CARRIGROHANE UNION OF PARISHESSt Peter’s, Carrigrohane

St Senan’s, InniscarraThe Church of the Resurrection, Blarney

www.carrigrohaneunionofparishes.ie021-4877260

July/August 2012Sunday Services

in July and August:St Peter’s, Carrigrohane –

9.30am every SundaySt Senan’s Inniscarra – 11.30am on

the second and fourth Sundays.The Church of the Resurrection,

Blarney 11am every Sunday exceptthe first of each month.

The Parish Centre 11am (coffee at10.30) Church Hill, Carrigrohane on the

first Sunday of each month.Please see the website for details.Xperimental—5.30-7.30pm onSunday 29 July in Parish Centre

Blarney Summer Holiday Club 'On YourMarks' runs from 17th -20th July in Scoil

Mhuire Gan Smal, Blarney for anyprimary school aged children.

Booking has begun and forms can bedownloaded from the website orobtained from the parish office.

Youth Café willbe up and runningagain on Tuesday andFriday afternoons from6th July until 10th

August. All offers ofhelp for the team orfor baking to Matt &Katie please!

Wednesday 25th July is the summertimeSeniors’ Lunch

in the Parish Centre at 1pm.Please phone in (or email) to say if you’d

like to book a place (4877260).The lunch will be preceded by a service of

Holy Communion at 12 noon in the meetingroom and everyone’s welcome to that too.

Family Fun Afternoon& Fund-raiser…

on Saturday 28th July from 3.30-5.30pmin the Parish Centre

...see inside for details!

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Dear Friends, STAND YOUR GROUND - NO SURRENDER

On a simply perfect summer’s evening a musical feast was celebrated in St Senan’s Inniscarra.Within a 10 kilometre radius, talent with astonishing quality had been gathered and over€2000 was raised to be shared between Bothar and our church extension It was an eveningthat will stand out long in the memory and thanks go to all those who organised & contributedto a great weekend.

Our own Inniscarra Choir introduced us to a Celtic song that for many of us was new: “StandYour Ground,” sounds as if it is straight out of Ulster where for generations the rally cry frommany Protestants has been “No Surrender”. In fact the song has the very same words:

Stand your ground, stand your ground …We all cry, “No surrender!”

We all cry, “No retreat!”

The author, Joe King, is actually an American of Spanish descent – not a drop of orange bloodin him! The song is simply an uplifting exultation to be strong with God in the midst of life’sbattles. It’s a song for us all.

While the cry of “No Surrender” was resounding around Carrigrohane Union (the InniscarraChoir repeated it at the United Celebration a week later), the annual cry that is heard at July12th celebrations in N Ireland has become muted in recent years and hopefully 2012 will be noexception. The realisation has come – for which we thank God - that there are times when ourhardened positions become someone else’s problem - the reality is that we all have to surren-der something of our cherished positions if we are to co-exist. And maybe that can be said ofthe current debate in the C of I about human sexuality... Joe King speaks about leading us tothe "crucifixion tree". Whatever the legitimate passion each side has in this debate, there isnothing more passionate than Christ’s rule of love in His people and the need to surrender toHim.

PeopleAs I write there is much excitement at the prospect of Helen Lane’s wedding to James Fleury.We pray that they will continue to grasp ”how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ”as they begin their new lives in Naas and we thank Helen so much for all she has a given us inthe Union of the Churches.

Please keep in your prayers Muriel Dawkins, our oldest member of Blarney Church, who is inSt Finbarre’s stroke unit: please also remember Eileen Moore (also from Blarney) as she andher family mourn the loss of Billy, the Cubit family from Ovens on the death of Brian after along illness, and Heather Cochrane on the death of her life-long friend Moyra in Northern Ire-land.

Summer and AutumnThanks to everyone for all the work and creativity that has gone into the all the different min-istries over the last nine months or so, the most recent of which was the Men’s breakfast andthe clean-up in St Peters (thank you to everyone). There is still much to look forward to e.g.the Holiday Club, the Youth Café, and a special Family Fund Raiser, but most of all I hope thatall of us will get some rest and be able to sit back – in fact “Stand Your Ground “ and say NOto the clamour to be doing all the time.!

