Saint Nicholas’ Parish News
Carrickfergus, N Ireland
Welcome to our web site
February 2009
MINISTER’S LETTER
Isn’t it amazing how our diaries fill up, our time a precious commodity? At lunch this afternoon I had the privilege of meeting with two Iranian men in their late fifties. These two brothers in Christ are involved in training and the production of Christian media that can be broadcasted into their homeland. As we chatted I was refreshed at their positive approach to building up Christ’s church. One, as he chatted, drew to mind Christ’s call to a number of His ‘would be’ disciples in Mathew’s Gospel, “Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt 4:19). We know how this became a reality for the disciples as they followed the Lord’s will for their lives. I want to encourage each one of us, as we seek to follow Christ so we should be seeking to make Jesus known to family and friends, to work colleagues and our neighbours. This is His instruction to each one of us whatever our particular circumstances.
To the many who continue to support St Nicholas’ in whatever way you are, your continued presence at worship, financially, prayer, leading in worship, helping in the many different church organisations, your witness in your home, your time and your commitment I wish to extend my sincere thanks. It is important that we continue to look and listen for ways of moving our church forward. Yesterday we had the pleasant visit of our Bishop Alan Abernathy and as he was leaving he said, “There is a good spirit here.” Your contribution whatever that may be, makes us who we are, Christ’s Church here in St Nicholas. 1, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart Heb 12:1-3
As you read this, you will hopefully have noticed that I am away. In the summer of last year I was given a commission to service in the British Army as a chaplain (TA). With this came the requirement for further professional training and I am at present undergoing the Professional Qualified Officer’s Training Course at Sandhurst. May I ask for your prayers as I undertake this course? It won’t be easy but it will benefit my ministry and effectiveness both in the military and here in the parish.
Reverend Darren James McCartney
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
Bishop Alan Abernethy
will lead 2 seminars on Worship and Suffering
These 2 seminars will be repeated at 3 venues -
Belfast: 24 February 2009 and 18 March 2009
Antrim: 4 March 2009 and 24 March 2009
Bushmills: 9 March 2009 and 1 April 2009
For further information and booking information
please speak to Darren or Kathleen
Places are limited, so please book as early as possible.
There is no charge for the seminars, but there will be a retiring collection towards the Diocesan Building for Generations fund.
GET SORTED … ON SUFERING
This month sees the start of a new series in parish news called ‘Sort it out’. Over the next few months we will be looking at answering the big questions that people have against Christianity.
This month we will be looking at the issue of suffering and asking - ‘does suffering and injustice prove that there is no God?’ This was the most common objection I faced when I worked in the University of Ulster. You can see their point, we only have to turn on the news to see people suffering and dying, with innocent people being killed in the Gaza, Soldiers being killed in Afghanistan and Iraq and those dear to us dying of illness. If God is so good and is all powerful why does he let this happen?
Suffering creates a feeling of injustice and our response to this is always “It’s not fair”. But here lies the problem with the argument that suffering disproves God. In his book mere Christianity C.S. Lewis wrote:
“My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of ‘just’ and ‘unjust’?… What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust… of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too - for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my private fancies …. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple.”
Suffering does not disprove the existence of God but proves it, because if there is no God then there is no such thing as justice or right or wrong. We can’t say “it’s not fair” because there is no such thing as fair if there is no God. If there is no God then we are simply an evolutionary accident, we are only amoebas with legs. There is no justice or morality only accidents if there is no God. Furthermore if there is no God we require suffering to evolve. Natural selection teaches us that we depend on death and suffering to remove the weak and strengthen the strong and therefore suffering is natural. The only person who can say “it’s not fair” is the one who believes in God.
Christianity tells us that death and suffering is not a result of evolution rather it is the result of mankind’s rebellion against God. In Genesis 3 we read that both Adam and Eve rejected God’s way and lived their own why when they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and as a result God told them they would suffer and He removed them from the Garden of Eden and the tree of life so they would one day die. Death and suffering according to the bible are the result of sin. But Christianity tells us that God will one day fix the world of every thing that is wrong with it. The book of Revelation talks about a new perfect earth and in chapter 21 verse 4 we read “He will wipe away every tear from eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” So God will fix the world, but that means removing the cause of the problem; SIN. This creates a problem for us because if we do not believe that Jesus was God’s son and died in our place then we are sinful and will be destroyed and not enjoy this new prefect world. So we all have a choice either accept Jesus and enjoy this new perfect world or reject him and be destroyed with the rest of the world’s problems.
