ST JOHN THE BAPTIST — PARISH MATTERS — DEC 07/JAN 08

THE RECTOR ’ S LETTER

Dear Friends,
We are entering the most hectic few weeks of the Christian calendar. It is a
time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ over 2000
years ago in Bethlehem, in ancient Israel. Our own preparations are amid the
hustle and bustle of gift-purchases and Carol Services. Amid this stress and
seemingly hastened world it is often so hard to find even a few moments of
calm into which Christ may come.
Advent and Lent have been the traditional times of preparations
preceeding the two great Christian feasts of Christmas and Easter
respectively. I encourage each one of you to seek some quietness and calm
as we rush headlong into the joy of Christmastide. The Parish is holding
three evenings for quiet reflection during Advent on Wednesday 5th, 12th
and 19th.These evening will take place in the Meeting Room in our Parish
Centre.There will be a short act of worship with a led reflection.The first
of these evenings will give us the opportunity to reflect together on the
Parable of the Prodigal Son, which is more correctly entitled the Parable of
the Forgiving Father. Please take this time to enter into the season and join
us for the three evenings. Perhaps you have not thought of attending such
evenings before.Why not try it this year?
No sooner has Advent arrived than we are putting up Christmas trees and
hanging decorations around our houses.These are wonderful fun, especially
when the children insist on telling us that they know the best place for that
picture they drew during the year.We all live in a time of prosperity, though
there are signs that the Celtic Tiger is clearly on the wane. We are in a
country and a society where much of what we want is easily accessible, but
elsewhere it is not. Every year we have a Giving Tree.The idea of this tree is
quite simple. Each household is invited and asked to hang a bauble on the
Christmas Tree. We will be helping two separate organisations this year.
Those wishing to present a gift are asked to hang a red bauble on the Tree.
Gifts of toys and clothing are to be sent to the project Susan Connolly
worked with in Lesotho. Details of what is needed are available from Susan
on 086 3777278. Those wishing to give a money gift are invited to place a
gold bauble on the Tree. This money will be going towards Present Aid,
organised by Christian Aid. Depending on the amount of money collected,
we will try to sponsor a specific project. For example if we were to raise
1000 euro we can sponsor three wells in such places as Malawi and India.
These are places of real need and we in the wealthy West are in the enviable
position of being able to help those who are less well-off. Christmas is a time
when we reflect on God’s generosity in sending his Only Son to earth for
us. How better to worship that God by offering something back in the shape
of real and useful projects in the developing world? Please clearly mark your
envelope ‘Giving Tree’ and place it on the plate or drop it into the Rectory.
All donations will be gratefully received.
I wish, at the end of this year, to thank all involved in the production of this
Magazine. Thanks you to Harriet, Michelle, our advertisers, those who put
the magazine together — Jack, Cecil and Philip, and all who deliver them to
the homes in our Parish.
I wish also to thank all who have worked for the Parish over the last year,
especially all those involved in bringing to fruition the great dream we have
all had in our Parish Centre and pray that 2008, like this year, will be one of
blessing and grace for us as we seek to do God’s will here in Clontarf.
Breda, Rebekah, David, Luke and I wish each one of you a happy and holy
Christmas and a very peaceful New Year.
In Christ,
Derek

Giving Tree
There will be red and gold baubles in the tray on
the table beside the tree. If you wish to give a gift
please hang a red bauble on the Christmas tree.
Gifts of toys and clothing are to be sent to the
project Susan Connolly worked with in
Lesotho. If you are giving a monetary gift
to the charity fund please hang a gold bauble
on the tree.This money will be going towards
Present Aid, organised by Christian Aid.
 Nine Lessons & Carols
in the Parish Church
on Sunday 23rd December 2007 at 10.30 a.m.

the Choir will be accompanied

by John Rowden.

Tea, Coffee & Mince Pies will be served.

The collection on the day will go to the

Parish Charity Fund.

