Saint Nicholas’ Parish News
December 2009 & January 2010
Carrickfergus, N Ireland
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends in St Nicholas’The season of Advent is upon us and the preparations for another Christmas season are well under way. The Civic Carol Service has taken place, Christmas lights have been turned on, the Christmas market is in place at the City Hall and piped music in the shops attempts to get us in the mood to buy presents for all our nearest and dearest.
The word ‘advent’ means ‘to come to’ or ‘to arrive’ and this season of preparation reminds us of the arrival of the Saviour, the baby Jesus, at the manger in Bethlehem. It also speaks to us of the promise of Jesus that he will return again to bring in the kingdom of God in all its fullness, and our need to be ready for that coming. In our life together as a parish we will, of course, be taking time to celebrate the arrival of the Christ-child, and we hope that you and your family will be able to come and share with us at this important time.
Our Sunday Schools will each be presenting a nativity on Sun 13th December: the afternoon Sunday School at 2.30pm at Oakfield Community Centre, and the morning Sunday School at 6pm in the Parish Hall. You will be very welcome at both these events - the children will be glad of your support as they present the story of Christmas for us again.
The annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place (DV) at our Evening Service on 20th December. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Christmas story in word and song - Alison and the choir have been working hard to prepare for this important service and we are looking forward to this very special occasion.
Details of our services for Christmas Eve and Day are given elsewhere in this magazine – we do hope that you will make sure that Christ is at the heart of your Christmas by coming and sharing with us in church. We do have a family service for the children on Christmas morning - it’s so important that we help the little ones understand what all the celebrations are really about.
In the New Year there are always new beginnings. Our friends, Mark and Ali Gill will be returning to Nepal to continue their work with CMS there. As a parish we support them financially, but it is also really important that we support them in prayer as well. Do remember them as they prepare to leave family and friends and begin to settle into their new situation in Nepal, where the government is still quite unstable. Mark will be working to help two rural hospitals develop and grow, whilst Ali provides support for the hospital staff.
As we close one year with a celebration of the coming of Jesus into our world, let us begin the new one remembering that the same Jesus calls us all to follow him. May we grow in our love and service for him, both as individuals and as a parish family.
May God bless you richly this Christmas,
George
Farewell to the Gills
Mark Ali Gill are returning to Nepal during the second week of January 2010.
Mark will be working again for HDCS, a Nepali Christian NGO which is involved in the areas of health care, training and education and community development. Mark acts as an engineering consultant on all HDCS construction projects
Ali spends most of her time supporting the work of the local Nepali church, which involves working with the sick. She also draws on her midwifery skills in supporting staff at the hospitals and in providing informal antenatal and postnatal support to many of the expat missionaries in Nepal.
A Nepal Focus Evening, including a ‘send-off’ for the Gills will be held on Wed 9 December at 8 pm in the CMS Ireland offices at 33 Dargan Road, Belfast.
A Commissioning Service will be held for them on 3 January at 11am in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Monkstown. You are warmly invited to attend either or both these events.
Hello to the Heaneys!
Robert, Sharon & Sam Heaney
St Nicholas’ New Mission Partners
Robert and Sharon have done theological study and research in London, Dublin, Belfast and Oxford. They both have PhDs in theology and are committed to using this training to train others. Robert is ordained in the Church of Ireland and has, most recently, been doing research at Oxford University as well as helping out in local ministry. Sharon teaches Religious Studies part-time at Bloxham School and looks after Sam. Her first book, Contextual Theology for Latin America, was published recently by Paternoster Press.
They have always been interested in world mission and have taken opportunities to be involved in short-term teams both at home and overseas. These experiences led to a commitment to further theological studies and a desire to be involved in theological training. The former Crosslinks Study Partner Rev Canon Albert Sebahene, now Dean of Theology, and St John’s University Tanzania have invited them to join the School of Theology and Religious Studies. They consider Robert and Sharon to be equipped to deliver current courses and develop future post-graduate and research programs. Together they share the vision of the Anglican Church of Tanzania for a “…sustainable Church working together effectively for the growth of God’s Kingdom through prayer, worship, preaching, teaching, pastoral care and social services.”