Suffering, rather than disproving God, points to Him and Christianity teaches us that God will one day fix the world and if we want to enjoy it we must accept Jesus.
Yes to Little Things
From the book ‘Having a Mary Spirit’ by Joanna Weaver
We tend to think that saying yes to God’s call on our lives involves the big issues – the dramatic “Here am I, Lord! Send me” events. But being available to be used by God can often be seen best in our willingness to do the small things – the little yeses that may seem unimportant at the moment but make a big difference. Helping others but, more importantly, changing us.
Saying yes to inconvenience so someone else might be blessed.
Saying yes to a backseat role though we’re fully qualified to drive.
Saying yes to doing the unseen, the unnoticed, and the underappreciated.
Saying yes to overlooking faults and inconsiderate slights.
Saying yes to patient listening though there’s much to do and more to say.
Saying yes to chores others should rightfully do.
Saying yes when we’d rather say no.
Whoever can be trusted with very little
can also be trusted with much. Luke 16:10.
Prayer Diary – February 2009
1st February – Sunday
Pray for our services today. Pray for Darren, Kathleen and Andrew and for guest preachers over the coming weeks during Darren’s absence.
2nd February – Monday
For more than a month now the situation in Gaza and the huge death toll there has featured large in news bulletins. Pray for an end to the rocket attacks on Israel and the safety of the people there and in Gaza. Pray for those striving to bring a lasting peace to the region.
3rd February – Tuesday
The Select Vestry meets this evening. Pray for members of Select Vestry and for their discussions and decision-making. Pray that more parishioners would take a more active role in the parish, perhaps becoming Registered Vestry Persons as a starting point.
4th February – Wednesday
Our Organist Alison Irwin, Angie her deputy and the choir meet this evening for practice. Pray for them and give thanks for their dedication and for their contribution to our worship.
5th February – Thursday
The Parish Bible Study and Prayer Group meets this evening. Pray for those who will help lead the group throughout this month.
6th February – Friday
Pray for those who have been recently bereaved. Pray that they would know our Lord’s presence with them as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
7th February – Saturday
This morning those P7 children who sat the final 11+ Transfer Test will be receiving their grades. Pray for all P7 children and their parents as they make decisions regarding secondary education.
8th February – Sunday
Each Sunday afternoon a small number of teachers and children meet together at the Oakfield Community Centre for Sunday school. Pray for Sharon Lutton the Superintendent and for everyone involved in this outreach. Pray for Lynn Rodger, the teachers and children from our Morning Sunday school and Bible Classes.
9th February – Monday
Bring the search for a new Rector to God in prayer today. Pray for our Parish Nominators.
10th February – Tuesday
The topic for this evening’s Women’s Fellowship is The Persecuted Church, with guest speaker Susan Reid from Open Doors. Pray for this evening’s meeting. Remembering the freedom we take for granted to worship, pray for Christians around the world that do not have freedom to worship and speak openly about the Gospel.
11th February – Wednesday
You may have heard in the media about proposals to close some care homes including Greenisland House. Pray for the residents of these threatened homes as they face the prospect of moving to unfamiliar surroundings. Pray for the care staff.
12th February – Thursday
Pray for Crosslinks and the search for new leaders. Pray for the staff in the Belfast office – Val, Pam and Heather.
13th February – Friday
Pray for the sick, for those awaiting accurate diagnosis, those coming to terms with diagnosis and those beginning courses of treatment.
14th February – Saturday
Work is now under way at the site of the new Methodist Church and the congregation continues to worship in our large hall each Sunday. Pray for our Methodist friends and for the current arrangements.
15th February – Sunday
Pray for today’s church services especially for this evening’s Holy Communion and Prayers for Healing. Pray for Stella Neill who collects details of those who have asked for our prayers. Pray for our Youth Fellowship.
