greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay...
TRANSCRIPT
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15: 13
Dear friends,
Journalist John Robson wrote in the Niagara Falls
Review's editorial page, "Recently, I heard someone
ask how long we had to keep up this Remembrance
Day stuff. The short answer is as long as those guys
in the war graves stay dead and I'm free because of
it.”
Those words really stopped me in my tracks as I con-
sidered the simplicity of, and yet the power, of the
argument. Countless thousands literally left these
shores never to return. Countless thousands fought
and returned, never to be the same again, scarred
physically and emotionally. Countless thousands
relive the horrors of war on a daily basis, never able
to escape their own personal ongoing battles. Yes,
we should keep up “this Remembrance Day stuff.”
It is unimaginable what life might be like for us today
were it not for the faceless heroes who gave their
lives in service of their country and humanity. We
may not know their names and we may not know
their stories, but we do know that their sacrifice
brought freedom for us.
And of course this language of sacrifice points us to
one who gave up his life on the cross so that we
might walk free without fear of condemnation. He
was without blemish or sin. He went to the cross in
obedience to His Father’s will. He hung on the cross
and pleaded for His Father to forgive us. He paid the
price for our sin and cried out with his final breath,
“It is finished.”
As long as we remain free, we must continue to
remember.
Your friend
Geoff
Pastoral visitors are people who seek to LISTEN, LOVE and PRAY with others in the name of Jesus. We listen to God and to one another, love God and one another and we pray for and with one another. As part of our Church Vision, we have arranged training for those who feel that they would like to be part of a team which complements the work of the clergy through visitation.
Over the course of two evenings we will look at the following topics:
Session 1 - Introduction to Pastoral Care Session 2 - Listening Skills Session 3 - Connecting Care and Discipleship Session 4 - Importance of Prayer
Training will take place on Thursday 23rd November and Thursday 30th November from 7.45pm - 9.00pm in the Clayton Hall and will be delivered by Revd Clare Kakuru from The Church on The Hill, Maghaberry. If you would like more information about the training, please don’t hesitate to contact Geoff on 028 9269 2275.
Hairspray sing-a-long on Friday 10th November at 7.30pm in the Cathedral Hall. Everyone welcome (children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult). Dress for the occasion!! Come along, join in the fun and enjoy some popcorn and milkshakes. Proceeds to Girls' Brigade and Dromore High School Kenya Trip.
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Christian care for families
This year the focus is on the issue of stigma, where society responds negatively to, or by blaming those who are, victims of gender-based violence. Members and others around the world are called upon to talk about gender-based vio-lence, and challenge myths and harmful attitudes around it.
Break the silence surrounding gender-based violence.
Lift the shame which is often placed unfairly on survivors, and
Shift the blame from victim to perpetrator.
This 16 Days of Activism, Mothers’ Union is calling for an end to Gender Based Violence and the stigma that surrounds it.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is 25th November 2017 and the 16 days campaign runs until 10th December which is International Hu-man Rights Day. Throughout the campaign, members join together with one voice, to raise awareness of and call for an end to gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies. Mothers’ Union supports the 16 Days of Activism campaign which we believe reflects the heart of our vision – that of a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relation-ships.
Prayer Breakfast in Rockmount Golf Club: on Saturday morning 18th November at 10am finishing 12.30pm. This is a Down and Dromore Diocesan event. A speaker from PSNI will highlight the local situation with regard to violence against women. Providing an opportunity to meet with MU members from around the Diocese, cost is £6 per person and members will leave from the car park at 9.15am. Please let Helen know in advance if you intend to go.
Women’s Aid: November is the time when gifts for the women and children who will spend Christmas in the local Women’s Aid shelter are collected. Over the years we have delivered many bags of gifts that have been donated by our MU branch members and anyone else from the congregation who wishes to contrib-ute. Items that not only bring cheer at Christmas but are useful when setting up home are always needed. Toys and clothing for children of all ages, toileteries, towels, bed clothes, treats etc are welcome. These can be wrapped with a label to indicate what’s inside or they can be left unwrapped. Please leave these with Jill in the Church office throughout the month of November or bring them along on Saturday 18 November.
