March 2010

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RECTOR’S LETTERDear Parishioner,

FLOWER FESTIVAL FRIDAY 4th JUNE – SUNDAY 6th JUNE

The Flower Festival Coordinator, Alan Rogers, and his committee have begun their planning for this very significant fund-raising event in our parish. We are immensely fortunate that the Northern Ireland Group of Flower Arrangement Societies will be using their enormous professional skills and talents to design the flower arrangements, which will beautifully illustrate the life of St. Columba.

It is very important that everyone in our parish has an opportunity to participate fully in this momentous event which takes place during our Patronal weekend. In addition to raising much-needed funds for our Building Fund Appeal, we will also have a wonderful opportunity to welcome many visitors to our church. The Flower Festival will require considerable time, effort and talents from us all to ensure that it is a great success.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

One of the ways in which you can play your part is by helping to offset the cost of purchasing the wide variety and volume of flowers that will be required for the various arrangements throughout the church. This can be done by making a financial donation in memory of a family member, or it can recognise a special event or occasion in your life. A list of donors and appropriate messages will be on display within the Church and will constitute an integral part of the festival.

DONATION ENVELOPE

If you would like to make a donation to assist with purchasing the flowers, a donation envelope has been attached to this edition of the Columban, together with an insert for your individual message. The Flower Festival Committee and I should be very grateful if you would consider becoming involved by making such a personal and meaningful contribution. It would also be most helpful if you could place your Donation Envelope on the offertory plate, or you can give it to me personally.

Yours in His service,

SERVICES IN MARCHThursday 4th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Clergy Vestry

Sunday 7th The Third Sunday in Lent (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell 1 Corinthians 10: 1-1� Gospel Clergy Luke 1�: 1-9 10.30am All Age Worship & Holy Baptism followed by Soup and Cheese Lunch in the hall Reader Joyce Stevenson Luke 1�: 1-9 7.00pm Choral Evensong Reader Helen Donaghy Genesis �8: 10-19a Reader Helen Donaghy John 1: �5-51

Thursday 11th (Purple) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 14th The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday) (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart Colossians �: 1�-17 Gospel Clergy Luke �: ��-�5 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Clare Best Colossians �: 1�-17 Gospel Clergy Luke �: ��-�5 Intercessions Muriel Arndell 7.00pm Compline Reader Karen McAlpine John 11: 17-44

Wednesday 17th St. Patrick’s Day (White) 10.30am Holy Communion

Thursday 18th St. Joseph of Nazareth (Transferred) (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 21st The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Passion Sunday) (Purple) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Lindsay Hodges Philippians �:4b-14 Gospel Clergy John 1�: 1-8 9.30am Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine John 1�: 1-8 10.30am Morning Prayer Reader Olivia Budde Isaiah 4�: 16-�1 Reader Ross Thompson John 1�: 1-8 Occasional Clergy Prayers 7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Clare Best � Chronicles �5: 1-6, 10-16 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke ��: 1-1�

Thursday 25th The Annunication of Our Lord (White) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

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Sunday 28th Palm Sunday (Red) 8.15am Holy Communion Reader Michael Davey Philippians �: 5-11 Gospel Clergy Luke 19: �8-40 10.30am Holy Communion Reader Jean Fulton Philippians �: 5-11 Gospel Clergy Luke 19: �8-40 Intercessions Karen McAlpine 7.00pm Evening Prayer & Commissioning of Select Vestry Members Reader Gina Greeves Isaiah 5: 1-7 Reader Gina Greeves Luke �0: 9-19

Monday in Holy Week (Red) 10.00am Holy Communion 8.00pm Evening Prayer Reader Karen McAlpine Isaiah 5: 1-7 Reader Trevor Buchanan Matthew �1: ��-46 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “Last Instructions”

Tuesday in Holy Week (Red) 10.00am Holy Communion 8.00pm Service of the Word Reader Karen McAlpine Matthew �5: 1-1� Reader Emma Hill Matthew �6: �6:46 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “Missing the Point”

Wednesday in Holy Week (Red) 10.00am Holy Communion 1.15pm–1.45pm Service in Knock Methodist Church 8.00pm Late Evening Office Reader Karen McAlpine Matthew �5: �1-46 Reader Elizabeth Leonard Revelation 5: 1-14 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “Final Judgement”

Maundy Thursday (White) 10.30am Holy Communion for our Housebound Parishioners followed by seasonal refreshments in the Choir Vestry 1.15pm–1.45pm Service in Knock Methodist Church 8.00pm Holy Communion according to the Methodist Rite Reader Karen McAlpine Matthew ��: 1-14 Reader Clergy John 1�: 1-17 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “Heaven’s Banquet”

Good Friday 12 – 3pm The Three Hours Devotions Conductor: The Right Reverend Dr. James Mehaffey (Former Bishop of Derry and Raphoe) 1.15pm–1.45pm Service in Knock Methodist Church 8.00pm Reflections for Good Friday Evening Reader Karen McAlpine John 19: 1-�7 Preacher: The Reverend Desmond Bain – “With eyes open”