Every prayer and blessing,

Ian

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Kenyan Christian Fellowship Group – Naomi Kagari

A word of gratitude to Ian and the Parish vestry for facilitating a meeting venue(Carrigrohane Parish Hall) for the group.

The formation of the group - The group germinated from seeds sown during myinteraction with African mothers in focus group discussions for my research work on thep s y c h o s o c i a l w e l l b e i n g o f A f r i c a n c h i l d r e n i n I r e l a n d .A key theme with the mothers was a sense that they operated in a fragmented socialfabric stripped of support networks, and familiar cultural frameworks. A key finding wasthat African cultural framework mediated their experiences on the most part – helped tomake sense of their mundane activities/interactions. Conversations were in the lines of –‘in Africa, children....’, ‘here in Ireland, children do.....’, ‘our African children stillknow....’, The old and familiar was drawn upon in the unfamiliar surroundings to makesense of new to new experiences and bring a sense of normality.The discussions gave the women space to be themselves; to relate in familiar ways withthe associated sense of security; and a sense of real community of shared conscious-ness. They expressed a need to continue with some sort of meeting which brings meback to the beginning – the seed of the fellowship idea. All women were Christians andtherefore the idea of a forming a fellowship group/support group was floated.

Currently, the group meets twice a month in the parish centre on a Saturday from 2-6p.m. Initially, it started with a group of eight mothers and their children. Gradually, thehusbands joined in and the group is growing, but numbers fluctuate because of workcommitments. Our main objective is to grow and support each other socially, financially,emotionally and spiritually and, most importantly, to lean on God’s word in trying tomake sense of lived experiences. It is a social space based on shared experiences &shared understandings of being Christian mothers, wives, sisters; coping with the chal-lenges/opportunities associated with race, ethnicity, culture, migration and transnation-alism; and negotiation between Kenyan and Irish cultural patterns and practices particu-larly in: family structures and dynamics; child rearing practices; culturally endorsedlifestyle behaviours; rites of passage etc. God has given all of us gifts – and we aim tobring these together and benefit from each other’s gifts.

How do I see this relating to Mission connect 2012? - As evidenced in the variousother groups run by the parish such as youth leadership groups, it has been amazing tosee how changes have unfolded amongst the group members. It has become threehours of catching-up with each other’s news, updates on news from Kenya, refresh-ments, and worship (in local languages). There is no one leader in the group and every-one takes a turn in facilitating the fellowship. Everyone is given a voice and this sense ofagency has had a great impact in creating a sense of trust, belonging and ownership ofthe group. The central theme of connect 2012 is outreach. As a member of theCarrigrohane parish, reaching out in this way and being part of this journey of social,emotional and spiritual healing has to be a part of this mission.

Future Direction – So far the group has started with those who are familiar and thereis a challenge to get to know those that are not familiar because it’s only in doing thisthat they become familiar to us. Hopefully, the group will expand to include people fromother African countries as well as members of the parish union of churches.

I thank all those who have supported our fellowship group through facilitation andprayers and would appreciate your continued prayers as we grow.

Thank you, Naomi

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This is Heather Carlton being interviewed byReg Bailey, the Chief Executive of Mothers’Union—on why she became a member.At 21, single mum Heather is not at first glancea typical Mothers’ Union member. But forHeather the values of supporting parents andfamilies, of fellowship, and of reaching out toothers in her community, were just what shefelt she needed. She joined Mothers’ Union atthe invitation of her Nana, who paid for herfirst year of membership. To her surprise she

found the support and advice of the inter-generational local branch was really helpful as shecoped with juggling parenthood and studying at University.Heather speaks at branches and area meetings to encourage older members to engage withyounger people and invite them to membership. She goes into Christian Unions at collegesand sixth forms to explain about Mothers’ Union, and she’s a keen volunteer in the VirtualBabies Project which gives secondary school students virtual babies to look after over aweekend. Having been a teenage mum she is able to answer lots of questions and relate tothe young people.Read also about Nawal George who set up a Mothers’ Union group in Baghdad and works tobring community cohesion in this difficult city, or Laurette Totomarovario who is a commu-nity development officer in Madagasca—and other great stories! Patsy

Parish Contacts:Rector: Canon Ian Jonas – 4871106 email: rector@carrigrohaneunionofparishes.ie

Parish Office: 4877260 (Mon-Fri mornings) email: parishoffice@carrigrohaneunionofparishes.ieYouth Workers: Matt Gould: 085 1080067 & Katie Gould: 085 1080030)

email: mattandkatiegould@yahoo.co.ukParish website: www.carrigrohaneunionofparishes.ie

We change the answer machine message at the beginning of each week—and include the times of the services for the following Sunday.