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 Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
Thank you to all those who supported Operation Christmas Child
Appeal this year.
These boxes have been sorted, checked and sealed and by the time
you are reading this they will be on route to children in Eastern
Europe or Africa.These shoeboxes are invaluable.

If you would like more information

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Mothers' Union
We will be meeting on Thursday 13th December at 8.00 p.m. On the night
there will be a Jewellery Making demonstration and a raffle. Hope to see
you all there.
I. Acheson

Clontarf Bowls Club

Last week we had a happy little ceremony when our Captain, Pat Maguire,
made a short speech in which he said that the Committee had
unanimously agreed to a proposal that two of our longest playing
members be made Honorary Life Members of the Club.These were Evie
Cairns and Claude McLindon, the latter having been Secretary for a
number of years. Pat presented Evie and Claude each with a Certificate.
We are continuing to enjoy playing in the new Centre and League
Matches are in full swing. Christmas is but around the corner and we are
already planning our Christmas Party which will take place in the Vernon
Hall in the Parish Centre on Tuesday 18th December starting at 8.00 p.m.
Clontarf Womens Group
We will meet on Tuesday 4th December at 8.00 p.m. in the Pavilion Room
of the Parish Centre. On the night Lemon’s Beauty Salon will give an
Evening of Pampering.
This will be followed by mince pies and a glass of wine.The cost for the
evening is 20 euro and will include a treatment and a raffle.
B. Sargent & H. McCullagh

5th Company Girls’ Brigade - Clontarf Presbyterian

Since the last Parish Newsletter the annual Battalion Feis has been held
and I am delighted to say that all of the girls who sang did so beautifully
with excellent results in the Explorer Section and the Brigader Section. In
the Under 6 Section, Emily O’Connor and Arianna Ryan came in 1st and
2nd places, in the 7 to 8 year olds Lucy O’Byrne and Rebecca Ledden
came in 1st and 2nd places also and in the Brigader Section Lauren
Maxwell was placed 1st with Kathryn Ledden coming in 3rd place — so a
marvellous start to our Centenary Session.
The Choral Speaking Competition in both the Explorer and the
Junior/Senior Section is on Saturday 24th November 2007 and we have
one team entered in both sections.The next dates of note are: -
Girls’ Brigade Past Member’s Carol Service:
2nd December 2007 at 3.30p.m. in Clontarf and Scots Presbyterian
Church in honour of our Centenary.
5th Company Centenary Christmas Concert:
9th December 2007 at 7.00p.m. Also in the Presbyterian Church — all
sections of the Company will be performing on the night and Liam
McCormack of R.T.E.’s Young Peoples Department is the Master of
Ceremonies so we expect a very enjoyable night so PLEASE come along
and add your voice to all the well known Christmas Songs and Carols.
Carol Singing around Marino: Monday 17th December 2007
Leaving Howth Road School at 6.45p.m. and back to the school for soup
and rolls at 8.15 p.m. Singers AND collectors most welcome. Proceeds in
aid of our Centenary Charity — The Lauralynn Foundation which is raising
funds to enable a children’s hospice to be built in Dublin.
M. McElhinney - Captain 5th Co.
Anchor Boys
We are all looking forward to our Christmas Party in ENRG Artane on
Monday 10th December. We might even have a visitor from the North
Pole.
I would like to thank Breda Sargent, Olive Jackson and Susan Connolly
for helping out each week with the boys.The boys have had great fun with
Damian Duggan, Damian has come down to teach soccer skills and to play
football.Thanks Damian it is a great help.
If there is anyone interested in helping out on a Monday night from
6.00p.m. — 7.00p.m. please contact me on 8535594.
I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year
for 2008.
H. McCullagh

