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connorAUTUMN 2011 The Magazine of the Diocese of Connor connections
Agroup of 17 pilgrims including the Bishop of Connor,
the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, travelled to North Wales
for the annual Connor clergy retreat in June.
They were based at Snowdonia Mountain Lodge, Bethesda,
which sits at the bottom end of the Nant Ffrancon Valley
with spectacular views towards Snowdon. The peaceful
location and comfortable rooms helped clergy enjoy their
periods of relaxation.
There was input from Professor Canon Leslie Francis who
reflected on the theme of leadership and prayer. He used
the tool of psychological type in a theological context to
help the Connor clergy see how different each is and how
everyone needs to appreciate the difference of others.
Diocesan training co-ordinator Peter Hamill said: “Leslie
was very challenging and thought provoking.”
The group visited Bangor Cathedral where Bishop Alan
celebrated the Eucharist. As they left North Wales they
attended a communion service at Plas Newydd Church,
conducted in candlelight as the church has no electricity.
Bishop Alan gave an address on journeys and the Connor
clergy were joined by theological college students in
training.
Our thanks are due to Professor Francis and Rev Dr Sue
Jones (dean elect Bangor Cathedral) for their time and
input during the retreat.
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Clergy retreat in North Wales
The Rev Louise Stewart was instituted
as rector of the grouped parishes of
Finaghy and Upper Malone on
Wednesday June 22.
Prior to her institution Louise, 39, was
curate-assistant of the parishes. She is
married to the Rev Brian Stewart, rector
of St George’s, Belfast, and is mother to
Catherine, 14, John, 12, Emma, 11,
Thomas, 9 and Peter, 7.
A native of Coleraine, Louise was
formerly an Education Welfare Officer for
the Belfast Education and Library Board.
She was ordained as a deacon in 2000
and as a priest in 2001. From 2000 until
2009 she was a Non-stipendiary curate
in St John’s Parish, Malone, and in
October 2009 moved to the grouped
parishes of St Polycarp and Epiphany.
With the departure of the rector, the Rev
Garth Bunting, to Dublin in September
2010 Louise was curate in charge of the
parishes.
She completed further training for the
Stipendiary ministry in January this year.
Institution in Finaghy and Upper Malone
Connor clergy and guests on retreat in North Wales.
The Rev Canon Tim
Close, Dean’s Vicar and
minister-in-charge at St
Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast,
has been appointed rector
of All Saints Eglantine,
Diocese of Connor.
Tim, originally from
Carrickfergus, is married
to Amanda. He is a
graduate of Queen’s
University, Belfast, the
University of Leicester,
and Trinity College Dublin.
Tim was ordained to
serve as curate-assistant
in the Parish of
Glenageary, Archdiocese
of Dublin, before returning
to Northern Ireland to
serve as Dean’s Vicar to
the Very Rev Dr Houston
McKelvey, former Dean of
Belfast.
His institution as rector of
Eglantine will take place
on Monday October 24 at
8pm.
Eglantineappointment
The Rev Louise Stewart, rector of Finaghy and Upper Malone, centre, with the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, andguests ready to enjoy supper following Louise’s institution as rector of the grouped parishes. Photo: Arthur Macartney.
tHrEE
MESSAGE / NEWS
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if you HAvE ANy EDitoriAl coMMENtS or WoulD likEto coNtriButE to tHE NExt EDitioN of coNNorcoNNEctioNS PlEASE coNtAct:
kArEN BuSHBycoNNor DiocESAN coMMuNicAtioNS officErcHurcH of irElAND HouSE61-67 DoNEGAll StrEEtBElfAStBt1 2QHtEl: 028 9082 8874MoBilE: 07766 103880EMAil: [email protected]
lisburn cathedral hosts youth mission in yei 04
ordinations of priests and deacons 06
celebrating Judaism at camp in Poland 08
A new Mann in St Anne’s 10
Bishop Alan launches book 12
Pulling strings for Ethiopia 13
overcoming challenges - one woman’s story 16
it’s all go for youth activities in the diocese 19
Website: www.connor.anglican.org
C ontentscovEr PHotoGrAPH: tHE DEAN ofBElfASt, tHE vEry rEv JoHN MANN,outSiDE St ANNE’S cAtHEDrAl oN tHEDAy of HiS iNStAllAtioN ANDiNStitutioN. PicturE By HuGH ruSSEll
Be signposts to helpothers to find GodI
t is something I find myself thinking about
as I reflect upon the future of our mission
and ministry as a diocese.
The word ‘connections’ has become critical
in my thinking and in my praying. We are
living in an increasingly secular and
disconnected society. There are so many
anxious and fearful about their future in
terms of employment and making ends
meet. There is the understandable concern
for those who are in our education system
as to what prospects there will be and what
will be possible. The health service is under
severe strain and morale in many parts of
our communities is low.
We as churches have felt the squeeze
financially and also the difficulty of living and
talking about faith in what at times appears
to be a hostile and cynical environment.
There are so many disconnections in family,
community, economic, political, social and
indeed church life. Yet we believe in the one
who came and dwelt among us to enable us
to find our connection with God. We have
the amazing blessing of becoming children
of God.
My prayer is that in the chaos and confusion
we will find our own faith strengthened as
we work together to find ways of being
channels of God’s presence to others. I
believe that God is always present but we
need to be signposts or, as Jesus said, light
and salt so that others will find God.
Grace and peace to you all,
The Rev Canon Gregory
Dunstan, rector of St
Matthew’s, Shankill, has
been appointed Dean of
Armagh, suceeding the Rt
Rev Patrick Rooke.
Canon Dunstan has been
rector of St Matthew’s
since 1993. He was
elected to the chapter
canonry of St Patrick’s
Cathedral, Dublin, in 2007
and is chairman of the
Down & Dromore and
Connor Organ Scholarship
Management Board.
Announcing the
appointment, the
Archbishop of Armagh
said: “The new dean is a
person of great spiritual
gifts with quiet devotion to
pastoral ministry. He also
combines liturgical and
musical insights with an
appreciation of sacred
space and expertise in the
care of ancient buildings in
their landscape setting.”
Canon Dunstan described
his years at St Matthew’s
as ‘happy and fulfilling,’
and said his appointment
was ‘a great honour.’
New Deanof Armagh
Kilbride Parish has been awarded £8,512
from the Big Lottery Fund’s Energy
Efficient Venues programme. This offers
Lottery money to groups to carry out
improvements to community venues so
they can save on heat and lighting costs.
The church will use the funding to install
double glazed windows and a number of
new doors in the church hall.
Boost for Kilbride
+Alan Connor
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Ateam from Lisburn Cathedral spent time in Yei
Diocese shortly before South Sudan emerged as an
independent nation. The country now aspires to a
brighter future after decades of brutal civil war.
It was the young people who will be vital to this future that
the Lisburn team set out to establish relationships with in
what was to prove a challenging and rewarding mission
experience.
The team was led by the Rev Simon Genoe, curate, and
Zara Wortley, a teacher and voluntary youth worker at the
cathedral. Other team members were: Matthew Bell, Grace
Fullerton, Michael Wright, Victoria Bell and Lauren Elliott.
