Carrickfergus, N Ireland

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear Friends in St Nicholas’
      What a privilege it is to be writing this letter to you as your Rector. I can hardly believe that, by the time you are reading this, two months will have passed since that special evening at the end of June that was the institution service.

      Can I say a very sincere thank you to you all for the warmth of the welcome that has been afforded to Nadine, Erin, Jamie and I since then. It has been a big step for us to leave Derrylin, Co Fermanagh where we had spent 14 very happy years and where we had so many good friends, but we do feel a real sense of the call of God to be here and to share in the work of ministry in Carrickfergus. I look forward to getting to know the folk of this parish, but a good memory is not one of the gifts God has blessed me with - please bear with me as I try to learn (& remember) who you all are!

      I want to express my personal thanks to Harry, Ted, Eric & Don - the parochial nominators who, as your representatives, along with Bishop Alan Abernethy have placed a great trust in me in asking me to follow in the succession of faithful men who have been Rectors of this parish. I can assure you that they were excellent ambassadors for the parish and they approached the task that they were given sincerely and prayerfully, not to mention good humour! I hope that with God’s grace I shall be equally faithful in the task that has now been given to me in leading St. Nicholas into the next phase of its life.

      We have good reason to be thankful to Jim McMaster for his faithful ministry over the last 13 years – he has done much to build the kingdom in this place and I am grateful for the solid Bible foundations which I now inherit. I also want to say a massive thank you to Darren McCartney and Kathleen Brown for the wonderful work that they have done during the vacancy and for their kindness and help to me in these early weeks.

Towards the end of this month we shall be saying farewell to Darren and Karen as they move to Knocknamuckley Parish outside Lurgan, as Darren takes up the appointment as Rector there. They have both made friends of many people in this parish and we are terribly sorry to see them go. We know however that God has other work for them to do and we pray that the people of Knocknamuckley will be as blessed by their ministry as we have been over these last years. Do come and join us as we say farewell to Darren & Karen (details elsewhere in the magazine).

When I was asked to consider the possibility of coming to St Nicholas’ as rector, I prayed to know God’s guidance. Although I didn’t know either the parish or the town well, very quickly I felt that God was giving me a heart for Carrickfergus. As the sense of call grew, that phrase ‘a heart for Carrickfergus’ came back to me again and again.

St. Nicholas’ church has been at the centre of the life of this town for many hundreds of years, in the heart of the town. I believe that God calls his people in every generation to discover afresh his heart of love for them and to be a part of sharing that love with one another. What will it mean for the people of St Nicholas’ to have ‘a heart for Carrickfergus’ in our generation? What ways will we find to show the love of God to our fellow citizens in this town?

As we look forward then to a new season’s work together, can I encourage you to come and be a part of it? Whether you have been active or not in parish life in recent years, you’re a part of this church family – without you, there’s someone missing! Come and discover what it means to be a part of a church family with ‘a heart for Carrickfergus’.
Yours in the service of Jesus,
George

AS ANOTHER AUTUMN GETS UNDERWAY …….

It’s September already, and the nights are fast drawing in. 2009 is speeding by – and soon retailers will begin their annoying Christmas countdown (“September 16 – only 100 shopping days left!”)

September heralds the return to the ‘rat-race’. Many of us expect work to be very busy over the coming months. Some of us dread even returning to work. Others of us struggle to cope with on-going family problems, or with mounting debt.

Whatever lies ahead of you this autumn, here is what the Bible says about trusting in God:

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and you shall be fed. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 3 – 5

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe." Proverbs 29.25

Planning to be married in 2009/10?

                                       The Marriage Preparation Course

on Monday evenings at 7.30pm
14, 21, 28 September & 5, 12 October 2009
in the Church Halls, Lancasterian Street

Topics include: Communication, Commitment, Resolving Conflict, Keeping Love Alive & Shared Goals and Values

The only person you have to talk to about your relationship
is your fiancé(e)!!

Cost £25 per couple

All couples planning to be married in St. Nicholas’ are required to attend marriage preparation.

Please contact the Parish Office (9336 0061)
to book your place.

THE BIBLE: there’s nothing else like it….

The Bible is unlike any other book. People who read it find that often the words come alive to them. Millions of Christians around the world can look back on several key points in their lives when it has been as if God is speaking just to them about their immediate circumstances. This shouldn’t be surprising. As the Apostle Paul wrote: ‘Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.’

