The Swanlinbar Kildallon Group of Parishes in the Church of Ireland Kilmore Diocese. Corrawallen Kildallon Kinawley Newtowngore Swanlinbar Templeport Tomregan

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Newsletter No 26 September 2009
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Our Spiritual Health Matters
Church of Ireland Cross
Our children love blackberry picking. There are plenty of memories of this fruit gathering with children’s faces and hands covered in juice! At least that is one harvest that can be safely gathered in at the end of a wet summer. The gathering of blackberries reminds me that Jesus call to us to bear fruit - that lives would be wonderfully helped, healed and restored, changed through an encounter with the incredible love of Jesus.
Yet I also ponder a couple of our hens. Bullied they weren’t in good form. They were underweight and their health was poor. Needless to say they stopped laying! Poor health equals no eggs. Ill health equals no harvest.
Our churches can resemble the fruitful harvest or the poor hens? Our health matters. As I think about the health of our churches I am drawn more and more to Jesus’ words in John chapter 15. Jesus says that he is the vine and you and I are the branches. If we want to bear fruit we don’t simply add lots more activities in the life of the church - that just wears us out, especially me! The key to bearing fruit is health - healthy branches. As branches Jesus tells us very clearly we simply have to remain in him or abide in him.
To abide simply means we are to live the life of a branch well connected to the vine! A man named Rees Howells who was involved in a Welsh revival said these words that help explain what a branch should be..
“It was great joy in those days to think that the Saviour had made me a branch, just a channel through which His own resurrection life could flow.” I know a little of the joy in these words. There is no better feeling in the world than to know God has used me - me just a little branch.
So ask yourself
How are you remaining in the vine?
How are you opening your life to Jesus that you can be a channel for his life? What steps are you taking to deepen your life with Jesus?
Are there any signs of fruit? Is my life drawing others to Jesus?
Unless our churches are attached to Jesus we have no existence - no reason for being! We cling to Jesus for life. Jesus himself says, “Without me you can do nothing…Every branch in me that does not bear fruit will be taken away.” He goes on to say these branches will be destroyed. It is a grave warning for us that we must heed. There must never be shame preaching about Jesus.
When I ask people prayer requests folk often mention health, meaning physical health. How much more important is our spiritual health yet so easily overlooked. Things like our prayer meetings and bible courses may seem like optional extras but I suggest they are key ways in which we can grow closer to the vine - that we would be a healthier people bearing fruit! Health really matters.

blackberries

 

Hen

Church of Ireland  CrossRichard's signature Captain Richard Beadle


 

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News Items

Sams Update<empty>SAMS logo

Dennis Johnston our Ireland SAMS LINK is coming over again on Wednesday 30th September. He will be at Tomregan Hall, Ballyconnell at 8.30 to update us and help us explore our link with Beryl Baker further. Please come and support this meeting. To date the United Vestries have met with Dennis but this meeting will be open to all.
http://www.swanlinbar-kildallon.kilmore.anglican.org/paraguay

Dennis Johnston

 

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We Invite You to Saints Alive! - Life in the Spirit
Saints Alive
As a Christian I know more and more my growing is never done! Getting to grips with God’s word, his ways, his teaching is a challenge to us all and yet it is so vital. Our Bible courses have been a rich blessing and I have no doubt the same will be the case this autumn. Having done Christianity Explored these last 3 years we will be exploring some new material that builds on Christianity explored very well. Having explored the life of Jesus in Mark’s gospel this course takes us into the book of Acts. It’s a gripping account of the growth of the early church that can teach us all so much.
At whatever stage of the Christian journey you will find this is a great course for you. If you are exploring what Christianity is all about but not yet committed to Jesus it’s for you. If you have never been on a course to explore Christian faith before this would be a great start. Similarly if you are a committed follower of Jesus wanting to grow in Christ this also is very much for you
The course will be running in Ballyconnell Parish minor hall and this is for everyone in the group. It will run on Wednesday evenings beginning on October 7th. It will run for 8 weeks with a break for the school half term. Meetings will start at 8.30pm with a cup of tea and informal chat, presentation sometimes using a DVD and discussion. Come along if you want to grow in faith.
Please let Richard know if you intend to come along as there is some material that needs to be ordered in advance for each participant.
Saints Alive logo

 

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Vestry Meeting

The Vestry for Templeport will take place on Tuesday 22nd September in Templeport Parish Church.
Apologies for the postponement of the vestries for Swanlinbar / Kinawley & Kildallon. These will be rearranged for later in the autumn.