We look forward to getting to know Robert, Sharon & Sam as they prepare to leave for Tanzania. You can read more about their lives on their blog at www.heaneys.vox.com
FURTHER CROSSLINKS NEWS
The new Ireland Team Leader is Rev Trevor Johnston (former curate of St Nicholas’, Carrickfergus). Trevor was appointed to this position during the summer and has been in post since 1 September 2009. His commissioning service will be held on Friday 22 January 2010 at 7.45 pm in St Saviour’s church, Dollingstown.Crosslinks are also holding a one day conference for all friends, supporters and members of Crosslinks on Saturday 23 January 2010 from 9.30 am—5 pm also in St Saviours’ Church, Dollingstown. The guest speaker will be Rev Wallace Benn, Bishop of Lewes. A special feature of the conference will be the bringing together of former and present mission partners, to hear from, and be encouraged and challenged by them.
For further information go to www.crosslinks.org/ireland and follow the link to “what’s on” or speak to Jackie Kane.
OPEN DOORS ‘GIFT OF HOPE’
In the run up to Christmas we are all racking our brains as to what we can give to our nearest and dearest. If we are honest there aren’t many of us who actually need very much at all. Yes, it would be nice to have a certain thing, but do we actually need it? The Open Doors ‘Gifts of Hope’ catalogue details 10 gifts that will benefit persecuted Christians somewhere in the world.Every day our persecuted brothers and sisters face seemingly hopeless situations. They struggle with unimaginable hardships because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, when they know that there are other Christians, whom they have never met, who are willing to give to help meet their physical and spiritual needs, this brings hope.
Please pray for God’s guidance as you consider how you can encourage suffering Christians. A selection of gifts on offer are:
£2.50 will purchase a Bible for a Muslim convert to Christianity
£6.00 will provide a set of educational resources for Christian children whose parents can’t afford to send them to school.
£40.00 will enable a female Muslim convert to attend a training programme in Bible study.
£100 will enable relief aid to be sent to Christian families who are denied basic necessities in Islamic controlled countries.
£150 will provide secret believers with Bibles, Christian resources and training to enable them to remain strong and grow in their new faith.
For full catalogue of 10 gifts, phone 01993 885400 or visit the website at www.opendoorsuk.org/gift
Hope, as expressed through these gifts, is the one thing that can give persecuted believers the strength to endure their suffering.
HOW SAFE IS YOUR FRIDGE?
Christmas is a time for entertaining – but how safe are the people who eat in your kitchen?Years ago, people shopped very often and the food in their kitchens was fresh. Nowadays, people tend to shop weekly or fortnightly. A lot of bugs can breed in that time! So here are five simple tips to ensure that the people who dine at your house this Christmas go on to lead normal, healthy lives .
Keep cheese and dairy products at the top of the fridge, with cooked meats and meat products just below.
The door is the warmest part of your fridge, so make more use of the shelves. Milk is especially sensitive to temperature changes, so store as much of it on a shelf as you can.
Always store raw meat or fish at the bottom of the fridge in sealed containers, where the juice cannot drip on anything else, and where it is coldest.
Don’t refrigerate tomatoes, cucumbers, bread or potatoes. Tomatoes and cucumbers lose quality. Bread goes stale. Uncooked potatoes in the fridge can increase in sugar content, leading to higher levels of a chemical called acrylamide (linked to cancer) when they are baked, fried or roasted at high temperature.
Adopt a ‘first in, first out’ drill to use food in order, and place new items behind existing ones.
Finally, hope you can manage to squeeze
the turkey in there somewhere!
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
At our November meeting we had a Christmas Crafts evening where four of our members demonstrated various craft activities. Everyone had the opportunity to try their hand at making each of the items which were then sold at the parish Christmas Fair.This was a very enjoyable evening of fellowship and friendship and we are grateful to Christine, Karen, Janet and Jennifer for their time and efforts.The Women’s Fellowship recipe book is now on sale at a bargain price of £2. Thank you to all those who provided the excellent recipes and to Jackie Kane for all her work in editing and printing the final version. If you would like to purchase a copy, please speak to any member of the committee.
Our Christmas outing will be to Country Cake Designs in Antrim on Tuesday 8 December. We will meet outside the church halls at 6.30 pm and travel by car to Antrim.There will be a cookery demonstration followed by supper and the cost is £12. There will also be a "Secret Santa" so please bring a small gift along to the value of no more than £3. If you would like to come along and have not already put your name down please let me know as soon as possible.
