The Columbanst. columba’s church, knock, april 2019

Holy Week

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Rector’s Letter

Dear Parishioner,

THE CRUCIFIXIONBy John Stainer

I hope that you and your friends will be able to join us in St. Columba’s on Sunday, 7th April at 7pm for The Crucifixion by John Stainer. This well-known choral work of the Passion story includes the shouts from the crowd “Crucify Him” and the beautiful meditation of “God so loved the world”. It will be a great privilege to welcome back Father Martin O’Hagan (tenor), Eric Hinds (bass) and Jack Wilson (organ) on that evening. They will be joined by the parish choir who, with our Organist and Choral Director, Dr Joe McKee, are working hard for this significant occasion. It is very timely that we will have an opportunity of receiving blessing from this poignant music just before Holy Week. The refreshments at the West End of the church will enable parishioners and visitors to share fellowship with each other before going home.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

I am very pleased that Archbishop Robin Eames will be our preacher at our evening Holy Week services, which commence on Monday, 15th April at 8.00pm. While we are familiar with the events of that first Holy Week, the individuals and proceedings which led Jesus to the cross have so much to say to us in 2019. I hope that your attendance at these services will provide you with hope and light to sustain you through the Brexit uncertainties at this present time.

I also look forward to welcoming the Bishop from my home diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, the Right Reverend Patrick Rooke on Good Friday as he leads us in the Three Hour Devotions. For those unable to remain for the duration of the devotions, it is possible to leave at the conclusion of each section or during the hymns.

I encourage you in busy diary schedules to journey with us throughout Holy Week to

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PARISH PRAYERGod, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care;

but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be

assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711

the foot of the cross, thereby enabling us to celebrate the great joy of the resurrection on Easter Day as we will proclaim:

“Christ is risen!The Lord’s risen indeed. Alleluia!”

Caroline, Charles and Henry join me in wishing you God’s richest blessing for Easter.

Yours in His Service,

Bible Study The Bible Study Group now meet every Thursday afternoon, from 2.30 – 4.00pm in the Choir Vestry.

We examine passages from the Bible and discuss how they relate to modern life. This will take place over a cuppa, so feel free to come along to this informal gathering and join in – or sit and listen – the choice is yours! We are currently studying John’s Gospel.

APRIL meetings at 2.30pm in the Choir Vestry:

Thursday 4th

Thursday 11th

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SERVICES THIS MONTHThursday 4th (Purple)10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 7th The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Purple)8.15am Holy Communion Reader Joe McKee Philippians 3: 4b-14 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 12: 1-8

10.30am All Age Worship Reader Yasmin Saunders Mulgrew John 12: 1-8 7.00pm The Crucifixion by John Stainer followed by refreshments Fr. Martin O’Hagan (tenor) Eric Hinds (bass/baritone) The Parish Choir

Thursday 11th (Purple)10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 14th Palm Sunday (Red)8.15am Holy Communion Reader Ronny Martin Philippians 2: 5-11 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 19: 28-40 Intercessions Karen McAlpine

10.30am Holy Communion Reader Andrew Hirst Philippians 2: 5-11 Gospel Karen McAlpine Luke 19: 28-40 Intercessions: Murray Hunter

7.00pm Service for Palm Sunday in Knock Methodist Church Preacher: The Reverend Billy Davison (President of the Methodist Church in Ireland) NO EVENING SERVICE IN ST COLUMBA’S

Monday 15th Monday in Holy Week (Red)10.00am Holy Communion

1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service in Knock Methodist Speaker: Louise Ferguson from The Larder - “Practical Peace-making”

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8.00pm Service of the Word followed by refreshments hosted by Men’s Club Reader David Beattie Isaiah 42: 1-9 Reader Knock Methodist reader Matthew 21: 1-13 Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “An Independent Body”

Tuesday 16th Tuesday in Holy Week (Red)10.00am Holy Communion

1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service at Knock Methodist Church Speaker: Ed Peterson from Clonard Monastery - “Practical Peace-making”

8.00pm Service of the Word followed by refreshments hosted by Mothers’ Union Reader Caroline Auchmuty Isaiah 49: 1-7 Reader Knock Methodist reader Matthew 26: 31-46 Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “What do they want?”

Wednesday 17th Wednesday in Holy Week (Red)10.00am Holy Communion

1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service in Knock Methodist Church Speaker: From East Belfast Mission - “Practical Peace-making”

8.00pm Service of the Word followed by refreshments hosted by Ladies Guild Reader Imelda Shephard Isaiah 50: 4-9a Reader Knock Methodist reader Matthew 15: 1-15 Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “A Referendum”

Thursday 18th Maundy Thursday (White)10.30am Holy Communion for Senior Parishioners followed by refreshments 1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime Service in Knock Methodist Church Speaker: Alan McBride from WAVE Trauma Centre - "Practical Peace-making” 8.00pm Holy Communion followed by the stripping of the altar Epistle Moranne Noad 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 Gospel The Rector John 13: 1-15 Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “Know your Supporter” Friday 19th Good Friday12-3.00pm The Three Hour Devotions Conductor: The Right Reverend Patrick Rooke, (Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry)

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8.00pm Tenebrae Service with the Choirs from St Columba’s and Knock Methodist Reader Linda Wilson Isaiah 52: 13-53: 12 Reader Knock Methodist reader John 19: 17-30 Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “Crying Need”

Sunday 21st Easter Sunday (White)8.15am Holy Communion Reader Billy McAlpine Acts 10: 34-43 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 20: 1-1810.30am Holy Communion Reader Helen Armstrong Acts 10: 34-43 Gospel Clergy John 20: 1-18 Intercessions Jill Gillespie 7.00pm Holy Communion Reader Eileen Anderson 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 Gospel Clergy John 20: 19-23

Thursday 25th (White)10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry

Sunday 28th The Second Sunday of Easter (White)8.15am Holy Communion Reader Paddy Malone Acts 5: 27-32 Gospel Karen McAlpine John 20: 19-31

10.30am Holy Communion Reader Josephine Kelly Acts 5: 27-32 Gospel Clergy John 20: 19-31 Intercessions Karen McAlpine 7.00pm Evening Prayer Reader Anella Gallen Isaiah 52: 13 – 53: 12 Reader Noel Higginson Luke 24: 13-35

