THE DUNDALK GROUP OF PARISHES

Dundalk: St Nicholas, Dundalk; St Pauls, Heynestown Ballymascanlan & Carlingford: St Marys, Ballymascanlan; St Andrews, Rathcor (Bush) Crossmaglen: Creggan Parish Church

Newsletter November 2012

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 7:10 November 2012

You the people of the parishes with The Revd Richard Moore (Assistant Minister), and our Parish Readers, Mr Rodney McDowell and Mrs Kate Okuno Contact: Rev Richard Moore, Dundalk Rd, Dunleer, Co Louth 0416851327

A Letter from the Dean of Limerick and Ardfert

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Having been overwhelmed by the sheer generosity of your gifts and sentiments at my Farewell Service in St Nicholas Dundalk on 15 October, I am humbled and simply do not know how to thank you all. I enjoyed every day of my time with you in north Louth and south Armagh, and genuinely am extremely grateful for all that you did for me and for the Dundalk Parochial Group during the seven and a half years that I had the privilege of being with you. Your love and support I will never forget. And it was wonderful to see so many of you in St Marys Cathedral, Limerick, on Wednesday last (24 Oct) as I was instituted as Rector of the Limerick City Parish and then installed as Dean of Limerick & Ardfert, and I appreciate the time and cost that you spared to be there. For us all, our Christian journey is moving into a new phase: you in the inter-regnum where many different people will be ministers to you alongside the Revd Richard. Treasure the riches and insights that these visiting clergy and readers will bring, and trust in all that God has in store for you. As I reflected in my farewell sermon on all that we achieved together, it is now for you together to look forward to what future challenges will inspire you, and what new things God will do within your five congregations and in the wider group. For me here in the south west, there is a very steep learning curve: to find how to balance the roles of dean and rector, to get to know my new flocks (in St Marys, St Michaels and All Angels, and in Abington), to get to know our schools, hospitals, neighbouring churches, civic dignitaries, not to mention how to navigate around the city and diocese. When I feel daunted by this, I remind myself that God is in charge God is always in charge. He knows what we need, what is good for us, and what he has in store for us. We need never fear the future. As Mother Julian of Norwich put it All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well. The Church of Ireland is one extended family do keep in touch, I will follow your progress in the Newsletter, and am really not that far away, and look forward to welcoming any of you to my cathedral and parishes if ever you are down in this area. With every blessing to you all, and again, my sincerest thanks for your generosity. Yours in Christ, Sandra

Reception into the Communion of the Church of Ireland On 6th October 2012 at St Marys Ballymascanlan: Mia Mullen Murphy, Mountbagnal Lord, may she be rooted and grounded in love. Holy Matrimony On 4th October 2012 at St Marys Ballymascanlan: Shelley Anne NICHOLSON and Andrew George DAWES, of Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, England. Lord, may their home be a place of blessing and peace.

For your Prayers

For the Most Reverend Richard Clarke, our Archbishop elect th and the new Primate, who will take up his position on 15 December. For our group of parishes, and for our parochial nominators as they seek our new rector. For our former rector, the very Reverend Sandra Pragnell as she begins her new ministry in Limerick. For those who are sick, housebound, elderly or lonely For those struggling financially For those preparing for Christian marriage, especially Kate and Bill, Penny and Michael, and Reuben and Sarah. For our parish link with Bishop Isesomo and the Diocese of North Kivu in DR Congo and for the work of CMSI For our parish link with Bishop Suheil and the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and especially for the clergy ministering in Syria. For all people around the world who face persecution for their faith

Please come along to support the annual

ST NICHOLAS' SALE OF WORK AND CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Friday 23rd November

Wellington Hall, St Marys Road, Dundalk Doors Open at 7pm PLANTS CAKES HOME PRODUCE GIFTS TOYS BOOKS BRIC A BRAC BOTTLE STALL CHRISTMAS STALL
If you can help with selling raffle tickets or lend at hand on the night, please contact Mrs Jean Christmas on 042 933 2017 or Mrs Wilhelmina Craig 042 933 7023.
Gifts & donations can be left in any of our churches or delivered to the Wellington Hall on the evening of Thurs 22 Nov... We would be especially grateful for any contributions to the cake stall.
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FROM THE REGISTERS

Holy Baptism On 7th October 2012 at St Marys Ballymascanlan: Isaac Owen MURPHY, son of Mia and Humphrey, Mountbagnal; and Debbie Ogechukwu NWANOLUE, daughter of Ngozi and Stanley, Langfield, Dublin Road. On 10th October 2012 at St Nicholas Dundalk: Tallon Don McGINN (14), Aghameen, Dundalk. On 11th October 2012 at Creggan Parish Church: Callum Dawson, son of Geraldine and Gary, Carran Rd, Crossmaglen. On 14th October 2012 at St Nicholas Dundalk: Rebecca Susan MULLIGAN, daughter of Sarah and Vincent, Forkill. Lord, may they walk in the light of Christ all their days.