If you would like to order notes to help you read your bible daily, please contact the church office or Celia Richardson.

BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE

Have you ever thought you would like to study the Bible or Christian issues on a more formal basis, but haven’t the time to commit to full time study.

Belfast Bible College offers evening classes on Tuesday evenings between 6.30—9.30 pm, starting in September, through to April.

Subjects covered are wide ranging and include specific books of the Bible, doctrine, faith, life and ministry.  Ages run from school leavers through to beyond retirement age, and people come from all over Northern Ireland and from every denomination to attend on Tuesday evenings.

If you would like to know more about these excellent courses, speak to our Rector, or Darren, or phone 028 9030 1551 for a programme of lectures.

‘Practise the presence of God’ by Rev Paul Hardingham

Your Life, Your Choice: Hurry Sickness

Every day we are pressured to cram more and more activities into fewer and fewer hours. This has been described as ‘hurry sickness’ and it’s something we can all identify with. For example, when did you last attempt to join the slowest checkout queue at the supermarket? Hurry is an enemy of our spiritual life, as most things connected with the kingdom of God cannot be done in a hurry!

We should draw a distinction between being busy and being hurried. Busyness has to do with our outward condition, while hurry is all about the state of our souls. It arises from having too many competing priorities at any given moment. Jesus was often busy but never hurried! We can train ourselves to be less hurried in the following ways, which will help to be more in tune with God’s priorities.

Slowing Down:- To break the hold of a frantic pace of life why not deliberately slow down eg walk more slowly or stand at the longest check-out queue in the supermarket?

Saying No:- How do our decisions help or hinder our ability to love God and others? Looking at your diary, what do I need to do differently?

Balancing Rest and Work:- Although we complain about working long hours, many of us secretly love it! We associate busyness with importance and too much free time indicates that we are not needed. What is a helpful rhythm of work and rest in our lives? How can we take seriously the Sabbath principle of having one day a week to rest and not work? We might do something we don’t usually give time for
eg taking a long walk or having an unhurried conversation with a friend, as well as avoiding more regular activities eg checking emails!

De-cluttering: - The more stuff we accumulate, the more time and energy are required to maintain it. What could we live without in order to live more simply? Go through your wardrobe, loft or garage and give away what you don’t use.

Using Leisure Time Creatively:- When we actually take a break we often end up simply watching TV, surfing the net, shopping when we don’t need anything or eating when we are not hungry! Why not choose leisure activities that really refresh you. It’s not a case of more leisure time, but using the time we have more creatively.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The Women's Fellowship meetings will start again after the summer break on Tuesday 8 September with a "Colour Me Beautiful" evening presented by our guest speaker Joan Roulston. Joan is an experienced "Colour Me Beautiful" consultant who provides hints and tips on how to choose the best styles and colours to suit your body shape and compliment your natural skin tone. So if you want to know how to save yourself time and money when shopping for clothes and make the most of your appearance then don't miss this event. If you haven't been to one of our meetings before, then why don't you come along to the Parish Halls at 7.30pm on 8 September and give it a try - you will be given a very warm welcome. 
Valerie Leighton, Honorary Secretary

BELONGING TO GOD

How good you are, Lord, and how near you are to us – so near that we may always talk to you, be comforted by you, breathe through you, be enlightened by you, find peace in you, and gain spiritual nourishment from you. Grant that my fellowship with you may never be polluted by malice, pride, envy, greed, gluttony or falsehood. Grant that I may belong wholly to you.
By John Sergieff(1829 – 1908) a Russian priest of humble family, who became renowned for his prayers which ordinary people could use.