The team departed for Africa on June 26, spending two
nights in Entebbe, Uganda, before flying on to Yei. On
arrival at the Episcopal Church of Sudan Guest House, run
by Yei Diocese, they found they were sharing
accommodation with the new South Sudan football team
who were training for a match with Kenya!
Under the shade of a mango tree, the group members had
their first meeting with Bishop Hilary of Yei, who talked
about the diocese and particularly Mongo, the village in
which he had grown up, and the team’s destination the
following day.
Although it was the rainy season, the bumpy road to Mongo
was dry and passable and the team received a warm
welcome in the village where Connor built a school as part
of its ongoing partnership with Yei Diocese. Simon said:
“When the first group arrived they were really surprised
because there were about 200 kids singing and dancing to
welcome them. It was incredible, and so humbling.”
Accommodation in Mongo was basic, with the group
housed in corrugated iron shacks. “It was quite
comfortable, they had built showers and toilets for us, and
even heated the water over fires,” said Simon.
The team had planned to run relationship training courses
for teenagers in both Mongo and Yei, but the ages of the
participants varied considerably in Mongo, as team member
Matthew Bell observed. “We were expecting teenagers, but
there was a huge mix of people aged from 16 up to 60.
Lots of the village elders attended the course. They did not
really participate but wanted to watch. The Boma chief sat
through it all!”
Another group keen to participate was the Mothers’ Union.
In all around 70 people attended each session of the
training in Mongo. Lessons were translated by local
pastors.
“I was completely surprised at how much they did
understand, although in Mongo they did not seem to
identify with peer pressure – we had to repackage it,” said
Matthew.
The group ran the relationship training for three hours each
morning over three days in Mongo, and again over three
days in Yei.
Pictured at a Commissioning Service in Lisburn Cathedral prior to their departurefor Yei are, back row, left to right - Victoria Bell, Matthew Bell, the Rev SimonGenoe, Michael Wright and Lauren Elliott. Front row, left to right - Grace Fullerton,Gillian Maganda (CMSI), David Gough (CMSI), David Maganda (CMSI), and ZaraWortley.
Team leader the Rev Simon Genoe joins the locals cooking marshmallows over afire during the Lisburn Cathedral visit to South Sudan.
Joint team leader Zara Wortley gets to know some of the young people in Mongovillage.
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From Lisburn to YeiThe teaching was adapted from a programme called
‘Romance Academy,’ which Zara had experience of running
in Lisburn Cathedral, in order to make it more culturally
relevant to South Sudan. The team focused on building
good relationships, love, and what Jesus would do.
Many of the young people and in particular MU members
shared the specific problems they faced including domestic
abuse. “They wanted to know how they could get their
husbands to respect them,” said Simon. “We talked to the
men about what we thought made a good relationship.
“The guys really changed a lot over the three days,
particularly in Mongo. In Yei they knew what we would
expect them to say and they had all been affected by
western and Biblical ideas but in Mongo everything was
new to them.
“At the end of the sessions in Yei we gave them the
opportunity to share what they felt they had learnt and the
things they shared were fantastic,” said Simon.
In the afternoons the team ran a youth mission where
schoolchildren enjoyed songs, drama, games and chat.
“The theme was ‘Party’ and the Bible was their invitation.
We had a really good response,” said Simon.
On request they also spent time with local pastors in
Mongo. “They said they did not know how to run a bible
study group, so we sat down with them and gave them an
outline on how to do it. They said they would take what they
had learned back to their parishes,” said Simon.
The team also showed
films in Mongo and Yei,
with members giving a talk
on each movie - Victoria
spoke about Indiana
Jones, Matthew spoke
about National Treasure
and Michael addressed
the issues arising in The
Fugitive. During the
showings in Mongo they
distributed 300 glow-in-the-dark sticks to the young people
– who had never seen anything like this before!
On the Sunday of their visit, Simon preached at the two
English language services in Immanuel Cathedral, Yei,
while Matthew and Michael spoke in St Paul’s Church in
Yei, and Zara spoke in the Zamba Church.
Matthew was surprised by his experience in St Paul’s. “It
was quite formal, they still had lots of energetic singing, but
the service was very much in the Anglican tradition. We had
to parade in and they were very strict about timings – my
testimony had to be cut short!” he said.
With independence for Sudan just a few days away, Simon
said it had been quite an experience to be in the cathedral.
“The Bishop stood up and reiterated the importance of
independence and talked about the sacrifices that had been
made for it. He asked people to listen to the new national
anthem, and then the composer of the anthem came to the
front. He had come from Juba [the capital of South Sudan].
It was pretty epic!”
Simon said the thing that struck him most about conditions
in South Sudan was the lack of education. “Families had up
to 10 children and were not able to educate them,” he said.
Lisburn Cathedral plans to build on the relationships this
team has established in Yei, and particularly in Mongo
village. “The team was very touched by Mongo,” said
Simon. “We felt that Mongo was where we made most
impact. When we showed a film in Mongo it seemed like
the highlight of the century
for 400 people. It means
so much to them when
people from other parts of
the Church go to them.”
South Sudan celebrated its
independence on July 7,
two days after the Lisburn
team left Yei. The team’s
stay was facilitiated by
CMS Ireland.Young people all ready for the Lisburn Cathedral team’s youth mission in Immanuel Cathedral.
A warm welcome for the team as members arrive in Mongo.
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St Columba’s Day, Thursday June 9, sawthe ordination of four new priests inConnor Diocese. The service took placein St Patrick’s, Ballymoney, and thepriests were ordained by the Bishop ofConnor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy.Pictured with Bishop Alan and otherclergy who took part in the service arethe new priests, front from left: BrianLacey for the curacy of Ballymena andBallyclug; Peter Ferguson, for the curacyof the Parish of Carrickfergus; TrevorKelly in the Non-stipendiary Ministry forthe curacy of Craigs, Dunaghy andKillagan; and Brian Howe in the Non-stipendiary Ministry for the Parish ofBallymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin.Picture by Colin Loughead.
Four new deacons
were ordained in the
diocese at a service
held in St Colman’s Parish
Church, Dunmurry, on
Sunday September 4.
The four were ordained by
the Bishop of Connor, the
Rt Rev Alan Abernethy.
The preacher at the
service was the Rev Dr
Maurice Elliott, Director of
the Church of Ireland
Theological Institute.
Jonathan Campbell-Smyth
was ordained to serve an
internship in the Parish of
Ballywillan, Portrush.
Jonny, 40, is married to
Alison and the couple
have two sons. A member
of St Patrick’s, Coleraine,
Jonny has been involved
in short term mission and
ministry both at home and
abroad, particularly in
Thailand, and worked for
many years in IT.
Iain Jamieson was
ordained to serve an
internship in St Michael’s,
Belfast. Iain was born in
Zimbabwe and grew up in
Shropshire. He studied
philosophy and later
criminology, and moved to
Northern Ireland in his
thirties. He volunteers in
prison ministry and was a
chaplaincy volunteer at
Portlaoise in the south of
Ireland during the summer.
Mellissa Jeffers was
ordained to serve in the
Non-stipendiary Ministry for
the curacy of the grouped
parishes of Finaghy and
Upper Malone. A graduate of
Stanmillis College, Belfast,
Mellissa spent two years on
Voluntary Service Overseas
at a school in Nigeria, before
gaining a Masters Degree in
Library Studies. She has
worked in schools,
universities and libraries,
and was formerly Principal
Officer with the NI Fire and
Rescue Service.
