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Tidings Dec 2013 Feb 2014
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William writes…
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Dear friends,
In our family, as in most families, we love to honour our own ways of celebrating Adventand the Christmas season: Advent calendars, listening to Christmas FM on the school run,burning seasonal candles, decorating the Christmas tree and so on. Another of ourfavourite Christmas traditions is watching (very sentimental) Christmas films. One of myfavourites is Elf starring Will Ferrell. It’s about a baby in an orphanage who inadvertentlycrawls into Santa’s sack and is taken back to the North Pole. He is brought up by a verykindly elf and works alongside the other elves making toys for Christmas. He doesn’trealise he is a human (despite being three times the height of the elves!) until one day heover hears two elves talking about him. Faced with this existential crisis he heads off tosearch for his father in New York!
Unspoilt by the selfishness and greed of human society he brings transformation into thelives of the people he encounters – most importantly, his own father. Is there any sort oftheological message to take away from this film? I think it celebrates innocence, a sense offun and wonder. I also think it reminds us that without faith, human relationships andsociety is significantly impoverished. Elf is a very light hearted film but, if we suspend ourdisbelief, films and stories like this can get beneath the radar of our unbelief, cynicism andangst. So anaesthetised are many of us to the Christmas story I think we actually needmedia like Elf to engage our hearts and minds with the important things of life.
That God would choose to reveal himself as a helpless baby born in some back water ofthe Roman Empire speaks to us on just about every level of our humanity – our sense ofidentity, our worth, our meaning and, ultimately, our purpose. God took a big punt on us.Are we going to win through? Are we going to allow ourselves to be transformed by hislove for us?
May we all know the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance ofthe wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child thisChristmas and into the New year.
William
A Word from the Curate…
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Some of the most familiar words in the Bible are written in the Gospel according to Luke -Chapter 2 v 10;
‘ I bring you good news of great joy….’ and as we once again approach the celebration ofthe Birth of our Saviour on Christmas Day, we will hear and read these words.
The past number of weeks in my life have been particularly full and enriching. My journeyto Ordination to the Priesthood was at times challenging and often extremely challengingfor a variety of reasons. Nonetheless God richly blessed me in ensuring that I made it tothe finish line in respect of my requisite formal studies. He answered the prayers of allthose both near and far who so kindly remembered myself and my family. God’s responsewas - ‘I am with you’ ; Isaiah Chapter 41 v 10.
The lead up to 1 November 2013 - All Saints Day was that of excitement and a degree oftrepidation. As we prepare for the Season of Advent and all that this season means in ourlives and all that is revealed to us, there is also the sharing in a sense of excitement -Christmas day and Christ’s promise that he will come again.
The support myself and my family received in response to the prayers of parishioners,relatives and friends has been staggering. So very many persons have ‘travelled with me’ onmy journey - your prayers and support is much appreciated. It has indeed been a greatprivilege and honour to be Ordained by Archbishop Michael in St Matthias’ and share withso many parishioners, friends and clergy.
Thank you to each and every one for your prayers and support as I commence a new phaseof ministry - It is truly one of great joy for myself. So as we journey towards Bethlehem inthe days and weeks to come, my prayer for each one of us is that we may all be in aposition to receive God’s unique gift - ‘The Wonderful Counsellor’ in the knowledge thatwe are not alone.
Thank you for sharing in my good news, As we join in the celebrations of Christmas may wejoyfully proclaim ‘The Good news’ of the Birth of Jesus and the promise that brings for eachof us in the knowledge that God is with us.
Wishing each and every one a Joyous and Peace Filled Christmas.
Niall
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My Ordination to The Priesthood on AllSaints Day - 1 November 2013 was anoccasion of great Joy for myself and myfamily. I wish to express my enormousgratitude to William for his tireless andunfaltering energy in ensuring that theService of Ordination went so smoothly. I also extend my thanks to the Archbishopfor presiding at this service and forpreaching. To the Church Wardens, Choir(and of course no choir is completewithout an organist) - Thank you Donald,Parishioners and all who were in any wayinvolved in the arrangements for thisauspicious occasion - I say Thank youindeed. I reserve a special Thank You forthe ‘junior collectors’ - Amy, Harvey, Emily,Rebecca and Toby.
I am most grateful to all who organisedand contributed to the ‘banquet’ whichwas provided in The Parish Centrefollowing the service. It was a wonderfulsight to behold.
Sunday 10 November 2013 being the dayat which I presided at my first celebrationof Holy Communion is another day ofcelebration and joy in my life and that ofmy family. Vivian expresses her gratefulthanks for the superb bouquet of flowerswhich were presented to her on this dateand which were a real and wonderfulsurprise. I wish to acknowledge the mostgenerous gift from the parishioners of StMatthias’ as presented to myself - Verymany thanks indeed.