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.stcolumbas.down.anglican .org

HOLY WEEK SERVICES 2010 Monday 29th March – Good Friday 2nd April

MORNING SERVICES10.00am Holy Communion (Monday 29th – Wednesday 31st March) 10.30am Holy Communion (Maundy Thursday 1st April)

LUNCHTIME SERVICES (Knock Methodist Church)1.15pm – 1.45pm (Wednesday, Maundy Thursday & Good Friday)

EVENING SERVICES8.00pm Preacher: The Reverend Desmond BainThis year we look forward to welcoming the Reverend Desmond Bain as our Holy

Week Preacher. He will be with us each evening in St. Columba’s beginning on

Monday, �9th March, and continuing through to Good Friday. He has served as a

Methodist minister for �8 years and is a former President of the Methodist Church

in Ireland. He is married to Valerie and they have two sons, Darren and Trevor.

As the son of a Methodist minister, Desmond lived in various places in Northern

Ireland where his father served, but during his ministry he has served in churches

throughout the Republic of Ireland. He currently lives in Dublin, as he has done

for the last �5 years. He is Secretary of the Home Mission Department, a role in

which he has excelled for 1� years. In his leisure time, he enjoys woodturning,

trout fishing, walking, soccer and reading.

GOOD FRIDAY THREE HOUR DEVOTIONS12noon – 3pm Conductor: The Right Reverend Dr. James MehaffeyWe look forward to welcoming Bishop James Mehaffey, a former Bishop of Derry

and Raphoe, to conduct our Three Hour Devotions on Good Friday. During these

devotions we will have an opportunity to reflect and meditate on the crucifixion

of Christ. While some people will be in St. Columba’s for the full three hours, it is

possible to come and go at the end of each section of the devotions.

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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 Curate (028 90653370).

Both the Rector and Curate will visit parishioners in all the Residential and Nursing Homes throughout the parish during March. In addition, the Rector will be conducting private Holy Communion Services in the homes of those housebound parishioners who are unable to attend any of the Easter services in church.

A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISHO God, make the door of our Church wide enough to receive all who

need human love and fellowship, and a heavenly Father’s care; and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hate.

Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor to straying feet; but rugged enough to turn back the tempter’s power. Make it the gateway to thine eternal kingdom.

AmenBishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711

MARCH SIDESPERSONS’ ROTASunday 7th ................................................... Yvonne and Eddie Cadden

Sunday 14th ................................................. Jennifer Johnston and Joan Madill

Sunday 21st .................................................. Roberta and Alan Rogers

Sunday 28th ................................................. Roberta and John McKeown

PRIVATE HOLY COMMUNION SERVICESIt is always a privilege for the Rector to conduct private Holy Communion services in the homes of housebound parishioners who are unable to attend any of the Easter services in St. Columba’s. Please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) by Friday, 19th March, to make an appointment if you would like a private Holy Communion service in your home.

HOLY COMMUNION FOR HOUSEBOUND PARISHIONERSin

St. Columba’s Parish Church

on

MAUNDY THURSDAY, 1st APRIL at 10.30am With Holy Week Hymns and seasonal refreshments

Please phone the Parish Office (Wednesday or Friday morning

8.30am - 1.30pm) to arrange transport.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

PROGRAMME for March 2010

7th March 10.30am All age Worship14th March 10.30am Sunday School21st March 9.30am Family Communion28th March 10.30am Sunday School

Unfortunately, no children joined us last month for the practice before the All Age Worship to prepare for the Youth Choir item. On Sunday, 7th March, we will sing ‘My God is So Big’ with the actions. Don’t worry if you are a little late in sending the children up to the front as you arrive.

Please continue filling the Smartie tubes with your 20p’s for the Building Fund!

Beth Cairnduff

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 they already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370) to enable them to take careful note of the details.

IRISH BLESSINGMay the roads rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again

May God hold you

In the hollow of His Hand.

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CONFIRMATION 2010The Bishop of Down and Dromore will administer the Rite of Confirmation for candidates from the parishes of St. Mark’s, Dundela, St. Molua’s, St. Dorothea’s and our own parish, in St. Molua’s on Sunday, 25th April, at 6.30pm. This year, all the candidates from these local churches will study together for their confirmation classes. This will enable the young people to get to know each other as they cover the confirmation course. Confirmation preparation involves a weekly class of one-hour duration, regular church attendance and attendance at the H�0 Youth Group.