Alistair Morrison was
ordained to serve an
internship in the Parish of
Dunmurry. A native of the
Ards Peninsula, he studied
at Belfast Bible College in
the late 1980s. Prior to
training for ordination Alistair
was an architectural
technician specialising in the
restoration of historic
buildings. He is father to two
sons and a daughter.
St Columba’sDay servicefor priests
Ordination of Deacons
At the Service of Ordination of Deacons in St Colman’s, Dunmurry, are, from left: The Rev Denise Acheson, rector, St Colman’s; theRev Dr Maurice Elliott, preacher; Jonathan Campbell-Smyth; the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, Archdeacon of Connor; Alistair Morrison; theRev Clifford Skillen, Bishop’s Chaplain; the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy; the Ven Barry Dodds, Archdeacon of Belfast;the Ven Stephen Forde, Archdeacon of Dalriada; Mellissa Jeffers; the Rev William Taggart, Registrar; Iain Jamieson.
Congratulations to Magheragall parishioner Wilma
Hutchinson who turned 100 on May 27! Her rector the Rev
Nicholas Dark represented the parish and joined Wilma’s
family and friends at a party at Blaris Fold.
Wilma grew up in the townland of Toberdowney in the
Parish of Ballynure where her father was a local farmer.
She attended the Presbyterian Church as a child but has
fond memories of life at her uncle the Rev Samuel Nesbitt’s
rectory in Ballynure (he was rector there from 1896-1926).
She remembers going out to the shed with a candle and a
bucket to milk the two rectory cows. The candle apparently
sat nicely on the back of the cow and illuminated the shed!
As she turned 100, Wilma was able to say that she is still
happily married. She wed Kyle, a young 98, in June 1946.
They have two sons, John and Geoffrey, two grandchildren
and one great granddaughter.
Wilma was a teacher and one of the tributes at her party
was the presence of one of her first pupils from the school
in Rasharkin were she started her teaching career some 80
years ago.
Wilma received more than 50 cards and letters including
cards from Her Royal Highness the Queen, the Irish
President Mary McAleese and the Bishop of Connor, the Rt
Rev Alan Abernethy.
Agroup of parishioners from Ballynure and Ballyeaston
scaled great heights when they successfully
completed a fundraising ‘Four peaks’ challenge
The parishioners joined others from churches in Ballyclare
to climb the highest peaks in the four countries of the
United Kingdom - Slieve Donard, Snowdon, Scafell Pike
and Ben Nevis. The efforts of the 16 men raised funds for
The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, a roof repair fund for
the united parish of Ballynure and Ballyclare and ‘Tiny Life,’
a premature baby charity.
The group completed the climb over the weekend of June
10-12, beginning with Slieve Donard on Friday morning,
followed by a ferry from Dublin to Wales. They had a
4.30am start for Snowdon, then a drive up to the north west
of England to ascend Scafell Pike on Saturday evening.
The group got about four hours sleep before another early
morning start to drive up to Fort William for the climb up
Ben Nevis – the highest of the four mountains. In total they
climbed 13,967 feet, drove 821 miles, hiked for 18 hours
and spent 36 hours crammed into a mini-bus!
Graeme Reid, one of the team leaders, said: “Several
members of the group came up with the idea to do this as
part of the combined men’s ministry for the Church of
Ireland in Ballyclare and Ballynure. It was a bit of a
departure for us as we usually meet for Saturday morning
prayer and fry-ups!
“We extended the invitation to others we know and it has
been great to do this alongside men from other churches in
the area. We all feel great having completed it but more
importantly we have been able to raise almost £7,000 so
far for charitable causes.”
Also involved in organising the event was Andrew
Brannigan, Youth Officer for the Diocese of Down and
Dromore and a member of St John’s, Ballyclare. “We were
blessed with great weather, no safety issues, and great
company. It was a good chance to get to know better the
other guys on the team,” he said.
The 16 intrepid – and very fit - climbers were: Matthew
Crothers, Paul Reid, Graeme Reid, Jim Milligan, Damien
O’Hara, Chris McCabe, Michael Hanlon, Mark Graham,
Mark Surgenor, Neil Smyth, Alan Holden, Adrian Taylor,
Andrew Brannigan, Ian Barkley, Paul McClure and David
McIlhagger.
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Great heights!The climbers at the top of Slieve Donard.
Wilma recalls rectory cows as she turns 100!
Wilma celebrates her 100th birthday with her husband Kyle, 98.
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Agroup of nine people, four of them from St Patrick’s
Parish, Coleraine, spent 10 days in Poland during
July leading a camp for young Israelis.
The Isra camp took place in Ostroda, Poland, from July 3-
13, and was a joint venture between Alliance Youth Works
and CMJ, the Church’s Ministry among Jewish People.
This is the third summer a team from Northern Ireland has
travelled to Poland for the camp, and this project will be
ongoing.
Alice McAlary, youth worker at St Patrick’s and a member
of Alliance Youth Works, has been on all three trips. She
explained that the camps take place outside Israel – others
are held for Russian Jews, Jewish children, Holocaust
survivors and Israeli soldiers – because Christians are not
permitted to evangelise Jewish children inside Israel.
Alice said the camps were a celebration of Judaism. “We
are not trying to take away their heritage. We learn so
much from them as we are reminded that Jesus was a
Jew.”
She said one of the most moving aspects of the project was
a trip to the Nazi death camp of Stutthof, Gdansk, where
official statistics show 85,000 Jews died in the Holocaust,
although that figure could be considerably higher.
“This is a very poignant trip. We chat to the children as we
are going through the
concentration camp, and there is
time for prayer and forgiveness.
The Nazis wanted to wipe out
the Jewish race. The children
just being there is part of the
holocaust victims’ hopes for the
future of the Jewish nation,”
Alice said.
“We are bringing Jesus into the
midst of this, and many of the
young people became believers
during the camp.”
Worship at camp is celebrated
in Hebrew, using Hebrew bibles.
The young people and their
leaders also mark the Jewish
Sabbath, Shabbat in Hebrew.
“Jesus was there for the Jews and the Gentiles,” Alice said.
“The Jewish people are God’s chosen people and as
Gentiles we need to be sensitive to that. Sometimes we
can get caught up in our own small world and it’s good for
our young people to see a more cross-cultural aspect of
life.”
During the course of the 10 days the leaders and young
people spent time in worship, prayer and discussion, but
there was also time for day trips, games, water sports,
cookery, crafts and a variety of other stimulating activities to
capture the imagination and inspire the young Israelis. It is
a busy schedule for the leaders who were on the go from
7am until 10pm each day.
The young people are aged 12-16. Once they turn 16 they
have to serve in the Israeli army, girls for two and a half
years and boys for three. A total of 37 young people
attended the camp this year.
One of the Northern Irish leaders was Anne McKelvey, from
Ballynahinch Methodist Church. She said the teaching for
the camp was based on various scriptures. “As we
journeyed closer to God, we learned how to hear God, we
thought about things that hinder us hearing His voice,
practical steps we can take to overcome those, and ensure
we keep hearing His voice. Each started a journal of when
we heard Him speak.
Celebrating Judaismat camp in Poland
Northern Ireland team members with the young Jews at the camp in Poland.