9.30AM FAMILY COMMUNION WILL RESUME IN MAY

Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact The Rector (02890 471514).The readings are from Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website: www.coiknock.org

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Monday 15th - Wednesday 17th April 2019 10.00am Holy Communion1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime service in Knock Methodist “Practical Peace-making” with various guest speakers8.00pm Service of the Word followed by refreshments Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames

Thursday 18th Maundy Thursday10.30am Holy Communion for Senopr Parishioners followed by refreshments 1.15-1.45pm Lunchtime Service in Knock Methodist Church Speaker: Alan McBride from WAVE Trauma Centre - “Practical Peace-making” 8.00pm Holy Communion according to the Methodist Rite followed by the stripping of the altar, with the Choirs from St Columba’s and Knock Methodist Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “Know your Supporter”

Friday 19th Good Friday12-3.00pm The Three-Hour Devotions Conductor: The Right Reverend Patrick Rooke Bishop of Tuam, Killala & Achonry8.00pm Tenebrae Service with the Choirs from St Columba’s and Knock Methodist Preacher: Archbishop Robin Eames – “Crying need”

HOLY WEEKWe thank Archbishop Robin Eames for sending this article about his Holy Week series of sermons.“The events of the first Holy Week are so familiar to Christians. As Christ moves irrevocably to Calvary faces and incidents have become part of our own pilgrimage. But there are other aspects to Holy Week which reach out into our lives here and now – aspects which can lie hidden behind the familiarity of the story.This Holy Week, I look forward to thinking through some of those aspects with you in St Columba’s, Knock, as we attempt to make the Passion story relevant to our world and to our experience of 2019.”

Holy Week Schedule

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Good Friday – Three HoursConductor: The Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, The Right Reverend Patrick Rooke.I regard it as a privilege to have been invited by your Rector to conduct this year’s ‘Three Hours Service’ on Good Friday. I know this has been an important part of the liturgical tradition in St Columba’s and that many distinguished preachers have undertaken this task in the past. As is the custom, we will again reflect on our Lord’s Words from the Cross and I hope many of you will be able to ‘nip in’ at

some stage on this important day in the Christian calendar, to reflect quietly on its significance for all our lives. With all good wishes,+Patrick Tuam

MEN’S CLUBTime is certainly moving on. Already we are in the stages of preparation for our forthcoming end of season finals. All competitions are progressing well. April sees us finishing with the AGM taking place on 29th followed by our annual dinner on the 10th May. We will be hosting the after service tea on the Monday evening in Holy Week. Updates on all events will follow in next Columban. Until then…. Take care.

John Robb

SIDESPERSON’S ROTA

Sunday, 7th April The Macpherson family

Sunday, 14th April Eleanor and Geoff Launchbury

Sunday, 21st April Eileen Anderson and Ann McGarvey

Sunday, 28th April Joan Madill and Rosemary Coffey

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Clergy Parish VisitingIt is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit, please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or Canon Ken Smyth (028 9145 8706). The Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the Residential and Nursing Homes throughout the parish during April. They will also be conducting private Holy Communion services in the homes of those housebound parishioners who are unable to attend any of the Easter services.

Hospital VisitingThe Clergy would appreciate being informed if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and they will be pleased to offer them pastoral support. This will allow for better use of clergy time and resources, allowing them to visit as many people as possible. Please do not assume that they already know this information.Please telephone the Rector (9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (9145 8706) to enable them to take careful note of the details.Thank you.

SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday, 7th April 9.30am All Age Worship

Sunday, 14th April 10.30am Sunday school and Crèche

Sunday, 21st April 10.30 am Easter Sunday (Holiday)

Sunday, 28th April 10.30 am Holiday

Well done to Emily who read for the first time at March’s All Age Worship and to the five children who read the prayers. The Sunday school children sang Kum ba yah before we all descended to the hall for Lenten lunch.

P.S It would be much appreciated if the children could return their Smarties tubes before the Easter break.

Wishing all the children a lovely Easter holiday.

Joyce

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St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock, Belfast

The CRUCIFIXIONby John Stainer

Fr Martin O’Hagan tenor

Eric Hinds bass

The Parish Choir

Jack Wilson organ

Joe McKee director

Sunday 7th April 2019 at 7.00pm

Suggested minimum Donation of £10 to Church Roof Fund.here will be refreshments after the performance.

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I first came to Belfast in July 2014 to study at Queen's University and have great memories of my time at Queen’s and made many good friends there. I had only intended to stay in Belfast for

the duration of my MA but after graduating I met Andrew at a class and have been here for the most

part ever since!

My home city in China is called Shijiazhuang, the capital and largest city of North China's Hebei Province, which surrounds Beijing. The central area has a population of

over 2 million and the total population is over 10 million. It is about 170 miles south-west of Beijing and takes 1 hour by bullet train from Beijing West Railway Station.

Belonging to St Columba's means a lot to me and I have been lucky to find a place of welcome, a community of good people and a great place to build up lifelong friendships, where people take a break from their daily life and inspect their hearts. Andrew introduced me to St Columba's and I immediately felt very welcome among the parishioners. I was baptised in St Columba's and am very happy to be a member of the Church of Ireland. We were married in the church on 9th February last year – and now have a little baby, Anna, who was born in the Ulster Hospital on 25th February!

I do not have any brothers or sisters but keep in touch with my parents, grandma and friends by Internet. At the moment, my father is in Belfast for six weeks – he is a great cook and is looking after us very well. Andrew likes our traditional Chinese cuisine and is getting to practice his Mandarin. We are planning to visit China with Anna in the autumn, so my family and friends can meet her.

There is so much wisdom in the Bible which Chinese people can identify with. The belief of love and care of others, self-sacrificing, being modest and having peaceful ideas instead of violent ones echo the ideas taught by the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius, which many Chinese people live their lives by. China in Chinese is ‘zhōng guó’ (中国), which means ‘middle country’, in the sense of being middling or moderate rather than extreme.

I am still learning about life in the UK and about the faith that is taught by the Church. I respect cultural diversity and am willing to experience a very different place and culture and to have a broader view of life.

Our thanks to Tami for sharing these ‘Thoughts’ with us.The May ‘Thought for the Month’ will be written by Paddy Malone.