‘The seeds wesow…’ the annualreview title forMothers’ Union

2012

June 16th was the General Meeting for the Mothers’ Union—the big annual get together toinform and inspire members and friends. This year it was in Llandudno, Wales—and it wasthe final of my 6 years as Faith & Policy Unit Co-ordinator...the last biggie!This year was planned slightly differently—with no outside VIP speaker. Instead we heardstories of members around the world—what’s really going on—and it was very inspiring andencouraging. If any of us went along flagging a little—we came away with new enthusiasmand much gratitude! By going on to www.themothersunion.org—and clicking on the ‘HELP USGROW’ picture that you see at the top of this page you can read some of the stories weheard. Here’s just a taste:

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Confirmation for Young People and AdultsIf you are interested in being confirmed some time in 2013 please have a word with meby September. Young people must be entering second year at secondary school in theautumn of 2013.

Adults who have not been confirmed and would like to express their commitment toChrist in a new way, may also like to have a chat with me about what is involved.

Safeguarding Trust TrainingIf you are interested in being trained in child protection issues for work with under 18’sthen please have a word with me. Ian

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE AUTUMNConnect 2012 EventsWe continue to build on the February week with several autumn events. Dates arebeing finalised but they include:• A Pet Service• A Café Church focussing on all God’s creatures

Welcome Bishop Ken and Mrs Mary GoodWe look forward to welcoming Bishop Ken Good and his wife Mary who celebrate 35years of marriage by preaching in St Peter's (where they were married) at the Unionharvest service in the afternoon of Sunday 14th October.

PLEASE NOTE !!!!This is a great opportunity to use Ken’s wonderful teaching gifts to stretch us andencourage us and so the United Celebration on the 7th October is transferred to themorning of 14th October. Services on the 7th October will follow the second Sundayservice pattern.

PaintingParty !

Saturday 21st July—from 10am

Come along and help paint theMinister’s House in Blarney readyfor Robert’s arrival. Paintsuppl ied—bring your ownbrushes/rollers. It would be greatto know who can come—and forwhat time—so please call Richard& Sylvia on 7332947 to let themknow.

A special time in Blarney with growth group &friends, as Judith re-affirmed her

baptismal vows in June.

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A Family Fun AfternoonSaturday July 28th, 3.30–5.30pmCarrigrohane Union Parish Centre

A Fundraiser to support Jane Moffatt going to Mozambique with Habitat for Humanity,Mothers’ Union Projects (Home & Overseas) & Caitlin Jonas joining Team on Mission

2012/13 (Methodist Youth Department)Something for everyone: Teddy Bears’ Picnic, including ‘Best Dressed Teddy’, face painting,refreshments, cakes & produce/plant stall, Youth Space with wii, Mini Olympics & parachute

games on the rectory garden. (outside activities weather dependent).For further information contact Gail Jonas on 021 4871106. We are fundraising for:

Habitat for Humanity(Jane Moffatt)Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976,seeks to eliminate poverty around theworld and to make decent housing amatter of conscience and action. At thecore of Habitat’s mission is the conviction that access to affordable shelter is a basic humanright. Habitat is committed to working with people of all backgrounds, races and religions inthe fight against poverty.Habitat for Humanity does not build houses for people, it builds with them working togetherwith homeowners and volunteers to construct, renovate, or refurbish homes using dona-tions of money, land and materials. Once completed houses are sold to partner families atno profit, providing a hand up rather than a hand out. Habitat for Humanity Ireland hassent over 1700 volunteers from Ireland to over 20 countries around the world. Volunteerstravel for up to 2 weeks to the host country, helping with the construction of the localhouses, getting to know the local communities and cultures and raising funds to supportHabitat’s projects. Habitat also works to address inadequate housing in Ireland working inpartnership with Dublin City Council, local government authorities, other non-profitorganisations and communities to build and renovate houses in Dublin to allow low incomefamilies the opportunity to buy their own home.Jane says, “When visiting anothercountry we usually observe from theoutside. However actually living andworking alongside the family andcommunity really puts the challengesfaced by the people of Mozambique intoperspective. I will be leading a team of10 volunteers to Mozambique 11 – 25August to spend two weeks diggingfoundations, mixing cement and plaster-ing walls alongside a Habitat forHumanity partner family who will moveinto their new home once it is com-pleted.” Here’s Jane –…on a previousadventure—working in Zambia!

