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Castlerock, Dunboe and

Fermoyle

Parish Magazine

August/September

& October 2017

www.castlerock.derry.anglican.org

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From The Rector

‘I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me.’

Philippians 4:13

I know that for many this has been a very difficult year and it

seems that it is just one thing after another. Life can be very hard

and at times it seems to take each ounce of strength we have on a

daily basis. I reckon Paul must have had a pretty good

understanding of the challenges and struggles of life otherwise he

could not have written statements like we find in Philippians 4:13.

Sometimes it is hard to take at face value such a promise that we

can do all things though Christ who strengthens us. I know that I

am amongst countless believers who have proved that God does

give strength and we can do and cope with so much more than we

ever thought we could.

The book of Hebrews chapter 13 verse 5 reads like this:

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you;

never will I forsake you.

What a promise! God never made a promise that was too good to

be true. Dwight L. Moody. We find in life many things that aren't

what they seem, sometimes we experience situations that make

us despair of humanity and other situations remind us just how

wonderful and amazing people can be.

So I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very restful

summer (that is half over I know). I hope and pray that you will

find strength from God to do what you need to do. I pray that you

will experience God’s promised fulfilled and that you will be

surrounded by good, honest, fair and loving people. God bless and

keep you as summer ends and we move into a new season and

also harvest.

I build on Christ, the rock of ages; on his sure mercies described

in his word, and on his promises, all which I know are yea and

amen. John Wesley

With love and appreciation from the Rectory family.

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Curates Corner

Marlyn and I have returned from a lovely trip to sunny Portugal. We were there because my brother Tommy has got married to Kay and I was conducting a service of blessing following the wedding back in Bangor Co. Down.

After the service at the hotel I was chatting to one of Kay's

friends, and as we looked out over the sea and the beach we found ourselves wondering how anyone could not believe that God existed. The beauty of the earth, the ‘way things work’, makes it seem impossible that all this happened by chance.

And of course it didn’t. I love the opening four words of the bible. ‘In the beginning God---‘. How God formed the earth and how long it took doesn’t really matter. It is interesting to speculate and sur-mise how it all happened, but the important bit is the next six

words and an acceptance that God ‘created the heavens and the earth.’

Take a look around our beautiful north coast. Go out to Benone and look up at Binevenagh. Even just go outside to your garden and look at the variety of plants and so on. And then consider us!!!

Each one of us is unique (just like a snowflake!) and special. I am

amazed that God, who holds the world in his hands and whose wisdom we can never understand loves me and you so passion-ately. What have I ever done to deserve his love? And the answer to that question is simple. I have done nothing to deserve his love, but he loves me anyway, as he does you.

So go outside and have a look around. You will notice that man-kind (you and me) has made a mess of parts of our world but still the beauty of creation shines through. Nothing can hide what God as made.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Enjoy the rest of the summer and watch as the seasons change and the trees and flowers take on a new colour. And give thanks to God for all that he has made, especially you and those whom you love. And then decide that following him and obeying his commands is the best way to live on the earth and forever.

God bless, Adam

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Family Matters

Baptism

Darcy Emily Margaret Bradley 4th June 2017 Esmee Betty Elaine Bradley 4th June 2017 Beatrix Elizabeth Grace Mason 2nd July 2017 Delilah Edie Wright 9th July 2017

Marriage

Lynn Weir and Martin Kane 3rd June 2017 Andrea Mullholland and Aaron Steele 28th July 2017

Christian Burial

Amy Elizabeth Leece Connolly 31st May 2017

Cremation Trevor John Armstrong 4th July 2017 Robert James (Jim McKinney) 6th July 2017 William Lindsay 10th July 2017

Permission I am delighted that Debbie Moore has been approved by the Bishop to assist with Holy Communion in St Paul’s. Please

remember Debbie in your prayers as she fulfils this special role. It is lovely to have two people who can be called upon to assist Adam and myself with Debbie and Lorna Bradley. Thank you both.