Prayer Diary – September 2009

1st September – Tuesday
This evening the Select Vestry meets for the first time after the summer break.  Pray for the members of the Select Vestry in their discussions and decision-making.  Pray for their ongoing efforts to boost our parish finances through Gift-Aid.     
2nd September – Wednesday   
The Choir contributes greatly to our Sunday worship here in St Nicholas’.  Pray for our choir members, our Organist Alison Irwin and her understudy Angie Black as they resume practice this evening.
3rd September – Thursday
August saw the death of the last surviving WW1 soldier Harry Patch and the milestone of 200+ British Army fatalities in the Afghan conflict.  Pray for the men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces.  Pray for service families; those who bear the scars of this and previous conflicts; and for peacemakers striving to bring an end to war. 
4th September – Friday
The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts resume this evening.  Pray for the Group and members in all sections.  Give thanks for leaders in this and all uniformed organisations.
5th September – Saturday 
Members of Girl Guiding of all ages from across NI gather at Megaberry today to celebrate the Centenary of Girl Guides.  Pray for our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, their current leaders, and all who have, in the past, contributed to Girl Guiding in St Nicholas’.    
6th September – Sunday
The morning and afternoon Sunday schools and Bible Class restart today.  Pray for children and teachers.  Pray for our Rector George Davison, our Curate Darren McCartney, our Youth Worker Andrew Campbell and Canon Kathleen Brown, giving thanks for their service. 
7th September – Monday
Did you complain about the weather at all this summer?  In August storms and torrential downpours brought disaster to parts of the Far East including mudslides in Taiwan.  Pray for those who have lost everything.  Pray for relief efforts to feed, treat and re-house survivors.
8th September – Tuesday
This evening the Women’s Fellowship meets and while welcoming Nadine Davison, they will be saying farewell to Karen McCartney who has contributed greatly to the group during her time with us.  Pray for the Women’s Fellowship, for Nadine as she settles into life here in St Nicholas, and for Karen as she embarks on this new challenge with Darren in Knocknamuckley. 
9th September – Wednesday
Pray for the Women’s Fellowship and Friendship Group.
10th September – Thursday
Pray for those bereaved over recent months, that they would gain comfort and strength from the assured hope of an eternity with Christ for those who put their trust in Him. 
11th September – Friday
Pray for our continued links with the church in Tabora Diocese, Tanzania.  Pray that resources would be available to continue the work of evangelism in the diocese.     
12th September – Saturday
The church will be open for visitors this weekend as part of the European Heritage Open Days.  Pray for tour guides and visitors.
13th September – Sunday
Pray for today’s services, especially for Morning Prayer including Holy Baptism.  Pray for parents and Sponsors that they will by God’s help fulfil the commitment they make today.  Pray for all new parents.
14th September – Monday
A course of Marriage Preparation Classes begins this evening for couples planning to marry in St Nicholas’ in the next year.  Pray for the couples attending and for those  getting married in church this month.  Pray for Christian Marriage and remember marriages in difficulty.
15th September – Tuesday
Pray for the sick, especially those with a long-term illness, perhaps in pain or discomfort, and for those for whom there may be no cure.
16th September – Wednesday 
Boys’ Brigade resumes this evening.  Pray for a greater interest in our BB Company, for boys wishing to join and for Parishioners to act as leaders and helpers.  Also this evening, the Widows’ Group meets.  Pray for the mutual support, friendship and fellowship of the group.  
17th September – Thursday
Explore (Parish Bible Study) will meet for the first time this evening.  Pray and give thanks for this opportunity to study God’s Word.      
18th September – Friday
This evening parishioners, family and friends will gather to pay tribute to Darren McCartney and his wife Karen prior to their departure for Knocknamuckley parish.  Give thanks for their time with us and pray for them as they prepare for this new chapter of life in God’s service.
19th September – Saturday
Pray for the Crosslinks team in Belfast.
20th September – Sunday
As Darren preaches today for the last time as Curate, pray for him and for Karen, once again giving thanks for their time here.  Pray for the Youth Fellowship beginning a new session this evening.
21st September – Monday
Pray for Celia Richardson who organises S U Bible Study Notes.
22nd September – Tuesday
Pray for CMS Ireland and our link missionaries Mark and Alison Gill.
23rd September – Wednesday
Carrickfergus Ministers’ Fellowship meets each month for friendship, fellowship and Bible study.  Pray for all who minister in our town.
24th September – Thursday
The team of volunteers assemble Parish News this morning.  Pray for them, for distributors and for our Secretary Catherine Wallace.
25th September – Friday
Pray for Darren and Karen McCartney as they prepare for his institution next week. 
26th September – Saturday
In the west porch there is a map of the world highlighting those places where Christians face varying levels of persecution.  Pray for persecuted Christians and for the work of Open Doors that brings their plight to our attention.   
27th September – Sunday
Pray for this morning’s Family Service and for this evening’s Youth Church. 
28th September – Monday
Once again we have a vacancy in our ministry team.  Pray that our Lord will provide a suitable candidate to become Curate in St Nicholas’.  Pray for the Rector, for Kathleen and for Andrew.
29th September – Tuesday
Pray for Middle East Christian Outreach.
30th September – Wednesday
Pray for our Assembly members and MPs at Westminster, that they would know God’s love and seek to please Him in all they do.