Thought for the Month

Tami Ellis

APRIL FLOWER ROTASunday, 7th Wendy Killen Sunday, 14th PALM LEAVES and GREENERY Sunday, 21st EASTER LILIES by Caroline Cramp Sunday, 28th May Preston

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RECTOR'S EASTER VESTRY ADDRESSOur family holiday in the South of Spain provided adventure and excitement as we walked up the Rio Chillar in Nerja. There was not a moment to spare as we made our way along the cool river bed in the beautiful, narrow shady canyon. It all started well with easy walking over the small stones with just a trickle of water, and then the challenge increased as the stones got bigger and the river got faster. Charles and Henry took great delight in assisting their aging parents in those deeper and faster waters.

How easy it would have been to have turned back at that point, and yet to have taken the easy option would have denied us the magnificent views of the waterfall at the top. Charles and Henry gave us the incentive to keep going along with the encouragement of our fellow walkers.

There was the adventure, the exhilaration, the wonderful clean air with the fresh water at the top, along with a real sense of accomplishment before we commenced the 3-mile journey back through the canyon.

It was a most inspirational journey for us on a lovely summer’s day. However, that was not the only journey which we have been on during this past year. We have been on a journey together here in St Columba’s as a parish family, serving God to the best of our ability. By working hard together, we have developed and strengthened our parish even further through the generous giving of our finances, talents and time. As a result, we have experienced greater fellowship across the whole parish, an increase in church attendances, welcomed many new parishioners, deepened our outreach in the community and have seen a strengthening of our financial position to include a welcome increase in our Charity and Mission giving. This clearly demonstrates that we are an outward looking church which seeks to serve our neighbours, both local and overseas.

A worthwhile journey demands a team of committed individuals working together and supporting each other along the way, especially when the going gets tough. Each parishioner giving of their best, using their own unique gifts. We must have a common discipline to persevere and to take care of ourselves as Christian people.

So it is with our spiritual journey – we must not attempt to travel on our own – remember, we are all members of the same Body of Christ. It is a corporate business, thus seeking the vision of God here in St Columba’s. We journey as a team, united in our service to God and our neighbours, and all of this has been expressed in so many wonderful ways throughout 2018.

CHURCH SERVICESThere have been good attendances at our church services throughout 2018, with an increasing number of parishioners participating in them. I am most grateful for the great support which I receive from our Assistant Priests, Canon Ken Smyth and Canon Walter Laverty, and our Diocesan Reader Karen McAlpine, who contribute so much to our worship.

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Our shared Holy Week services with the Minister and congregation of Knock Methodist Church provide great blessing as together we walk the way of the Cross each year. The joint collection from all the services in 2018 was split between The Larder and Vision Aid Overseas, with each charity receiving £1,036.20. This year, we are immensely privileged that the preacher at our Holy Week evening services will be Archbishop Robin Eames, and the preacher at our 3 Hours Devotions on Good Friday will be Bishop Patrick Rooke, from my home diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.

On Sunday 15th April at 6.00pm, I was delighted to accompany three parishioners and their families to St Molua’s for a Service of Confirmation. Richard Beattie, Anna Caldwell and Michael Armstrong were confirmed by the Bishop and received their first Holy Communion in St Columba’s on the following Sunday. I also accompanied Kent Irwin and Sophie King on Sunday 30th April to Mount Merrion Parish Church for Confirmation by Bishop Harold Miller.

On Sunday 1st July, a group of over 60 parishioners travelled by ferry to Rathlin Island, where I presided at the sung Eucharist in St Thomas’ Parish Church, which was packed to capacity. There was a wonderful gathering of St Columba’s parishioners mixing with acquaintances from the island as we shared Holy Communion together. After the service, everyone enjoyed a picnic then some leisure time to explore the island. The weather was wonderful, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

MUSICOur worship is greatly enriched through inspirational music. We are indebted to our Organist and Choral Director, Dr Joe McKee, Assistant Organist, Brian Clements and Choir members who work tirelessly to provide such a wide range of wonderful music week by week. This is not just for the benefit of ourselves, as we frequently welcome visitors. It was a joy to welcome many members of our community who came in large numbers to support the magnificent concert on Saturday 21st April, the Summer Recital on Friday 22nd June and our Patronal Festival services on Sunday 4th June. It was a delight to welcome back the Organist and Choir members from Cregagh Presbyterian Church for the Advent Carol Service, and we recorded the largest numbers ever at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The music is simply superb. It is always a great joy to see the children running up so enthusiastically to the chancel steps to sing their anthem at our All Age Worship services, supported so well by the Sunday School Superintendent Joyce Stevenson and the teachers.

We look forward to Stainer’s Crucifixion on Sunday 7th April with Fr Martin O’Hagan, Mr Eric Hinds and the Parish Choir, followed by our very popular Choir Concert on Saturday 15th June – please note these dates in your diaries!

CHURCH ROOFAs you will have read in the current Columban, a major recommendation of the Quinquennial Survey Report was to replace our roof within five years. To investigate this recommendation further the Vestry appointed the Diocesan Surveyor to carry out a more detailed condition survey and prepare a report. The report recommends

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that we re-slate roofs using natural slate, replace all lead valley gutters, replace all lead flashings, repoint parapets and replace all rainwater goods. The cost of these works including Local Authority and Professional fees is estimated to be in the region of £250K to £275K.

Obtaining Listing StatusListed buildings have ‘special architectural or historic interest’. Buildings are graded according to original features or unaltered architectural styles. To protect the character and appearance of a listed building, Planning Permission is tightly controlled. Our Church is currently not a Listed Building, however because it lies within the Kings Road Conservation Area it is therefore subject to the same stringent Planning Controls as if it were. Because the building is not Listed VAT cannot be recovered on any works we carry out and the number of grants available is severely limited.

After careful consideration of professional advice, the Select Vestry, with the aid of the Property Committee and the Diocesan Surveyor, have applied to the Council to have our Church building listed. This will not create any additional Planning burdens that do not already exist, because of the Conservation Area, but if successful it will allow us to recover most of the VAT added to the roofing works and increase the number of available grants that can be applied for. This will help us to achieve our goal of replacing the roof and preserve our much-valued Church building.

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING2018 was a most successful year for fundraising, with several events organised and extremely well supported. Our Young Families, in association with Mothers’ Union, organised a Coffee Morning on Saturday 21st April, which raised £350.80. It was a wonderful gathering of parishioners and children.