Please pray for these young people who are preparing for their confirmation this year:

Jonathan Brown Rosanna Good Ruth Hewlett

The Rector

THE ANNUAL EASTER GENERAL VESTRY MEETING

will take place in the Church Hall on Wednesday 24th March 2010

at 7.30pm

All parishioners are encouraged to attend but only those who are registered can vote to elect:

The People’s ChurchwardenThe People’s Glebewarden12 Select Vestry Members

Refreshments will be served during the meeting.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER(interdenominational)

Friday, 5th March 2010STORMONT

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHAt 8.00pm

Theme: Let everything that has breath praise God

ALL WELCOME – MEN, WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLEPrepared by the Christian Women of Cameroon

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR EASTER

Saturday 3rd April10.30am – 12.30pm

No flower arranging skills necessary!

Gifts of flowers and a willingness to help is all that is required.

Children and young families will be particularly welcome to help with the decorating!

Refreshments in the Rectory

MARCH FUNDRAISING AT A GLANCE (See also separate notices)

Sunday 7th ...............Parish Soup and Cheese Lenten Lunch

Sunday 14th ............. Tea and Biscuits provided by Mothers’ Union (Mothering Sunday)

Saturday 20th ..........Art Demonstration by Julian Friars, President of the RUA

IT’S ALL IN THE MINDI’m going downhill, it has to be said,

I struggle each morning to get out of bed.

Once a size ten, dainty and slim, Now I’m quite fat with

a big double chin.

Hair has gone grey, teeth exit at night, I look in the mirror, “Oh what a sight”. Off to the doctor,

it’s my check up today. What will he find? What will he say?

“Blood pressure’s good,

pulse rate is fine, Cholesterol low,

much better than mine. Wish all my patients

were as healthy as you”. I skip from the surgery,

feel good as new.

I stride down the street, just walking on air,

Free as a bird, and never a care. Look in a shop window,

peer in the glass, Hey! Who is that really

good looking lass?

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DEDICATION OF NEW CHURCH LIGHTING AND BOILERIt was a great joy to welcome the Right Reverend Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore, to St. Columba’s on Sunday, 7th February, to dedicate the new church lighting, church boiler and heating improvements. This was a most important occasion for our parish, and it was very encouraging to see many parishioners and members of our Parish Organisations present for the service. During Choral Evensong, Mrs Liz McCaughey (Acting Rector’s Churchwarden) and Mrs Helen Donaghy (People’s Churchwarden) formally requested the Bishop to conduct the dedication. Bishop Harold congratulated the parish and emphasized the importance of having good lighting and heating for our worship.

During the service, the Rector said, “Our Building Fund Appeal was launched last June to raise money to pay for essential improvements to all our church buildings. I thank all those who have been supporting our many fundraising projects, which have enabled us to share fellowship with each other as we work hard to raise funds to pay for the work. It is wonderful that we are now able to worship Almighty God in a bright and warm church, which makes a welcome change for us in St. Columba’s! Further fundraising events are planned during the coming months, including the Flower Festival during our Patronal weekend in June.”

Following the service, everyone enjoyed lovely refreshments at the back of the church.

The Rector

KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE!Now that March is here we are hopefully coming into some better weather, and thankfully the snow is away at last, which is great! Things are also starting to get much more mobile at the Curatage. In the middle of February an apple green machine arrived – otherwise known as the Curate’s car – so watch out on the roads, you have been warned! Also, in a moment of madness, I agreed to undertake a feat of endurance with a couple of others from the parish. On Monday, 2nd May, I will be walking in the Belfast Marathon for St. Columba’s Building Fund... Are we mad? … Yes, we are! However, if you would like to be mad with us please do let me know!

Ministry remains busy, fulfilling and challenging as pastoral visitation continues and as I seek to build up good relations with all those I come into contact with on a daily basis. Over the course of February and March, I am hoping to get people together to look at what can be done for our young members. Elsewhere in the magazine, you will find a wish-list of items that would be really useful if you happened to have them lying about in your garage or attic… I certainly would be more than willing to have a look to see if we could use them!

As ever, if I happen to miss you as I call, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will re-visit at a convenient time.

Every Blessing Robert

THE AFTERNOON GROUPOn Monday, 8th March, our guest speaker will be Mr. Frank Dick. Those of you who were on our outing to Hillsborough Castle will remember Mr. Dick, our tour guide. Frank was a mine of information and I’m sure his talk on the 8th will be equally enjoyable!

Hope to see you there,

May

SHAGGY DOG STORYAn Englishman boarded a train accompanied by a large shaggy dog, and sat down opposite an Irishman. The latter looked at the dog for a while and then asked, “And what type of dog would that be, now?”

“It’s a cross between an ape and an Irishman”, growled the grumpy Englishman.

Quick as a flash came the reply, “Ah, you mean it’s related to both of us!”

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ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUBART DEMONSTRATION AND WORKSHOP – Saturday Morning, 20th March

ART DEMONSTRATION

St. Columba’s Art Club will be holding an Art Demonstration in the Church Hall hosted by a most distinguished guest artist, Julian Friers, President of the Royal Ulster Academy, to which all parishioners, friends, family and others interested are heartily welcome. The morning will start with coffee at 9.30am and the demonstration at 10.00am, finishing around 1�.�0pm.Those attending the demonstration will be invited to make a donation of £5.00 towards the St. Columba’s Building Fund.

