Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends at St Nicholas’
Well the summer (such as it was) is coming to a close for another year! I hope that you have managed to have some sort of holiday or break from the usual routine of life and are feeling refreshed as we look towards the autumn.

September always brings opportunities for new beginnings. Young people are heading to a new term at school or college with all the possibilities that that brings. We pray that those who have recently received exam results have been able to progress along their chosen paths. Even when we are a little further on in life we can take the opportunity in September to begin some new activity or form of service.

This month we say 'goodbye & thank you' to our Youth Worker, Andrew Campbell, as he moves into a new phase of his service for the Lord. In a few weeks time Andrew will be his training for ordination at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in Dublin. We are delighted that Andrew is responding in this way to God's call on his life, but we shall miss the tremendous contribution that he has made to the life of the parish over the last few years.have all benefitted from his ministry, but he has given most to the young people that he has served so faithfully.

Andrew's work, not just with SNYF, but with our annual Holiday Bible Club, taking assemblies in schools, supporting the uniformed organisations and many informal contacts & conversations, has been used by God to touch lives and deepen faith. His enthusiasm and sense of fun as he went about his business have endeared him to many.

We are thankful too to Allison Campbell, not just for her support of Andrew in his work and for her understanding and patience, but also for the contribution that she herself has made - particularly through the great work that she has done alongside Erin Dalton in setting up the Girls' Bible Study.

As we wish them God's blessing as Andrew moves on, we assure them of our love & support and hope that they will not be strangers! There will always be a warm welcome for them in this parish. Please also pray that the Lord will guide us as we seek to appoint a successor to build on the work that Andrew has done.

Our magazine details the range of organisations and activities that begin a new session this month at St Nicholas'. I hope that as you and I seek to serve the Lord Jesus day by day we will find that there are ways for us both to be fed spiritually and to serve through the opportunities detailed here. Why not try something new?

With love in Jesus,
George

News from the Heaneys

Dear Partners and Friends
We are now back from two weeks holiday at the coast. We had a restful time. Sam particularly enjoyed it. It was lovely to have time together to talk, reflect and do some reading.

Sam is back at school. This year he is in reception class. After one week he reports that he enjoys it more than Nursery. We are so thankful for this.

When we returned from holiday we had a number of student dissertations to proof read submit, and mark. We have a Faculty meeting next week to discuss final results (in light of the external examiners report) before they can be published.

During the break we will be working on reviewing course material and writing several new modules for the next academic year. Sharon is in charge of quality assurance for the Faculty and there is a fair amount of administration involved in that. We continue to have discussions and meetings with the University leadership with regard to ‘core courses’ and what role theology and/or philosophy will play in these. Plans for the journal continue to develop and we now have a strong editorial board. We hope to have a basic website for receiving articles by September.

We continue to have some water issues at home. However, it appears that the University are going to try to ‘hook us up’ to a new water source. We shall keep you posted. 

All in all, we are feeling more refreshed and happy to be back in Dodoma.  We are so very thankful for your interest, partnership and friendship.

Sincerely
Robert, Sharon and Sam           www.heaneys.vox.com

THE MANDATE 2010

TRUE

GREAT

NESS

Living LIFE FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE
Speaker: Mark Driscoll
Worship Leader: Paul Baloche

Saturday 13 November 2010 in Belfast Waterfront Hall

For further information  www.themandate.net

Boys' Brigade

Our Boys Brigade Company will resume again this month.

All sections will resume at their normal times on Wednesday 15th September with a games night.  We'll be delighted to see all previous members and any new boys who would like to join the BB.  Boys will not be required to wear their uniforms during September.

Following Alan & Karen Miles' decision to retire as officers of the company, we are recruiting new leaders and have a number of volunteers about to undertake their officer training. We are very thankful both to Alan and Karen, for all that they have given to the company over the years, and to those who have indicated their willingness to help us maintain the presence of 4th Carrickfergus Company in the life of the parish. Whilst new officers are trained, the Rector, as chaplain, will be in charge of the company.