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“The final evening the young people were invited to
stand if they had heard God speak to them during the
camp. About 27 stood, and were given a foot shaped
piece of card on which was written an invitation to take
the next step in their faith to knowing and serving God
more.”
Members of the Northern Ireland team were: Alice
McAlary, Zara Hume, Janice Clements and Amy
McConkey, all from St Patrick’s, Coleraine; Craig
McCarter and Sarah Somerville from Saintfield Parish;
Annabelle Spence (First Lurgan Presbyterian); Andrew
Spence (Knockamuckley) and Ann McKelvey
(Ballynahinch Methodist).
Anyone who is interested in the Alliance Youth Works
project with CMJ and would like further information can
contact Alice at St Patrick’s on 028 703 4213 or you can
visit the CMJ website at www.cmj.org.uk.
A Service of Introduction of the Rev Stephen
McElhinney, former curate of Drumglass Parish,
Dungannon, was held in St Columba’s, Derryvolgie on
September 6.
Stephen was commissioned as priest-in-charge by the Rt
Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor.
The 41-year-old is married to Cathy, and the couple have
three children Ruby,10, Patrick, 9, and Scott, 5.
Born in Manchester, Stephen moved to Lurgan in 1973.
He graduated in Optometry from Aston University and
after two years working in the north of England he
returned to Ireland.
Stephen was ordained in Christ Church Cathedral,
Dublin, in June 2005 and served as a member of the
staff team of Kill O’ the Grange Parish Church, Dublin,
before moving in May 2008 to Drumglass Parish.
New Priest-in-chargeat Derryvolgie Parish
Rev Stephen McElhinney pictured with his wife Cathy and their three childrenRuby, Patrick and Scott. Photo: John Kelly.
Bitter memory - a watchtower at a Nazi concentration camp in Gdansk.
September 18 was a very special Sunday in Stoneyford
Parish as the Rev John Farr was formally introduced as
priest-in-charge.
On top of this, 18 candidates went forward
for confirmation, the largest number to be confirmed in
the parish in living memory!
The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy
officiated at the service, supported by Canon Sam
McComb and Diocesean Reader Jim Neill.
The church was filled almost to capacity with around 200
in attendance to support the candidates and to welcome
John. A sumptuous feast was laid on by the ladies of the
congregation in the hall after the service.
Confirmations mark aspecial day for Stoneyford
Alice McAlary, St Patrick’s, Coleraine, with members of the Northern Ireland teamin Poland in July.
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New Mann in Belfast CathedralS
ilence belied the fact that St Anne’s Cathedral was packed
almost to capacity for the installation of the new Dean of
Belfast.
The stillness was punctuated by the melodic strains of a harp while
the beautiful voice of a soloist resonated through the pillars and
columns.
More silence, a time for reflection on the past and contemplation of
the future, intercessions for the tasks ahead, drawn to a close by the
rhythmic prayers of the Monks of Holy Cross Monastery.
This very beautiful period of reflection was included as part of the
service of installation and institution at the request of the new Dean,
the Very Rev John Mann. “During this period, the congregation was
asked to quietly consider the nature of commitment to any task,
great or small, the focus shifting from the particular emphasis on the
Cathedral and its ministry, to the general,” said Dean Mann.
Church leaders, civic representatives, family and friends joined
parishioners from St Anne’s for the service on August 30. As well as
being installed as Dean of Belfast, Dean Mann was instituted as
Vicar of the Cathedral Parish
The Dean was presented for institution into the Cathedral Parish by
the Archdeacon of Belfast, the Ven Barry Dodds, and the Act of
Institution was conducted by the Bishop of Connor. The former
rector of St John’s Parish, Malone, was installed as Dean of Belfast
by the Cathedral Chancellor, the Archdeacon of Down, the Ven
Philip Patterson. He was then presented to the people by the
Bishop of Connor, and welcomed by Bishop Noel Treanor, Roman
Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, on behalf of all the church
leaders.
During the service the new Dean was presented with symbols of
the teaching, pastoral and sacramental ministry of an incumbent.
These included a Bible (to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ),
a container of water (recognising that the Cathedral is a place of
Christian baptism), a Book of Common Prayer (demonstrating the
primary role of the Dean to lead public worship and encourage a
life of personal devotion), bread and wine (the elements of holy
communion), oil (symbolic of healing and reconciliation), the key to
the Cathedral (as a reminder that the Cathedral is a place to be
kept open for all people) and a towel (as a reminder of Christ
washing his disciples’ feet and of the ministry of service and
support of those in need and in trouble).
The service began with Evening Prayer, followed by the formal and
legal installation, institution and welcome of Dean Mann, who
preached the sermon. In this Dean Mann urged people to draw a
line under the past and discover a new vision for the future. He
also focused on the hardships experienced by many in the current
economic climate.
The Dean based his sermon on readings from the Old Testament
(Exodus 5: 1-6, 13) and New Testament (Revelation 3: 7-13). He
said the New Testament reading was full of hope, and spoke of an
open door. “I pray the door of this Cathedral will stand open, and
the hearts of all who worship here will stand open and will turn in
love to their neighbour,” the Dean said.
During the time for reflection Mary McKeague, a member of the
Focolare Movement, played the harp. Katy Nicholas from St John’s
Malone sang ‘the Grail Prayer’ accompanied by members of the St
John’s Instrumental Group, Katherine Sung (violin), Amanda Marsh
(clarinet), Sarah Montgomery (cello) and Linda Montgomery
(piano).
A period of stillness and silence followed, after which the
congregation was led in prayer by the Monks of Holy Cross
Monastery.
Speaking of his installation Dean Mann said: “I am looking forward
to starting at St Anne’s and being part of what is a wonderful place
with many fine people. The cathedral is very light and bright and
reflects the past in works of art and symbols of faith and work and
the vision of its architects and builders. It also stands as a constant
reminder of the place of Christian worship at the heart of many
people’s lives, especially at moments of both celebration and grief.
“It is a place where the individual can find a quiet place for prayer,
and where the crowd may gather in sorrow or joy and unite its
heart as one.”
At the Service of Installation and Institution of the new Dean of Belfast are, from left: The Ven
Barry Dodds, Archdeacon of Belfast; the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor; Dean John
Mann; the Rt Rev Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore; and the Ven Philip Patterson,
Archdeacon of Down.
ElEvEN
Dean Mann (56) wasborn in Blackheath,London, and wasordained a deaconin 1979 and a priestin 1981. He was
educated at Clark’sCollege, Romford,Essex; the RoyalLiberty School,Romford; Queen’sUniversity, and theChurch of Ireland
Theological College.
He is married toHelen, a PracticeNurse, and thecouple have adaughter, Rowanand a son, David(pictured above).
The Dean wascurate assistant atCloughfern Parish,Diocese of Connor,from 1979-1982 andat Knock Parish,
Diocese of Down,from 1982-1985. In1985 he wasappointed rector ofthe groupedparishes ofBallyrashane andKildollagh, Dioceseof Connor, where heremained until 1989when he went to theDiocese of
Winchester as rector
of the Parishes ofBentworth, Shaldenand Lasham. In 1993Dean Mann returnedto Connor and the
Parish of Cloughfernas rector, and in2002 he moved toMalone.