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BB Junior Section
The Boys are working towards their Scripture Test on Monday 10th
December - some stories of Elijah.They are also working on their Badges.
The Annual Enrolment Service will have taken place on Sunday 25th
November with the following boys to be enrolled — Graham Blay, James
Taylor, Hugh Grainger, Gareth Doolan, Diarmuid Goggins, Jordan O’Brien,
Richard Gleeson, Matthew Dawkins,Tommy Malone, Ian Nugent, Ross Flynn,
Josh Doran, Jonathan Byrne, Sam Acheson, Ronan Birch, Maccon Keane,
Jamie Hickey, Mark Jackson, Mark Quinn, Fintan Birch, Conor Lanigan, Liam
Fanning, Noah Goggins and David Crossan-Murphy.
In addition the following Junior Section Leaders to be enrolled are Iris
Bryan, Karl Black, Harriet Lyall, Mark Bailey and Mark Acheson.
On Saturday 26th January we hope to enter the Junior Section Figure
Marching Competition and on the 9th February there will be a Junior
Section Quiz.
The Leaders wish all the Boys, their Families and all Parishioners a very
Holy and Happy Christmas and all that is good in 2008.
M. Acheson

Parish Charity Fund

There will be a retiring collection after the midnight and at both
Christmas Day Services for the Parish Charity Fund.

After Service Refreshments

Tea and coffee is served after the 10.30 am Service. Parents need
to be aware that the Church site is very open.
Children remain under their care during this time. Please keep an
eye on them. Better safe than sorry.
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 Seafield Singers
The Annual Christmas Concert by the Seafield
Singers takes place in the Parish Church on Friday
14th December. Tickets from usual sources and
at the door.
All are very welcome.

Advent Wednesday Series

The Advent Wednesday Series will be starting at 7.30p.m. on Wednesday
5th, 12th and 19th of December.They will take place in the Parish Centre
and refreshments will be served after each service and talk. All are very
welcome.
D. Sargent

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 SERVICES FOR DECEMBER

2nd December Advent Sunday

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer with the lighting of the
1st Advent Candle
9th December Advent 2
8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Parish Family Communion
16th December Advent 3
8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. All-Age Worship with the Sunday Club
and the Band
23rd December Advent 4
8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Parish Nine Lessons & Carol Service
3.30 pm BB Christmas Bible Class in the
Seafield Room (Parish Centre)
25th December
0.00 a.m. Holy Communion at Midnight
8.30 a.m. Festival Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Festival Parish Family Communion
with Children’s Address
30th December Christmas 1
8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Parish Family Communion
 Scripture Readings for December
2nd December Advent Sunday
Isaiah 2: 1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13: 11-14
Matthew 24: 36-44
9th December Advent 2
Isaiah 11: 1-10
Psalm 72: 1-7, 18-19
Romans 15: 4-13
Matthew 3: 1-12
16th December Advent 3
Isaiah 35: 1-10
Psalm 146: 4-9
James 5: 7-10
Matthew 11: 2-11
23rd December Advent 4
Isaiah 7: 10-16
Psalm 80: 1-7, 16-18
Romans 1: 1-7
Matthew 1: 18-25
25th December The Nativity of our Lord
Isaiah 62: 6-12
Ps 97
Titus 3: 4-7
Luke 2: 1-20
30th December Christmas 1
Isaiah 63: 7-9
Ps 148
Hebrews 2: 10-18
Mt 2: 13-23
 SERVICES FOR JANUARY

6th January The Epiphany

8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer

13th January 1st Sunday after the Epiphany

The Baptism of Christ
8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Parish Family Communion

20th January 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. All-Age Worship

27th January 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Songs of Praise Service
 Scripture Readings for January

6th January The Epiphany

Isaiah 60: 1-6
Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3: 1-12
Matthew 2: 1-12

13th January 1st Sunday after the Epiphany

The Baptism of Christ
Isaiah 42: 1-9
Psalm 29
Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-43
Matthew 3: 13-17

20th January 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 49: 1-7
Psalm 40: 1-12
1 Corinthians 1: 1-9
John 1: 29-42