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Team on Mission (TOM) - Caitlin JonasTeam on Mission is a gap year programme that has been running for over 23 years. Ithas a focus on Youth and children’s ministry, but works with the whole church. It is ayear to give oneself to God to useyou and challenge you and shinehis light through you.There are two types of team, atravelling team who are invited bychurches all around Ireland foranything from a weekend to amonth to do youth and children’smissions and the other team isbased in one church or project fora year.I will be on the travelling team

with three other girls. I really wanted to be on thisteam as it seems to be such an amazing opportunityto really see all that God is doing in our own countryand also to have the honour of being a part of such amovement.We will be involved in all sorts of activities includingassemblies in schools, community projects, kids clubs,youth events, from drop ins to youth fellowships.It is going to be exciting to meet other churches andhelp them where ever we are needed. It is a realchance to just dive into the work God has grown andbe a part of the planting and watering of seed allacross Ireland.

Mothers' Union is an international Christian charity that seeks to supportfamilies worldwide. In 83 countries, our members share one heartfelt vision - to bringabout a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing rela-tionships.With a membership of 4 million, Mothers' Union provides a network through whichmembers can serve Christ in their own community - through prayer, financial supportand actively working at the grassroots level in programmes that meet local needs. Welobby local and national governments on issues affecting family life and campaign tochallenge legislation that neglects the vulnerable and marginalised. We are alsorepresented at the United NationsCommission on the Status of Women. You can read more about our work at;

http://www.themothersunion.org/.This fundraising is to support localprojects – and is in celebration of 125years of Mothers’ Union in Ireland!

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This year’s Sheep’s Head Hike for Christian Aid will happen on

Saturday 1st September, beginning at 11:00 am at the KilcrohaneCommunity Centre. There will be two routes: route 1 is a strenuous hill walk of 10kmand route 2 is a moderately easy walk of 5km. this is a major fund raising event for thework of Christian Aid and all funds raise on the day will go towards Christian Aid partners inthe development world For information or sponsorship forms contact the Christian Aid Corkoffice on 023 88 41468 or email Cork@christian-aid.org or you can register online atwww.christianaid.ie/getinvolved/trekking/sheeps-head-walk.aspx

The new Children's Ministry Certificate course will run one Saturdaymorning a month from 10am to 1pm at St Luke’s Education Centre, Northridge House,Mahon, Cork except for Sat 24th November as that is the day of the Building BlocksConference in Dublin.The dates are 20th October, 24th November (Building Blocks Conference, Dublin),24th November, 8th December, 19th January 2013, 16th February, 9th March, and 20thApril. Booking forms will be available in the parish in August. Please contact the parishoffice or speak to Ian if you’d like to know more!

Advance notice of a 7 weekParenting Group starting Thursday 27thSeptember at 8pm in Carrigrohane Parish Centre.Details and bookings—contact the parish office on4877260 or email parishoffice@carrigrohaneunionofparishes.ie

Carrigrohane School of Ballet enrolment for 2012-2013 classes takes placeon Wednesday 5th September at 3pm in the Parish Centre. Phone 086 8056088 for moreinformation.

Blarney in Bloom—a Summer Garden Fair on Saturday 14th July from10am-5pm in Blarney Castle. Entry 5 euro (children under 12 go free) - includes access toCastle Gardens. Specialist plant nurseries, gardening displays, arts & crafts, farmers’ mar-ket, birds of prey, children's entertainment—A fun day out for all the family.In aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Also in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind—the Annual Family Dog Walkbeing held in Farran Wood at 11am onWednesday 4th July.Everyone is welcome to come...walk...sponsor!

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