Our first meeting of the new year will be on Tuesday 12 January and the theme will be "Tips for the Home". In the meantime we wish all our members a Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year.
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary
SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
Organised by St Nicholas’ Girl GuidesPlease come and celebrate the Christmas Season
with us in the Church Halls on
Tuesday 15th December 2009 at 7 pm
If you would like to come along and need transport—telephone
Church Office 028 9336 0061
Morag Stewart 028 9335 5173
Prayer Diary – December 2009
1st December – TuesdayThe Select Vestry will meet this evening. Pray for Hon Secretary Ted McAuley and Hon Treasurer Don Howe, giving thanks for their service, and for all Select Vestry members.
2nd December – Wednesday
Pray for Organist Alison Irwin and the members of our Choir as they prepare for our services in the lead up to Christmas.
3rd December – Thursday
In Tabora the Children & Adolescents’ Programme is under way at the Cathedral. Pray for Emmanuel, Elijah, Verenah, Jesca, Mercy, Helena, Elizabeth, Joel and Mrs Mbangalala, the nominee workers for the programme.
4th December – Friday
Mary Withers organises flower arrangements in church throughout the year. Today, give thanks for Mary and for all those who provide and arrange our floral decorations.
5th December – Saturday
Pray for this evening’s St Nic’s @ the Movies. Give thanks for the organisation by Katrina and Sarah, and pray that parishioners will take this opportunity to socialise together.
6th December – Sunday
The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts travel to Cloughfern today for their Carol Service. Pray for them. Pray for our services today, giving thanks for our Ministry team, the Rector, Canon Kathleen Brown and Andrew Campbell; and for the sound Bible teaching they bring to us. Pray for a suitable candidate to fill the Curacy vacancy.
7th December – Monday
Central Primary School will hold their annual Carol Service in our church today. Pray for the staff, pupils and everyone attending.
8th December – Tuesday
This evening the Women’s Fellowship plan to go on an outing to Country Cake Designs. Pray that the ladies enjoy a safe and entertaining evening together.
9th December – Wednesday
Pray for the sick. Pray for those currently in hospital and for those awaiting an accurate diagnosis or admission for treatment.
10th December – Thursday
Pray for this evening’s ‘Explore’ Bible Study, the last for this session.
11th December – Friday
The Rainbows and Brownies round off the year with a trip to the pantomime. Pray for the girls and for their leaders.
12th December – Saturday
Children and teachers from both morning and afternoon Sunday Schools will come together this morning for their Christmas Party. Pray for everyone involved in this morning’s entertainment. Give thanks for the dedication of Superintendents Lynn Rodgers and Sharon Lutton, and all Sunday School teachers.
13th December – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s services and for the Sunday Schools Nativity presentations this afternoon in Glenfield Community Centre and this evening in the Church Halls.
14th December – Monday
Paul Letters has undertaken the task of updating and managing the St Nicholas’ website. Give thanks for his work.
15th December – Tuesday
This evening the Guides will host the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party. Pray for Girl Guiding in this its Centenary year and for its association with St Nicholas’. Pray for this evening’s party.
16th December – Wednesday
The Widows’ Group meets this evening. Pray for the ladies of the group at this, the last meeting of the year. Also this evening, the BB and Guides join together for some carol singing at Cherry Tree House and the McNiece Fold. Pray for them and for the residents.
17th December – Thursday
St Nicholas’ is the chosen venue for this year’s Grammar School Carol Service. Pray for staff, pupils and friends attending.
18th December – Friday
As Christmas approaches, pray for households struggling with their finances; the unemployed, the low paid and those in debt.
19th December – Saturday
Pray for CMS Ireland and for Mark and Alison Gill and their return to mission in Nepal. Pray for their family at home and overseas.
20th December – Sunday
On this last Sunday before Christmas, pray for all our services today. Pray especially for this evening’s service of Lessons and Carols. Pray
for the Choir and
Organist Alison Irwin,
and for those
parishioners who will
read the Lessons this
evening.
21st December – Monday
For many people this will be their first Christmas without a loved one. Pray for those bereaved during 2009 and especially in recent weeks.
