THE DUNDALK GROUP OF PARISHES

Dundalk: St Nicholas, Dundalk; St Pauls, Heynestown Ballymascanlan & Carlingford: St Marys, Ballymascanlan; St Andrews, Rathcor (Bush) Crossmaglen: Creggan Parish Church

Newsletter September 2012

MINISTRY TEAM

Issue 7:08 September 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

You the people of the parishes with The Revd Sandra Pragnell (Rector), The Revd Richard Moore (Assistant Minister), and our Parish Readers, Mr Rodney McDowell and Mrs Kate Okuno Contact: The Rectory, Old Golf Links Road, Blackrock, Dundalk, County Louth. Tel: (042) 9321402

FROM THE REGISTERS

Holy Baptism On 2nd August at St Nicholas, Dundalk: Katie Olivia Lena McCANN, daughter of Tania and Niall, Dundalk; On 19th August at St Nicholas, Dundalk: Whitney Sarah Aoife Kosisochukwu ONU, daughter of Olivia and Chukwuma, Dundalk; Lord, may these children walk in the light of Christ all their days. Christian Funeral and Burial: On 16 July 2012 at St Marys Parish Church, Howth: Doris Eileen BLENNERHASSETT (89, nee Hourie, widow of Canon Frank Blennerhassett, former Rector of Howth). Late of Dealgan House Nursing Home, Dundalk. The service was conducted by the Rector, Revd Kevin Brew, and our Rector led the prayers. Doris was laid to rest with her late husband at Kilbarrack Cemetery. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family, especially Wendy and family. On 17 July 2012 at St Nicholas Parish Church, Dundalk: Marjorie (Margaret Helen) MULLEN (89, nee Coleman). Late of Dealgan House Nursing Home, Dundalk. She was laid to rest with her late husband Kevin at St Patricks Cemetery, Dowdallshill. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends, especially her sister Olive and family. On 4 August 2012 at St Marys, Ballymascanlan: John STEWART (88) of Drumnasilla, Ravensdale. John was laid to rest in with his wife Margaret in the adjoining churchyard. Lord, in you the dead find life forever.

Holiday time is over for most of us. I had a lovely break in the Highlands of Scotland with the family, and was blessed with unseasonally hot sunshine. Much as I love the country side and coast line here, up there in Scotland the lochs are bigger, the mountains are higher, but it is all part of Gods one creation, and all breathtakingly beautiful. On Sunday I went to church with my sister their new Minister at the little Church of Scotland village church is from Bavaria, and she is young and newly ordained. Once again, despite the differences, it was clear that we are all part of Gods world-wide church. The Sunday lectionary readings (which for us are conveniently printed out in the blue Word of the Lord book) are exactly the same chapter and verse in the C of I and in the C of S, and of course for our RC neighbours too. Its a valuable reminder that we are all Gods children, one family, and all made in Gods image, whatever we look like, or wherever we come from; and that it is the same Word of the Lord we all need to feed on. Revd Tabeas sermon focussed on the identity of Christ, and how we each understand that, and on our identification with Christ in the sacrament of the Lords Supper, the Eucharist, the Holy Communion, which unites us with one another and with Him, and can transform us, and through us, transform the world. Messages of hope are much needed in these difficult times, both at home here and abroad. Conflict in North Kivu in DR Congo, and the frightening pictures and accounts of suffering in Syria, should be held in our daily prayers. Following the Olympic Games as much I could, I was touched to see how the movement has grown, with more countries now taking part, more women involved, some of whom would have been so affirming for their country-women back home. May that Spirit of togetherness, of team-work, of striving for excellence, of effort and reward, and of volunteering and welcome and hospitality be our own hall mark as Christians, wherever God places us, or sends us. With my prayers for you all, and a request that you pray for me. Yours in Christ, Sandra

The Choir of St Nicholas Parish Church present a

HARVEST CONCERT

Rectors New Address From Wed 24th October, Sandras address will be: The Deanery, 7 Kilbane, Castletroy, Limerick.

For your Prayers

For Alan our bishop, this group of parishes, our clergy and church officers, and every parish family For those who are sick, housebound, elderly or lonely For those struggling financially For those preparing for Christian marriage, especially Shelley and Andrew, Joanne and Kevin, Nigel and Anna and Kate and Bill. For our parish link with Bishop Isesomo and the Diocese of North Kivu in DR Congo, especially at this time when we hear news of increasing conflict, and for the work of CMSI For our parish link with Bishop Suheil and the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and especially for the clergy ministering in Syria. For all Christians who face persecution for their faith, especially in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iraq and China For the youth of our parish group who waiting on results of State examinations. For the children of our Parish Group and their teachers as they return to school for the new academic year.
At St Nicholas Church of Ireland, the Green Church, Dundalk