27th January 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany

Songs of Praise Service
Reflection
What is Christmas? As we push our way through frenzied crowds of
shoppers and stack excessive purchases into the boots of our cars, we
need to ask ourselves,‘what is the meaning of all this?’
In these times of famine-awareness, should it be ‘in order’ to overload
our tables and fridges with more than we could consume? Little children
live rough and hungry in Dublin whilst we overindulge. So many questions
posed yet in the hearts of the Christian there can only ever be one answer.
‘Jesus is the reason for the season’. Together with those who feel validly
jolly and carefree, we must remember that for many, including some in our
Parish, Christmas 2007 will be a time of sad nostalgia with the vacant chair
at the festive table.
As we all gather in our separate homes to enjoy this happy tme, how
thrilling that we are blessed to know that the tiny Babe in Bethlehem was
born to be our ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, our everlasting Father
and Prince of Peace’. As we exchange gifts under the traditional tree, we
can reflect that over 2000 years ago, mankind was given the greatest gift
of all — peace and salvation, gift-wrapped in the form of a Babe, ‘for unto
us was born this day, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’ Therefore, as
Christians, it is up to us to witness to the Christ in Christmas. May we all
experience a time of rejoicing.
A. Maharry

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Youth Groups
Clontarf Parish have 3 very active youth groups catering for ages 4 to 18.
The three groups are divided up into:
The Klub which is for 4 - 8 year olds, The Klub are an active bunch who
meet on Wednesdays from 4.00p.m. - 5.00p.m. They do Arts & Crafts,
Memory verses, Bible stories, cooking and singing as well as sports and
games.This is a great group and new members are always welcome!
Wired is the group for 9 - 11 year olds and meet from 6.00p.m. - 7.00p.m.
every Sunday. This group enjoy, Sports, Discussions about faith and how
that works in everyday life, and outings including Bowling, Ice Skating and
the Cinema. This group are full of enthusasim and activity, again new
members are more then welcome.
Connect is the biggest of the groups and caters for 12+.This group meets
on Sundays from 7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m. The group join in discussions and
debates about life, relationships & school, image & identity.This group has
been built almost entirely on relationships and is a friendly group who are
welcoming and enthusiastic about exploring and learning more about our
Faith, God and life and how they all combine. For more information on all
above Groups call 086 377 7278.

Post Confirmation Group

One of the more unique things in Clontarf is the Post Confirmation
Group. In an effort to avoid the traditional loss of young people after
Confirmation Clontarf have set up a Bible Study based group which is held
on the last Sunday of the month during the Sunday Service, which go to a
local restaurant for breakfast after the service for discussion.
This Group is open to anyone who has been Confirmed in the past three
years or of the age of Confirmation but hasn’t made it quite yet.The group
use a book called Fuel a resource book which is used to explore the
relevance of the Bible and how to learn from the ancient Bible stories.
S. Connolly
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
The latest Youth Service held in the parish was a huge success. I would
personally like to thank all those who worked so hard to see it happen in
particular I would like to thank the band, Ian Maxwell, Darren Clayton,Alan
Doolan, Mark Doolan and our sound engineer Jenny Gaffney.
I would also like to thank the youth who spoke so clearly from the heart
and about their faith journeys, (Ryan, Katie, Elizabeth and Julie), it was
inspiring to hear you speak, and to all those young people who collected
and read prayers and readings it was a true youth service, a service for the
youth by the youth.
S. Connolly

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Sunday Club Notes for December 2007
We are now preparing for the Carol Service on 16th December in
Church. We will tell the story of Christmas and place everything in the
Crib.
It is important that all Sunday Club members make sure to attend Sunday
Club on both the 2nd and 9th of December to ensure everyone knows
what is happening on the 16th.
Anyone between aged 4 and 12 who have not yet attended is welcome
to join us — the more the merrier! (We meet in the Parish Centre at
10.30a.m. when we are not in Church)
We will be reviewing our programme for next year shortly. We will be
starting back on the 13th January.

DECEMBER SCHEDULE

2nd Sunday Club (11.45am) Morning Prayer

9th Sunday Club in Church Holy Communion
16th Sunday Club in Church All Age Worship
23rd None 9 Lessons & Carols
25th None Christmas Morning
30th None Holy Communion

J. Acheson

Parish Fashion Show

Our Fashion Show was a huge success on 1st October and we are grateful
to sponsors, children, models and all who supported it. It fundraised in
excess of 23,000 euro for which we are deeply grateful.