EVANGELICALS NOW

‘Evangelicals Now’ is a Christian newspaper published monthly and covers a wide range of Christian issues nationally and internationally.  Articles are always covered from a Christian perspective and are challenging, informative and encouraging.

A number of people already receive Evangelicals Now and if anyone else would like to be included, please speak to Lynn Rodgers to order your copies at £1.00 each

POINTS TO PONDER

We don't change God's message -- his message changes us.

With God there are mysteries, but no mistakes.        Michael Griffiths

God excludes none if they do not exclude themselves.  William Guthrie

Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.

God does not always spare us trouble, but he does succour us in trouble.     Vance Havner

SNYF is back
For 11 to 18 year olds
St Nicholas’ Church halls from 8.30 pm to 10 pm
Every Sunday from 20th September

St Nicholas’ Youth Church
27th September @ 7 pm
Being the Complete Christian: Colossians
In the Church building

St Nicholas’ Superstar Soccer
Starts Monday 7th September @ 5.45 pm
Cost: £2
@ Carrickfergus Leisure Centre

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Parents and children are reminded that both morning and afternoon Sunday Schools recommence on Sunday 6th September 2009.

Morning Sunday School is for Nursery and Primary School children and runs from 11.30 am in Church to 12.45 pm.  Children leave the Church service after about 15 minutes and are escorted by their teachers to the Church Halls where they will go into age-related classes.

The first Sunday of each month is the exception when all children go directly to the Halls for 11.30 am.

All classes will be held upstairs in the Minor Hall, while our Methodist neighbours are accommodated in the Main Hall for their service.  Parents are asked to bear this in mind when collecting their children so as not to disturb their worship.

Bible class for Secondary School pupils runs from 10.30—11.15 am, also in the Halls.

Afternoon Sunday School, for both Nursery and Primary School children, is held in the Oakfield Community Centre from 2.30—3.30 pm each Sunday.

There are many activities and attractions to lure you and your children away from Church and Sunday School these days.  What value do you place on your family’s spiritual welfare?  In this materialistic and self-obsessed world we need to inform our children of the spiritual values of living lives as our heavenly Father wants them to.

Please do encourage your children to attend Sunday School.  They will learn life enhancing values from the Bible from an early age which, by God’s grace, will lead to a lifetime’s dependence on Jesus their Saviour.
Sharon Lutton, Afternoon Sunday School Superintendent
Lynn Rodgers, Morning Sunday School Superintendent

4th Carrickfergus Boys’ Brigade Company

YOUR COMPANY NEEDS YOU

Now that Summer is over, it is time to recommence our activities.
The Company is small and is in urgent need of new recruits,  both boys and leaders.
So why not come along on Wednesday 16 September 2009.

Anchor Boys        6.30—7.30 pm         Ages 4 – 8
Junior Section        7.30—9.00 pm        Ages 8 – 11
Company Section    7.30—10.00 pm    Ages 11—18

A warm welcome is guaranteed.  For contact details, please see the back of this magazine.






Christian Baptism
“Suffer the little children to come unto me”
16th August 2009
Katie Joan Lloyd, 38 Barnmills, Taylors Avenue, Carrickfergus
Amelia June Lloyd, 38 Barnmills, Tayors Aveune, Carrickfergus
Paige Victoria Millar, 6 Baird Crescent, Carrickfergus
23rd August 2009
Maiya Darcy McClean, 60 Sunningdale Crescent


Christian Marriage
‘Those whom God hath joined let no man put asunder’
21st August 2009
Adam James Hamilton, 17b Witherington Road, London
and Claire Louise Preston, 17b Witherington Road, London


Christian Burial
‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
30th June 2009
Elizabeth Jean Wilson, 9 Barn Halt, Carrickfergus
4th August 2009
Helen Moore, ‘Burleigh Hill’, 26 Liberty Road, Carrickfergus
6th August 2009
Anne McMurtry Reid, Larne Care Home
(formerly of Glenview, Carrickfergus)

LAUGHLINES

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!'she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!'

A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem.... A small child replied, 'They couldn't get a baby-sitter.