ITEMS REQUIRED FOR CHARITY AUCTION

(Proceeds in aid of Middle East Christian Outreach)

To be Held in

St Nicholas’ Church Halls
Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus
on
Saturday 2nd October 2010 @ 2pm
(Viewing 11am)

Items should be small collectables and antiques:-
Pictures, ornaments, cut glass, pottery, silver, brass, children’s games, jewellery, sports equipment - fishing, golf, bowls, - and any other small items of interest. If you wish to auction an item, and obtain the value, an appropriate fee will be charged.
No large furniture – such as wardrobes or dressing tables and no large electrical items like fridges or freezers please.

(A great opportunity to clear out the attic)

CALLING ALL SINGERS!

As the new session approaches, we would welcome any new
members into our church choir, especially male voices.

However, we do recognise that many of you would enjoy the fellowship, camaraderie and 'craic' we have at practices but cannot afford the time to commit to this on a permanent basis, so we would, once again, offer the opportunity for anyone who enjoys singing, to attend for about 6 weeks in preparation for harvest evening when the choir takes a larger role than usual at the annual Harvest Praise Service.

Harvest Choir rehearsals start 8 September in Church at 8.30 pm
and will last for 45 minutes approximately.
Hope to see you there.  Alison

Christianity Explored

It is some years since the Parish last held a Christianity Explored course and the Rector has asked us to organise one for the Autumn.

Our course is planned to run for six weeks beginning on Tuesday 21st September. Each week covers a different topic:

Introduction;     Jesus - Who Was He?;  Jesus - Why Did He Come?;  Jesus - His Death;  What Is Grace?;  Jesus - His Resurrection.

Christianity Explored is based on the Gospel of Mark. Throughout the course participants are encouraged to explore Mark within the group and on their own. The aim is to help people answer three questions that cut to the heart of Christianity: Who was Jesus? Why did Jesus come? What does Jesus demand of those who want to follow him?

There will be opportunities to ask questions and discuss although no one will be put on the spot to read, pray or do an end of course test!

It would greatly assist our planning to have an idea of how many would like to come along. If you plan to come, would you please fill in the return slip in Parish News and place it on the collection plate or hand it to one of ourselves (preferably by 14th Sept).

Stuart Horner, Glenn Nelson, Brian Courtney

Prayer Diary – September 2010

1st September – Wednesday
It’s back to school today for the majority of children.  Pray for all returning to school, those starting school for the first time, for those changing school, and not forgetting parents and teachers.  Pray for next week’s discussions about a possible Mother and Toddler Group.

2nd September – Thursday
Some of our parishioners will meet in Whitehead to enjoy a walk along the Blackhead Path.  Pray for those gathering together this evening.

3rd September – Friday
Pray for God’s guiding hand in the selection process for a Youth Worker to replace Andrew Campbell.  Pray for candidates attending interviews and for the interviewing panel.

4th September – Saturday
In early August severe flooding struck Pakistan causing widespread devastation.  Heavy rainfall brought flooding to parts of India and landslides to China.  Pray for relief efforts, for the provision of clean water, medicines, food and shelter for those left destitute.  Pray that help will be distributed fairly.

5th September – Sunday
Today sees the resumption of our Sunday schools and Bible class.  It also marks the end of Andrew Campbell’s time with us as Youth Worker.  Pray for the ongoing work of Youth Ministry here, for those who teach and those who attend Sunday School and Bible Class, and for our Youth Fellowship.  Pray for Andrew and Alison as he prepares to begin full time study for ordained Ministry.

6th September – Monday
A number of our parishioners enjoy fellowship together through sport.  Pray for footballers, for our Badminton Club and for our Bowlers meeting this evening.

7th September – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets this evening.  Pray for the members of our Select Vestry and for their discussions and decision-making.  Pray for our Girl Guides meeting in the church halls this evening.