PARISH NOTICES
Wellington Hall Project
200th Anniversary of the Wellington Hall 1812 2012

Parish Profile
Who are you? I am Honesta Ellen Kamata. Which is your church? St Nicholas, Dundalk. Where do you live? Dundalk How would you describe what you do? I was working at 'Neptune Beach Hotel and Leisure Centre' as a waitress and house keeper. Now I am a part-time cleaner and a Sunday School teacher. Hobbies and interests? I like reading novels and spiritual books. I am interested in sports: on television I enjoy tennis and soccer.

The newly painted grey and blue building was revealed three weeks ago when the scaffolding came down, and the newly painted and decorated interior was admired by many over the harvest weekend and for the Rev. Sandras Farewell reception. The work would not have been possible without the generous support of so many to our on-going fundraising, and the dedicated committee members who gave so much of their time and energy in working on the interior. A new heating system is about to be installed and some essential replacement and repairs to windows. The main floor in the hall will then be sanded and varnished, which has been kindly paid for by St Nicholas NS, who will hopefully be able to once again use the building for school activities. Thank you to Patricia and Mervyn Thompson for helping to organise the successful music night at the Lisdoo last month which raised nearly 1,000 and to all who generously contributed to the collection at Revd Sandras Farewell Service, which raised 1,450 (split between the Womens Refuge and the WHP) If anybody is interested in using the hall, please contact either Colin Lloyd or Eileen Dunne.
Photos: (top) the newly painred hall exterior (right) the hall Interior at Revd Sandras Farewell Reception.

Favourite Bible passage? Acts 17.28: "For in Him we live and move and have our being." Favourite Hymns? 'Rock of Ages'; 'Great is thy faithfulness.' I have experienced God's faithfulness in all troubles I have been through, and in good times as well. Favourite book or film? I like "Miracles do Happen" by Sister Briege McKenna (an Irish nun originally from Jonesborough) - it has enriched my faith. As for films, I like "Sister Act", especially the choir part. Dream holiday destination? It has been always Cape Town, South Africa. And I would love to visit the Holy Land, Israel. Who has influenced you the most? My parents and some spiritual leaders, including our rector Rev'd Sandra. Best day of your life so far? Christmas Day 2011 at the Rectory with the Rectors Mum Beryl and the Rector, and a wonderful dinner in the dining room, all decorated for Christmas; and then Christmas presents from the tree, as we enjoyed the log fire. It was great!

Website Volunteers Needed

We are currently developing a website for the Wellington Hall, assisted by Louth VEC, and through grant funding from the Peace III body. The website will enable us to promote the use of the hall among the wider community and create awareness for our continued fund raising efforts. At the same time, we are hoping that the skills we learn from the Wellington Hall website will enable us to update the website for our Parish Group. We have a web address, but the site is not up to date or current as, up until now, we have not had the skill or resource to get it started up and maintained. If you are interested in learning how to maintain the website and would like to become an administrator, please contact Brigitte Nelson on 0879856137.

Sunday school at St Nicholas is for all young people in our parochial group aged from 4 years. The Sunday school team are: Emma Harte, Honesta Kamata, Jean Kenny, Janet Mears, Brigitte Nelson and Susan Reyburn. We have 2 groups: the junior group for 4 to 7 years and the senior group for 8 years and over. For health and safety reasons we are unable to have children under the age of 4 years in Sunday school.