Christian Aid week was 13th – 19th May, and we thank Hazel Reid and her team of helpers for the wonderful door-to-door collection totalling £3,255. I want to pay particular tribute to Hazel Reid who has served so conscientiously as our Christian Aid Coordinator for the last 50 years. Throughout that time, she has organised all of the door to door collections in this area which has raised substantial sums of money to help the poorest of the poor throughout the world. I am delighted that Hazel is continuing to serve as a member of our Christian Aid team in the parish.

On Thursday 3rd May, the Roof Fundraising Committee met for the first time to discuss how we could raise the £250,000 funds for the new Church Roof. Plans were devised, and our first task was to insert envelopes for voluntary donations into the June Columban magazine, which were distributed to each home in the parish. The response was most encouraging as £38,000 was collected for the appeal within the first few weeks. Our Parish Concert on Friday 22nd June raised a further £1,242 for the Roof fund, and monies are continuing to arrive in regularly. The total amount raised so far is £65,721.75, including Gift Aid, in addition to the £10,000 from Church Funds as agreed by the Select Vestry in 2018. This is a fantastic amount.

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On Saturday 2nd June, we hosted the Young Families Wine and Cheese evening, where members could relax and chat to their friends in the Rectory. It was a most enjoyable and social evening.

On Saturday 29th September, the Coffee and Craft “Raise the Roof Appeal” morning was exceptionally well supported, and people used the opportunity to purchase craft items, organised by Carol Willis and her team of helpers. The morning raised a further £700 towards the Roof Appeal.

On Saturday 17th November, the Art Club hosted a sale and exhibition of their work, to raise funds for a Defibrillator for the Church. The delicious, freshly-baked scones and tray bakes were well received, the art work was admired and purchased, and the sale raised £1,537.05 towards this new equipment.

On Wednesday 28th November, the Fundraising Committee hosted a Festive Floral Evening, and tickets sold fast! We were entertained by Maureen Mulligan and Johann Henderson, as they created spectacular floral displays. Refreshments followed and everyone had an opportunity to purchase craft items and jewellery from the stalls. The hall was packed to capacity and everyone enjoyed the evening, which raised £2414.30 for the Church Roof Appeal.

On Sunday 7th October, at our Harvest Services, we enjoyed hearing from Henry Auchmuty, who talked about his work in Kenya with Jengana, and Murray Hunter, who discussed the work of The Larder at St Christopher’s in Mersey Street. Once again, the church was beautifully decorated and the loose cash collection from all the services was split between both charities, who each received £272.20. Following the 11.00am service, we enjoyed a thoroughly delicious Harvest Lunch, which was hosted by the Catering Committee along with some helpers. The food and atmosphere were simply excellent. In addition to raising these substantial sums of money, we witnessed a strengthening of the fellowship across the whole of the parish. This has been a most encouraging aspect of our fundraising journey.

The Catering Committee were able to avail of the new cookers and the refurbished kitchen in the Church Hall for the first time. Funds from the Lent Lunch and some other events raised the necessary funds required to provide this long-overdue update to the kitchen, which can now be enjoyed by our parish organisations. I thank the Glebewardens and members of the Property Committee for all their hard work. Through the generous giving of their time and skills, the parish saved considerable labour costs.

In December we collected food items for the Christmas Hamper Appeal for The Larder. Murray and Pam Hunter, assisted by John Proctor, spent a busy month delivering the very generous gifts of food to the Larder and chatting to those who received some of the items. The hampers were delivered in time for Christmas to those who desperately needed them, and we were delighted to help our local community in this way.

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Our children kindly donated gifts to the Children’s Hospice on Christmas Day, and I was delighted to deliver them on behalf of St Columba’s, where they were gratefully received.

On Sunday 3rd March, the Catering Committee kindly hosted the annual Lent Lunch in the Church Hall. This was extremely popular, with delicious food and great fellowship. The total amount of money raised for the Church Hall was £2,501.25, which included Gift Aid.

Thank you very much to everyone who supported our fundraising and collections throughout the year. Your support is vital to the parish and our local community, and your generosity is extremely appreciated.

NEWAs well as the refurbishment of the Church Hall kitchen, Mark Wilson spent many hours cleaning and adding protection to the floors at the back of Church and the Choir Vestry. The floors are now beautifully clean in both the Church Hall and Church. Mark deep-cleaned and polished the floors in the Hall, including the Lower Kitchen. Mark also arranged for the mats at the door in the hall to be cleaned on a regular basis.

David Kelly and Mark have also worked hard fitting a new wooden floor in the back lower hall, which is used by the Railway and Model Club. This completes the transformation of this room and is greatly appreciated by those who use it.

A Cleaning Committee was established last April to assist with the cleaning of our beautiful Church and Hall, which are being used more frequently by parishioners and visitors. They have worked extremely hard and it is encouraging to see the increasing number of parishioners who are willing to assist with the cleaning. I thank them all for their hard work, along with those who assist with the tidying of our church grounds.

During August, many of the trees along the path to the Church Hall were cut back or removed, providing a brighter route to the hall. The path is now wider and less overgrown. In addition, bollards were kindly gifted to the parish to protect the beautiful lawn at the front of church, which was covered in tyre marks and starting to become messy.

Coffee is greatly enjoyed on a regular basis in church, after services or events, and I thank Suzanne Allen and her team for all the great work in supplying these ever increasingly popular refreshments, which in addition to giving us all an opportunity to catch up with each other, also raises considerable amounts of money for charity. The total amount collected during coffee last year was £1698.36.

Such is the demand for use of the machines that we asked Johnsons to provide us with an additional machine and coffee for use by our organisations in the Church Hall. The paper cups which we use are now 100% recyclable. This is indeed good news for all those who use the hall.

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2019 CHARITIESFor 2019, we have selected ASHA as our overseas charity. Many of you will remember that Caroline McCartney travelled to India to assist with ASHA, which is designed to help people empower themselves through education, information and healthcare, to escape the poverty cycle and slums, when she shared her experiences with us in 2018.

We have selected FLOURISH NI as our local charity. For those of you who attended the 10.30am service on Sunday 17th February, you will have heard from Gillian Cummings of the magnificent work of Flourish, a charity set up to help those affected by human trafficking, which unfortunately is continuing to escalate in NI.

We hope that you will continue to help support these important charities and look forward to sharing progress with you throughout the year.