J. Patten
Clontarf Parish Fund Raising Group
 BB Christmas Bible Class
The Boys’ Brigade Christmas Bible Class takes
place on Saturday 23rd December at 3.30 pm in
the Seafield Room in the Parish Centre.
All are very welcome.

Greenlanes School Open Day

An open day will take place for all parents to see the newly renovated
School on Friday 14th December from 12.30p.m. — 2.00p.m.We are hoping
Santa might arrive.
The School trips will take place in December. Junior Infants, Senior
Infants, 1st, 2nd and 3rd class are going to Alice in Wonderland in the Helix
and 4th, 5th and 6th classes are going to Christmas on Ice.
The School Garden is looking great. We would like to thank all our
volunteers for all their hard work, encouragement and support in
preparing our School Garden, especially Candi Stanford.This is the start of
our journey towards a Green School.

Greenlanes National School Carol Service

The School Carol Service will take place in the Parish Church on Friday
21st December at 11.00a.m.The children will break-up for the Christmas
holiday straight after.This is always a well attended service by parents and
friends of the School.
From L-R: Mary Corcoran, Emily Harper, Derek Erskine, Alan & Michelle Harper,
Mark Kidd, Claudia Harper, Lorraine Desmond and Rev. Derek Sargent

Baptismal Register
Lucy Elaine O ’Toole – 1 6th September 2 0 0 7
Emily Louise H arper – 2 8th O ctober 2 0 0 7
Claudia Isa bella H arper – 2 8th O ctober 2 0 0 7

Burial Register
Alice Joy Flood – St Fintans — 2nd N ovember 2 0 0 7
Aileen Storey – Columbarium — 2 5th N ovember 2 0 0 7
 Songs of Praise Service

will take place in the Parish Church

on Sunday 27th January 2007
at 10.30 a.m.

Please return your voting sheet by 24th December

to the Church Wardens or to the Rectory.
 PARISH GROUPS/CONTACTS
RECTOR: The Rev’d D. C. Sargent (833 1181)
clontarf@dublin.anglican.org
YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S PASTOR: Susan Connolly
(086 377 7278) susanconnolly04@yahoo.co.uk
GREENLANES NATIONAL SCHOOL
Principal: Ms. C. Atkin (8331554) greenlanes@oceanfree.net
B.B. COMPANY SECTION: Mr A. Ayling (831 5234)
B.B. JUNIOR SECTION: Mr. M. Acheson (831 8645)
ANCHOR BOYS: Mrs. H. McCullagh (853 5594)
CLONTARF WOMEN’S GROUP: Mrs. B. Sargent (833 1181) and
Mrs. H. McCullagh (853 5594)
YOUTH GROUPS: Ms. S. Connolly (086 377 7278)
BOWLING CLUB: Mr. H. Maude (833 1056)
BADMINTON CLUB: Mrs. P.Watts (832 6078)
JUNIOR BADMINTON: Mr. R.Watts (832 6078)
ORGANIST/CHOIRMASTER: Mr. J. Rowden (831 0486)
SUNDAY MORNING CRECHE: Mrs. B. Sargent (833 1181)
FLOWER GUILD: Mrs. I. Acheson (833 8288) and
Mrs B. Gallagher (833 8683)
GB PAST MEMBERS: Mrs. I. McMullen: (853 0356)
BROWNIES: Mrs. P. and Ms. M.Watts (832 6078)
LADYBIRDS/GUIDES: Ms.W. Kelly (848 1569) and
Ms. N. Flynn (8476110)
MOTHERS UNION: Mrs. I. Acheson (833 8288)
SUNDAY CLUB: Mrs. J. Acheson (831 8645)
POST-CONFIRMATION GROUP: Susan Connolly
(086 377 7278) susanconnolly04@yahoo.co.uk