Baptism

Congratulations to little Rebecca Richardson who was welcomed into the family of the church through baptism in Newtowngore Parish Church. We wish her, her big sister Hannah, and her mum and dad, Denise and Keith every blessing in their home and family life.
Eilidh Georgina Richardson was also welcomed into the family of the church through baptism in Newtowngore Parish Church on Sunday past, 1st March. We wish Eilidh, Isla, Kelly and Barry every blessing as they grow in the faith into which Eilidh has been baptised.

Forward Choir

Many of you will recall that we have had two Diocesan celebration services in the Slieve Russell Hotel as part of our Forward! initiative. Well, there is another celebration just around the corner on Sunday 17th May at 3 pm, also in the Slieve Russell Hotel – more details of this will follow in subsequent newsletters. However, as part of the day, it is hoped to have a Diocesan choir leading the singing and to have as many Parishes as possible represented within this choir. Dean Raymond Ferguson has very kindly agreed to arrange some practice dates so that the choir can be well rehearsed for the 17th! Those who would like to participate in the choir must attend one of the following practices but would be welcome at more than one if they desire:

Confirmation

A number of parents have queried whether there will be confirmation in our Group next year. The normal cycle for confirmation would mean that there should be a service in first part of 2010. This will continue to be the case so anyone seeking confirmation should contact Richard as he will be carrying out the preparation from Autumn onwards. A date has yet to be set as the Bishop is still on sabbatical, returning at the end of this month.

Aid for Orphans in Bulgaria

After Easter, Patricia Tribelhorn of Templeport Parish, will be travelling in her motor home to Bulgaria. At first glance you might think that is an unusual holiday destination, but Patricia is not going for any holiday!
In December 2008, Patricia first heard of a project called The Bulgarian Woolly Project Team. Essentially this project gets aid to the most needy children, including orphans, in deprived areas of the country. Her heart went out to these children and their plight so she determined to do something about it. Patricia intends to take as much aid with her as she can and you can help her in the following ways:
You could knit a woolly hat, mittens or scarf;
You could buy a pair of woolly tights for a little girl;
You could buy a rubber, pencil, sharpener, crayons and exercise book for use in school;
You could send a soft toy;
You could send a jigsaw puzzle;
You could send good, clean, warm children’s clothing;
You could send a reading or colouring book.
There is lots you could do and Patricia would very much appreciate any help you feel able to offer. If you would like support this worthy cause then give Patricia a ring on 049 9523536, or her mobile number 087 9203301.

Informal Praise

Templeport Whist       ♥   ♣   ♦   ♠

Will be held on Thursday 19th March at 8.30pm in Templeport Community Centre. All proceeds from this evening go to the Parish Church, Templeport. Everyone welcome.

George Hamilton IV Gospel Concert

Sincere thanks are due to everyone who came along on the evening of 14th February to Templeport Community for our Country Gospel Concert with George Hamilton IV. George was so gracious in his manner and delighted us all with a selection of good old fashioned country numbers, gospel songs and favourite hymns. When we sang that beautiful hymn “What a friend we have in Jesus” I felt as if I could have reached out and touched the Holy Spirit, such was the sense of presence of God. What a man, and what a blessing to us all. The evening was organised at extremely short notice as George had a spare night in his itinerary which cropped up unexpectedly.
Through his willingness to serve and your generosity we were able to raise just over €1, 125 for St Christopher’s Hospice, Cavan. Thanks are also due to the team of volunteers who helped out in preparation for the evening.

There are lots more pictures taken at the concert on the Group News Page at:
www.swanlinbar-kildallon.kilmore.anglican.org/group-news/george-hamilton Clicking on this link will open the George Hamilton IV photo index page in a new window.

Group Dinner

Our Forward! steering group have decided to organise a dinner /dance for the whole of our Group in the Seven Horse Shoes, Belturbet on Friday 24th April 2009. The whole idea of the evening is to bring us all together for a social evening, with the emphasis on fun-raising rather than fund raising! The evening will commence at 8pm with a 4 course meal including soup, beef main course, desserts and tea and coffee. Our after dinner speaker has yet to be arranged but the emphasis will be on light entertainment with a spiritual message to conclude. And the evening is just beginning with dancing to Nigel Livingstone, formerly of Kildallon Parish. If anyone is interested in attending then they need to get their tickets early as they are being sold on a first come, first served basis at the bargain price of €25 each. Anyone wishing to buy a ticket should contact a member of the Forward! steering group below:

Compassion Update

Our Sunday School have decided to sponsor a child through the Christian group, Compassion. Compassion do great work with children throughout the world, including provision of health care, education, Christian teaching and clothing. This is an initiative which is being supported by each of our Sunday Schools throughout our Group. In this way we hope to build a sense of shared ownership of a project and nurture within our children a Christian sense of our duty towards our neighbour. The world we live in today is very “me-focussed”, through this development we hope to challenge this way of thinking with the love of God for all people.
If you are a parent of a child attending Sunday School, we would encourage you to support this initiative by sending 50¢ / 50p along with your child each week they attend. Please do not see this as a fee but rather a love offering which will be a blessing to someone in a much less fortunate situation than all of us. The cost of sponsorship is €30 per month, something which is easily manageable for us given the great attendance at our Sunday Schools recently. We hope to publish some details of the child we will be sponsoring in the next month or so.