Summer Madness

I want to thank all who supported our recent trip at Summer Madness in Glenarm Castle with St. Patrick’s Coleraine. It was a truly fantastic time and I know the young people really enjoyed it

as well. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the young people from both churches who were a credit to their families. I also want to thank the brilliant leaders from both churches whether that was for a day or whatever—thank you for being willing. Thank you to all who kindly donated food, money, time, energy, and equipment. We could not have done without Billy Nutt’s gazebo—thank you for coming down to put it up and take it down. Thank you to Summer Madness for their tireless efforts to build God’s Kingdom—it truly was a 30th year celebration.

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ABUNDANT LIVING,CHEERFUL GIVING

In January of this year our Bishop invited Select Vestries to send representatives to learn about Diocesan plans for a Giving Review in all parishes within the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe during October 2017 focused around generosity and the Church’s celebrations in the Harvest season.

There is an obvious biblical link between harvest time and giving. From Old Testament days there was the clear expectation – and indeed command- to give to God the “first fruits” of the harvest. It was, as people gathered in the blessings of the crops that they became particularly conscious of their indebtedness to God for his generosity, and they responded to his love with generous giving.

Your Select Vestry considered the invitation to participate in this programme to be timely as it had been over 10 years since there

had been a review of Stewardship giving within the parish. With-out an occasional stewardship review, our giving to God can remain static, even though our income may have changed as the years go by. We all enjoy many blessings and both Jesus and Paul emphasised that there is a relationship between our giving and the Lord’s giving to us. Paul says in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians C9 V6 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully”. Jesus reminds us in Mathew C6 V4 that our reward in

giving comes from our heavenly Father.

A letter will be going out to all who claim to be Church members in September inviting you to respond to this challenge. The Rector will focus sermons during the month of October on “Giving”. We believe that there is a direct relationship between church attendance and generous giving.

Stewardship envelopes will be given out in 2018 for each couple

and to each child who has been confirmed. This is to encourage and foster the connection between young parishioners and THEIR church. Other ways of contributing, e.g. Standing Order and tax efficient giving is also to be encouraged.

Remember always, The Lord loves

a cheerful giver.

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Mothers’ Union

This year the Mothers’ Union is celebrating 130 years of love and

service in Ireland. As part of this celebration our Worldwide Presi-dent, Lynne Tembey, and All Ireland President Phyllis Grothier, are walking in every Diocese in Ireland. On Saturday 13th May they visited our Diocese. 330 members from all

the branches in the Diocese joined them for a special service in St

Columbs Cathedral, along with our Diocesan President, Mrs Mary Good, many of our past Diocesan Presidents, the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Londonderry, Bishop Ken Good, the Dean of St Columbs Cathedral, the Dean of Raphoe Cathedral, and many other members of the Clergy. Three members from our branch attended, what was, in truth, a very special and memorable day in the life of the Mothers Union in

Derry and Raphoe. The service began with the banners from all the branches being carried to the sanctuary, where they were re-ceived by the clergy. It was inspirational to see so many banners being brought together in the Cathedral. Elfie and I felt a special sense of pride as Rosemary processed with our banner.

The Dean welcomed the members, and guests, of the Mothers Union to the Cathedral. Our Diocesan President Mrs Mary Good, said it was a privilege to have our worldwide President, and All

Ireland President with us on such a memorable day. She went on to say that as we reflect on the faithfulness of Mothers Union members in the past, we look to the future with expectation, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide and inspire us. The service continued with the lighting of three candles; symbolising Gods presence with us, in the past, the present, and the future; a truly uplifting spiritual experience for all who were present. Following the service we walked to the Guildhall via the City Walls, where the Mayor, Hilary McClintock entertained us to a civic reception. From the Guildhall we walked across the peace bridge to Ebrington Square, and bade farewell to Lynne Tembey and Phyllis Grothier, who were travelling on to Coleraine, where they were to be met, on the Millennium Bridge, by members of the Mothers’ Union from Connor Diocese.