TG4 at Ballymascanlan
On Oct 3rd we saw the transformation of St Marys Church in to a film set for the TG4 Film, An Cat, starring Frank Kelly (Fr Jack from the Father Ted TV series). Many thanks to Louie McCann for facilitating the crew and for all the extras who came along to fill the church, in particular the pupils of Dun Dealgan NS

Christmas Carol Services 2012

9 Dec - Childrens Carol Service with St Nicholas NS and our Sunday School Children, 11am, St Nicholas, Dundalk 9 Dec Carol Service with the Earl Moffit and the Lowry Singers, 5pm, St Marys, Ballymascanlan 21 Dec - Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm in St Nicholas Church, Dundalk, followed by refreshments in the Wellington Hall. Details of Christmas Day Services and carols in the other churches will be advised in the December Newsletter

MISSION NEWS
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM & THE MIDDLE EAST
Friends from around the Anglican Communion have expressed their prayerful support for the people of Syria. Many have asked particularly for information about the well-being and safety of Anglican parishioners in Damascus and also about the church building itself.We are making every effort to be in contact with our Anglican parishioners in Syria but this is extremely difficult to do on a regular and daily basis because communication is literally non-existent. We hear from time to time, through family members living outside Syria, that loved ones are alive but then days andweeks go by and there is no word at all, leaving them to wonder if their relatives are still well and safe.Several weeks ago, we learned that the area of Jaramana, where All Saints Episcopal Church in Damascus is located, had possibly been damaged. We are not able to substantiate this and hope the church is safe. However, as everyone understands, our primary concern is with the safety of all the people of Syria. The Churches of the Holy Land continue to join together in prayer for the people of Syria and have made afinancial contribution in support of Syrian Refugees. We thank everyone for your prayerful support and we ask Gods help to bring an end to the conflict and a restoration of peace.

REV SANDRAS FAREWELL

THE DIOCESE OF NORTH KIVU IN DR CONGO

News stories of the current situation of no war and no real peace taking its toll in the conflictwracked North Kivu continue to shock and sadden us. Continued support and prayer for Bishop Ise-somo and his Diocese is essential. Schools need to be rebuilt, more health centres are needed, and vital work is needed sensitively to help orphans, women who have been raped, people with HIV, widows, people who are displaced because of the ongoing conflict, We continue our series of meetings with David Gough of CMS Ireland on 21 Nov at 7.30pm in Ballymascanlan Hall to discuss our links with North Kivu and how to strengthen our partnership. CMS Ireland also invites us all to IMPACT the Annual Celebration event which is taking place on the 16 Nov at 7.30pm in Knockbreda Parish, Belfast. Both these events are for everyone. If you care about Mission, if God has impacted your life, if you want to make a difference, wed love to see you there

St Nicholas National School

Our National School always Welcomes new pupils. We also have a thriving Pre-School on campus offering an excellent foundation for your childs education. MonFri. 8.50am to 12.00 midday. Principal: Mrs Susan Reyburn Nicholas Street, Dundalk. Tel: 042-9330860 Email: sannioclas.ns@hotmail.com

On Monday 15th October parishioners from the five churches of our Parochial Group were joined by members of the wider community of north Louth and south Armagh to bid farewell to our rector, Revd Sandra Pragnell. Revd Richard Mooore, together with Parish Readers Rodney McDowell and Kate Okuno assisted in the service, and the parish choir ended the service with the benediction (Numbers 6:24-26). A reception and presentations followed in the Wellington Hall. On behalf of our Parish Group Phyllis Adair presented her with a cheque and Elisa Dawson with flowers from the children. A case for her new robes was presented by Gillan Patterson on behalf of the Mothers Union, a Galway chrystal candle holder from Alexandra Reyburn on behalf of St Nicholas NS, a photobook charting her ministry in Dundalk from Cheryl Dunne and Brigitte Nelson, a painting of the Green Church from Eilish OMahony and a framed photgraph from the Bush and Grange Partnership. On behalf of the Churchwardens of out Parish Group, thank you to all who so generiously contributed to Revd Sandras farewell fund and to all who worked behind the scenes to prepare for the evening. The generosity of your gifts and the sheer numbers in attendance are a very true testament to the esteem in which she was held by not only her parishioners, but by the wider community. A copy of Revd Sandras farewell sermon is posted on the Parish Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/dundalkgroupogparishes) for anyone who would like to read a copy.

Harvest Thanks
Thank you to everyone concerned for the wonderful music and singing, beautiful decorations and the organisation of the various events and services for the Harvest season in our five churches.