Bob Killen, Billy Nelson

Hi Ladies

After the disappointment of having to cancel our first meeting this year

we had a highly successful evening on Tuesday, �nd February, with a wonderfully entertaining talk by Roger Dixon, which I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed. This was coupled with a Bring & Buy Sale, our Fundraiser for the Building Fund. We were absolutely delighted with the turnout for this event and overwhelmed by the vast amount of items donated, which resulted in us raising a very healthy sum as our contribution to the Building Fund. Thank you all for your support which is very much appreciated.

Our next meeting on Tuesday, 2 March, is “Life in Bangladesh” with the Rev. Diane Clutterbuck. There will be a collection for Mothers’ Union Overseas and this will be held in the Choir Vestry - please don’t forget to bring your overseas donations. Women’s World Day of Prayer on Friday, 5th March, will take place in Stormont Presbyterian Church at 8.00 pm. On Mothering Sunday, 14th March, we will be having an Enrolment Service and tea/coffee afterwards will be supplied by Mothers’ Union. Our Annual Festival Service will be held on Thursday, 25th March, in St Philip & St James, Holywood. I will be happy to take names of anyone needing transport, so please do let me know as soon as possible. We will be going as a group to Holy Week service in church on Tuesday, 30th March.

As you can see, March is going to be a very busy month, taking us right up to Easter. As the first Tuesday in April is Easter Tuesday we will not be having a meeting that month, so I would just like to wish you all a very Happy Easter and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, 4 May, when we will be having “A little bit of Pampering” - more about that in the next edition.

Finally, I would like, on behalf of all Mothers’ Union members, to extend our very best wishes to those members who have been ill or hospitalized. We wish them a very speedy recovery and hope to see them back in full health and strength in the not too distant future.

Irene

BROWNIE NOTESWe were delighted to enrol three new members last week and we also have a new member who is a little young yet but will be enrolled soon. We have all completed our Speakers Badge when everyone made up a speech and delivered it to the whole group, as well as reading their favourite poem to everyone. We also learned how to listen carefully during our debate and not

to interrupt when someone else was speaking. Over the coming weeks, we are preparing

a concert at the conclusion of which we are hoping to entertain parents and

members of the congregation at our show. The voluntary contributions we collect will be our contribution to the Building Fund. Our first preparation is to make our puppets for one of the items. Remember we are always looking for new members, so if there are any girls in the

congregation aged between 6 ½ and 10 years, please come along and join

us on a Friday night!

Beth Cairnduff

St Columba’s Parish Church

LENTEN LUNCH

Sunday 7th March

Following Morning Service

in the Church Hall

Admission: Voluntary contribution

towards the Building Fund Appeal

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In Northern Ireland, Marie Curie Cancer Care serves patients in one of two ways; providing care at the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast, as well as across the province through the Marie Curie Nursing Service.

The Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast, is a modern state of the art in-patient unit which is located on the ground floor. There are sixteen single rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities, and one two-bedded room. The family-sized rooms can accommodate carers and families who wish to stay overnight. In addition, there is a bathroom with a specialised

bath to cater for patients with physical disabilities. The unit also has plenty of spaces for use by carers and relatives, and a dedicated area for serving light refreshments.

In addition to a team of highly-experienced doctors and nurses, the Hospice is committed to maintaining the privacy and dignity of all our patients, and we provide care to meet their individual wishes. We always take the needs of all of the patients in the unit into account. Our rehabilitation room is equipped with floor to ceiling curtains, which surrounds each activity area. We are extremely fortunate to have rooms for our complementary therapy team, and also a family room to provide counselling to children and young people. Care for patients and their family is based on an assessment of needs, medical and nursing care including assistance with bathing and skin care. Spiritual care and counselling are key aspects of our care. We have a quiet room located on the ground floor. On average, patients stay at the eighteen bedded Hospice for fourteen days, with the majority returning home or to their choice of place of care.

The Marie Curie Nursing Service cares for patients in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. There are two hundred Marie Curie Nurses in Northern Ireland. A Marie Curie Nurse will usually stay with a patient for eight to nine hours at a time, to care for the patient at home and enable the family to get some much needed rest. This year, in Northern Ireland, we will spend just over £5m caring for patients

CINEMA - A CHANCE FOR FELLOWSHIP, FOOD AND FAITH!

On Saturday evening, 27th March, a group from St. Columba’s (18 – �0’s) will head out to watch a movie (the latest blockbuster!) at Dundonald cinema – details in Pew News the Sunday beforehand (�1st March).

The plan is – meet at the cinema, watch the movie, go get some food/coffee, have a laid back discussion about it and head home. You are more than welcome just to come along, watch the movie, and/or just come for the food.