It is a real privilege to share in worshipwith all in St Matthias’. Thank you onceagain for your Prayers, support and mostgenerous gifts.
Niall and Vivian
A Very Big Thank You
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The parish would like to wish a big congratulations to Rev Niall on his Ordination that tookplace in St Matthias on Friday 1st November which was led by the Archbishop of Dublin andGlendalough, The Most Reverend Michael Jackson. The event was a joyous one which wasattended by a large number of friends, family, clergy and parishioners. It has been wonderfulfor the parish of St Matthias to have been part of Rev Niall’s journey to his Ordination andwish him every congratulations and prayers as he begins his service to God’s people.
We enjoyed several interesting service’s since our last edition of Tidings. On 6th Octoberwe celebrated the Harvest Service with guest speaker Robbie Syme from CMS, followed byan extremely successful Soup Lunch organised by Vanya Kavanagh and her team to raisemoney for our sister Parish of St Matthias in Gohogo in Rwanda.
On the 20th October St Matthias enjoyed its annual Scouts and Guides Parade Service and on10th November Rev Niall celebrated his first Holy Communion Service with St Matthias Parish.
Parish News
If anyone is considering confirmation this year (March 2014) would you please makecontact with William. Thank you!
Confirmation 2014
October 2013
Held for (possibly) the last time in Taney Parish Church and Centre
I attended this year’s Synod together with William, Victor Freeman and Ann Cuppage onbehalf of St Matthias’s. Some of it is not very interesting like the formality of passing themany reports but in amongst that there is a considerable amount of information about themany good things that are happening in our Diocese. The things that impressed me mostwere the amount of work going on with young people and youth groups which we hearvery little about. An example of this is the 3 Rock project with teenagers to bring an activeliving faith by developing youth leaders and clergy to run programmes for young people andhas been very active in running events.
There also appears to be successful activity with immigrants in the city centre parishes andthese are thriving. An example of this is St Catherine’s but if you do go, from myexperience, do not expect to get out within the hour!
A common problem addressed at Synod was money – or lack of it (surprise, surprise) –pointed out by various organisations and parishes. A good example of this is the situationregarding curates. While we are generating plenty of students to study for the Church ofIreland, there is nowhere for them to go as parishes in our United Dioceses cannot affordthe cost of a curate.
At the end of the two sessions we had the Archbishop and Dean of Hong Kong addressSynod (our Dioceses have a close link with the Province of Hong Kong). They gave aninsight into the life of their Province and explained that money was not a problem for them!
In conclusion, there is a large amount of work going on in various areas and a lot of peopledoing good work. It appears to me that the churches, all of them, need to put the pastbehind them and move on. They need to get out amongst their people and tell their storyand have a major push with the media with good news and stories.
Ronnie Crampton
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Dublin & Glendalough Diocesan Synod
Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival IFSC 12th Dec – 23rd Dec
Three NYE Dublin Festival Dublin 29th Dec - 1st Jan
Templebar Tradfest Templebar 22nd Jan – 26th Jan
Dine in Dublin Dublin 24th Feb – 1st Mar
Dublin Events
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Parish Clubs55 Club The 55 Club had opened its new season with a visit to the Beaulieu House in Drogheda on28th Aug followed by another outdoor activity to the Newbridge House in Donabate on2nd Oct. Both visits to these historic houses were highly enjoyed by those who came. Thenext activities scheduled will be indoor for the winter months with a very interesting, not-to-be-missed post-festive nutrition talk by Ciara Beauge next 5th Feb. The annual ClubChristmas Party will again take place at the Glenview Hotel on 13th December.
Book ClubAt our last meeting ‘The Great Gatsby’ by Scott Fitzgerald was well received by some members, we learned a new word, not in the usual dictionary ‘echolalia’ meaning a constant babble of voices.
Our next book has been suggested by our new recruit Jean Paul. It is ‘The Third Policeman’ by Flann O’Brien. We will meet in Adele’s house on the Friday the 6th December.
After Flann O’Brien, Jim has proposed a book of short stories ‘The Hungry Stones and Other Stories’ by Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian writer who won the Nobel prize in 1913.
We are not sure yet if an audio version is available of ‘The Snow Child’ by Eowyn Ivey, a writer from Alaska. This was Stephanie’s suggestion.
For information, phone: 01 2824247
Whist DrivesThe next Whist Drives are on Thursday 19th December 2013, Thursday 16th January 2014and Thursday 20th February 2014. They start at 7.45pm and partners are not needed soplease bring friends who may be interested.