Advent Lunch - Sunday 3rd December at 1pm: For MU members and ALL of the congregation! Arrangements are not yet confirmed, but please let Helen know if you that you are interested in attending. Venue, cost, menu etc available later.
We at Dromore Cathedral have been so privileged to have had Bishop Justin with us over our Harvest Vision weekend. It was very clear that Bishop Justin’s knowledge of God as protector and provider is very real. It came across clearly that the church is central to the prosperity of South Sudan. They continue to share the love of Christ in word as well as deed – equipping evangelists, discipling new believers and raising up the church leaders of the future.
In thinking of this I was reminded of verses in Ephesians 4.11-13
It was Christ himself who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
I began to think that one of the frustrating and challenging things about DC Rock teachers is that we need more!
Don’t be put off by thinking you couldn’t do that, think on the following…
The children are charming: They will add to your character, expand your hori-zons and really help grow your faith – you need them in your life!
The lessons and activities are fun: They will challenge your thinking, give you new ways of sharing your faith, and deepen your own relationship with Jesus Christ. Sermons won’t be missed: Electronic ways for you to “catch up” on sermons etc i.e. can be provided.
The teamwork is uplifting: DC Rock leaders will hopefully delight and encour-age and help you. We will be so glad to see you volunteer to help.
Finally -You promised: Every time a child is Baptised the congregation is asked basically - if we promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, with love and prayer, encouraging them to know and follow Christ and to become faithful members of his church? Volunteering to help with DC Rock is a terrific way to make good on this vital promise.
If this article has made you think about helping us please let us know and an appointment will be made for an initial interview - you will be provided with all the information you will need. An Access NI disclosure form will have to be completed so that an Enhanced Disclosure certificate can be issued. Safe-guarding Trust training will be provided - all must be completed prior to working with the children and young people.
Every Blessing.
Margaret Bailie
Cathedral Hall Friday 17th November 2017
at 8pm
There will be something for all ages and all interests.
Come along as a team (maximum 6 per table) or come and join a team and
enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.
Refreshments served during interval and prizes to be won
£5 per person
The Cathedral will be open daily Mon-day to Friday during December (up to Friday 22nd) from 11.00am to 1.00pm. We welcome anyone in the community, local or a visitor, to our his-torical building. Can you help by being a friendly face in the Cathedral in any time slot during December? If so, please sign the rota which will be in the Tower Porch towards the end of No-vember or contact the Cathedral Office.
Our Verger, Charlie Sherwin, has re-tired following 30 years service in the Cathedral. Our photo shows Charlie with gifts presented on the occasion by Agnes Thompson, member of the Select Vestry, Gareth Lough, Rector’s Churchwarden and the Rector. We all wish Charlie every blessing in what we trust will be a long and happy retirement.
The Cathedral Church of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore
Sexton (Part-time)
The Select Vestry is seeking to appoint a Part-time sexton (15 hours per week) with responsibility for regular cleaning and light maintenance.
For further details and an Application Form,
please contact:
Miss Nan McMurray
(Hon. Treasurer/Human Resources)
Email: honorarytreasurer @ dromorecathedral.co.uk
T.N. 028 3832 7856
Closing date for receipt of Applications:
12 noon Friday 17th November 2017
General Fund 2017/18 2016/17 Week 23 3rd 1,323.70 1,441.50 Week 24 10th 2,010.82 1,272.15 Week 25 17th 1,772.80 873.50 Week 26 24th 2,999.10 2,258.70 Total to date £41,752.75 £32,977.40
Development Fund Month 6 September 779.25 772.50 Total to date £5,052.75 £4,950.05
1st October Seth Mackey, Mossvale Meadows, Dromore
“By your prayers and example, by your teaching and love, will you encourage this child in the life and faith of the Christian Community?”