22nd December – Tuesday
Pray for single people of all ages, remembering those who live alone and who will be alone this Christmas.
23rd December – Wednesday
Pray for families who will be separated this Christmas. Remember those involved in Christian Mission overseas. Remember too our armed forces in Afghanistan and their families in the UK.
24th December – Thursday
As our Christmas services begin tonight, pray for all of our services this weekend. Pray too for those who will be working over the holiday period, such as the emergency services; hospital and nursing home staff; utility and transport workers. Remember retail staff returning to work on Saturday.
25th December – Friday
This Christmas Day let us wonder at the wonderful gift of the child born in a stable – the child who was both man and God. Give thanks for that wonderful gift and pray for family and friends who do not yet know Christ as Saviour.
26th December – Saturday
Remember Persecuted Christians around the world. Pray for them and for Open Doors.
27th December – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s church services, and as they take a break, pray for our Youth Fellowship and Youth Ministry in St Nicholas’.
28th December – Monday
Pray for Crosslinks. Pray for Crosslinks Missionaries Robert and Sharon Heaney.
29th December – Tuesday
Pray for peace in the Middle East. Pray for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and their elected leaders; that an accommodation may be found that would enable both nations to co-exist. Pray for MECO.
30th December – Wednesday
Pray for TEARFUND.
31st December – Thursday
On this last day of 2009, give thanks for all God’s goodness to us this last twelve months. Pray that parishioners would choose to see in the New Year in church tonight.
Prayer Diary – January 2010
1st January – FridayOn this first day of a new year, pray that we as a Christian people would seize opportunities to speak to others about our faith, and that we would strive to play our part supporting those less fortunate than ourselves in our community and further afield.
2nd January – Saturday
At this time of year informal contacts are made with regard to Curacy placements for those preparing for ordination. Please pray that a suitable candidate would be found to fill the vacancy in our parish.
3rd January – Sunday
Sunday Schools and Bible Class resume today following the holiday.
Pray for our ministry to children and young people. Pray for our church services and for our Rector and Canon Kathleen Brown.
4th January – Monday
Education Boards were due to be replaced at the end of December by a new body covering all of Northern Ireland. Pray for everyone involved in education, for a smooth period of transition, and that children’s education would not be compromised.
5th January – Tuesday
New charities legislation and the Charities Commission will inevitably mean some changes for the Church of Ireland and for this parish. Pray for our Select Vestry and in particular Hon Treasurer Don Howe. Pray for the Gift Aid team and for those who record FWO giving.
6th January – Wednesday
As a parish we are greatly blessed with many organisations for our young people and by the calibre of leaders. Pray for all those in leadership. Pray that more men and women would come forward to be leaders. Pray especially for our Boys’ Brigade Company.
7th January – Thursday
Pray for the homeless, especially those sleeping rough, but not forgetting those living in hostels or relying on the goodwill of family or friends. Pray for those households and businesses affected by November’s flooding in the Cockermouth area.
8th January – Friday
Pray for our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.
9th January – Saturday
Pray for the sick. Today, pray especially for those awaiting surgery and those who have recently undergone surgery and are now, by God’s grace, on the road to recovery.
10th January – Sunday
Pray for today’s services and for the recording of services for those unable to be in church. Remember John Kane who operates the sound desk. Pray for the provision of an improved sound system in church and in the church halls.
11th January – Monday
Please pray for our Bell-Ringers and for the speedy repair of the Bell Tower, that we may soon be able to resume bell ringing in safety.
12th January – Tuesday
‘Tips for your home’ is the theme of this evening’s Women’s Fellowship meeting. Pray for our Women’s Fellowship.
13th January – Wednesday
Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.
14th January – Thursday
Pray for the ‘Explore’ Bible Study group.
15th January – Friday
The CMS Ireland 2010 Project is launched this month. Pray for Julie; travelling around the country, introducing the Project to parishes.
16th January – Saturday
Pray for the church in Tabora.
17th January – Sunday
This evening’s Holy Communion service includes Prayers for Healing. Pray for this and all services today. Pray for the Intercessors and for Stella Neill who compiles the list of those requesting prayer.
18th January – Monday
Pray for the Girls’ Bible Fellowship.
19th January – Tuesday
Pray and give thanks for Uel Stewart and his work as Caretaker.