FINANCEThe audited financial accounts clearly reflect that 2018 was both a busy and encouraging year in the life of St Columba’s. In addition to the most generous support for Charities and Mission, the Church Roof Appeal, the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund and Church Fund, there has been in increase in Free Will Offering. This is particularly encouraging as this is used to pay for all of the day to day expenses of the parish. Despite the major refurbishment projects which we have successfully undertaken on our buildings – many of which have been undertaken by voluntarily by the Glebewardens, Property Committee members and the Honorary Sexton John Proctor, we have recorded a surplus of £6,000. This is a most encouraging financial position and a good starting point for this new year’s work and has only been made possible through the generous giving of parishioners. We cannot, however, become complacent in our journey as the parish is facing major expenditure in the years ahead as we continue to move forward with the work of maintenance and also providing the necessary resources for our church services and Parish Organisations. The Independent Examiners Niall Armstrong and Murray Hunter were most complimentary of our Honorary Treasurer Gillian Sadlier for her conscientious work throughout the year and for her careful preparation of the accounts. Gillian has done this in a most thorough manner, and in full compliance with the Charity Commission requirements. They were also most complimentary of the great work done by the Assistant Honorary Treasurer Victor Dukelow, who ensures that we fulfil all the obligations of the Charity Commissioners, and our Parish Administrator Karen Patterson who records all the financial information so carefully each week.

I thank all those who financially support the work of our parish so generously and wish to encourage those who currently do not, for whatever reason, to take out a Standing Order or request Free Will Offering envelopes at the earliest opportunity. All financial contributions will be most gratefully received.

After discussion with and approval from our Finance Committee, the boxes of

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Church Envelopes for 2019 contain additional envelopes – Lent Lunch, Church Roof Appeal, Harvest Lunch and Church Funds for your convenience. Please check your envelope packs if you haven’t noticed these – or ask for additional envelopes from the Parish Office if you cannot find them.

Murray Hunter has administered the Payroll in St Columba’s for 15 years and has now retired from this role. Throughout that most significant period of time, he has administered the payslips for all the staff members. I thank Murray for all his hard work.

The Parish Office copier was also replaced as our contract was due to expire. We received a new copier for the busy parish office during September, and now pay less per copy than previously, as well as reducing our carbon footprint as it is much more economical to run. You may have noticed the clarity of print of service sheets and fliers, as the new copier provides much better and faster printing and copying capabilities.

DECORATINGIt is wonderful to see the Parish Organisations sharing so effectively in the decorating of our lovely church building for Easter, Harvest and Christmas. Thank you to Patricia Clements and Eleanor Launchbury who coordinate the festival decorations of our church, as well as those who have assisted them by donating items for them to use or by helping them to decorate the church. I am delighted to report that I have received many very favourable comments following the successful introduction of this new approach. Thank you to those who contribute flowers for the Altar each Sunday, and for the food items we gather during the year for The Larder.

LENT 40-DAY CHALLENGEAs we meet tonight, we are well under way with the 40-Day Challenge for Lent. We are using the 40 days of Lent to embrace some changes to our lives, to meet new people, have fun and share Christian faith with others in practical ways. This is a time for us to share simple acts of love and service to one another. I am delighted to say that the challenge has been very well accepted, and people can see the benefits as we all try to provide additional kindness and support to each other. Thank you for taking part!

CONCLUSION2018 was undoubtedly a busy year in our parish. We have witnessed immense benefits and considerable growth on our Christian journey. Thank you to each and everyone one of you for your loyal service, personal support and valued assistance as we seek to serve Almighty God in both word and deed each day.

There can, however, be no such thing as standing still in the Christian faith. The journey continues as new opportunities and challenges await. There is much work to do here in St Columba’s. Just like the Rio Chillar in Nerja, the river was always moving with all its twists and turns – sometimes the water levels were shallow

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when we were safe, but then there were the unexpected faster and deeper waters when we really needed the support of Charles and Henry to prevent us from falling over, together with the encouragement of our fellow river walkers, to persevere and keep going on the tough stages.

So it is in the Church and with our journey of faith. We need to keep moving forward, seeking God’s grace and support so we don’t fall over at the challenges which come our way. This is best achieved if every family on our Register gets involved in the ministry of our parish. At present, 80% of families contribute financially to St Columba’s, and there are many families who do not attend services, parish organisations or support the parish in any recognised form. As in all parishes, this presents a great challenge – what can we do to personally invite those families to reconnect with St Columba’s once more? Each parishioner, whether an attendee or not, receives a clergy visit as detailed in The Columban each month. We are keeping in touch and challenging these parishioners on a regular basis. Each and every one of them would be most welcome back, where their unique contribution would be deeply valued.

As we all know, God’s ways are not predictable, but may we never forget that he is always with us as Martin Luther King Jr reminds us in this poem:

“Like the ever-flowing water of a river, life has its moments of drought and its moments of flood.

Like the ever-changing cycle of the seasons, life has the soothing warmth of the summers and the piercing chill of its winters.

But through it all, God walks with us.

Never forget that God is able to lift you from the fatigue of despair to the buoyancy of hope and transform dark and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of inner peace.”

MAY PARISH MAGAZINEAny articles or photographs for publication in the May parish magazine should be handed or emailed to the editor, Billy McAlpine, by Wednesday, 10th April.

His contact details are:-10 Old Quay Court, Holywood BT18 0HT

Tel: 9042 4390 Email: colmaged@outlook.com

We all love to see photographs of people enjoying our Church activities. So we can all benefit fully from this and for reproduction purposes, it is very important that photographs are clear and in focus.

Many thanks

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RAILWAY AND MODEL CLUBWow! What a great talk we had, from our friend the Retired Track Layer (Robin Haldane). From dealing with runaway trains, to Special Points, the French Railways track costs to cater for their high speed trains and even the German method of laying track. A very interesting evening for us all.We now have a new floor surface in our 'new' room. All the layouts had to be moved out....and then back in again. Our room looks really smart. Many, many thanks to our Select Vestry AND, of course, to Mark Wilson and David Kelly for their wonderful work on the floor. We can now proceed on the four layouts in the room, as well as the work on the model World War Two airfield. Spitfires and Hurricanes are already taking off, and a German fighter has been shot down, by our Bofors defence guns!!!Next we plan to go to the Bangor Model Railway Exhibition, on Saturday, 13th April. If you would like to join us, please contact any club member for details.Hope to see you some Wednesday evening.Keep 'Er Rollin'.David.