16th February – Monday
Pray for CMS Ireland and for the 2009 Project for Uganda. Pray for Julie Currie who has been travelling around the country telling leaders about the Project. Pray for our Sunday school teachers as they inform our children about Uganda and what CMS hope to achieve. Pray for the Gill family.
17th February – Tuesday
The economic downturn continues with job losses and insolvency featuring regularly in the news. Pray for those facing unemployment, debt and even homelessness. Pray for shop workers under pressure to be more ‘flexible’, especially Christians being asked to work Sundays and facing addition financial pressure if they refuse.
18th February – Wednesday
The Widows’ Group meets this evening. Pray for them, for the fellowship and mutual support of the group.
19th February – Thursday
Pray for the preparations for this year’s Holy Week services in Christ Church, for the guest preacher and for Mission Carrickfergus.
20th February – Friday
Pray for our uniformed organisations – Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; Guides, Brownies and Rainbows; and Boys’ Brigade Senior Section, Junior Section and Anchor Boys:
21st February – Saturday
Pray for Bishop Sadock Makaya and all who minister in Tabora.
22nd February – Sunday
At this morning’s Family Service our Guides, Brownies and Rainbows will join us as they mark ‘Thinking Day’. The guest preacher is Mike Moffett from Crosslinks. Pray for them all and for this evening’s Youth Church.
23rd February – Monday
Pray for Don Howe and his work for MECO. Pray for those who represent MECO, bringing the Christian message to the Middle East.
24th February – Tuesday
Pray for Darren and Karen McCartney and their increased responsibilities during the vacancy. Pray for Canon Kathleen Brown and Andrew Campbell. Pray for Nominators.
25th February – Wednesday
This month’s Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship meeting coincides with the beginning of Lent. Pray for all who minister in Carrickfergus.
26th February – Thursday
This morning Catherine Wallace our Secretary and her small group of helpers will assemble the next issue of Parish News. Pray for them and for distributors.
27th February – Friday
British troops will finally withdraw from Iraq later this year but fighting continues in Afghanistan. Pray for the members of our armed forces serving abroad, including the TA, and for families left behind in the UK.
28th February – Saturday
Pray for Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Government as they attempt to ease the effects of the Global Economic Downturn. Pray for our First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Assembly Members at Stormont.
THE SHACK
A short review of the bookDon’t read this book would be the wrong thing to say. I had heard so much about it and even read other reviews both good and bad before and after reading it.
Yes the book has many errors theologically speaking and it is an insult to God in the way He is portrayed and in the way it shackles Him. (Excuse the pun)
It does have to be pointed out to my mind that the book does more good than bad. It is a heart-warming, heart rendering story. It brings many to tears in the first few chapters. It answers questions maybe we sometimes are afraid to ask or even understand. This book was written by a salesman for his own children to understand something about the love of God; to understand why people suffer, to understand more of the trinity. It invokes discussion about God which is good in that it can offer a starting point for discussion with your atheist, seeker or other religion friends and work colleagues.
Please do read it and you can decide your own evaluation, appraisal and assessment for yourselves and remember that it is only a fictional story. It may be better to go read a book from the bible and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it, because that is one of the ways God talks to us. The bible is God’s salvation for mankind through Jesus. God’s love for each of us, if we accept Him by repentance and faith. Don Howe
Youth Church
This term we will be looking at how we know if we are Christians by reading through 1 John.
25th January
How do I know I’m a Christian?
Because Jesus Died in my Place: 1 John 1:1 -2:2
22nd February
How do I know I’m a Christian?
Because Jesus is my King: 1 John 2:3-2:17
22nd March
How do I know I’m a Christian?
Because I believe the truth: 1 John 2:18 - 2:28
26th April
How do I know I’m a Christian?
Because I love other Christians: 1 John 2:29 - 3:24
24th May
How do I know I’m a Christian?
Because I have the Holy Spirit: 1 John 4:1- 4:19
(Guest speaker: Big A)
28th June
How do I know I’m a Christian?