20th January – Wednesday
Pray for the Widows’ Group meeting this evening.
21st January – Thursday
Pray for those studying for Ministry at the Theological College in Dublin. Pray that Candidates for Ordination will have a love for God and His Word that will bring many to Christ. Pray that amongst their number would be a suitable person to fill the role of Curate here.
22nd January – Friday
The Commissioning Service for Rev Trevor Johnston (a former Curate in St Nicholas’) as the new Team Leader for Crosslinks Ireland, takes place this evening at St Saviour’s, Dollingstown.
Pray for Trevor and his family. Pray for the work of Crosslinks.
23rd January – Saturday
After each family service, Valerie Kirk and her helpers provide tea, coffee and biscuits for churchgoers, allowing us the opportunity to get to know each other better. Give thanks for their dedication.
24th January – Sunday
Pray for this evening’s Youth Church as well as this morning’s Family Service. Pray for Andrew Campbell and for SNYF.
25th January – Monday
Many parishioners enjoy Fellowship through sport. Pray for the Footballers and Bowlers meeting this evening and the Badminton Club that meets on Saturday.
26th January – Tuesday
Pray for families recently bereaved, remembering those who have lost a loved one over the Christmas and New Year period.
27th January – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship, remembering all those who minister in our town. Pray for the organisation and planning for Holy Week worship in Carrickfergus.
28th January – Thursday
Catherine Wallace and her team of helpers will, this morning, put together the next issue of Parish News ready for distribution. Pray for Catherine who cheerfully carries out her duties as Secretary, her helpers and for magazine distributors.
29th January – Friday
The Beavers will hold a ‘Stay Awake’ tonight in the Church Halls. Pray for them and their leaders as well as the Cubs and Scouts.
30th January – Saturday
Mothers’ Union aims to support marriage and family life by campaigning and practical support for broken families and also overseas, by support for AIDS sufferers and promoting education in many lands. Pray for the leadership of the Mothers’ Union and the work done in its name.
31st January – Sunday
Pray for today’s services and once again give thanks for the Bible teaching we are blessed with here in St Nicholas’. Pray for George our Rector, his wife Nadine and their children Erin and Jamie. Pray for Kathleen and Andrew. Give thanks too for the volunteers in our Crèche each Sunday.
Youth Church
Sunday 24th January
Losing my religion!
Colossians 2: v 6-23
Honk! Honk!
Hebrews 10: v 24-25
SNYF will finish for Christmas on 13 December
and will start back 17 January
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Both morning and afternoon Sunday School children are invited to attend our Christmas Party on Saturday 12 December 2009 between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm in our Church halls.We will be making things again this year, and together with fun and games, we will all be having a wonderful time.
Our friend from the North, white beard combed and red suit pressed, bearing gifts, will join us to top off the party.
All Sunday school children are invited and will be warmly welcomed.
NATIVITY PLAY: THE BOSSY KING
The Children's Nativity Play and Carol Service will be held in our Church Halls on Sunday 13 December 2009 at 6 pm.Please bring children to the halls for 5 pm in preparation for the play.
Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits will be served after the service and everyone is invited to stay behind and join in the fellowship together.
As is customary, Santa will be present in the Crèche room to “receive” gifts from children and parishioners. These gifts are then distributed by the Church of Ireland Board of Social Responsibility in co-operation with social services and the Salvation Army to families in need in Northern Ireland. Please do include another gift when buying for your children or grandchildren and somewhere a boy or girl who receives it, will not feel neglected. Please remember teenagers along with younger children.
Thank you in anticipation.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
There will be no Sunday School on 20 and 27 December. Classes will resume on Sunday 3 January 2010.Have a wonderful Christ-centred Christmas
MORE THAN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, published in 1843, is one of the best-loved stories to be associated with Christmas. Although a familiar tale, it’s worth closer inspection as we ask what it has to say to us in the 21st century.The book’s main character is the mean and intimidating Ebenezer Scrooge, who lives to make money and little else. He particularly detests Christmas, which he views as ‘a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer’.
Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, who died seven Christmas Eves ago. Marley, a miser like Scrooge, is suffering the consequences in the afterlife and hopes to help Scrooge avoid his fate. He tells Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits: the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. They succeed in showing Scrooge the error of his ways and reforming him.