All are welcome! – in order to book tickets please sign up at the back of church, leave a message at the Curatage or email Robert (rferris281@gmail.com).

Robert Ferris

and supporting their families. In the Marie Curie Hospice, in East Belfast, this means over 500 patients and their families will benefit from our Inpatient Unit and services. Our Day Therapy and Outreach services support and provide care for over �000

patient visits to our sessions in the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast, and at Lisburn, Downpatrick and Newtownards. Our Nursing Service will care for no fewer than 1150 patients across all of Northern Ireland. While we receive some statutory funding towards the £5m we will spend, the larger part is funded through charitable support. We are extremely grateful for the kind and most generous financial donation provided by St. Columba’s last year.

There are so many ways in which you could support Marie Curie Cancer Care. You could make a donation, leave a legacy, take part in a fundraising event or volunteer your time for a wide range of activities. Why not consider taking part in one of our challenges such as: Trek Petra in Jordan, Clay Pigeon Shoot, Ladies Driving Challenge or join us on one of our sponsored walks, abseils or organise an event of your own. To find out how you can get involved, please call Lesley Wright, Community Fundraiser, Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast tel: 028 9088 2046 or 07798 638 145 or email lesley.wright@mariecurie.org.uk.

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LADIES GUILD NOTESI hope you are all keeping well and warm during these very cold winter months. Looking forward to spring, we

have invited local lady, Jane Bailey, to entertain us with a selection of topical poems and songs on St. Patrick’s Night, Wednesday, 17th March. We will have a special Irish Supper and please remember to bring your own mug! For our meeting on Wednesday, 21st April, we are planning a visit to the Tudor Cinema in Comber and details will be released later. This is always a popular outing and we look forward to a huge response.

See you soon,

Lilias

HOPEI avoid looking forward or backward, and try to look upward Charlotte Bronte

Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what is there Ernest Hemingway

I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that remains Anne Frank

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree Martin Luther

Do not fear to hope... each time we smell the autumn’s dying scent, we know that primrose time will come again Samuel Taylor Coleridge

SEMTEX BALLOONSI once accompanied the Archbishop of Canterbury on an official visit to Nigeria, where Anglicans across the country displayed remarkable enthusiasm, unmatched, alas, by their command of the English language. We noticed a street vendor selling

baseball caps, embroidered with the words, “Welcome to the Holly Father”.

Further down the street, we were startled to encounter another salesman selling balloons adorned with a picture of the Archbishop. His sales line was, “Support the Anglican Community and blow up the Archbishop of Canterbury!”

Terry Waite, MBE

MEN’S CLUBLife goes on. How often have we all heard that? Very true though, especially for us in the Men’s Club. Amongst all the hype of the planning for the 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving service and forthcoming dinner we were brought down to earth, as it were, by the passing of two loyal members. Ronnie McCoy and Norman MacGregor both passed away within hours of each other during the weekend of the 5th of February. Up until his death Ronnie was the club treasurer, a role he undertook meticulously. We heard the term “gentleman” used by the Rector at the funeral service, a very apt description. I enjoyed his company working with him closely in our roles within the club, and admired his outlook on life. Ronnie held the post of Chairman in 1997 and lifted the pair’s trophy in �004. A moment I remember well when, in his usual modest way, he declared, “Gracious me, I never win anything!” As well as treasurer, Ronnie was an active committee member. He will be sadly missed by all the members and will be in our thoughts during our upcoming events. Our thoughts are with the family members, especially Craig, Nadia and Taryn at this time.

Norman MacGregor was a popular and respected associate member for many years and though unable to be with us in recent years due to ill health, he remained in touch. Norman held the post of Captain in 1987, won the Rinks competition in 1984 and the Pairs on two occasions, in 199� and 1997. He was a loyal member who also served on the committee. We will always remember his beaming smile and laughter on club nights.

Back to the present day. We enjoyed an entertaining evening of fun and fellowship with our friends from St Colmcille’s on Monday, 1st February. A good time was had by everyone present. Our own in-house competitions are in full swing under the expert guidance of Club captain, Geoff Launchbury. All will be updated in the next article.

Until the next time,

John Robb, Hon Secretary

LADIES BOWLINGWe played Knock Presbyterian ladies at home in February and had a very pleasant afternoon. We look forward to our annual meeting which will be at home next year (dv). We are presently playing off our pairs competition for the Eileen Madill trophy.

This month sees the end of the season as Easter is early. Our members are all very loyal and it would be great to welcome some new ones in September. Our thanks again to the gentlemen of the Men’s Club who kindly help with the mats each Monday.

To all the outdoor bowlers, have a good season!