Clermont Chorale Festive Concert

With special guests Soprano Sadhbh Dennedy and the Elise Elise Quartet Sunday 16 December 7.00pm St Nicholas Church Dundalk

Photos Harvest Service at Bush by Bill Elvin

Tickets 10, available on the door

DIARY DATES This Month

Friday 2 Nov: All Souls Day, Service in St Marys, Ballymascanlan at 7.30pm Sunday 11 Nov: Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday will be observed in all our churches at the usual times, and in Dundalk we welcome again Harry Bellew of the Dundalk Brass Band to play the Last Post and Reveille Friday 16 Nov: Turning on of Christmas lights in Dundalk the choir of St Nicholas will participate in the ceremony. Wednesday 21 Nov: Ballymascanlan Hall, 7.30pm, meeting with David Gough of CMSI to discuss our links with North Kivu. Friday 23 Nov: St Nicholas Sale of Work, 7pm, Wellington Hall, Dundalk Monday 26 Nov: Mothers Union AGM in the Wellington Hall at 8pm. Literature table and Christmas Cards on sale. Friday 30 Nov: Book launch and reading in St Nicholas, Dundalk.(full details TBA)

Services in November 2012

Week Commencing 04 November (4th Sunday before Advent)
Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Sunday 4th Sunday 4th Sunday 4th Sunday 4th Sunday 4th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

Week Commencing 11 November (3rd Sunday before Advent Remembrance)

Creggan Parish Church Remembrance MP St Marys Ballymascanlan Remembrance Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Remembrance MP 1 St Pauls, Heynestown Remembrance Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Remembrance MP Sunday 11th Sunday 11th Sunday 11th Sunday 11th Sunday 11th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11am

DIARY DATES Looking Ahead

Sunday 9 Dec: Childrens Carols, 11am, St Nicholas, Dundalk Sunday 9 Dec: Christmas Carols with Earl Moffitt and the Lowry Singers in St Marys, Ballymascanlan at 5pm Sunday 16 Dec: Clermont Chorale and friends, Festive Concert in St Nicholas Church, Dundalk at 7pm. Tickets 10. Friday 21 Dec: Carols by Candlelight at 7.30pm in St Nicholas Church, Dundalk, followed by refreshments in the Wellington Hall. Tuesday 25 Dec: Services for Christmas Day will be advised in the December Newsletter Sunday 30 Dec: GROUP SERVICE 11am Dundalk

Week Commencing 18 November (20th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Sunday 18th Sunday 18th Sunday 18th Sunday 18th Sunday 18th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

Licence to Administer the Chalice

For some time we have recognised the need for a few more lay people licensed to administer the chalice as and when required. The list now includes the following who can administer the chalice in all 5 churches of our Parochial Group: Rodney McDowell (Parish Reader, Bush Church), Kate Okuno (Parish Reader; St Marys, Ballymac), Aileen Henry (St Nicholas), Pamela Henry (St Nicholas), John Eveson (St Nicholas), Ethel McDowell (St Nicholas), Trevor Patterson (St Nicholas), Sandra Campbell (St Marys Ballymascanlan). Ken Donald (St Marys, Bballymascanlan)

Week Commencing 25 November (Sunday Before Advent Kingship of Christ)

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Sunday 25th Sunday 25th Sunday 25th Sunday 25th Sunday 25th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am

FINAL NOTE
The monthly newsletter serves to keep parishioners and friends abreast of not only the news and events from their church, but from the 5 churches across our Parochial Group. It unites us as a community and provides an important link, in particular for those who are not able to attend church every Sunday. In the absence of a Rector, the newsletter will only be viable if all parishioners can ensure that any events, services and notices are communicated to The Reverend Richard or to me. It is better to hear about the same event ten times than not at all! Thank you. Rev Richard Moore: 0416851327 Brigitte Nelson: 0429322981 To join our newsletter mailing list or submit any notices for inclusion in future newsletters, please email dundalkCOInewsletter@gmail.com.

.A list of visiting clergy taking the services in each church is available from the church wardens or displayed in the church porches. Please note that during the interregnum Thursday services at St Olivers and monthly services at Dealgan House will be suspended

GOSPEL READINGS FOR NOVEMBER

4th November: Mark 12: 28-34 11th November: Mark 12: 38-44 18th November: Mark 13: 1-8 25th November: John 18: 33-37
These are provided for those of you who may find it helpful to read the gospel at home in preparation for Sunday worship.

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