Because I have faith: 1 John 5:1 - 21
MINISTRY TRAINING STRATEGY CHALLENGE CONFERENCE
27 February—1 March 2009 at Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor (£36)
MTS (Ireland) Challenge Conference is a conference with a difference, in that it is designed to specifically challenge Christians towards thinking about full-time Gospel ministry.
Colin Marshall from Sydney, Australia is the guest speaker and over 7 sessions will be looking at: what the Bible has to say about Gospel ministry—who should do it and what is to be done; asking the right questions about whether full-time Gospel ministry is an option I should seriously consider etc; and , through interactive sessions, will help those who will attend to think further about all of these issues.
Please contact the Church Office for further information and booking form.
FOCUSFEST 2009 12th & 13th June
Speaker: Tricia McCary Rhodes
Worship Leader: Sarahanne Wilmont
Tickets: £30
About Focusfest
It is an established fact that in the church world-wide, women make up the majority of our congregations. However, women are often not released to serve and contribute effectively to the life of the church. We believe God raised up Focusfest to provide inspiration, affirmation and an outlet for women to discover and develop their God-given gifts and potential.
From small beginnings Focusfest, which was founded in 1993, has become one of Europe's biggest events for Christian women drawing together women from different denominations, backgrounds and locations. Among the elements which make Focusfest a unique event are inspiring worship, relevant bible teaching and practical seminarswithbig issuesface.
Tricia McCary Rhodes has served in full time Christian ministry for over 28 years. Since her teenage years, she has pursued an intimate connection with Christ, and she delights in helping others come to know Him through writing, speaking and personal ministry. Tricia's first book, The Soul at Rest: a Journey into Contemplative Prayer, has helped thousands develop their relationship with God by giving them the tools they need for quiet meditation and reflection. Since then she has written five other books, all with the goal of providing inspiration and practical helps for drawing others into the joy of walking with Jesus.
Sacred Chaos: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life You Have, is Tricia's latest book. She originally set out to write about sacred space, dreaming of weekend retreats and long walks along the beach as she prepared. But God had a different idea and got her attention by sending her son, his wife and their two children to live with her for a season. They moved in the week she was to begin writing, and moved out the week she was to have finished. The result? SACRED CHAOS! Tricia says she learned through that crazy season how faithful God is, and how simple it can be to meet Him within the busy pockets of a life with no spaces at all.
If you are interested in coming along please give your name to Karen McCartney asap.
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
At our January meeting our guest speaker was Rachel Surgenor who spoke about her work with the Trade organisation. In particular Rachel told of the Christian mission work which she is involved in among a community in Peru, where a number of artisans are successfully selling their products through the Fair Trade network and improving life for themselves and their families and the wider community. We were pleased to present Rachel with a donation towards the work of Fair Trade.
Karen McCartney also spoke about the life and work of Karen Salmon from Knocknagoney Parish who is a Crosslinks Missionary working at Mekelle Youth Centre in Ethiopia. All of our members are asked to pray for Karen and we will be writing to her on a regular basis to support and encourage her in her ministry.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 10 February when we will be joined by Susan Reid from the Open Doors organisation and she will be speaking on the subject of the persecuted Christian church. All ladies are welcome to come along and join us. Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary
4th CARRICKFERGUS BOYS' BRIGADE COMPANY
COFFEE MORNING
At our recent Coffee Morning held on Saturday 17 January 2009, the amount raised at the time of writing is £360.00. These proceeds are being split between M.E.C.O. (Middle East Christian Outreach and the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
The Officers, Helpers and Boys' of the Company would like to express their thanks to everyone who contributed, donated and supported this event.
Alan Miles
Lieutenant
Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
9th December 2008
Robert James (Bert) O’Neill, 13 Macroom Gardens
10th December 2008
Elizabeth Clifford, 48 Unity Street
11th December 2008
Ellen Magill Spence, 16 Wesley Court
20th December 2008
Duncan Eyres, 3 Greenbamk
31stDecember 2008
(& Crematorium 2nd January 2009)
Joan Patricia Hopper, Joymount
2nd January 2009
Samuel William Fyfe, Tamlaght Nursing Home
14th January 2009
Francis (Frank) McCausland, 5 Barn Halt Cottages
LAUGHLINES
The Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, "If you'll come to the Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven."