8th September – Wednesday
Alison Irwin our Organist and the Choir resume Practice this evening.  Pray for them and for a good turnout of members for the extended choir preparing for next month’s Harvest Thanksgiving.

9th September – Thursday
Pray for our Bishop Alan Abernethy and for the rescheduled Connor Diocesan Synod.

10th September – Friday
Pray for Christian Marriage.  Pray for couples that have married or will marry in our church this year.  Pray for couples attending Marriage Preparation Classes this autumn.  Pray for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows and Brownies, all of whom resume meetings today.

11th September – Saturday
Our church halls are the venue for Boys’ Brigade leaders training today.  Pray for those who are prepared to serve God in this way within our Company and in other congregations.  Pray for the future of 4th Carrickfergus Boys’ Brigade.

12th September – Sunday
Pray for our services today, especially for Morning Prayer that will include Holy Baptism.  Also this afternoon our church building will be open for the final time this year as part of the European Heritage Weekend.  Pray that even some of those who visit our church would be moved to return to hear God’s Word.

13th September – Monday
The stairs leading to the Bell Tower have been replaced.  Pray for the resumption of and a wider interest in Bell Ringing within our church.

14th September – Tuesday
The Women’s Fellowship meets this evening.  Pray for this gathering and that more ladies would come along.

15th September – Wednesday
Pray for this evening’s Widows’ Group meeting.

16th September – Thursday
‘Explore’ begins again this evening after the summer break.  Give thanks for this opportunity to study God’s Word.

17th September – Friday
Members and leaders of our Youth Fellowship travel to Tobermore this evening for their weekend away.  Pray for safe travel and for this opportunity to develop friendships and grow in faith.

18th September – Saturday
Pray for members of our church family and those known to you who have been recently bereaved, that they would draw strength and comfort through faith in the days, weeks and years ahead.

19th September – Sunday
Pray for our services today remembering especially this evening’s Holy Communion with Prayers for Healing Service.  Pray for our young people travelling home from Tobermore.

20th September – Monday
Pray for young people at University, especially those leaving home for the first time.

21st September – Tuesday
Pray for the Heaney family in Dodoma, Tanzania.  Pray for their health and well-being as they continue God’s work at St John’s University.

22nd September – Wednesday
Pray for Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship.

23rd September – Thursday
This morning Parish News is assembled ready for distribution.  Pray for those who assemble and distribute the magazine.  Give thanks for Catherine Wallace and her work in the Church Office.

24th September – Friday
Pray for the sick.  Pray for those undergoing long periods of treatment.  Give thanks for the skills of doctors, nurses, therapists and technicians.

25th September – Saturday
Pray for CMS Ireland and for Mark and Ali Gill in Nepal.

26th September – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s Family Service and this evening’s Youth Church.  Give thanks for the ministry team we have here in St Nicholas’.

27th September – Monday
Earlier this year we held special collections for Tearfund to help the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti.  Months later, people still live in makeshift camps but thanks to Tearfund some survivors can support themselves and their families.  Pray for the people of Haiti, and the ongoing work of Tearfund there and throughout the world.

28th September – Tuesday
Pray for Bishop Sadock Makaya, Bishop of Tabora.  Pray for the work of evangelism in the Diocese, for finance and materials.  Pray for Emmanuel and his team working in Youth Ministry.

29th September – Wednesday
Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.

30th September – Thursday
Pray for the unemployed and those whose jobs are under threat.  Remember the long-term unemployed and young people looking for apprenticeship training.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.  Philippians 4.6

SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES

Would all parents please note the new starting times for Bible Class and Morning Sunday School.

Bible Class, for Secondary School pupils, will now begin at 10 am, running to 10.45 am, leaving sufficient time to get to Church for the start of the 11 am Service.

Morning Sunday School, for Nursery School and Primary School children, begins with the children attending Church at 11 am and leaving after 10 minutes or so to attend their classes in the Halls.  The children will be escorted by their teachers to the Halls, where they will be taught in age-related classes.  Children can be collected from the Halls at the end of the Church service.