On Friday 12th October 2012 at 8pm,

preceded by a wine reception at The Wellington Hall at 7pm

Guest Soloist Miriam Blennerhassett

Mezzo-Soprano and founder member of Anna
and introducing the St Nicholas NS Junior Choir and other artists

Guest Choir The Cloughmore Male Voice Choir

Tickets 15 (all proceeds to the Wellington Hall Project) Available from: Oriel Office Supplies (The Ramparts, Dundalk)and Toymaster (Forkhill)

PARISH NOTICE
Wellington Hall Project
200th Anniversary of the Wellington Hall 1812 2012

Parish Profile
Who are you? Beryl Mary Pragnell (nee Tardivel) your Rectors mum! Which is your church? Now it is Invergarry (Church of Scotland), where my daughter Sonia is a Presbyterian elder. For most of my married life, our parish church (C of E) was Jesus Chapel, St Mary Extra, Southampton (the first church built in England after the Reformation); then I moved nearer my younger daughter in St Marks Parish, Southampton. Where do you live? Since 2006, in Invergarry in Lochaber, Inverness-shire, in the Highlands of Scotland. We overlook Loch Oich (on the A82) and are not far from Loch Ness. How would you describe what you do? At 82 I am long retired. I used to nurse, and then I was a District Nurse in Southampton for many years, and finally moved to work nights at the Countess Mountbatten Hospice, just outside Southampton. What are your hobbies or interests? I used to enjoy knitting and dress-making, when I brought up my 3 children (2 daughters and a son). I have always loved animals, especially cats. The most recent one was Lucy, a rescue cat, who died of old age earlier this year. I love feeding and watching wild birds, and can watch them from my room. My daughter Sonia and her husband run a Bed & Breakfast, and I enjoy meeting the visitors, who come from all over the world. Favourite Bible passage? Psalm 23, the Lords my shepherd the words are very comforting. Favourite hymn? I like Amazing Grace. Favourite book or film? I used to read a lot of Catherine Cooksons novels. More recently I have been reading Alexander McCall Smiths No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books I am just finishing The Double Comfort Safari Club. We watch a lot of films on TV or DVD. The most recent was The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which I enjoyed. Who or what has influenced you the most? My parents first, but from the age of 9 until nearly 19 I was separated from them, in Jersey during the Occupation. I lived with Aunty Amy (my mothers 2nd cousin) and her husband Reg (a 1st cousin) as they had no children. Aunty Amy would have been a big influence: I attended Zion Methodist church, a short walk up the road from where we lived at Mont-alAbbe (just north of St Helier). I sang in the choir, and was a soloist; attended Sunday School, and became a Sunday School teacher there too. Also I was in the St John Ambulance until I was able to return to my family in England. Your dream holiday destination? I always went back to Jersey every year (until this year) to catch up with all my cousins and other relatives. Spring is particularly beautiful there, with the scent of narcissus everywhere. And I love the coastline, and the green lanes. Now I enjoy coming to Ireland to be with Sandra. What has been the best day of your life so far? I suppose there are two. Liberation day in Jersey in 1945 meant that I could now get back in touch with my parents, brothers and sisters in England. But then there was my wedding day in October 1952 when I married my late husband Dave.

Work is complete on re-roofing the Wellington Hall and will soon commence on painting the exterior of the building Other planned work this autumn includes painting the interior of the hall, refurbishing the entrance and refurbishing the exisiting ladies toilet, as well as the exterior gents toilets. This work is all being funded by the generous support of parishioners and friends to our various fund raising efforts for which we are very grateful. Many thanks again to all who organised, sponsored and supported the Summer BBQ at Bellurgan Park in July. In spite of the grey skies and slightly lower turnout we still raised nearly 2,000 for the WHP and enjoyed a happy social event. October 12th Harvest Concert at St Nicholas Dundalk at 8pm, preceded by a wine reception in the Wellington Hall at 7pm. Guest Soloist, Miriam Blennerhassett (Mezzo-Soprano and founder member of Anna) and Guest Choir ,The Cloughmore Male Voice Choir, the junior choir of St Nicholas NS, our own St Nicholas Choir and other guests. Tickers (priced 15) available from Oriel Office Supplies, the Ramparts, Dundalk. Plans for a Bicentennial Gala Ball at Ballymascanlon House Hotel have been cancelled. In the current financial climate and for reasons we are all too familiar with, we recognise that it is simply not feasible for either parishioners or for local businesses to offer the kind of support we had originally hoped for. We have therefore downgraded our lavish Gala Ball to a simple Bicentennial Celebration party to be held in the Wellington Hall on Saturday 8th December at 7.30pm. Please make a note of the date in your diaries more details to follow. Further details will be anounced as plans are finalised Sunday School News Sunday school starts back for the new school year on Sunday 9th September. All children must be registered for Sunday School by completing the contact form, available in the church porch. Parents are reminded that Sunday School is for all school aged children from 4 to 12/13 (Confirmation). We have 2 groups: the junior group for 4 to 7 years and the senior group for 8 to 12 years. For health and safety reasons we are unable to have children under the age of 4 years in Sunday School. There are soft toys and games available in the vestry for parents to take babies and toddlers during the service