Vi McMeekin

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THE LESSER BEATITUDESBlessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will have no end of fun.Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill; they will be saved no end of bother.Blessed are they who know how to relax without looking for excuses; they are on their way to becoming wise.Blessed are they who know when to be quiet and listen; they will learn many new things.Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously; they will be valued by those around them.Happy are you if you can take small things seriously and face serious things calmly; you will go far in life.Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown; you will walk on the sunny side of the street.Happy are you if you can understand the attitudes of others; you may be taken for a fool, but this is the price of charity.Happy are you if you know when to hold your tongue and smile; the Gospel has begun to seep into your heart.Blessed are they who think before acting and pray before thinking; they will avoid an abundance of blunders.Above all, Blessed are those who recognise the Lord is in all whom they meet; the light of truth shines in their lives: they have found true wisdom.

PILGRIM PLACES: ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL,

ARMAGHIn Britain, there are places long linked with the Christian gospel. They are a part of our great heritage of eighteen hundred years of the Christian Faith in these islands. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, is one of them, and little wonder, considering that Patrick was one of our greatest saints.

From the beginning, Patrick’s ministry in Ireland was wonderfully blessed of God. He saw many pagans converted to Christianity and he wrote that he baptised thousands of converts. He travelled in most parts of Ireland and, as the work developed, he ordained some of the converts as Christian priests. He witnessed before kings and chieftains and won great respect among the people. Patrick founded and established the Celtic form of Christianity in Ireland and, after his death, Irish Celtic monks like Columba and Aidan carried it to Scotland and northeast England. Because of the later disputes and divisions that arose in British Christianity, it is important to note the characteristics of the Celtic Christianity that Patrick established.

Celtic teaching was strongly Trinitarian, accepted the Scriptures as God’s Word and emphasised the doctrines of sin, grace, repentance, new birth, holy living, resurrection and final judgement. It also emphasised a simple life style and was strongly missionary-minded. Patrick’s mission and work in Ireland was completely independent and he never referred to the Roman Church or the Bishop of Rome. His call to be a missionary in Ireland had come directly from God.

For these reasons the 8th century historian, Venerable Bede, never once mentioned Patrick in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Although Patrick’s mission lasted at least forty years and although he evangelised Ireland and built churches and monasteries, Bede completely ignored him. The reason for this is clear. Bede was the historian, spokesman and champion of Roman Christianity in Britain, and Patrick was no part of that establishment.

Although the exact date is not known, it was probably sometime around 460AD that Patrick built a simple church on the hill in Armagh where his cathedral now stands. It is a fitting reminder of that good and godly missionary who, with his monks and those who followed in the next centuries, achieved so much in the evangelisation of Ireland. When he died he left behind many thousands of baptised Christians and a growing number of zealous monks to carry on the work.

Patrick’s work and influence later reached Scotland though Columba and England through Aidan. Like most of the events in his life, Patrick’s death cannot be dated with certainty. A date around 480 or 490AD is likely. He was buried some forty miles from where St Patrick’s cathedral now stands, in the town of Downpatrick, so named after his resting place.

A PERSONAL PRAYERI have a prayer that I often read and I would like to share it with you.

It has helped me a great deal.

DON’T LET ME FALTEROh Lord, don’t let me falter,

Don’t let me lose my way; Don’t let me cease to carry

My burden, day by day... Oh Lord, don’t let me stumble,

Don’t let me fall or quit... Oh Lord, please help me find my ‘job’

And help me shoulder it.

Have you a prayer that you would like to share?

Maureen Irwin

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SUNDAY PAPER“Where is my Sunday paper?” the irate customer called her local newsagent and loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edition was.

“Madam”, said the newsagent employee, “Today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on Sunday”.

There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition as she was heard to mutter,

“Oh dear, so that’s why no one was at church today.”

THE CREATION OF MOTHERSWhen the good Lord was creating mothers he was into the sixth day of ‘overtime’ just as the angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around with this one.”

And the Lord said, “Have you read the specification on this order? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic; have 180 moving parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap that disappears when she stands up; a kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a broken heart; and six pairs of hands.”

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands... no way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me problems”, said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.”

“That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. The Lord nodded, “One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, “What are you kids doing in there?” when she already knows; another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t, but she has to know; and, of course, the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and still say, “I understand and love you” without so much as uttering a word.

“Lord”, said the angel, touching his sleeve gently, “Take a break, tomorrow...”

“I can’t”, said the Lord, “I’m so close to creating something so near to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick; can feed a family of six on a pound of mince; and can get a nine year old to take a bath.” The angel circled the model of the mother very slowly. “She’s too soft”, she sighed.

“But tough!” said the Lord excitedly, “You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure.”

“Can she think?”

“Not only can she think, but she can reason and compromise,” said the Creator. Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak”, she pronounced, “I told you, you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“It’s not a leak”, said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s it for?”

“It’s for joy, sadness, pain, loneliness and pride.”

“You are a genius.” said the angel.

The Lord looked sombre. “I didn’t put it there.” he said.

Erma Bombeck

GENER8 YOUTH STRATEGY …. RESOURCES….REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE!