Christmas morning finds Scrooge sending a Christmas turkey to his long-suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit, and spending Christmas day in the company of his nephew, Fred, whom he had earlier spurned. He goes on to raise Cratchit's salary and assists his family, including Bob's crippled son, Tiny Tim. In the end Scrooge became ‘as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew’.
In the 21st Century we can fall into a similar trap as Scrooge, despite the credit crunch! We can see money, and the things it buys, as the answer to our problems. We can lose sight of the value of relationships; consistently choosing our career over family and being driven by an insatiable desire for success.
Like Scrooge, the dawn of Christmas morning can be an opportunity for us to change our perspective, as we remember the birth of the hero of the greatest Christmas story, Jesus Christ. Just as the spirits of Christmas wanted Scrooge to change for good, so God knows us better than we know ourselves, and loves us enough to help us to change and make a difference.
We have the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness, renew our faith, release our fears and rebuild friendships. Yet, like Scrooge, we have to choose to change! In fact, Jesus alone can give us a new outlook on life, as we commemorate the past, consecrate the present and contemplate the future. Rev Paul Hardingham
Flowers in Church December 2009
6th Mr & Mrs Withers6th Bobby Patterson—In memory of my wife Pat
13th Jean Hamill—In memory of my parents
13th The Betts Family—In memory of our father William (Bill)
20th Christmas Flowers
27th Karen Taylor—In memory of my mother, Violet McPhail
If you would like to donate flowers for the Sanctuary please fill your name in against the appropriate space on the Flower List in the main porch–or contact Mary Withers ( 9336 2869
FLOWER ROTA
A Flower Rota for the Sundays throughout 2010 will be posted in the Church Porch. Anyone who wishes to provide flowers for a givenSunday should sign their name against the date on the Rota or contact Mary Withers ( 9336 2869.
Christian Marriage
‘Those whom God hath joined let no man put asunder’7th November 2009
Warren William Anderson, 20 Winslow Grove, Carrickfergus
and Alison Rae Kinkead, 20 Winslow Grove, Carrickfergus
Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’21st October 2009
Harold Kendall, 16 Northlands Court, Carrickfergus
22nd October 2009
Willoughby Ian Ronald Connor, 10 Patterson Drive, Carrickfergus
2nd November 2009
Thomas Frederick (Eric) Courtney, 37 Kirkland Square, Carrickfergus
12th November 2009
John Charles Hartley, 32 Willow Park, Carrickfergus
16th November 2009
Colin Johnston, 28 Swifts Quay, Carrickfergus
19th November 2009
Mary (May) Kelsall, 17 Madigan Park, Carrickfergus
SERVICES IN DECEMBER 2009
6th 9.30 am Holy Communion 211.30 am Holy Communion—Can we say Jesus only?
Preacher: Rev John Carrick
Romans 3 v 21-26
7 pm Evening Prayer—Who do you live for?
Zechariah 7 v 1-14
13th 9.30 am Holy Communion 1
11.30 am Morning Prayer—The Prayer of Faith
Zephaniah 3 v 14-20
James 5 v 13-20
6 pm Children’s Nativity Service in Church Halls
20th 9.30 am Holy Communion 2
11.30 am Morning Prayer—Mary waits
Micah 5 v 2-5
Luke 1 v 39-55
7 pm Festival of Lessons and Carols
24th 11 pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion
Titus 3 v 4-7
Luke 2 v 1-20
25th 8.30 am Christmas Day Holy Communion
10.30 am Christmas Day Family Service
Luke 2 v 1-20
27th 9.30 am Holy Communion 1
11.30 am Service of the Word—Jesus is lost?
Luke 2 v 41-52
Other Events in December 2009
1st 7.30 pm Select Vestry7th 7.30 pm Central PS Carol Service
8th 6.30 pm Women’s Fellowship Christmas Outing
12th 10.30 am Morning & Afternoon Christmas Party in Church halls
13th 2.30 pm Afternoon Sunday School Nativity Play
13th 6 pm Morning Sunday School Nativity in Church Hall
15th 7 pm Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party
16th 7.15 pm Widow’s Group
17th 7.45 pm Carrickfergus Grammar School Carol Service
23rd & 30th NO Holy Communion and NO Vestry Hours
POINTS TO PONDER
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.Anon
The world hopes for the best, but Jesus Christ offers the best hope.