The Rector writes: In clearing out old papers in my study, I found in some synod papers, the correct Form of Bequest for those who may wish to include their church in their will. It was a timely find for me, as I have finally got round to writing my own will. So for information, I include the relevant wording here: I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH ...... (details of sum of money, property, share of residue etc) to the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland in trust for (.... eg. the parochial funds of the parish of.... in the diocese of....). I direct that any funds received by the Representative Body in pursuance of this my Will may be invested in any investments or securities whatsoever in its sole discretion and in all respects as if it were absolutely and beneficially entitled thereto.

BEQUESTS TO THE CHURCH

MISSION NEWS
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM & THE MIDDLE EAST
The Bishop and Diocese of Jerusalem and The Middle East have welcomed their new Bishops Chaplain, who will also pastor the English speaking congregations. The Revd Major John Organ comes from the Anglican Church of Canada, who have long been supporting the work of the Episcopal Diocese. Fr John is accompanied by his wife Irene, who will be volunteering in St Georges Cathedral School, opposite the Cathedral, and working with staff and students there.

PARISH NEWS
Digital Switchover 2012 Is Your Home Ready?
TV in Ireland is changing. Now is the time to find out whether this will affect you. On 24th October the analogue signal will be switched off. Only households with a digital service will still have TV service. If you, your friends or neighbours still use an analogue signal you need to act now. There are several options available, some with a small upfront cost, others with on-going monthly costs. You can choose the option that is right for you. For more information call 1890 940980 (24hrs a day) or visit www.goingdigital.ie. If you would like to organise an information event in your local community, the Digital Switchover co-ordinator for Louth, Con O'Donoghue, would be happy to come and talk. He can be contacted on 041 9830142.

THE DIOCESE OF NORTH KIVU IN DR CONGO

Sunday 2nd September is a special day for All of us in this parochial group, as we hear more about life and church and witness in the Diocese of North Kivu. At this special service, which is at St Marys Church, Ballymascanlan at 10.30am (sharp), we welcome David Gough who has travelled in DR Congo, and knows the North Kivu diocese and Bishop Ise-somo. Davids most recent visit was earlier this year, and he will work with us as we explore as a parish how best we can nurture and plan a real partnership with North Kivu. Prayer is vital, but prayer also needs to be put into action. So come along on 2nd September to praise God together in worship, to hear about the experience of our Anglican brothers and sisters in North Kivu, and to be inspired in our own discipleship.

St Nicholas National School

Our National School re-opens on Thursday 30th August at 8.40am after the summer break. New pupils are always Welcome at our National School. Please contact the principal, Mrs Susan Reyburn on 0860213018.

St Nicholas Pre School

CONCERRT

Places still available for September 2012 in our successful pre-school at St Nicholas NS campus FREE if your child is 3 before 30th June 2012. Fantastic foundation for your child starting their education. istear /Solta Curriculum. Mon.Fri. 8.50 a.m.12.00 p.m. Please contact Lorraine on 0863653009 for an application form or more information

The Holy Visions

Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, EQ Ensemble
8pm on Friday 5 October 2012 St. Nicholas Church of Ireland Dundalk

Tickets 20/Concessions 15 www.centralticketbureau.com ROI: 0818 205 205 UK: 0870 850 2896 Also available from An Tain Theatre Box Office 042 9392919 John Zorn The Holy Visions is presented by Louth Contemporary Music Society and is financially supported by the Arts Council and Create Louth

News in Brief
On Wednesday 22nd August there will be an Open Day at St Nicholas Dundalk all day as part of National Heritage Week. On Sun 2nd Sept we welcome David Gough from CMSI to a United Service at St Marys Ballymascanlan at 1030am, which will focus on our planned partnership with the Diocese of North Kivu in DR Congo. Sandras installation in St Marys Cathedral, Limerick, is Wed 24 Oct at 7.30pm. All welcome. Upcoming classes in Creggan include: Computers (4th Sept for 10 weeks), Digital Photography (5th Sept for 6 weeks), Jewellery making (8th October for 8 weeks) and Art (7th January 2013 for 10 weeks). For more information please contact Muriel Donaldson on 028 30 861025 .

