 1066

Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381

X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd 07833 391945

The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047

8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 9079 7125

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)8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 9080 87558.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 9079 5155

WEDNESDAY7.30pm Bible Study Group The Rector 9047 15147.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 9059 2039

THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen 9079 02107.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 9058 6265

FRIDAY9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 9065 14123.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 1207886.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine 9042 43906.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff 9087 4047

Youth Etc (11-15 years) (Monthly outings as arranged) Aaron Wilson 9076 1040Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 9047 1514

PARISH ORGANISATIONSSOMETHING FOR YOU?

Please note, requests for the occasional use of church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Mark Reid, on 07810 648167

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

RECTORThe Revd John R. AuchmutySt. Columba’s Rectory29 King’s RoadBT5 6JGTel 028 9047 1514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com

ASSISTANT PRIEST The Revd Canon Ken Smyth3 Mount RoyalBangorBT20 3BGTel 028 9145 8706

PARISH READERKaren McAlpine10 Old Quay CourtHolywood, BT18 OHTTel 028 9042 4390

DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS)Bryn Harris22 Dalton GladeGlen RoadComber, BT23 5SZTel 028 9187 8816

RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDENJohn Little14 Barnetts LodgeBarnetts Road, BT5 7FSTel 028 9080 8755

PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDENMark Wilson7 Finchley ValeBT4 2EUTel 028 9076 1040

JUNIOR CHURCHWARDENSZac Elkin, Rebecca Burns

RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDENJim Stevenson44 Casaeldona RiseBT6 9RATel 028 9058 3381Mob 07973 392448

PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDENMark Reid54 Knocklofty ParkBT4 3NDTel 028 9028 4367Mob 07810 648167

SELECT VESTRYRector, 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

HON. SECRETARYAlan Rogers50 Cabin Hill GardensBT5 7AQTel 028 9065 6183Email alanrogers53@gmail.com

HON. TREASURERJosephine Kelly15 Manse RoadBT6 9SBTel 028 9079 6658

ASST. HON. TREASURER/ MAGAZINE DISTRIBITOR CO-ORDINATORRonny Martin12 Cyprus GardensBT5 6FBTel 028 9065 4301Mob 07526 396838Email ronny.martin@sky.com

FREE WILL OFFERING/STANDING ORDER SECRETARYMurray Hunter13 Knockdarragh ParkBT4 2LETel 028 9076 1295

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PAROCHIAL NOMINATORSTrevor BuchananPatrick GoodElizabeth LeonardMoranne Noad

DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERSVictor DukelowPatrick GoodElizabeth LeonardMoranne NoadRoss Thompson

ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTERGerald HillTel 028 9058 6265Mob 07954 273755

ASSISTANT ORGANISTBrian Clements150 Sandown RoadBT5 6GXTel 028 9079 3641

READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATORMuriel Arndell18 Kinedar CrescentBT4 3LYTel 028 9065 5500

SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATORRosemary Coffey44 Thornyhill RoadKillinchyBT23 6SJTel 028 9754 2198

CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATORSuzanne Allen9 Cabin Hill GardensBT5 7APTel 028 9065 3511

MAGAZINE EDITORIan Noad36 Shandon ParkBT5 6NXTel 028 9079 3704Email noadfamily@hotmail.com

PARISH WEBMASTERIvan Roche49 Richhill ParkBT5 6HG Tel 028 9514 0141Email ivan.roche@me.com

C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTORMoranne Noad36 Shandon ParkBT5 6NXTel 028 9079 3704

BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTESEvan Preston12 Carrowreagh GardensDundonaldBT16 ITWTel 028 9048 9884

CHURCH FLOWERSPaddy Nesbitt30 Knockhill ParkBT5 6HYTel 028 9065 0716

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

ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICEParish Administrator: Karen PattersonOffice HoursMonday to Friday: 9.00am – 1.00pmTel 028 9065 6891Email office.knock@down.anglican.org