Holy Communion for Senior Parishionersin

St. Columba’s Parish Churchon

MAUNDY THURSDAY 18th Aprilat 10.30am

With Holy Week Hymns and seasonal refreshments

Please phone the Parish Office 028 9065 6891(Monday-Friday, 9.00am-1.00pm)

to arrange transport.

St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock, Belfast

CONCERT Caroline McCartney soprano

Christine McKee soprano

Glenn Tweedie tenor

The Parish Choir & Guests Joe McKee Choral Director

Saturday, 15th June 2019 at 7.00pm

Voluntary Donations to Church Roof Fund.

There will be light refreshments after the concert.

CRÈCHEThere will be NO Crèche on Sunday, 7th April as we will all be together in church as a family for All Age Worship at 10.30am. Crèche will be available on Sunday, 14th April in the Church Hall. This is the only date for Crèche in April. Please note that due to Holy Week and Easter, Crèche will resume on Sunday, 12th May at 10.30am, when we look forward to seeing as many children as possible up to 3 years old!

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St Columba’s Parish Church, Knock, Belfast

CONCERT Caroline McCartney soprano

Christine McKee soprano

Glenn Tweedie tenor

The Parish Choir & Guests Joe McKee Choral Director

Saturday, 15th June 2019 at 7.00pm

Voluntary Donations to Church Roof Fund.

There will be light refreshments after the concert.

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Belfast/Walsingham Pilgrimage - 2018 Each year a group of pilgrims travel from Belfast to the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham in Norfolk - a rich assortment of Catholic and Anglican lay people and clergy, some to pray or meditate, some to seek healing, some just to have a relaxing break - and Walsingham has space for all. Highlights of the five day pilgrimage include a daily Eucharist, a very beautiful candle-lit procession through the gardens, a service of blessing and healing and, in recent years, a rowdy social night during which pilgrims from the Northeast of England fondly imagine they can compete in a quiz with some of the sharpest minds in Northern Ireland! The modern guest facilities are excellent, mostly en-suite, and there is always an eager queue for the spa-cious dining area. Two of our group had mobility problems which were well catered for with ramps; another was dependent on a 25 kilo kidney dialysis machine but had no problems transporting and using it. This year we visited the spectacular Wymondham Abbey and descended on a quiet village inn for an excellent lunch. There was also a ‘free’ day when some of us went off to Wells-next-the-sea for fish and chips while others walked out to the Roman Catholic shrine, about a mile away (though not barefoot, as many pilgrims do).

You may wonder how all this came about. In 1061 a Lady Richeldis had a vision of the Blessed Virgin. Mary directed Richeldis to build a model of the Holy House of Nazareth where Jesus had lived with Mary and Joseph. A religious community developed next to the Shrine: Augustinian friars, then Franciscans. During the Crusades a visit to “England’s Nazareth” was seen as safer than attempting to visit the Holy Land. As a young man Henry VIII ostentatiously walked the last TWO miles to Walsingham barefoot, but two decades later he was more interested in getting his hands on the Shrine’s wealth to pay for a disastrous military venture in France. Although razed to the ground at the Reformation (only the great East Wall still stands) the shrine was restored in the 1920s thanks to Father Hope Patten, Vicar of Walsingham at the time, and now stands about 100 metres from the medie-val site. In these days of materialism, unbelief and indifference to Christiani-ty, Walsingham boldly proclaims a message of obedience: Mary says “Yes” to God, Jesus lives in obedience at Nazareth, then at the marriage feast in Cana

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Mary says “Do whatever he tells you.”

There is, however, another reason much closer to home for telling you about Walsingham. The first Anglican pilgrimage from Belfast was organised by the Rector’s father-in-law, John Whiteside. John had grown up in England, in the parish of St.Stephen’s, Lewisham, which is in the diocese of South-wark. When he was 17 his father was appointed head teacher at the church school attached to St.Augustine’s, Kilburn, in the diocese of London and so the family moved to that location. The family was very much involved in the life of both parishes and both have had a very long connection with Walsing-ham, making a pilgrimage every year. Eventually John met and married Joan and he moved to Belfast, worshipping at St. Mark’s, Dundela. However, John missed his visits to Walsingham and in the early 1970’s he and three other St.Mark’s parishioners made the journey to Walsingham by car. But John was not just satisfied with getting back to this most holy place which he loved. He wanted to introduce more people from Belfast to England’s Nazareth and our Lord’s mother. Because of the violence of the Troubles which it was felt were largely fuelled by prejudice and a lack of understanding and tolerance he wanted to make the pilgrimage ecumenical which it has remained to this day.

The group meets monthly in St. George’s, High St. usually on the last Thurs-day of the month for a celebration of the Eucharist at 1:00pm followed by a light lunch and is open to all. If anyone is interested in learning more about Walsingham or even joining the pilgrimage this year please don’t hesitate to contact me. (9065 4868). The pilgrimage dates this year are Thursday, 26th. September to Tuesday, 1st October. The cost for the pilgrimage will be £430 per person(half board) which includes a deposit of £20 by the end of May and a day out whilst at Walsingham.

Graeme Pollock

FOODIE TREKAre YOU up for the CRAIC of being a host at our upcoming parish FOODIE TREK?

We will start (or finish) at the Church Hall and along the way call at host’s homes, each serving up a different ‘foodie’ course.

No need to be a top chef – it is about simple food, good fun for all ages and raising cash for church funds.

Intrigued? Then e-mail moirasaunders@me.com by 30th April 2019.

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At our March meeting it was encouraging to hear about the experiences of the young adults in our parish who had been on mission in the past few years. We were all impressed by their maturity and commitment. Spring is approaching fast. I love this time of year when the garden explodes with colour our days lengthen and everything looks fresh and new growth is evident everywhere. At Easter, we celebrate the Resurrection with joy, I hope we will experience this joy and new growth into our lives.

Diary Dates Monday, 1st April, 8.00pm – Diocesan Festival Service, Magheralin Parish Church Tuesday, 2nd April, 8.00pm – Mother’s Union meeting “Decluttering “ your house and your life with Gwen. Please remember to bring an item to be given to “Flourish NI” the parish charity this year e.g. toiletries for men and women.