A charge of 5 euro per person includes a tea break and prizes. Any surplus goes to the HallAccount
Information, Tel. 01 2824247
Gahogo Soup LunchA big ‘Thank You’ to everybody who made our Soup Lunch in aid of St Mathias Gahogosuch a success! It was very encouraging to see such great support. The good news is wemade over €1800! This will go a long way to helping the community in Gahogo. Hopefullyby the next issue of Tidings I’ll be able to update you on how the money was used.
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Parish Finance
Please take time to read this up-date on thecurrent state of parish finances as weapproach the end of the financial year. It isopportune to advise you as the wider Parishcommunity. It is likely that unless youindividually are involved at Vestry level orattend the annual meeting that you will not befully aware of same.
Through the careful stewardship of the SelectVestry we have managed to operate thefinances successfully through the years andmore recently in times of austerity. Parishbuildings and fabric are all in excellent orderfor which we are most grateful and wereblessed in having the means to improve overthe years. Most recently the Parish Centrethrough necessity was brought up to a greatstandard through funds raised in sale ofrectory and use of reserves held from bettertimes. The latter was achieved without theneed to borrow or revert to parishioners inany major way.
The Rector on our behalf did communicatewith all parishioners in 2012 by letter andbrochure setting out the key principles ofStewardship. The detail of that documententitled Ways of Giving in terms of our time,skills and resources. The leaflet referred toour financial generosity to the life and witnessof the Church. However we continue to findourselves continuing to operate at a deficitapproaching 20,000 over the past few years.
I attach extract of figures setting the patternof income and expenditure from 2004. Youwill observe that from 2008 we showedlosses on day to day operations. In 2010 theRector vacancy did result in outlays forDiocesan charges (red column normal year).We are not alone as a Parish in these aspectsbut fortunate in that we are not carryingborrowings, however we are not a parish withhistoric reserves of cash.
It has been 20 years since there has been abig push on stewardship (ie giving) and whilesome have reviewed and increased giving, agreat deal has changed over these years asyou will appreciate. We currently have 200households of which 55 give most generouslyannually or through envelope system andstanding orders. It should be possible fromapproximately 200 households to increasethis level of giving. The cost of running theParish is 90,000 per annum and in 2012 wereceived 46,443 from the latter sources ofdirect giving. Thereafter a gap of 43,557 isreliant on Fete, Tax refund and other fundraising activities such as Christmas Fair,Socials, Hall income and reserves. That gap haswidened since 2005 /6 prior to that we wereable to build up surplus funds. Income hasdropped from peak in 2005.
I want to thank everyone who gives inwhatever way and to invite you to considerone of the following options:
Commit to regular giving through theparish envelope scheme, through astanding order or through electronicmethods which can now be accessed onthe website: www.stmatthias.ie. It maybe that your giving to the church is on an adhoc basis. Most likely you make an offering inthe plate when you attend a church servicebut you have never got round to signing upfor the envelope scheme or for a standingorder. We are asking for you to prayerfullyconsider doing so – proportional to yourmeans.
Review the level of your giving. It may bethat you have signed up to the envelopescheme or to setting up a standing order butthat this was some years ago now since thelast stewardship campaign in the parish! Ifthis is you we are asking that you mightprayerfully consider reviewing your level of
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giving. Of course you may decide that youneed to revise down your commitment but itmight also be the case that you would beprepared to raise your regular giving!
If you would value a chance to meet me orany one of the stewardship team to discussoptions we would be happy to oblige. I havelisted contact details below and we are allavailable to deal with all aspects of this appeal.