Ann Dark

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Mothers’ Union Notes

Our annual dinner was held in the Lodge Hotel. Members and friends had an enjoyable meal and, from the noise, a great time of fellowship. Formal entertainment was provided by Marlyn but the most hilarious part was the informal recollections of her recent passage through our modern airport systems. This description struck a chord with all of us who have experienced this mode of

travel. The noise level rose considerably. Fortunately we had a private room.

This year, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union in Ireland, some special events were held over the summer months. On May 13th our All-Ireland President and our World Wide President visited St. Columb’s Cathedral for a short service and subsequent reception in the Guildhall. Two of our members were able to attend that.

On May 20th, a service of Holy Communion was held in St Peter’s Culmore to remember our Indoor Members. A booklet of Prayers for our indoor members was produced to mark this occasion. An afternoon tea was enjoyed in the Parish Centre following the service.

To mark Mary Sumner Day (August 9th) a garden party has been

arranged in the Quiet Garden of the See House on Wednesday the 2nd of August at 2p.m. The Diocesan Festival Service takes place on September 20th in Camus-juxta Mourne Strabane at 8p.m.

Our monthly meetings begin again on September 19th. We will be considering Women of Faith at that meeting. Please come and join us. Remember, Mary Sumner started the Mothers’ Union 141 years ago, as a new Grandmother, with the aim of encouraging young mothers to help and support each other in their important role of parenting. The work of the Mothers’ Union has grown world wide since those early days in a Hampshire Rectory but the words of our prayer remain. “Empowered by Your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship and in love and service reach out as Your Hands across the World.” And to our neighbours at home.

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

Psalm 34:13

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Mothers’ Union Prayer Group Wednesday 6th September in Ann Dark’s home, 21 Liffock Park.

Wednesday 4th October in Muriel McLaughlin’s home, 9 Norwell Park.

We meet at 10:30am on the first Wednesday of the month for coffee, friendship and prayer. Please join us if you are free. You will find a very warm welcome.

Christ Church Candelabra cleaners; please remember to clean the candelabra for the Harvest services. Thank you to everyone who does this very essential job

Confidential Prayer Chain

Our parish prayer chain is available for anyone who would like to

be supported by prayer. Simply call me and I will forward your

request to each person on the chain. We will pray for your need

every day until you ask us to stop and it will be totally

confidential. If any of you feel that you would like to be part of

this chain please phone me. We would love to have you as part of

our team. Renie Hill Tel: 02870849989 Mob: 07780838310

Safeguarding Trust: The Role of the Parish Panel

Parish Panel Members Rev. Diane Matchett 70848127, Margaret Johnston 70848623, Margaret Oliver 70848103, Andrew Millican 70849894, Mura Sayers 70849515

To train leaders in good practice. To ensure that all the necessary administration for the positions of youth leaders within the parish is completed. To interview and where appropriate offer positions in youth work. To be a point of contact for any adult or child who needs someone to talk to.

The panel’s role is now legally binding in the church and the panel must report regularly to the Select Vestry

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Summer Fayre 2017 Our summer Fayre has now been and gone for another year. Sincerest thanks to all those who played any part in making our day a success. As usual we are blessed with brilliant teamwork, good weather, fantastic community support and generosity in its many forms. God Bless you and thank you. The total at the moment stands at £ 3,289.27—a tremendous result.

Life & Soul

A coach trip to Maghera Garden Centre on Wednesday 28th June was enjoyed by 27 members and friends. After admiring the wonderful plants and beautiful shop, a lovely lunch of soup, sandwiches and shortbread was served in the café at the centre. The coach then travelled on to Magherafelt where everyone enjoyed a wee shopping spree. On our return journey an ice-cream was enjoyed at a quick stop-off in Garvagh. Everyone had a lovely day of fellowship and fun together. Here’s to next years trip!! Margaret Oliver

Life & Soul

2pm St. Paul’s Hall all welcome!