AFTERNOON GROUPFebruary's meeting was a 1950s themed afternoon. We started with a quiz which soon brought back memories of days gone by. We opened the memory box on loan from the Ulster Museum. The first item was a string vest which had everyone laughing. Tales of Ruby Murray and dancing at the Plaza soon followed. Photographs of St Columba's Mothers’ Union choir were passed around - some of the members have not changed one bit!For the March meeting we returned to a decade earlier - the 1940s. Sharon Dickson from the Tullycarnett Yarnspinners performed her monologue on the Belfast Blitz. We had a record turn out with not a spare seat in the choir vestry. Sharon had us crying with laughter one minute and quiet the next as we realised the problems faced by people living in Belfast at that time. All agreed it was a great afternoon. We finished with afternoon tea and the chatter in the room was great.Thank you to everyone who attended. £86 was raised towards replacing the church roof - a great achievement. Thanks also to everyone who helped set up, provided goodies, served tea and helped wash up. We couldn't have done it without you.Joy

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FLOWER-ARRANGING WORKSHOP

• No previous flower arranging skills required. Assistance will be provided. The purpose of the workshop is to prepare floral arrangements for decorating the Church for Easter. The arrangements will be put in place in the Church on the Saturday morning, 20th April.

• Please bring foliage. Flowers, oasis and containers will be provided for which there will be a charge of £6.00 pp.

• Where and when: The Parish Hall on Thursday, 18th April at 2.00pm.

• If interested, please contact either Patricia Clements (074 70474527) or Eleanor Launchbury (077 09917548) noting that the numbers attending may have to be limited.

PAUSEI am writing this on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. This is the start of the "St. Columba's 40 Day Challenge". By the time you read this we will have had several weeks in which to use Lent to make a difference. The challenges are neither difficult nor time consuming but each one can make a difference to others. We will keep going until Saturday 20th April and perhaps continue...........?

If you are free do 'Pause' for a short time on

Tuesday, 9thApril in The Old Mill, Dundonald at about 10.30am for tea/coffee and scones.

It is a very attractive venue and you may have time to browse in the shop. There is no need to book or confirm...just turn up and meet with other parishioners and friends. Bring a friend or two with you. All are welcome! If you require transport please contact me.

Eileen (9020 3684)

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR EASTERHelpers are welcome to come along to the Church on Saturday between 10.00 and 11.00am to assist with the decorating.

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Lent LunchBeginning at the slightly later time of 11.00am, the All Age Worship took place on Sunday 3rd March and was a well-attended service, no doubt helped by the fact that Storm Freya which was forecast to bring high winds and driving rain did not arrive until well into the afternoon. Being that this was a family service, Emily Morrow provided the reading from Luke, Chapter 9, with prayers on the day also from the Sunday school, Sam Kerr, Janie Reid, Jack Reid and Suzanne Rolston, supported by Joyce Stevenson and Emma MacPherson. The

Choir, led by Joe McKee provided the congregation with the opportunity to join in praise with five hymns. The hymn (Shine, Jesus, Shine) immediately prior to the Rector’s sermon is a particular favourite with my youngest son, and with apologies to those sitting around us in the pews, he got louder as each verse progressed. His vocal chords were at least then warmed up as he joined his fellow members of the Sunday School for the Children’s Anthem ‘Kum ba Yah.’ Prior to the Children’s anthem, the Rector joked that he had been given strict instructions by the catering committee to pay attention to his timings so that the end of the service coincided with the preparation of lunch.

Following the service, the congregation made their way in considerable numbers toward the Church Hall. Volunteers had worked tirelessly the previous day to clean the church and the hall was also looking well with the now traditional set up of long tables filling the space. Within minutes after church there was a great atmosphere in the Hall with a great deal of the seats filled with fellowship and conversations flowing. We did not need to wait for our lunch, as soon we were greeted with the sight of activity and movement from the kitchen toward the hall as volunteers began to bring forward plates, trays and bowls filled with delicious food. We were presented with plates filled with a fresh salad, with the homemade dressing provided by Lindsay, alongside a chicken and ham pie which had been cooked to perfection. Bowls filled with new potatoes with a splash of butter and mint were placed at intervals and shared accordingly. This was

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then followed by tea, coffee and homemade traybakes with the latter being shared amongst everyone with the array of cakes providing much discussion as people marvelled at the breadth of the offer.

In what should be commended as real attention to detail, the younger parishioners were presented with their own version

of the Lent Lunch as they sat down to a table that had been decorated with bowls of crisps and fifteens with some enjoying these as a starter and others biding their time and their appetite for the main course. Their eyes soon widened as members of the catering committee and their helpers approached their tables with trays of hotdogs. These were warmly received, though being at a table all to themselves they showed their independence by applying their own condiments, with some applying these incredibly liberally. The younger parishioners left the hall well replenished and ready for the rest of the day ahead, having consumed their hotdogs followed by strawberry jelly dessert. They left the hall to go out and enjoy the cool spring day with the occasional visit back into the hall

for a touch of warmth, or perhaps it was to ensure that the remainder of crisps and fifteens were eaten. A magnanimous effort as they lightened the amount of clean up required by ensuring not a pick of food remained at their table.

Whilst the Lent lunch is just a couple of hours of enjoyment, fellowship and nourishment after church on a Sunday, it always runs without a hitch thanks to the meticulous planning and preparation of the Catering Committee and their helpers for which they should rightly be commended. Preparations for the Lent lunch begin in earnest, well before the actual event, tickets are distributed in church so that the Catering Committee has a good idea of how many people they need to prepare food for. This is important, as whilst they would no doubt subscribe to the John Lewis like principle of never knowingly under catered, their careful and thorough planning means that every parishioner is well fed whilst ensuring that waste is kept to a minimum. The result of their efforts and of those in attendance saw a record total of £2,500 raised for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. I’m sure, like me, you enjoyed the Lent Lunch and no doubt are looking forward to the next Catering Committee event to see what other delights we will be sampling next time!

John Kerr

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Art ClubEaster break – 18th April (Holy Week)

A follow-up to our recent life-drawing sitting with the Rector is this limerick.There sat the Reverend AuchmutyHis portrait the Art Club’s prime dutyHis pose did not flinchHe ne’er moved an inchIt really has turned out a beauty.By Helen T

LADIES GUILDThere was a capacity audience of members and visitors for our much blighted Film Night. Due to unforeseen circumstances there had to be a sudden programme change and our thanks are due to the Bible Study Group who saved the night by allowing us to use their copy of “The Greatest Showman”. It was enjoyed by all and the ballot held during the tea interval was a great success.