"I don't think I'll be there," the boy said. "You don't even know your way to the post office."
**********
Struggling to make ends meet on his first salary, the curate was livid when he confronted his wife with the receipt for a £250 dress she had bought.
"How could you do this?"
"I was outside the store looking at the dress in the window, and then I found myself trying it on," she explained. "It was like Satan was whispering in my ear, 'You look fabulous in that dress. Buy it!''. "Well," the curate replied, "You know how I deal with that kind of temptation. I say, 'Get behind me, Satan’. "I did," replied his wife, "but then he said, 'It looks fabulous from back here, too!’
**********
A rector had had a bad week. On Sunday he was very frustrated and he began his sermon, "Everyone in this parish is going to hell if they don't change their ways." One man in the back began to laugh. So the rector said it again louder. The man continued to laugh. The rector went back to him and asked him why he was laughing. He answered, "Because I don't belong to this parish!"
Flowers in Church December 2008
(not in last magazine)4th Bobby Patterson-In memory of my wife Pat
21st David McAtamney-In memory of my wife Denise
January 2009
4th Martha Whiteside
11th Mrs Kelsall-In memory of my husband George
18th Vacant
25th Vacant
February 2009
1st Vacant
8th Vacant
15th Hilary Wilshin
22nd Karen Taylor-In memory of my dad Brendin McPhail
If you would like to donate flowers for the Sanctuary please fill your name in against the appropriate space on the new Flower List in the main porch –
or contact Mary Withers 9336 2869
Services in February 2009
1st 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Holy Communion—The Signs of the Times
2 Timothy 3 v 1-9 Valerie Barr
Matthew 24 v 3-8 The Preacher
7 pm Evening Prayer—The choosing of the twelve
Luke 6 v 12-16 Jackie Kane
8th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Morning Prayer—Keep on, keeping on
Job 2 v 1-11 Peggy Foulis
2 Timothy 3 v 10-17 Marion Letters
7 pm Informal Service—The Miracles
Luke 8 v 22-25 Janice Nelson
15th 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Morning Prayer—The final charge
2 Timothy 4 v1-8 Gillian Dalton
Hosea 14 v 1-9 Gordon Dalton
7 pm Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
Peter’s confession
Luke 9 v 18-27 Audrey Agnew
Colossians 1 v 15-20 The Preacher
22nd 9 30 am Holy Communion
11.30 am Family Service—God’s Word to God’s World
Speaker Mike Moffett
Revelation 7 v 9-12
7 pm Youth Church
How do I know I am a Christian: because Jesus is my King
Other Events in February
3rd 7.30 pm Select Vestry
9th 7.30 pm Tour Guides Meeting
10th 7.30 pm Women’s Fellowship
18th 7.15 pm Widows Group
28th 10.30 am Scout Group Coffee Morning
Crèche Rota February 2009
1st Pauline Walsh, Katrina Todd, Valerie Leighton, Rebecca Leighton
8th Alex Stevenson, Ann Hodge, Heather Gingles, Hester Gingles
15th Carol Connor, Faye Hamilton, Louise Bell, Rebecca Patton
22nd Deirdre Beck, Joan Gray, Anne Laverty, Sarah Nelson
The Crèche is in the Church Hall. Children can be left there at 11.15 am each Sunday. It would be appreciated if those who kindly staff the Crèche would be there by 11.100am. 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.
CHURCH TOUR GUIDES
Are you new to St Nicholas?
Are you interested in the history of our church?
There will be an informal meeting of Church Tour Guides on
Monday 9th February at 7.30pm in the Vestry.
We will be planning the programme of openings for this summer.
Why not come along and join us for a cup of tea and a chat.
If you are interested in helping we’d be especially glad to see you.
Everyone is welcome.
SCOUT GROUP COFFEE MORNING
Saturday 28 February 2009
10.30 am—12.30 pm
In Church Halls in aid of Scout Group Funds
Your help and support would be greatly appreciated.
For further information, please speak to Brian Patton