The exception is on the first Sunday of each month when all children will go straight to the Halls for 11 am.  Afternoon Sunday School for Nursery and Primary School children runs from 2.30—3.30 pm each Sunday in Oakfield Community Centre.

Parents don’t need to be reminded how important your children are to you.  To God they are infinitely more important, and it grieves Him terribly when so many children grow up not knowing anything about the Bible or the Christian Church..  Today, the need for Church and Sunday School, where children can grow up learning Christian values and Bible truths, is more critical that ever.  Do bring your children Sunday by Sunday when our Sunday School teams, both morning and afternoon, will be eager to explore the Bible with them.

NEWS FROM TABORA

At the Sunday School prize giving at the end of June, the congregation was told that arrangements were being made for 50 Children's Bibles to be made available for Emmanuel and his Good News Club for children.  In his most recent Newsletter, sent by email, Emmanuel included photographs of children holding their new Bibles, one of which  can be seen on the next page.  Also in July the balance of £750 from the Smartie appeal was forwarded to the Children's Outreach Mission account which is administered by Emmanuel.

If anyone would like a copy of this or any of Emmanuel’s newsletters in which he details his and the children’s latest activities, please let me know.  Through this information we can see how important his Children's Outreach Mission work is and how valuable our Smartie Tube Appeal is towards his costs.
Please include this vital Children’s Ministry in your prayers and please plan to include the Smartie Tube appeal in your giving towards mission.
Heather Gingles, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent

CRÈCHE ROTA SEPTEMBER 2010

5th      Annie Crawford, Karen Bell, Sarah Nelson, Hester Gingles
12th    Heather Gingles, Amy Ferguson, Catherine Wallace, Rachel McVeigh
19th    Lorraine Gibson, Rebecca Patton, Christine Stewart, Ruth Nelson
26th    Kathleen Arthur, Valerie Leighton, Sharon Lutton, Erin Davison
The Crèche is now meeting in the Choir Vestry.  Children can be left there from 11.20 am each Sunday.   It would be appreciated if those who kindly staff the Crèche would be there in good time.  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.

FLOWERS IN CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2010

5th    Johnnie & Hazel McAllister—20th Wedding Anniversary
12th    The Lutton Family—In memory of Kathleen
19th    Jean Hamill—In memory of my  brother Bill & sister-in-law Kitty
26th    Roy Anderson—In memory of my wife Sally

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)

SOUND DESK ROTA SEPTEMBER 2010

        Morning                                Evening
5th        Jonathan Nelson                Lynn Rodgers   
12th        Jamie Davison                Paul Letters
19th        Julie Irvine                    Steven Todd
26th        Deriece Maguire                Adam Dalton

Getting Married in St Nicholas'?

All couples hoping to be married in our church building are required to take part in a short marriage preparation course. The next course will take place during October & early November and lasts for 5 weeks. Please contact the office to register your interest and to indicate which evenings of the week are most suitable for you. Thank you.


Christian Marriage
‘What God has joined together, let not man separate’
31st July 2010
Peter Robert Cridland, 76 Ellesmere Road, London and
Renate Christian Dobbs, 76 Ellesmere Road, London

23rd August 2010
Lee Stephen Keery, 31 Woodland Park, Lambeg, Lisburn and
Grace Elizabeth Glenny, 31 Woodland Park, Lambeg, Lisburn

Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
9th July 2010
David Hilditch Wallace, 38 Kenstella Road, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall

11th July 2010
Robert Davidson Clarke, 6 Fulmar Avenue, Carrickfergus

13th August 2010
Agnes Wilson, 1 Wyndway Court, Carrickfergus

24th August 2010
Samuel Dale, 49 Carneal Road, Larne

POINTS TO PONDER

Sins cannot be undone, only forgiven.                        Igor Stravinsky

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace.  And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace.                    Anon

LAUGHLINES

Hearing is not believing......A wise schoolteacher sent this note to all parents on the first day of school: ‘If you promise not to believe everything your child says happens at school, I’ll promise not to believe everything he or she says happens at home.’

SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER 2010

5th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
        11.00 am    Holy Communion—Counting the Cost
            Philemon           
            Luke 14 v 25-34       
        7.00 pm    Evening Prayer—God’s overture to his people
            Isaiah 1 v 1-31         

12th   9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
        11.00 am    Morning Prayer & Baptism—Lost things found—celebrate!
            Exodus 32 v 7-14       
            Luke 15 v 1-10       
        7.00 pm    Informal Service—    Lament for God’s Vineyard
            Isaiah 5 v 1-30         

19th   9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
        11.00 am    Morning Prayer & Baptism
            Money and you—Future Planning
            Amos 8 v 4-7       
            Luke 16 v 1-15       
        7.00 pm    Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            When things are at their worst
            Isaiah 6 v 1-13       
            John 4 v 31-35       

26th   9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
        11.00 am    Family Service—Broken relationships restored—celebrate!
            Luke 15 v11-32
        7.00 pm    Youth Service—Waiting for the Lord
            Isaiah 8 v 11 –9 v 7       

Andrew Campbell

Join us as we say 'Thank you' to Andrew Campbell as he leaves us after nearly three years as the Youth Worker in St Nicholas'.

Andrew's last Sunday with us will be on Sunday 5th September.  He will preach at the morning service and we will be making a presentation to him. Come and share a cuppa and a chat with Andrew and Allison after the service.

Party!! After the evening service there'll be a farewell party for Andrew in the Church Hall hosted by the SNYFers and everybody will be very welcome (young & old) - so whether you know Andrew through SNYF, Holiday Bible Club, one of the Uniformed Organisations, through his work on our Family & Youth services or any of the amazing contributions that he's made to our life as a parish, come along and join in this farewell bash!

EXPLORE

In a world where there are so many options, so many religions, so many philosophies of life, what does the Bible reveal to us about God?

This series of 8 evenings looks at what God wants to reveal about himself to his people through the book of Deuteronomy.

If you've ever thought that the Old Testament is just too hard to understand - come along and discover just how practical and down to earth it really is!

Begins on Thursday 16th September at 7.30 pm in the Upstairs Room in the Church Hall.       
Everybody Welcome.

Church Open Days – September

    Regular church openings for this year come to an end at the
    European Heritage Weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th
    September.  Dates and times are as follows:

    Saturday 4th September             11.00am – 3.00pm
    Tuesday 7th September               2.00pm – 3.30pm
    Saturday 11th September            11.00am – 4.00pm
    Sunday 12th September               2.00pm – 4.00pm

New!!
Parent & Toddler Group

Join us for a cup of tea and a chat as we discuss the
possibility of setting up a regular chance for parents
with little ones to meet together informally.

Friday 10th September 10.30 am in the Church Hall.

All Parents welcome - juice & biccies provided, so bring the wee ones too!!

Crèche Helpers Needed

We need more mums, dads and teenagers to help in the crèche.

If you can help even once every other month,
please contact Catherine in the Church Office
or speak to one of the clergy

CHRISTMAS FAIR

ST NICHOLAS PARISH CHURCH HALLS
on
Saturday 4th December 2010
at 10.30 am

Tea/Scones     Hand Made Christmas Cards
Books     Games     Cakes     Crafts     Santa
Everyone Welcome

PAKISTAN APPEAL

Everyone will be aware of the tragic circumstances in Pakistan with most of this area being under water.  With this Parish News we are sending out an appeal envelope to assist with the care and attention of those who are in great need.  We would ask your support and any monies collected will be forwarded to Tearfund to help relieve the suffering of these people.


If any parishioner known to you is
sick or in hospital,
please contact the church office or the clergy
so that they may be visited.
Thank you