In his ministry, DeanMann has been arural Dean of Alton(Winchester); achaplain toWhiteabbeyHospital; a tutor forthe lay readercourse in SouthConnor and GeneralSecretary of theChurch of IrelandMen’s Society. Hehas been ExaminingChaplain to theBishop of Connorsince 1994, andDirector ofContinuingMinisterialEducation in ConnorDiocese since 2001.
In 1999 Dean Mannwas installed aPrebendary ofClonmethan in theNational Cathedralof St Patrick’s,Dublin, representingConnor Diocese.
New Mann in Belfast CathedralBiography
Vicar of the Cathedral Parish
The Dean was presented for institution into the Cathedral Parish by
the Archdeacon of Belfast, the Ven Barry Dodds, and the Act of
Institution was conducted by the Bishop of Connor. The former
rector of St John’s Parish, Malone, was installed as Dean of Belfast
by the Cathedral Chancellor, the Archdeacon of Down, the Ven
Philip Patterson. He was then presented to the people by the
Bishop of Connor, and welcomed by Bishop Noel Treanor, Roman
Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, on behalf of all the church
leaders.
During the service the new Dean was presented with symbols of
the teaching, pastoral and sacramental ministry of an incumbent.
These included a Bible (to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ),
a container of water (recognising that the Cathedral is a place of
Christian baptism), a Book of Common Prayer (demonstrating the
primary role of the Dean to lead public worship and encourage a
life of personal devotion), bread and wine (the elements of holy
communion), oil (symbolic of healing and reconciliation), the key to
the Cathedral (as a reminder that the Cathedral is a place to be
kept open for all people) and a towel (as a reminder of Christ
washing his disciples’ feet and of the ministry of service and
support of those in need and in trouble).
The service began with Evening Prayer, followed by the formal and
legal installation, institution and welcome of Dean Mann, who
preached the sermon. In this Dean Mann urged people to draw a
line under the past and discover a new vision for the future. He
also focused on the hardships experienced by many in the current
economic climate.
The Dean based his sermon on readings from the Old Testament
(Exodus 5: 1-6, 13) and New Testament (Revelation 3: 7-13). He
said the New Testament reading was full of hope, and spoke of an
open door. “I pray the door of this Cathedral will stand open, and
the hearts of all who worship here will stand open and will turn in
love to their neighbour,” the Dean said.
During the time for reflection Mary McKeague, a member of the
Focolare Movement, played the harp. Katy Nicholas from St John’s
Malone sang ‘the Grail Prayer’ accompanied by members of the St
John’s Instrumental Group, Katherine Sung (violin), Amanda Marsh
(clarinet), Sarah Montgomery (cello) and Linda Montgomery
(piano).
A period of stillness and silence followed, after which the
congregation was led in prayer by the Monks of Holy Cross
Monastery.
Speaking of his installation Dean Mann said: “I am looking forward
to starting at St Anne’s and being part of what is a wonderful place
with many fine people. The cathedral is very light and bright and
reflects the past in works of art and symbols of faith and work and
the vision of its architects and builders. It also stands as a constant
reminder of the place of Christian worship at the heart of many
people’s lives, especially at moments of both celebration and grief.
“It is a place where the individual can find a quiet place for prayer,
and where the crowd may gather in sorrow or joy and unite its
heart as one.”
Dean Mann inside the Cathedral onthe day of his installation. Photo:Hugh Russell
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The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy,
launched his new book, Shadows on the Journey, in
the Good Book Shop, Belfast, on September 22.
It is based on the Emmaus story, with the disciples in the
shadow of Jesus. Much of Shadows on the Journey was
written during a period of extended sick leave, and in this
time Bishop Abernethy reflected on his own journey in
ministry. Speaking at the launch he said: “It came from a
difficult time and I see it as part of the recovery process.”
In the book he wrestles with the shadows that have been
part of his journey of faith, including shadows of scripture,
ministry and worship. The Bishop discusses the difficulties
facing the church today, and questions whether the
structures of parish life enable the mission that the church
is called to live out in the local community.
Helping Bishop Abernethy launch his book were two men
he described as ‘very dear friends.’ Paddy Donnelly is
former vice-principal of the North Down College of Further
Education, and Dick Milliken is a former Irish rugby
international and a member of the British and Irish Lions
who toured South Africa in the 1970s.
Mr Donnelly said that in the book the bishop had not sought
to dodge the demands of ministry, but had faced them with
‘disarming and typical frankness.’
Describing the book as ‘fascinating … challenging the
way we’ve done things,’ Mr Milliken said that the book’s
relevancy would be a ‘source of comfort’ to many,
especially the clergy in their ‘demanding and
draining ministry journeys.’
Shadows on the Journey has received commendations
from the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev John Sentamu,
and Mark Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Church Army
and a member of the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of
England.
Dr Sentamu stated: “The book helps to show no matter
where we are, where we go, or how we feel, God is always
there with us on our journey.
“The journey may be difficult or demanding, but we must
never forget the unique gifts, talents and outlook that God
has given us, to help and encourage others.”
Mr Russell said Bishop Abernethy’s book was ‘stunning,
honest, real and inspiring.’
“In these challenging times the Church needs leaders of
integrity and depth who can ask the right questions.
Leaders who love Jesus and His Church.
“Alan Abernethy is such a man, and in this special book, he
addresses some of the key questions facing us. How can
we grow and not just survive? How can we be real and not
superficial? How can we have a faith joined up with our
lives? How can we care for those in the demanding role of
public ministry?
“This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read,
because Alan writes out of his experience and wisdom, out
of his joy and pain.”
‘Stunning,honest andinspiring’ Bishop Alan Abernethy at the launch of Shadows on the Journey with Paddy Donnelly
(left) and Dick Milliken.
Belfast Cathedral attracts visitorsfrom around the world andvolunteers from Connor and Down& Dromore dioceses provide avaluable service as Stewardswelcoming guests and giving theminformation.
There is an urgent need for morevolunteers to augment the currentteam of Stewards during the
Cathedral opening hours of 10am
until 4pm daily.
The Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev
John Mann, said: “Stewards play a
vital role in the life of the Cathedral
and their services are greatly
appreciated. I would encourage
anyone who could contribute a
little of their time to support those
who so faithfully welcome ourvisitors.”
Some stewards contribute twohours a week and some two hoursa month. Training will be provided.Anyone who feels they could giveof their time on a regular basis isasked to contact the Rev CampbellDixon on 07879427980 or email:[email protected].
Appeal for Stewards at St Anne’s Cathedral
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An ancient sycamore tree, felled by a storm in the
grounds of Ballinderry Parish Church, has been
reborn as a guitar!
Or six guitars to be precise, but one will be very special to
parishioners in Ballinderry and their friends in Mekelle,
Ethiopia, as it is to be auctioned to raise funds for a bible
translating charity in Ethiopia.
The sycamore was spotted by parishioner Steve McIlwrath,
whose company Avalon makes instruments for some of the
world’s top guitarists including Bruce Springsteen, Van
Morrison and Katie Melua.
The then rector of Ballinderry, the Rev Canon Ernest Harris,
was happy to let Steve take the sycamore trunk away. And
once the logs dried out Steve realised the wood was
something special. Trademarked as Irish spalted maple, it
is being used to create six unique guitars to go on show at
exhibitions around the world.