John Wesley White
SERVICES IN JANUARY 2010
3rd 9.30 am Holy Communion11.30 am Holy Communion—Light for all the world
Ephesians 3 v 1-12
Matthew 2 v 1-12
7 pm Evening Prayer—Reasons for celebration
Zechariah 8 v 1-23
10th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Morning Prayer—New Year, New Beginnings
Isaiah 43 v 1-7
Luke 3 v 7-22
7 pm Informal Service—The Coming King
Zechariah 9 v 9-17
17th 9.30 am Holy Communion 1
11.30 am Morning Prayer—Miraculous Wedding
Isaiah 62 v 1-5
John 2 v 1-11
7 pm Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
False & True Shepherds
Zechariah 11 v 4-17
24th 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Family Service
Stories Jesus told: The Unforgiving Servant
7 pm Youth Service—Losing my religion!
Colossians 2 v 6-23
31st 9.30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Morning Prayer—Rejected at home
Ezekiel 43 v 27-44
Luke 4 v 21-30
7 pm Evening Prayer—Victory and the Pierced One
Zechariah 12 v 1-14
Other Events in January 2010
3rd Sunday School Resumes5th 7.30 pm NO Select Vestry Meeting
12th 7.30 pm Women’s Fellowship
14th 7.30 pm Explore Bible Fellowship Resumes
20th 7.15 pm Widow’s Group
AFTERNOON SUNDAY SCHOOL NATIVITY PLAY
The Afternoon Sunday School's Nativity Play will take place on 13 December at 2.30 pm in Oakfield Community Centre.Everyone welcome.
CRÈCHE ROTA DECEMBER 2009
6th Pauline Walsh, Valerie Leighton, Sharon Lutton, Erin Davison13th Katrina Todd, Sarah Nelson, Ann Hodge, Ruth Nelson
20th Christine Stewart, Karen Bell, Lorraine Gibson, Jonathan Nelson
27th Ann Laverty, Annie Crawford, Heather Gingles, Rachel McVeigh
CRÈCHE ROTA JANUARY 2010
3rd Kathleen Arthur, Faye Hamilton, Kristine McKee, Rebecca Leighton10th Rebecca Patton, Sharon Lutton, Katrina Todd, Hester Gingles
17th Sarah Nelson, Ann Hodge, Heather Gingles, Erin Davison
24th Christine Stewart, Karen Bell, Lorraine Gibson, Ruth Nelson
31st Deirdre Beck, Joan Gray, Ann Laverty, Jonathan Nelson
The Crèche is in the Church Hall. Children can be left there from 11.15 am each Sunday. It would be appreciated if those who kindly staff the Crèche would be there by 11 10 am. If you can't be present on a Sunday listed please arrange for another of the volunteers to cover for you. Thank you for your co-operation.
May we take this opportunity to wish all our parishioners
a happy and richly blessed Christmas and New Year.
May God fix our eyes on Jesus, the most costly gift God could give. May it be our joy to receive Him,
God’s indescribable gift.
We look forward to seeing many parishioners in Church
to join in the special services we will be having
over this special Christmas season.
As well as that, we remember in our prayers those
who suffered bereavement during the past year.
We trust that on this their first Christmas without their loved one they may be especially conscious of God’s love.
Were you a Girl Guide?
As many of you are aware the Guides are now celebrating their Centenary year. 4th Carrickfergus Guide Company are hoping to put together a display in 2010 and we would be grateful for any photos, memorabilia or any stories you may have from any involvement in Guiding, whether as a member, helper or parent. We will return all items after the event.Should you wish to contribute, please contact
Morag Stewart, Julie Irvine or the church office
Saint Nic's at the movies
SNYF are hosting a night at the movies, onSaturday 5th December at 7pm. We would love everyone from 0-99 to join us. We are showing Miracle on 34th Street in the church halls and we hope you can all be there for a lot of fun, fellowship and maybe some food.
If you would like to join the fun, please see Katrina Todd or Sarah Nelson so that we may work out numbers for the food.
Global Mission Convention Evening was a inspirational and
motivating night for all who attended. The loose plate
collection realized £50 for each of the three missions –
MECO uk & ireland, CMS Ireland and
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students -
to which each acknowledged with much gratitude.