DIARY DATES This Month

Weds 22 Aug: Open Day at St Nicholas Dundalk all day as part of National Heritage Week. 24 Aug: Saint Bartholomew HC, 10.30, Ballymascanlan 28 Aug: GROUP SERVICE 11am, Dundalk 2 Sept: North Kivu Service (Group), Ballymascanlan, 10.30am 7 Sept: Candlelit Vigil in Creggan Walled Garden for Suicide Awareness, 7.30pm 23 Sept: 10am St Pauls, Heynestown Harvest. 28 Sept: 7.30pm, St Marys Ballymascanlan Harvest (with visiting choir) 30 Sept: GROUP SERVICE 10.30am Heynestown

Services in September 2012

Week Commencing 26 August (12th After Trinity)
St Nicholas, Dundalk Holy Communion (Order One) Sunday 26th 8.00am GROUP SERVICE Morning Prayer Sunday 26th 11.00am No morning service in the other churches on 26 August Hospital (St Olivers) HC Thursday 30th 11.30am

Week Commencing 02 September (13th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist Candlelit Vigil (in Walled Garden) St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 2nd Friday 7th Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd Sunday 2nd Thursday 6th 9.30am 7.30pm 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

DIARY DATES Looking Ahead

5 Oct: The Holy Visions Concert from Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart EQ Ensemble, 8pm, St Nicholas, Dundalk. 7 Oct: 3pm, Creggan Parish Church Harvest. 12 Oct: 8pm Harvest Concert at St Nicholas, Dundalk in aid of the WHP (see front page) 13 Oct: St Nicholas open for Harvest decorations 14 Oct: Dundalk Harvest, 11am (recorded by LMFM) 15 Oct: Rev Sandra farewell Eucharist to our Parish Group, 7.30pm, St Nicholas, Dundalk 21 Oct: 3pm, St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Harvest. 24 Oct: 7.30pm, Rev Sandras installation in St Marys Cathedral, Limerick all welcome. 8 Dec: Bicentennial Celebration party at 7.30pm in the Wellington Hall 30 Dec: GROUP SERVICE 11am Dundalk Sun 3 Oct, 3pm Harvest

Week Commencing 09 September (14th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayert St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer St Pauls, Heynestown Eucharist St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 9th Sunday 9th Sunday 9th Sunday 9th Sunday 9th Thursday 13th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

Service, Creggan Harvest

HARVEST DATES 2012

St Pauls, Heynestown Sunday 23 September at 10am St Marys, Ballymascanlan Friday 28 September at 7.30pm with visiting choir Creggan Parish Church Sunday 7 October at 3pm St Nicholas, Dundalk Friday 12 October at 8pm HARVEST CONCERT (preceded by a wine reception in the Wellington Hall at 7pm) Saturday 13 October Church OPEN DAY Sunday 14 October at 11am (recorded by LMFM) St Andrews, Rathcor (Bush) Sunday 21 October at 3pm

Week Commencing 16 September (15th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Eucharist St Marys Ballymascanlan Morning Prayer St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Eucharist St Pauls, Heynestown Morning Prayer St Nicholas, Dundalk Eucharist Hospital (St Olivers) HC Dealgan House HC Sunday 16th Sunday 16th Sunday 16th Sunday 16th Sunday 16th Thursday 20th Tuesday 18th 9.30am 10.45am 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am 3.00pm

Week Commencing 23 September (16th After Trinity)

Creggan Parish Church Morning Prayer St Marys Ballymascanlan Eucharist Harvest Service St Andrews Rathcor (Bush) Morning Prayer St Pauls, Heynestown Harvest Service St Nicholas, Dundalk Morning Prayer Hospital (St Olivers) HC Sunday 23rd Sunday 23rd Friday 28th Sunday 23rd Sunday 23rd Sunday 23rd Thursday 27th 9.30am 10.45am 7.30pm 12 noon 10.00am 11.00am 11.30am

Candlelight Vigil for Suicide Awareness

Creggan Walled Garden (Poets Glen) th on Friday 7 September at 7.30pm. A Light Ceremony organised by the Cullyhanna Rural Health Partnership and in partnership with the Creggan Parish Church, Women & Family Health Initiative, Mullaghbawn and PIPS Newry & Mourne remembering those who have died by suicide.

Week Commencing 30 September (17th After Trinity)

GOSPEL READINGS FOR SEPTEMBER

2nd Sept: Mark 7.1-8, 14-15, 21-23 9th Sept: Mark 7.24-37 16th Sept: Mark 8.27-38 23rd Sept: Mark 9.30-37 30t Sept: Mark 9.38-50 These are provided for those of you who may find it helpful to read the gospel at home in preparation for Sunday worship. Contact the Rector if you are interested in daily Bible reading notes.

St Nicholas, Dundalk Holy Communion (Order One) Sunday 30th 8.00am GROUP SERVICE Morning Prayer Sunday 30th 11.00am No morning service in the other churches on 26 August

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