This is the first time Steve has used Irish wood in the
manufacture of a top class acoustic guitar, He normally
imports his trees from Hawaii, India and America. Avalon’s
guitars sell for anything between £2,000 and £5,000.
That is great news for Ballinderry parish, which has been
supporting projects in Mekelle for a number of years.
Teams from Ballinderry have visited Mekelle in 2006, 2008
and 2010.
Many of the preachers in Mekelle have no scriptures, and
the parish is helping fund the translation of the New
Testament into the local language and to print and distribute
these to 5,000 churches in the province of Tigray. Over the
summer, two representatives of the charity organising the
translation, Gabe Beyene and his wife Connie, visited
Ballinderry. They called in to Avalon in Newtownards to
select the wood for the special guitar.
Steve took the Ballinderry guitar to the London Acoustic
Guitar Show in September, and plans to use all channels
available to promote the auction of the guitar which will take
place before Christmas.
He explained why the wood from the Ballinderry sycamore
makes such a special instrument. “The look of the wood is
pretty dramatic, it’s very intense figuring is caused by a
fungi which had colonised part of the trunk. When it died
out we were left with amazing patterns created by nature.”
And it is not just the look of the wood that makes it special.
It is also very thin and stiff which makes for a great sound.
“With a guitar made from this wood you can really hear the
treble, bass and the mid range and acoustic guitar players
look for that range,” Steve said.
Details about the auction of the guitar will be posted on the
Connor Diocesan website.
Pulling strings forEthiopia
Lay Reader Dr Fred Ruddle and Canon Ernest Harris withthe guitar.
Gabe Beyene at the stump of the sycamore tree which provided thewood for the guitar, along with a copy of a translated Bible.
Steve McIlwrath with the guitar in the groundsof Ballinderry church.
Gabe andConnie Beyenefrom Ethiopiaselect the woodfor theBallinderryguitar at theAvalon factory.
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More than 300 visitors, some from asfar away as Australia and America,visited Billy Parish Church for itsFestival of Baptism in September.
The festival was held in the church,near Bushmills, as part of EuropeanHeritage Open Days. On display were30 christening gowns and floralexhibits. An old font, which had beendiscovered in the church grounds lastyear, has been restored and thisformed the centrepiece of the festival.
Along with a travelling font belongingto the parish, currently on display inthe Giant’s Causeway School Museum,there were three fonts in the churchover the weekend.
Special services were held morning
and evening when the congregationreaffirmed their baptismal vows andalso recited the old catechism!
The old rectory gardens were alsoopen to visitors and teas were servedin the church hall.
Celebrating baptism in Billy
A font amidst a floral display in Billy church.
KeepingIrish to theforeCumann Gaelach na
hEaglaise / the Irish Guild of
the Church aims to provide
increased opportunities for
people in the church who
are interested in the Irish
language to use it.
Irish Language Development
Officer, Caroline Nolan, said:
“The Church of Ireland has a
special relationship with the
language due to the noble
and proud role played by
many of its members in
preserving the Irish
language and igniting its
revival in the early 20th
century. These actions have
forged unique links that are
still active today.”
The Cumann was delighted
to be in St George’s in
Belfast earlier this year
when the Eucharist was
celebrated in Irish. The Guild
has since produced a
bilingual sheet of some of
the most common prayers
and is advising schools on
resources available through
Irish. The Guild is also
collaborating with Christ
Church Cathedral on an
exhibition on the 400th
anniversary of the King
James Bible.
Caroline said: “We hope to
encourage schools to attend
this exhibition, as there will
be bilingual panels and an
Irish version of the catalogue
full of interesting information
about the bibles on display,
including the bible in Irish
commissioned by the
Provost of Trinity College,
William Bedell.
For further information
contact Caroline on
telephone 00+353 26 45741
All Saints’, Craigyhill, held a special
event on September 22 to launch the
completion of a £50,000
refurbishment of the church hall.
The building has had a complete facelift
with a new larger kitchen, access ramp and
toilet for the disabled plus new windows
and doors and a complete repaint and
polish inside.
The refurbishment was paid for with the
help of a grant from the International Fund
for Ireland administered by the Rural
Development Council as part of the
‘Maximising Community Space Crossing
Borders Programme’ and representatives
from both organisations were at the launch.
Other guests included members of local
community groups and clergy from various
denominations. Proceedings began in the
church with a welcome from Deputy Mayor
Councillor Michael Lynch, MBE, followed by
choir performances from two local primary
schools – Linn Primary and St Anthony’s,
Antiville. Afterwards the congregation went
to the hall for a prayer of dedication led by
the Ven Stephen Forde, Archdeacon of
Dalriada, followed by refreshments.
The Rev Roger Thompson, rector of St
Patrick’s with All Saints’, said the parish
St Patrick’s Mothers’ Union, Ballymena, celebrated its 90th
anniversary with a tea party in the church hall after a service ofHoly Communion. Diocesan President Moira Thom joined theparty and is pictured cutting the anniversary cake with AudreyDeacon, one of the longest serving members in the branch, anda member of the Mothers’ Union for almost 60 years.
appreciated the funding it had received for
the renovations. “It will be great to have
new life breathed into the hall through
classes and clubs or parties and functions
for all age groups. This development is a
turning point for us as we strive to support
local residents and hopefully draw in new
members,” he said.
Hall gets a facelift!
Celebrations were held at the Hilden Centre, Lambeg,
on Sunday September 25 to mark the centre’s tenth
anniversary.
The service, held in a large marquee in the grounds, was
conducted by the rector, the Rev Canon Ken McReynolds,
assisted by Miss Mavis Gibbons. The guest speaker was
Sister Myrtle Morrison (Church Army), and Mrs Pat Harvey
also took part. Both ladies played key roles in the
development of the centre.
Sunday school leader Hilary Shaw led the prayers and
Victor McDonald, Ministry Team member, read the lesson.
During the service the Sunday School children were
presented with commemorative anniversary medals.
Following the service, the congregation and well wishers
moved into the Hilden Centre, filling it to capacity for a
celebratory dinner; during which Myrtle and Pat cut an
anniversary cake marking this important milestone in the
history of Lambeg Parish.
The Hilden Centre as it exists today was the culmination of
several years work in the Hilden area, after it was realised
that although the area was within the geographical
boundaries of the parish, it was logistically detached from
the parish church itself.
Activities initially took place in the EMB Hall which was
bought in 1996 by Lambeg Parish for church extension
work. The building was demolished in early 2000 and 12
months later the present worship centre was opened in its
place. Today, the Hilden Centre runs a full programme of
worship and teaching events, a parent and toddler group, a
‘drop-in’ morning and other community based events.
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Hilden celebrates!
Canon Ken McReynolds looks on as Pat Harvey and Sister Myrtle Morrison cut theanniversary cake. Photo: John Kelly
A number of training
courses are underway in
Connor Diocese.
During October and
November, Children’s
Ministry Leaders and clergy
are invited to an evening to
discuss issues around
working with children in
church. The speaker is
Peter Hamill, diocesan
training co–ordinator, whose
topic is ‘A vital part in the
body of Christ.’
Other courses organised by
the Diocesan Training
Council include seven
evenings on Pastoral Care
delivered by Church Army
staff.
The council is running
another Equip with
Confidence course, with an
emphasis on being
confident in your faith and
sharing that faith. Belfast
Bible College is supplying
the speakers.