1. Parish Treasurer: Bob Wallace, Killiney Tel: 012856892. Email: [email protected](Bank details, standing orders etc)
2. Parish Recorder: Victor Freeman, Booterstown Tel: 012880032(Recorder and New envelopes)
3. Chairman Stewardship: Martin Cuppage, Tel: 0868048261Email:[email protected]
(Home visitation and discussion on aspects ofgiving will be available)
ST MATTHIAS’ WISH LIST FOR OUR CHURCH AND GROUNDS
Ronny Crampton was impressed that HolyTrinity Killiney had included what they call a‘wish list’ of items and/or jobs needed fortheir parish. Seemingly, it has been a greatsuccess. So, in the same spirit of ‘if you don’task, you don’t get’ here are some things onour own Select Vestry’s wish list (the figuresare guesstimates):
1. Fire protection of the boiler house ceiling..........€750
2. Freezer for the Parish Centre kitchen..................€300
3. Remove all gravel and install hard paving/landscapingfeatures ...................................................................€15,000
4. Signage in front of church.......................................€3000
5. CCTV for Church grounds and Hall ....................€500
6. Signage in hall (names for each room) ...................€50
7. Emergency lighting in the church with.............................emergency signage etc. ..........................................€3500
8. Fire Detection system within the Church - linked into the fire alarm panel in the hall............€500
9. Digital communicator on fire alarm in hall toring out any alarms on panel.....................€300 - €500
10. Digital communicator on heating system in churchto enable heating to be set remotely .....€300 - €500
11. Decorative acoustic panelling in the Old Hall .............................................................................€500 -€750
12. Glazed partitioning /doors to Day room.......................................................................€6000 - €9500
13. New easily stackable chairs (200)........................€2000
14. New table and chairs for Old Hall & Day Room ........................................................................................€1000
15. Wireless alarm system in Parish Centre..............€750
16. Install / annual monitoring charge...........................€250
(possibly items 8 and 9 could link into the same system)
Compiled by the Select Vestry
Parish Finance
Bob Wallace
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Services for December 2013
Sunday 1st DecemberThe First Sunday of Advent
9am................Holy Communion10.30am .......All Age Advent ChristingleSermon .........William OlhausenPrayers ..........Sunday Club
ReadingsIsaiah 2: 1-5..........................Sunday ClubMatthew 24: 36-44.............Sunday Club
Sunday 8th DecemberThe Second Sunday of Advent
9am................Holy Communion10.30am........All Age Holy CommunionSermon ........William OlhausenPrayers .........Gillian Keogh
ReadingsIsaiah 11: 1-10 .....................Philip SalterMatthew 3: 1-12 .................Audrey Tormey7pm Final Open to God
Sunday 15th DecemberThe Third Sunday of Advent
9am................Holy Communion10.30an .........MW and Holy BaptismSermon .........William OlhausenPrayers ..........Jane Maxwell
ReadingsIsaiah 35: 1-10 .....................Helen StillmanMatthew 11: 2-11...............Peter Fisher6pm Carols by CandlelightPersonnel .....TBC
Sunday 22nd DecemberThe Fourth Sunday of Advent
9am................Holy Communion10.30am........All Age Crib Service
Full details to follow
Tuesday 24th DecemberChristmas Eve
11pm .............Holy CommunionSermon .........Cecily westPrayers ..........Jeanne Salter
Readings2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-11, 16...Jane MaxwellLuke 1: 67-79 ......................John West
Wednesday 25th DecemberChristmas Day
10.30am........Holy CommunionSermon .........William OlhausenPrayers ..........William Olhausen
ReadingsIsaiah 9: 2-7..........................Jessica SweetnamLuke 2: 1-14.........................Caroline Murphy
Sunday 29th DecemberThe First Sunday of Christmas
10.30am........Healing ServiceReadingsIsaiah 63: 7-9 .......................Victor FreemanMatthew 2: 13-23...............Cathy Malseed
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Services for January - February 2014
Sunday 5th JanuaryEpiphany
9am ...............Holy Communion10.30am........All Age Sermon .........William OlhausenPrayers .........Gillian Keogh
ReadingsIsaiah 60.1-6 ........................Gareth LyonsMatthew 2.1-12..................Amy Stratford
Sunday 12th January The First Sunday of EpiphanyThe Baptism of Christ
9am................Holy Communion10.30 .............Holy CommunionSermon .........Cecily WestPrayers ..........Tony Quinn
ReadingsIsaiah 42.1-9 .......................James MalseedMatthew 3.13-17................Hilary McBain
Sunday 19th JanuaryCome and See
9am................Holy Communion10.30am........Morning WorshipSermon .........William OlhausenPrayers ..........Jeanne Salter
ReadingsIsaiah 49.1-7 ........................Les GrantJohn 1.29-42........................Nicky Rice
Sunday 26th JanuaryThe Master’s call
9am................Holy Communion10.30 ............Holy CommunionSermon.................................Chris SmithPrayers..................................Jane Maxwell
ReadingsIsaiah 9.1-4 ..........................Alistair DoyleMatt. 4.12-23.......................Adele Trapnell
Sunday 2nd FebruaryThe Presentation of Christ in theTemple
9am................Holy Communion10.30am........All AgeSermon .........William OlhausenPrayers ..........Sunday Club
ReadingsLuke 2.22-40 .......................Sunday Club
Sunday 9th February
9am................Holy Communion10.30 .............Holy CommunionBe differentSermon .........William OlhausenPrayers ..........Gillian Keogh
ReadingsIsaiah 58.1-9a ......................Scott McConnellMatthew 5.13-20................Sandra Byrne
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Services for February 2014
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Ideal for parents & toddlers: 4mths to 4 years Pay as you go classes, discounts for siblings 75 minute classes include a high energy fun teacher
led session, snack & play time, and wind- down story time
Taught by two mums highly qualified in the fields of education
Tues. 10am: Rathmichael Parish Church, Shankill Thurs. 10am: Mounttown C. Facility, Dun Laoghaire
and starting the week of Jan 6th:
Wed. 10am: Sandyford C.C., Lambs Cross, Sandyford Fri.