(Note change of dates of speakers below)

Tues 26th Sept. - Harry Caskey—A subject of his choice! Tues 31st Oct. - Marilyn — A guaranteed laugh!! Tues 28th Nov. - Brian Simpson—Music quiz Tues 26th Dec. - Holiday

St. Paul’s Bowling Club

St. Paul’s Bowling Club will re-open on Wednesday 13th September at 7.30p.m. All new members very welcome.

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Quotes and verses

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant,

and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength. 2 Timothy 4:17

Be joyful in hope, Patient in affliction, Faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

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Christ Church Rosters for May/June& July

Flowers Clock Winders

August August 6th Lottie Killen 6th Adam Anderson 13th Sandra Ferris 13th & 20th Ian Clarke 20th & 27th Olive McCarron 27th Brian Simpson

September September 3rd & 10th Elizabeth Mullen 3rd Brian Simpson 17th & 24th Ann Dark 10th & 17th Mark Stuart 24th Gary King

October October 1st Harvest 1st Gary King 8th & 15th Renie Hill 8th & 15th Philip Kirkpatrick 22nd Sandra Ferris 22nd & 29th Ann Dark 29th Lisa Carson

Gospel Concert for St Paul’s

A Gospel Concert will be held in Portstewart Town Hall on Friday 13th October at 7.30 p.m. to raise money for St Paul’s roof fund. It is being organised by Martin Moore of Radio North, well known

for running Gospel and Country Gospel concerts in this area. Tickets costing £8 will be available from early September from any member of the Select Vestry or from Martin’s coffee shop “Cyblings” at Acorn Business Centre, Riada Avenue, Ballymoney Telephone: 07702277228.

Although Martin is organising the entertainment, I will be asking for volunteers to do the door, work in the hall, sell drinks and

crisps during the interval and provide tea for the artistes. This promises to be a most enjoyable night of music so make a date to come along and help St Paul’s. Brian Simpson

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Harvest Services

Friday 29th September: Rhythm Rascals All warmly welcome. (Details will be announced in due course)

Sunday 1st October: Harvest Celebrations in both churches at the usual times. All warmly welcome.

Short prayer for Worry

Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me remember that You really are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Mary Southerland

Now for a wee laugh...

The Sunday School teacher was describing that when Lot's wife

looked back at Sodom she turned into a pillar of salt, when Bobby

interrupted. "My mommy looked back once while she was driving,"

he announced, "and she turned into a telephone pole."!

And now for a wee simple recipe after your bbq!!

Jelly Whip

10 fl ozs Raspberry Yoghurt

1 Raspberry jelly

1/2 pint boiling water

Fresh Cream and a flake

Dissolve jelly in 1/2 pint only of boiling water and allow to cool.

When jelly is just starting to set add yoghurt to the jelly and

whisk.

Pour into a dish or individual tall glasses and set in fridge until set.

Decorate with whipped cream and crumbled flake. Simple!!

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August CHURCH SERVICES

Sun 6th Christ Church – Holy Communion 10.00am Reader: Ann Dark St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Marlyn Quigley

Sun 13th Christ Church - Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Alistair Simpson St. Paul’s - Holy Communion 11.30am Reader: Jack Johnston Sun 20th Christ Church – Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Pam McIntyre

St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Madison Colley Sun 27th Christ Church – Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Kathryn Webb St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am

Reader: Julia Hall

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September CHURCH SERVICES

Sun 3rd Christ Church – Holy Communion 10.00am Reader: Murray Bell St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Noel Bradley

Sun 10th Christ Church - Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Andrea Lyttle St. Paul’s - Holy Communion 11.30am Reader: Frances McKissick Sun 10th Service—Compline 7.00pm St. Paul’s Sun 17th Christ Church – Holy Communion 10.00am Reader: Harold McLaughlin St. Paul’s – All Age Worship 11.30am Reader: Liz Routledge Sun 24th Christ Church – All Age Worship 10.00am

Reader: Warren Johnston St. Paul’s –Holy Communion 11.30am Reader: John Parke

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October CHURCH SERVICES

Sun 1st Christ Church – Holy Communion 10.00am Reader: Diane McFarland St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Emily Hempsey