Our meeting on Wednesday 20th March when we joined with Mothers’ Union members for an evening of music, dance and song will be more fully reported in May magazine.

Looking further ahead to Wednesday 10th April we will hold our “Charity Fundraising Event” in the Church Hall. The nominated charity is Macmillan Cancer Care and I hope many parishioners will come along to support us on this evening. The event is open to all. Our Speaker will be Mr Colin Russell whose talk is intriguingly titled “Sunningdale, Sherwood and Surgery”. Mr Russell is a retired surgeon and has had an interesting life and career. We may, I am told, even get a song or two.

As I write this snow is falling at the window but I hope that a later Easter will bring the warmer and brighter days we would like with the chance to be out and about and maybe even plan a picnic!

On behalf of the committee may I wish you the blessings and renewed hope that Easter time brings to us all.

Eleanor

Drawing by Sara E

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New members are always welcome at any of our organisations!Sunday Sunday School

Bubbles (3-5 years)Splash (5-8 years)X-treme (8-11 years)The Grid (11-14 years)

2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays10.30am

Superintendent:Joyce Stevenson 9058 3381

Crèche 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays Claire Hirst07949 298473

Monday Craft and Hobby Circle 1st and 3rd Monday each month 10.30am

Carol Willis9079 9997

Ladies Bowling 2.00pm Helen Coates9065 8977

MU Afternoon Group 2nd Monday each month 2.30pm Joy Montgomery9029 5427

Mens’ Club 7.30pm John Robb9058 1438

Tuesday Ladies Badminton 10.30am Gillian Popplestone9080 3799

Ladies Badminton 2.00pm Anne Clarke9065 1412

Activity Group Except 1st Tuesday7.30pm

Maureen Irwin9079 5155

Mothers’ Union 1st Tuesday each month8.00pm

Barbara Laverty9573 8743

Wednesday Brownies 6.30pm

Doves 6.30pm

Railway and Model Club 7.00pm David Beattie9028 5868

Ladies Guild 3rd Wednesday each month7.45pm

Jennifer Beattie,9028 5868

Thursday Art Club 9.30am Billy Nelson9048 3889

Bible Study Group 2.30pm - 4.00pm Eileen Anderson9020 3684

Choir 7.30pm Dr Joe McKee07976 294574

Friday Mums and Tots 10.00am Joyce Stevenson, 9058 3381

Bi-monthly Pause As arranged Eileen Anderson9020 3684

Monthly Youth Etc.(11-15 years)

As arranged Jonathan Martin, 07980 885990

Young Families Social events as arranged Emma Macpherson9028 2076

Requests for the occasional use of the church halls must be submitted to the Premise’s Convenor.

PARISH ORGANISATIONS

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WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBASParish website: www.coiknock.org

Rector The Reverend Canon John R Auchmuty

St. Columba’s Rectory29 Kings Road

BT5 6JG028 9047 1514

johnauchmuty@yahoo.com

Assistant Priests

The Reverend Canon Ken Smyth

The Reverend Canon Walter Laverty

3 Mount RoyalBangor BT20 3BG

028 9145 8706

6, Hanwood HeightsDundonald BT16 1XU

028 9573 8743

Diocesan Lay Reader Karen McAlpine readercolumba@gmail.com

Rector’s Churchwarden David Kelly 028 9079 6658

People’s Churchwarden Richard Caldwell 028 9079 3163

Junior Churchwardens Sophie King and Daniel Sadlier

Rector’s Glebewarden Jim Stevenson 028 9058 338107973 392448

People’s Glebewarden Mark Reid 028 9028 436707810 648167

Honorary Sexton John Proctor 028 9087 052607989 469773

Select Vestry

Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Suzanne Allen,

David Craig, Andrew Ellis, Andrew Hirst, John Kerr, Elizabeth Leonard, Moira Saunders, Jonathan Stewart,

Mark Wilson

Honorary Secretary John Macpherson

10 Sandhill GardensBT5 6FF

028 9028 2076jdmacpherson@hotmail.com

Honorary Treasurer Gillian Sadlier70 Kensington Road

BT5 6NG028 9040 3278

Assistant Honorary Treasurer Victor Dukelow 028 9029 0625

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Gift Aid Secretary Jack Dunlop 028 9065 4103

Parochial Nominators Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good,Elizabeth Leonard, Linda Wilson

Diocesan Synod members

Patrick Good, Elizabeth LeonardHollie Wilson (under 30)

Organist and Choral Director Dr Joe McKee 07976 294574

Assistant Organist Brian Clements 028 9079 3641

Sidesperson’s rotaCo-ordinator Rosemary Coffey 028 9754 2198

Magazine Editor Billy McAlpine 028 9042 4390colmaged@outlook.com

Parish Webmaster Ivan Roche 028 9514 0141ivan.roche@me.com

C of I Gazette Distributor Moranne Noad 028 9079 3704

Bible Reading Fellowship notes Joan Madill 028 9065 6591

Church flowers Eleanor Launchbury 028 9028 1204

Premise’s Convenor Stewart Beckwith 028 9048 6622

Crucifer Mark Laverty 028 9573 8743

Parish Office Administrator/

Financial Giving Secretary

Karen PattersonOffice hours: Monday to

Friday9.00am-1.00pm 028 9065 6891

office@coiknock.org

CHURCH CAR PARKINGWhen parking to go to church services or Parish Organisations please be sensitive to the residents in the local community by taking care not to block entrances or pavements.Thank you!

FacebookSt Columba’s Parish Church is now on Facebook. ‘Like’ our page to see updates on events, services and photos. Search coiknock on Facebook or Messenger to find us easily.

For those who are new to St Columba’s and would like more information about the life and membership of the parish, please give your name and phone number to our Churchwardens or contact the Parish Office during office hours Monday-Friday, 9.00am-1.00pm on 028 9065 6891.

Pastoral Care: If anyone has a pastoral concern and would like to speak to someone, please contact the Rector (028 9047 1514) or Canon Ken Smyth (028 9145 8706).

SAFEGUARDING TRUST

The Rector, Select Vestry and parish leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact: The Rector ..........................................................028 9047 1514Patrick Good ......................................................028 9065 6908Elizabeth Leonard ...........................................028 9065 3162