We are all called upon these days to go green and to reduce, re-use and recycle. At the moment, you will know from the parish magazine that in St. Columba’s we are attempting to generate our youth ministry. One of the areas at which we are looking is the resources we have, and those we require. Instead of spending lots on resources, we would initially love to give parishioners a chance to hunt out items which our young people could use. Perhaps you have something in your garage or attic that might just be what we are looking for!

Below is a list of items. If you happen to have something which you would be willing to donate, please do not hesitate to contact the Curate.

Snooker/Pool table (medium size/ foldable) Beanbags (any size / colour) Volleyball net/posts Free standing basketball nets Football nets Basketball / Indoor footballs/ Volleyballs Chill out Cd’s / Pop music (60’s - 00’s) Uplighters / Stand alone spotlights Ice cream glasses Large coffee table Large garden games (chess/jenga) Air hockey table Board games – with all the pieces Sofa (good quality)

Also, should you have anything else that you think we could use, please do speak to any of the H2O Leaders or myself.

Many thanks!

Robert Ferris

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Children’s Page!ARCHBISHOP WELCOMES FAIRTRADE KITKATThe Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has praised the recent launch of the Fairtrade Kit Kat at Nestle’s factory in York. Dr Sentamu said: “I can remember two years ago saying that Nestle should make their chocolate Fairtrade, and many people in York stood up to support the campaign for Fairtrade justice. So when I heard that Nestle was making Kit Kat Fairtrade, I simply said, “Wow!” It goes to show that people can make a difference!

“I have visited the workers at the co-operative in the Ivory Coast who will benefit from Kit Kat four-finger bar becoming Fairtrade, and I know that this is a real step forward in giving them the justice, recognition and pay they deserve. The next step is to make all other produce Fairtrade where possible – in particular, my own favourite, the Yorkie!...In the Ivory Coast, Nestle has invested heavily in a research centre for delivering millions of high quality cocoa trees, which also has the potential to develop millet, sorghum, cassava and coffee. This is breath-taking for all concerned. Fairtrade Yorkie – here we come!”

I was going to give up chocolates for lent – then I thought of all those poor Cadbury workers and their anxious shareholders...

Colour in this Mother’s Day Scene

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APRIL MAGAZINEPlease note, any articles or photographs for publication in the April parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by Sunday, 14th March, at latest.

Many thanks

FROM THE REGISTER

Our Sorrows

Christian Burial

Tuesday �6th January Arlene Joy Crooks 15 Clarawood Grove

Wednesday 10th February Ronald McCoy 54� Upper Newtownards Road

FLOWER ROTA FOR MARCHSunday 7th ........................................... Wendy Killen

Sunday 14th ......................................... Peggy Pook

Sunday 21st .......................................... Caroline Auchmuty

Sunday 28th ......................................... Palm leaves and greenery

ON THE ADVANTAGES OF HOSPITAL VISITING (Letter from the Reverend Eustace to his nephew Darren)

The RectorySt. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren

I was delighted that you mentioned hospital visiting in your last letter; it is an

important part of ministry and has several advantages over general house visiting.

It means that when a parishioner is confined to a hospital bed, you have a captive

audience and they cannot pretend not to be in.

Should you ever knock on a front door and get no response, try looking through

the sitting room window. You will probably see the occupants kneeling under the

table or hiding behind the sofa. In which case, pretend that you haven’t seen them,

but make it quite clear to them that you are pretending. The fact that you politely

fail to mention the incident the next time they are in church will discomfort them

even more.

If they are in hospital, it also means that after the first five minutes they can’t excuse

themselves with having to collect the children from school/take some clothes to

the dry cleaners/visit an elderly relative. You can stay as long as you want while

eating their grapes. In their desperation to get you to go, they will agree to anything.

Thus one hospital visit could procure you a new Sunday School teacher, finance

committee chairman or youth leader. The only lady to get the better of me in this

game was Lady Burlingham, who generally said after five minutes: “Well, it has been

nice seeing you.” It’s the most unavoidable “clear off” I’ve ever received.

I happened to be visiting our local hospital myself this last week – to see our Verger,

Mr. Overall. Part of his duties is to protect the guttering with black paint every spring;

it is a job he hates, since he’s terrified of heights. This year, he came up with a novel

solution. He parked his car on the side of the church opposite to where his ladder

was, tied one end of a rope to the car bumper and threw the rest over the church

roof. When he ascended the ladder – and English perpendicular architecture tends

to be rather high – he tied the other end of the rope round his waist. Thus, if he fell

off, the rope anchored to the car would hold him.

Unfortunately, he did not allow for Mrs Overall. She was passing the church, laden

with shopping. Seeing their car and having a set of keys with her, she decided

her husband could easily walk home, so loaded the car and set off. For those who

witnessed the event, Mr O’s airborne arc over the church roof was a truly magnificent

sight. The holly tree on the other side may have cushioned his landing, but not in the

most comfortable way.