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to 'Honour thy father and thy mother,' she asked, 'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?' Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, 'Thou shall not kill.'

CRÈCHE ROTA SEPTEMBER 2009

6th     Valerie Leighton, Pauline Walsh, Ann Laverty, Rebecca Leighton
13th    Kathleen Arthur, Annie Crawford, Katrina Todd, Sarah Nelson
20th    Sharon Lutton, Carol Connor, Lorraine Gibson, Jonathan Nelson
27th    Joan Gray, Deirdre Beck, Karen Bell, Ruth 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.

Flowers in Church August 2009 (not in last magazine)
16th    Daphne Murphy—Family Memorial
30th    David McAtamney and family—In memory of Denise

Flowers in Church September 2009
6th    Annabel Watson—In memory of Jim McBride
13th    The Lutton Family—In memory of Kathleen
20th    In memory of George and Yvonne—from mum and Libby
27th    Vacant
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.

SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER 2009

6th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
    11.30 am    Holy Communion—Trials and Temptations
            James 1 v 1-18   
            Mark 7 v 24-37
    7 pm        Evening Prayer
            Matthew 6 v 1-18

13th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
    11.30 am    Morning Prayer with Baptism—Listening and Doing
            Proverbs 1 v 20-33
            James 1 v 19-27
    7 pm        Informal
            Mark 1 v 1-8

20th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 1
    11.30 am    Morning Prayer—Favouritism Forbidden
            Proverbs 31 v 10-31
            James 2 v 1-13   
    7 pm        Holy Communion & Prayers for Healing
            Philippians 2 v 1-18
            John 1 v 1-18   

27th    9.30 am    Holy Communion 2
    11.30 am    Family Service
            Stories Jesus told: The lost sheep
            Matthew 18 v 10-14
    7 pm        Youth Service—Being the Complete Christian
            Colossians 1 v 1-14

Other Events in September 2009

1st        7.30 pm    Select Vestry
8th        7.30 pm    Women’s Fellowship
16th        7.15 pm    Widow’s Group
17th        7.30 pm    “Explore” Bible Study
18th        7.30 pm    Darren’s Farewell Evening

Church Open Days – September 2009

including European Heritage Open Days

Tuesday 1st & 8th September – 2.00pm-3.30pm.
Saturday 5th September – 11.00am-3.00pm
Saturday 12th September – 10.00am-5.00pm
Sunday 13th September – 2.00pm-4.00pm

Tour Guides – There will be a meeting of tour guides on Friday 11th September at 7.00pm to prepare for European Heritage Open Days.
Ann McVeigh


‘Exploring your Vocation’

A morning for those interested in discovering
more about being called to ordained ministry
in the Church of Ireland.

Saturday 19 September at Church House, Armagh

Registration & Coffee at 10am
concludes with lunch & Holy Communion

If you would be interested in attending this meeting, please speak to George or Darren as soon as possible.

CHARITY BARN DANCE

In aid of Christian Ministry in Tanzania

The Barn Dance held on Saturday 4 July was an extremely
enjoyable night.

Approximately 120 people attended
raising a final total of £1,040.

The St Nicholas Hall Committee would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to make this a very special night.

There have been several requests for more nights like this,
so watch this space!

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.

Rehearsals start on 2.9.09 at 20:15, last for 45 minutes
approximately and take place in the church.

See you there
Alison


Afternoon Sunday School meets every Sunday
at 2.30 to 3.30 in Oakfield Community Centre
(beside Oakfield Primary School). 
New children are always welcome at any time. 
We start back on 6th September.


PLEASE NOTE:

Morning Service returns to 11.30 am
from Sunday 6 September

FAREWELL EVENING

As you are probably aware, Darren will be moving to the Parish of Knocknamuckley and his last sermon in St Nicholas’ will be on Sunday 20 September 2009.

It is intended to have an evening of entertainment and to give thanks for his work here in St Nicholas’ Parish.  This will be held on Friday 18 September in the Church Hall.

We invite all parishioners and friends to give thanks to Darren and Karen for their work here.
More details will be available later.

‘Explore’

(St Nicholas’ Bible Fellowship)
begins on Thursday 17 September 2009
at 7.30pm in the Church Halls

Come and join us as we ask questions,
search together for answers and discover how
God’s Word can help us get the most out of life.

“Fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere”

All welcome – no previous experience necessary!!