20th October Michael Creagh Bland, Oakhill Road, Dromore 21st October Martha (Myrtle) Purdy, Greenogue Road, Dromore
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. They are blessed indeed, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labours.”
Across
1 He was replaced as king of Judah by his uncle Mattaniah (2 Kings 24:17) (10)
7 ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... who for the joy set before him — the cross’ (Hebrews 12:2) (7)
8 Relieved (5)
10 Impetuous (Acts 19:36) (4)
11 Surprised and alarmed (Luke 24:37) (8)
13 ‘It is — for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God’ (Mark 10:25) (6)
15 Directions for the conduct of a church service (6)
17 One of the acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19) (8)
18 and 20 Down ‘She began to wet his — with her tears. Then she wiped them with her — ’ (Luke 7:38) (4,4)
21 ‘We will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an — , — the last trumpet’ (1 Corinthians 15:51–52) (3,2)
22 ‘But he replied, “Lord, I am — — go with you to prison and to death”’ (Luke 22:33) (5,2)
23 Third person of the Trinity (2 Corin-thians 13:14) (4,6)
Down
1 He betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3) (5)
2 Paul’s assurance to the Philippian jailer: ‘Don’t — yourself! We are all here!’ (Acts 16:28) (4)
3 ‘Fear God and keep his command-ments, for this — the whole — of man’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13) (2,4)
4 The sort of giver God loves (2 Corin-thians 9:7) (8)
5 Sun rail (anag.) (7)
6 Naboth, the ill-fated vineyard owner, was one (1 Kings 21:1) (10)
9 Paul said of young widows, ‘When their sensual desires overcome their — to Christ, they want to marry’ (1 Timothy 5:11) (10)
12 This was how Joseph of Arimathea practised his discipleship ‘because he feared the Jews’ (John 19:38) (8)
14 Mop ruse (anag.) (7)
16 Foment (Philippians 1:17) (4,2)
19 Where Joseph and Mary escaped to with the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:14) (5)
20 See 18 Across
Crèche: Helen Forsythe 028 9269 2110 Refreshments: Colin Barr 07791173237 Readers: Office 028 9269 3968 Flowers for November arranged by Mrs Lisa Howard 028 9269 9320 Monthly Flower Lists contact Caroline Wallace 028 9269 3506
Thank you for your willingness to serve in these ways. If you are unable to fulfil your role on a particular Sunday, please arrange a swap and let the relevant co-ordinator know.
Flowers Lisa Howard
Miss A Thompson
Miss N McMurray
Mrs W Tate Mrs S Aiken
Crèche H Forsythe H Patterson
L Howard D Mackey
S Shepherd C Cuthbert
M Mack G Hyde
Refreshments S McCorkell J McMurray
C Wallace W Tate
C Barr M Mack
K Buchanan M Brown
Sound S Newell H Wallace B Mackey S Newell
Reader 8.30 Preacher Preacher Preacher Preacher
Reader 11.30 C Mackey J McCorkell J Reain G Lough
Reader 6.00 B Forsythe G Lough P Cherry H Forsythe
Thank you to everyone who was involved with providing fruit, vegetables and flowers and also those who participated in helping in any way to decorate the Church for Harvest which looked outstanding.
Thank you also to all who provided flowers and the team who arranged them throughout the year.