INFORMATION FOR OUR READERS
If the date you have been scheduled for is notpossible please feel to swap with someone elseon the rota. Please deal directly with the personconcerned and remember to make contact withthem in good time!
If you are reading from an Epistle pleaseconclude the reading with the words: This is the Word of the Lord.
If you are reading from the Gospel only use thewording for a Communion service if it is in fact acommunion service. Otherwise please concludethe reading with the words: This is the word ofthe Lord. The congregation need only stand for aGospel reading if it is Communion.
Finally, whether you are reading or leadingprayers please remember to speak slowly, clearlyand loudly! Even with a mic’ the volume is notsufficient for all members of the congregation.
Many thanks for your participation in our worship.
Sunday 16th February
9am...............................Holy Communion10.30.............................Morning WorshipDecision TimeSermon ........................Niall StratfordPrayers ......................... Jeanne Salter
ReadingsDeut. 30.15-20 ..........Martin CuppageMatthew 5.21-37 .......Pat Fisher
Sunday 23rd February
9am & 10.30 ...............Holy CommunionTough Love Sermon ........................Billy MarshallPrayers .........................Jane Maxwell
ReadingsLev. 19.1-2,9-18..........James MalseedMatthew 5.38-48 .......Stuart McBain
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Rotas
Welcome Team
week ending
Dec 8th Niall & Daphne Whelan
Dec 15th Peter & Ann Hegarty
Dec 22nd Les & Beverley Grant
Dec 29th Victor & Anna Freeman
Jan 5th Richard & Mary Hill
Jan 12th Jack & Barbara Rankin
Jan 19th Sam & Georgina Farrar
Jan 26th Chris & Helen Stillman
Feb 2nd Philip & Jean Salter
Feb 9th Peter & Pat Fisher
Feb 16th Niall & Daphne Whelan
Feb 23rd Peter & Ann Hegarty
Bell Ringer
Victor Freeman
Les Grant
Richard Hill
Chris McCabe
John Wallace
Bob Wallace
Sam Farrar
Alan Doherty
Philip Salter
Eddie Kinlan
Kim Featherstone
Victor Freeman
Cleaning week ending
Dec 8th Roisin McCabe & Ann Thielmans
Dec 15th Vanya Kavanagh & Adrienne Bedell
Dec 22nd Becky Breech & Sally Anderson
Dec 29th Bev Grant & Cathy Malseed
Jan 5th Rosin McCabe & Ann Thielmans
Jan 12th Vanya Kavanagh & Adrienne Bedell
Jan 19th Becky Breach & Sally Anderson
Jan 26th Bev Grant & Cathy Malseed
Feb 2nd Aileen Unger & Orlagh Perrem
Feb 9th Jeanne Salter & Iris Swift
Feb 16th Roisin McCabe & Ann Thielmans
Feb 23rd Vanya Kavanagh & Adrienne Bedell
Flowers
Anna Freeman
Sheelagh Wallace
Christmas
New Year
Anne Doherty
Anne Doherty
Anne Cuppage
Anne Cuppage
Ann Fleeton
Ann Fleeton
Pat Fisher
Pat Fisher
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Communications contact details:Tidings Editor: Alice Gervin - [email protected]
Tidings Advertising: Maria Waters - [email protected]
Church of Ireland Gazette: Donald Maxwell - [email protected], 01 2852974
The Church Review: [email protected], 0878176899, 01 2856892
If you know of any special events such as Births, Engagements, Marriages,Wedding Anniversaries, or any other important events of St Matthiasparishioners please make Contact using the Tidings email address. Please have the permission of those involved to have these events printed.
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Parish Contacts
Parish Rector: Rev Dr William Olhausen (01) 2852228
Parish Curate: Rev Niall Stratford (01) 4937535
Select Vestry Hon Secretary: Roisin McCabe (087) [email protected]
Parish Centre Coordinator: Tanya Olhausen (085) 2382375
Tidings Administrator: Alice Gervin (087) [email protected]
We can also be found on www.stmatthias.ie and http://www.facebook.com/StMatthiasDublin
V Email us at [email protected]
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