The only problem we are now left with is how to remove a thick black line of paint

running up one side of the church roof and down the other.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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SUNDAY10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays)Beth Cairnduff (�-5 yrs) 90874047Joyce Stevenson (5-8 yrs) 9058��81Alan Boyd (8-1� yrs) 07979 8�01��

8.00pm Beatitudes ChoirDavid Beattie 907971�5

MONDAY2.00pm Ladies BowlingPhyllis Newton 9048�11�

2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday)May Preston 90489884

7.30pm Men’s ClubJohn Robb 905814�8

TUESDAY10.30am Ladies BadmintonMuriel Jowett 90659984

2.00pm Ladies BadmintonKyleen Clarke 90797155

8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday)Irene Gray 9065�4�8

8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday)Maureen Irwin 90795155

WEDNESDAY7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 90657697

7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday)Lilias Smith 9059�0�9

8.00pm Senior Badminton ClubJill McDowell 07754 405511

THURSDAY 9.30am Art ClubBob Killen 90790�10

7.30pm Senior Badminton ClubJill McDowell 07754 405511

7.45pm Choir PracticeGerald Hill 904��101

FRIDAY9.45am Mums & TotsAnne Clarke 9065141�

3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrsTim Wareing 07740 1�0788

6.30pm DovesKaren McAlpine 904�4�90

6.30pm BrowniesBeth Cairnduff 90874047

8.30pm H2OMark Wilson 90761040

Young Families Group (Social events as arranged)The Rector 90471514

PARISH ORGANISATIONSSOMETHING FOR YOU?

Please note, requests for the occasional use of Church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Alan Rogers, on 90656183

WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’SPARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org

RECTORThe Revd. John R. AuchmutySt. Columba’s Rectory�9 King’s RoadBT5 6JGTel 028 90471514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com

CURATE The Revd. Robert FerrisThe Curatage� Sandown Park SouthBT5 6HETel 028 90653370Email rferris�81@gmail.com stcolumbasyouth@gmail.com

PARISH READERKaren McAlpine10 Old Quay CourtHolywoodBT18 OHTTel 028 90424390

DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS)Bryn Harris�� Dalton GladeGlen RoadComberBT�� 5SZTel 028 91878816

RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDENPatrick Wilson5 Kingsway ParkBT5 7EUTel 028 90401066

PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDENHelen Donaghy1 King’s Gate91 King’s RoadBT5 7BUTel 028 90704932

RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDENJim Stevenson44 Casaeldona RiseBT6 9RATel 028 90583381

PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDENJohn Proctor1� Richhill ParkBT5 6HGTel 028 90870526Mob 07989 469773

SELECT VESTRYRector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Brian Acheson, John Best, Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth McCaughey, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers, David Sweet

HON. SECRETARY & PREMISES CONVENORAlan Rogers50 Cabin Hill GardensBT5 7AQTel 028 90656183

HON. TREASURERGillian Sadlier70 Kensington RoadBT5 6NGTel 028 90403278

ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERINGMurray Hunter1� Knockdarragh ParkBT4 �LETel 028 90761295

PAROCHIAL NOMINATORSTrevor BuchananPatrick GoodMoranne NoadMeryl Townsend

DIOCESAN SYNODS PEOPLEEmma HillElizabeth LeonardMoranne NoadRoberta RogersPaul Stewart

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ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTERGerald Hill6 The CoachesBrown’s Brae, Croft RoadHolywoodBT18 OLETel 028 90422101

ASSISTANT ORGANISTBrian Clements150 Sandown RoadBT5 6GXTel 028 90793641

READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATORMuriel Arndell18 Kinedar CrescentBT4 �LYTel 028 90655500

SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATORRosemary Coffey44 Thornyhill RoadKillinchyBT�� 6SJTel 028 97542198

MAGAZINE EDITORIan Noad�6 Shandon ParkBT5 6NXTel 028 90793704Email noadfamily@hotmail.com

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATORJohn Holland8 Greengraves CottagesBallyrogan, NewtownardsBT�� 4SDTel 028 91814036

PARISH WEBMASTERIvan Roche49 Richhill ParkBT5 6HG Tel 028 90229310Email ivan@treadmillcommunications.com

C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTORRuth Pugh147A King’s RoadBT5 7EGTel 028 90483459

BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTESEvan Preston1� Carrowreagh GardensDundonaldBT16 ITWTel 028 90489884

CHURCH FLOWERSPaddy Nesbitt�0 Knockhill ParkBT5 6HYTel 028 90650716

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 0�8 9047 1514 Patrick Good 0�8 9065 6908 Elizabeth Leonard 0�8 9065 �16�

ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICEOffice Hours

Wednesday & Friday 8.�0am – 1.�0pmParish Secretary: Janet Johnston

Tel 028 90656891Email: office.knock@down.anglican.org