Caroline Wallace
November Diary Dates
Monday 30th Oct. 7.30 History Reading Group Clayton Hall
Thursday 2nd 2.30 Monthly Service Mountvale NH
Wednesday 8th 8.00 Parish Bible Class Clayton Hall
Friday 10th 7.30 Girls’ Brigade - ‘Hairspray’ Cathedral Hall
Friday 17th 8.00 Big Parish Table Quiz Cathedral Hall
Saturday 18th 10.00 MU Prayer Breakfast Rockmount Golf Club
Monday 20th 7.30 Select Vestry Meeting Clayton Hall
Thursday 23rd 7.45 Pastoral Care Team Training Clayton Hall
Thursday 30th 7.45 Pastoral Care Team Training Clayton Hall
Friday 1st Dec. 10.30 Cathedral Life Team Clayton Hall
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Cathedral for their abundance of harvest donations. The fresh food was given out to those in the community and the vegetables were turned into delicious soup in our coffee shop for lunches and has been frozen for our emergency food and Dare 2 Care next month. We are so grate-ful for your support! We are hosting a half-term Frozen Movie Night on the 1st No-vember. We would like to invite all 7-13 year olds (under 7 are welcome also, but must be accompanied by an adult) to come along and join us for a night of craft and activities, topped off with a sing-a-long to the Frozen classic. It will be held in the Elim Church and begins at 6.30pm. Tickets are £7 and this includes entry fee, crafts, activities, popcorn and a drink. Tickets can be bought in Hope & Soul, or you can contact Chelsey on [email protected] or 028 9269 8378.
All Leprosy Mission boxes should be returned to Tommy Wilson or left in the church porch as soon as possible. If you are contributing by cheque, please make cheque payable to Dromore Cathedral. If you would like to support Leprosy Mission by re-ceiving a Mission Box, please get in touch with Tommy and he will arrange it. Thanks.
The Leprosy Mission can benefit from used postage stamps. Please collect your stamps, especially during the Christmas period, and put them in the box provided in the Church porch.
8.30 Holy Communion
10.00 Cathedral Praise
11.30 Holy Communion
6.00 Evening Epilogue Service
8.30 Holy Communion
9.45 Cathedral Praise Please note time!
10.45 War Memorial - 2 minutes silence at 11.00
11.30 A Service of Remembrance
6.00 Holy Communion
8.30 Holy Communion
10.00 Cathedral Praise with Holy Communion
11.30 Morning Prayer
6.00 Evening Epilogue Service
8.30 Holy Communion
10.00 Cathedral Praise
11.30 Morning Prayer
6.00 Evening Epilogue Service
Sincere thanks to those associated with the successful Coffee Morning which was held on Friday, 29th September in the Clayton Hall. We also thank all who baked, gave donations of food / money and all who supported the event on the morning.
The total raised amounted to £585 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
What an incredible weekend of events and services we enjoyed as we celebrated God’s vision for the Cathedral and his faithful provision for each of our needs once more. Our photographs on the back page give a flavour of the weekend, and illus-trate the whole range of activities which we engaged in. Sincere thanks are due to the Events Steering Group Jane Russell, Wendy Tate and Bill Forsythe who worked tirelessly and creatively to organise all of events outside of Church services; we are deeply indebted to you all! And sincere thanks to…. 1 Our wonderful team who decorated the church so, so beautifully and wasn’t it great to be able to do so a little earlier than is our custom to enable many more people to enjoy the labours of their hands; 2 Those who gave so generously in providing all of the produce which was used to decorate the church to enable our celebrations to be more heartfelt and authentic through visible reminders of God’s faithfulness; 3 Orly, the Choir, Ruth and the Music Group for coming together and leading us so powerfully in worship; 4 Bishop Justin for such a powerful message at both the morning and evening celebrations which we can now use as a secure platform on which to build our partnership; 5 Our huge team of incredible volunteers who worked behind the scenes to deliver what will be a weekend we will be speaking of for a long, long time. What an incredible weekend we had, and what a great privilege it is to say that you were part of it! Each year at Harvest time we have a special envelope for the Harvest Appeal. The monies raised through this appeal are allocated to our general account which cov-ers the general running costs of the Church and staff salaries. To date the appeal amounts to £9,246. Sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the appeal so generously.
Dromore Cathedral is the Parish Church serving the Dromore and Kinallen areas and a Cathedral of the Diocese of Down and Dromore in
the Church of Ireland.
Registered with The Charity Commission for NI - NIC101679