A youth training course is
underway, providing another
opportunity for youth
leaders (18+) to undertake
the Level 2 qualification in
youth work, while a
Children’s Ministry Course
begins on October 15.
James Lawrence (CPAS)
will be back in Connor on
November 1 to speak on
‘Changing culture in a
parish.’
Details of these and all
future training courses are
available on the Connor
diocesan website.
Training opportunitiesavailable in the diocese
TacklingleprosyDuring Lent the childrenof Potter’s House, HolyTrinity Parish,Woodburn, participatedin the ‘Helping HandsProject’ which raisesmoney for reconstructivesurgery for leprosysufferers.
The children also learnedabout leprosy and thework of the LeprosyMission. They recentlyhanded a cheque for£300 over to Mr PeterHilton from The LeprosyMission.
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Ihave been a member of St Patrick’s
since I was born. I became a
Christian more than 20 years ago,
but my walk with God has ebbed and
flowed. There were times I was
extremely close with Him and other
times so far away! When I admitted to
someone that I was a Christian I went
home and cried because back then -
and for a long time - I believed that
being a Christian was all about what
you should NOT do, and many times I
felt so inadequate.
In 1998 I suffered from anxiety and
then depression which lasted on and
off until April 1999. On April 11 1999 I
woke up and my first thought was: “I
can see clearly now the rain has
gone.” I went into work and later that
morning that song came on the radio.
The following Monday night at our
Mothers’ Union dinner, Ian Hannah
was providing the entertainment and
when he got up and said he was going
to play his favourite song ‘I can see
clearly now.’ I couldn’t see very clearly
for tears!
I kept a journal at that time and the
last words in it were “Take it back
home, the way to keep what you have
is to give it away. After every
mountain top experience the word is to
take it back home. Tell others what
God has done for you.”
.
But I was well again! For the next six
years I very much walked through the
wilderness. The pressures of life took
over, stress at work, pressures in my
marriage, and I took consolation in a
bottle or two of red wine!!! I knew it
didn’t feel right and I kept telling
myself something had to change.
In September 2005 I went to a
Mothers’ Union meeting and Beryl
Whitehead spoke about wanting a
quiet heart and a gentle spirit and I
thought - ‘that is exactly what I want!’
On December 19 2005 I was referred
with a breast lump. The consultant
was concerned. He called that
evening to tell me it was definitely
cancer and we had already an
appointment at Antrim hospital.
That evening I told those closest to
me. My daughter Hannah, then only
14, asked if she could give me my
Christmas present. I said: “I can’t
promise you anything but I can
promise I’m not going to die before
Christmas!” She replied: “That’s not
the reason, it’s because of what I’ve
bought.” It was an ‘Angel of Hope!!’
Now how could I not have hope?
I was overwhelmed by the amount of
prayers and support I received over
the next few months, more than 200
cards and messages of
encouragement and this is what held
me up in the times when I was unable
to pray myself.
Aweek after my surgery the
surgeon called us in and told us
the news was not good. I had a
very aggressive type of cancer and of
the 19 lymph nodes removed, 15 of
them were affected by cancer. I was
to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy
and take the new drug Herceptin. I
was devastated - as were my family.
When everyone went home I got out
my wee books and I read Psalm 118
vs 17 & 18: “I will not die but live and
proclaim what the Lord has done. The
Lord has chastened me severely, but
he has not given me over to death.”
I canclearly
Laverne Fillis fromSt Patrick’s,Coleraine, hasfaced manychallenges inrecent years. WithGod’s help, shecontinues toovercome these.This is her story.
A number of youth leaders from
Connor Diocese have been awarded
certificates from Youthlink NI.
The organisation held presentations
to celebrate the success of more
than 600 young people and youth
leaders who achieved accredited
qualifications through Youthlink.
The successful leaders from Connor
were: OCN Youth Work Level 2 –
Stefan Berry (Ballyclare), Chris
Hackworth (Whitehead), Ryan
Moffett (Woodburn, Carrickfergus);
OCN Youth Work Level 3 – Annie
Kidd (Glengormley), Andrew Neill
(Glenavy); OCN Outreach and
Detached Work – Gillian Millar (St
Paul’s, Belfast), Diane Rhodes (St
Paul’s, Belfast); Kairos Training the
Trainers – Catherine Little (Church
of Resurrection, Belfast).
The Ven Barry Dodds, Archdeacon
of Belfast, represented the Church of
Ireland at the event and gave out
certificates along with other leaders
from Methodist, Presbyterian and
Roman Catholic Churches.
Young people from St Paul’s, Tigers
Bay, performed worship songs as an
introduction to the event.
Peter Hamill, Connor Diocesan
Training Co-ordinator and vice-
chairperson of Youthlink NI, said: “It
is great to see so many young
people and leaders from across all
denominations achieve awards in
excellence in delivering youth work.
“It is particularly heartening to see
so many from Connor Diocese
involved and hopefully they will
encourage others to train for
leadership roles.”
Youthworkersrewarded
We are now onFacebook. Look usup at Church ofIreland Diocese of Connor.
At that time I believed that God had
chastened me but I was sure God
wasn’t going to let me die just yet.
Over the last five years there are so
many stories I could tell you, about
how God has helped me through this
journey and the healing process in
many ways. Here are just a few…
There were times when I was
disheartened and tempted to
give up. Times when I just
locked the door and asked my
husband not to let anyone in. There
are occasions when it is more
necessary to shake the patient rather
than the medicine bottle! When your
hopes seem buried and you have
nowhere to turn, isn’t that when God’s
power begins to operate in your life to
the greatest measure?
I have met some of the most amazing
people, including nurses and fellow
patients, and have made many
wonderful new friends. God always
seemed to just bring someone along
beside me when I needed them most.
During my chemotherapy I kept being
reminded to ‘rejoice in all things’.
Again there are so many examples of
this but a poignant one was when I
knew I was going to lose my hair. I
prayed a lot about this and kept
reading ‘His love endures forever’
Psalm 118 again!! When it was time I
was surprisingly prepared for it and my
wonderful hairdresser and I actually
laughed at lot, she told me “Isn’t it
great – you’re so good looking even
bald!” She had already prepared my
wig for me and many people didn’t
even notice. Another occasion soon
after, I was looking for something to
wear to a wedding and being so
conscious of my legs I was fretting
about getting something that would
cover them. The day I planned to go, I
read Psalm139 and the explanation
read: “You were deliberately planned,
specifically gifted, and lovingly
positioned on this earth by the Master
Craftsman…..” In a system that ranks
the value of a human being by the
figures of his salary or the shape of
her legs. Let me tell you Jesus’ plan
is a reason for joy! How amazing is
this.
My fears about breast cancer
are far from over and there are
no guarantees, and just
because I walk closely with God and
my relationship with Him is good does
not mean life will not still have its
struggles, but what I have learned
over the past five years is that the God
I believe in is a forgiving and loving
God and he uses every circumstance
to bring us closer to Him. Ecclesiastes
7:14 says: “When times are good, be
happy but when times are bad
consider that God has made one as
well as the other.”
Although I do not know what the future
holds… I certainly know who holds the
future.
Laverne is married to Russell and is mum
to Christopher and Hannah, and
grandmother to Max. She is Parish
Administrator at St Patrick’s and St
Andrew’s, Coleraine. This article first
appeared in St Patrick’s Parish magazine.