Sun 8th Christ Church - Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Robert Blemmings St. Paul’s - Holy Communion 11.30am Reader: Brian Simpson Sun 8th Service of Evening Prayer 1 7.00pm St Paul’s Sun 15th Christ Church – Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Sara Cunningham-Bell St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Amanda Bradley Sun 22nd Christ Church – Morning Prayer 10.00am

Reader: Louise Conn St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Lorna Potts Sun 29th Christ Church –Morning Prayer 10.00am Reader: Andrew Millican

St. Paul’s – Morning Prayer 11.30am Reader: Jane Gribbon

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Parish and Community Calendar

August

Wed 2nd Garden Party in the Quiet Garden (see p. 7)

Sat 5-6th Downhill Kite Festival 12.00 noon—5pm

Sat 19th Portrush Fireworks 8.30pm-22.30pm

Mon 28-29th The Auld Lammas Fair, Ballycastle

September

Sat 2-3rd Airshow Portrush 11a.m.

Wed 6th M.U. Prayer Group 10.30am (see p. 8)

Wed 13th St. Paul’s Bowling Club re-opens (see p.9)

Mon 11th Select Vestry, St. Paul’s Hall, 7.30pm

Tues 19th M.U. meeting (see p. 6)

Wed 20th Diocesan Festival Service 8p.m. (see p.7)

Tues 26th Life & Soul, St. Paul’s Hall, 2.30pm (see p. 9)

October

Wed 4th M.U. Prayer Group 10.30am (see p. 8)

Mon 9th Select Vestry, St. Paul’s Hall, 7.30pm

Fri 13th Gospel Concert for St. Paul’s (see p. 11)

Sat 14th Harvest Tea (see p. 10)

Sun 29th Clocks go back!

Tues 31st Life & Soul, St. Paul’s Hall, 7.30pm (see p.9)

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Parish and Community Calendar cont

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Parish of Castlerock, Dunboe & Fermoyle

Rector: Rev. Diane Matchett

The Rectory, 52 Main Street, Castlerock

(Tel: 02870848127/ 07853186509)

Email: revdiane@hotmail.co.uk

Curate: Rev. Adam Quigley

41 Queens Park, Coleraine, (Tel: 02870355191/

07483239864)

Parish Reader: Mrs. Lorna Bradley

12 Gortycavan Road, (Tel: 02870352824)

Parish Reader: Mrs. Isobel Nutt

8 Norwell Park, Castlerock,(Tel:02870848343)

Hon Secretary: Mr. William Oliver

16 Exorna Lane, Castlerock, BT51 4UA,

(Tel: 02870848103)

Hon Treasurer: Mr. Richard McAuley

14 Ballystrone Road, (Tel: 07967203657)

As. Treasurer: Mrs. Emily Hempsey

147 Mussenden Road, Castlerock, (Tel: 02870848481)

Christ Church Castlerock

Churchwardens: Mr Gerard Carson

27 Millfields, Balnamore, (Tel: 02827668796)

Mr. Jonathon McKee

1 Millfields, Balnamore, (Tel: 07515447497)

Sexton: Mr. Adam Anderson

22 School Lane, Castlerock, (Tel: 07798641230)

Stewardship Mrs. Margaret Millican

Recorder: 18 Mussenden Crescent, Articlave, (Tel: 02870849894)

St. Paul’s, Dunboe

Churchwardens: Ms Debbie Moore

66 Dunboe Gardens, Articlave, (Tel: 07751542013)

Mrs Frances McKissick

11 Mussenden Grange, Articlave, Tel. 02870848158)

Stewardship Ms. Amanda Bradley Recorder : 364 Bellaney Terrace, Coleraine, (Tel: 02870355440)

Sexton: Vacant

Groundsman Mr. John McLaughlin & Gravedigger: 4 St. Paul’s Road, Articlave, (Tel: 02870848697)