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Forty nine members of the
Church of Ireland Men’s
Society travelled to Derry by
train for their annual outing.
Their first stop was the
Derry and Raphoe
Diocesan Centre for tea and
coffee. Bishop Ken Good
and Dean William Morton
made the visitors welcome
before they proceeded to
the newly renovated St
Columb’s Cathedral where
final landscaping was being
completed before the
Service of Thanksgiving and
Dedication for the
Cathedral.
A Service of Holy
Communion was conducted
by Bishop Ken Good
assisted by Dean Morton
and CIMS Secretary, the
former Dean of Armagh,
and now Bishop of Tuam,
Killala and Achonry, the Rt
Rev Patrick Rooke. Organ
accompaniment for the
hymns was provided by the
Dean who climbed the spiral
staircase to the organ loft at
the appropriate times.
After the service the group
went to St Augustine’s
Parish Hall where the
Ladies’ Guild provided soup
and sandwiches, before
meeting Martin McCrossan
who led a whirlwind tour of
the centre of Derry and the
Walls.
The tour finished at the
Guildhall where the group
was met by the Mayor,
Maurice Devenney, before
their evening meal.
During dinner a
presentation was made to
Bishop Rooke, who was
leaving the Society when
consecrated as Bishop.
Connor branches who took
part in the outing included
All Saints, Eglantine; St
Mark’s, Ballymacash; St
John’s, Malone; Church of
the Evangelist, Carnmoney;
Cloughfern and Agherton,
Portstewart.
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EiGHtEEN
Abeach holiday in Belfast?! The grouped parishes of
St Aidan and St Mary Magdalene made the
impossible possible when they created a sandy
oasis in the inner city for a week in July.
The parishes literally hauled tons of sand into Sandy Row
to form a beach for the young and not so young to enjoy
as the summer holidays kicked off.
Mission Beach was launched on the night of June 30,
when the whole community was invited to celebrate the
start of the school break with a barbecue and party on the
beach in Blythe Street. Literally hundreds turned up!
The idea of bringing a beach into the heart of Belfast
became a real possibility when a team of 30 young adults
from Global Expeditions, USA, offered to come and
partner St Aidan and St Mary Magdalene in mission for
10 days.
A piece of waste ground was donated by Academy Print,
along with 40 tons of sand from a parishioner who works
in the building world. The project received funding from
some individuals and the Priorities Fund, and great
support from parishioners and members of Boring Wells,
as well as food in gospel proportions and plenty of
buckets and beach toys.
Mission Beach was open from June 30 to July 5, and
each day the beach came alive with parents and children
enjoying buckets and spades and paddling pools, while
music played in the background and new murals were
created.
The beach activities were accompanied by a children’s
holiday club, afternoon tea in both churches for the senior
citizens, a bus run to Lady Dixon Park to hear the
Templemore Silver Band, and teams of people doing
‘random acts of kindness’ around the parishes.
All of this was set in glorious sunshine over just five days
in the midst of the marching season, when riots in Belfast
again made the global news.
Adrian McCartney, Parish Outreach Coordinator, said:
“The clergy, select vestries and congregations of St Aidan
and St Mary Magdalene have created a new memory at a
time when our city was once again marred by conflict.”
Life’s a beach!
Mens’ Society members in the Guildhall. Photo by Arthur Macartney
CIMS outing to Londonderry
youtH / MiSSioN
coNNor coNNEctioNS
NiNEtEEN
One of the pressing issues
facing many parishes in
Connor Diocese is how to
engage with young people. The
Energize Project, set up by Bishop
Alan, has been looking at developing
events, training and new initiatives to
help clergy, youth leaders and young
people get to grips with the complex
but exciting opportunities to work with
today’s youth.
The Energize group is chaired by
Keith Neill (Lisburn Cathedral) with a
working group consisting of Peter
Hamill (diocesan training co-ordinator),
the Rev Adrian Dorrian (St Peter & St
James), Sharon Hamill (CIYD), the
Rev Peter Ferguson (St Nicholas’) and
Stuart Moles (SEELB).
Building on two years of consultations,
events and training, the programme for
the coming year will support,
encourage and give everyone a real
sense of direction. The aim is to
ensure youth leaders feel valued and
to equip them with the knowledge and
skills to deliver exciting, challenging
programs. Planned events include:
October 19 - Energize the Soul in
Antrim Civic Centre for youth leaders
and volunteers to take time out, hear
what God is saying and find a support
network across the diocese.
November 16 - Come Dine with Me at
Drumsilly Hotel when Bishop Alan and
the Energize group will enjoy
fellowship with full and part time youth
workers in the diocese.
February 6 2012 - Refresh the Soul
with Bishop Ken Clarke.
A youth evening will take place in
Lisburn Cathedral. Energize Worship
begins at 6pm on November 20. This
year’s speaker this year is Greg
Fromholz (3Rock Youth Dublin) and
the theme is HOPE. Leading the
worship will be Bean Baker and his
Band, who led the youth celebrations
at New Wine Sligo this summer.
On Saturday March 10 2012 a Hear
Our Voice youth conference will take
place in St Anne’s Cathedral when
parishes will be invited to send two
youth leaders/clergy and three young
people to look at the issues, the needs
and direction the diocese needs to
take to minister in an effective,
meaningful and challenging way to a
disengaged generation.
There will be an evening celebration
when clergy, vestries and parents can
come along to see and hear some of
the findings of the conference.
Energize also hopes to hold Easter
Worship at St Nicholas’ with the Mark
Ferguson Band. Date to be arranged.
Keith Neill said: “These events are a
great initiative to get our young people
together, to be part of the wider church
family and build the foundations for a
growing and important Youth Ministry
in Connor.”
During June 2011 the Rev Jim Carson,
Stanley Gamble and Chris Orr from
St Paul’s Parish, Lisburn, visited
Kajiado Diocese, Kenya, where they
linked up with Ronnie Briggs from
Church Mission Society Ireland.
St Paul’s has an ongoing partnership
with Kajiado, a group visited Kenya in
2009 and a Kajiado team was in
Lisburn in 2010. Another visit to Kenya
is planned for next July.
The team saw some of the projects
the parish has been supporting,
including Oloosuyian School for
Maasai Girls. Here the parish has
funded a water-pump and pump
house. The team presented a plaque
honouring Mabel Morrison whose son
Mark Jamison had raised a large
proportion of the money in her
memory.
The motorbikes bought by the parish
in 2009 are having an impact in parish
ministry in remote areas. The team
learned that each bike had covered up
to 17,000 kilometres, contributing to
church extension and helping local
communities.
The team also viewed a site in
Oltiasika where St Paul’s hopes to
contribute to the building of a church.
This was an opportunity to meet local
church people to talk about the plans
for the project which will cost an
estimated £15,000.
Mr Carson said: “This is an exciting
partnership which has brought
together people from two different
parts of the world in fellowship through
working together and has helped
people both in Kenya and Ireland grow
in faith.”
Partnership helps people grow in faith
The team from St Paul’s sees how the motorbikesthe parish purchased are impacting in rural areas.
Energizing ideas!
E s t . 1 6 6 9 - C h u r c h o f I r e l a n d M a n a g e m e n t
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