Meeting

 

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Prayer Meetings

Please come along and join in our prayer for the work of our group. These meetings are really open to all and have been a tremendous encouragement to those who have taken part. This friendly hour starts with a cuppa and chat followed by song and prayer. Please come along if you can.

Wednesday 16th September 3 pm Valerie Livingstone’s
Wednesday 23rd September 8.30 pm Eric & Minnie Mitten’s
Tuesday 29th September 10.30 am Mackie & Vi Breen’s
Tuesday 6th October 8.30 pm Abraham & Carol Graham’s
Wednesday 14th October 3 pm Louise Patterson's
Man rowing small boat

 

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Harvest Celebrations for 2009

Some dates for your diary for the forthcoming Harvest Celebrations; It’s a great time to support one another as we visit one another’s churches. Please note the alterations in the service locations and dates since publication last month. .

Day & Date Church Preacher
Friday 18th September Ballyconnell Sister Myrtle Morrison (CA)
Sunday 20th September Newtowngore Canon Eric McGirr
Friday 25th September Corrawallen Sister Valerie Thom (CA)
Saturday 26th September Ballyconnell Tomregan Parish hall Harvest Supper & Concert
Sunday 27th September Swanlinbar Capt Richard Beadle (CA)
Friday 2nd October Kildallon Capt George Newell (CA)
Sunday 4th October Templeport Capt Colin Taylor (CA)
Harvest Offerings
You will notice that 5 of our speakers are from the Church Army. In light of this our harvest collection this year will support the work of Church Army in Ireland. Our theme before the summer was mission and exploring mission, not overseas but in our locality. All our speakers have experience in mission beyond the walls of our buildings. I hope you agree as you hear something of their stories this would be highly appropriate and feel able to give.

 

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Harvest Supper & Concert

One of the highlights last year was the Harvest Supper & Concert. I think we would all agree it was a hugely successful evening. It points to the fun we can have when we meet together as a group . The supper & concert will take place again this year in Ballyconnell Parish hall on Saturday 26th September. As well as Ballyconnell and Newtowngore schools bringing contributions we will once again need your help with your skills in music, drama and other talents. In order for the evening to work it is really important that we know in advance so that the program can be arranged. If you plan to take part please contact either Richard or one of the following Florence Bayliss, Mabel Pollock, Linda Lovett, Gertie Woods, Violet Clements, Avril Graham or Milly Morton if you wish to take part. .

Harvest Concert & Supper

 

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Children’s Bible Club

Showstoppers
May I say a big thank you to parents who took children to Killeshandra for their week long Bible club. I am aware of at least 8 children from Kildallon and Ballyconnell who went to the event, while Lynn Magee helped out. It was a really fun week and many thanks to the Scripture Union team who led it with such life and enthusiasm.

Scripture Union logo

 

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Sunday School Leaders Meeting

There is a meeting for all involved in the Sunday school on Thursday 8th October in Ballyconnell Minor hall at 8.30pm. This will address our present needs as the new term begins including our support for Edoh.

Joyful children

 

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News from Togo!

Earlier this year the Sunday School decided to sponsor a child through the Christian Charity “Compassion”. During the summer we received a letter from 6 year old Edoh Clemence who lives in on the coast of Togo in West Africa.

This is what she said with the help of her teachers.

Dear members of the Swanlinbar and Kildallon Sunday Schools,
Thank you for accepting me as your God Daughter. May God Bless you.
I live in Lome with my aunt in an area called Kodome. I’m living in a family of 5 children. I’ve 2 big sisters, one small sister and one big bro. I was born on March 27, 2003. I’m in class 1.
I like playing dolls. My best friend’s Nono. I like red, yellow, green and blue colours. When I grow up I will be a dress maker.
Pray for me to be clever at school.
In which country are you?

Best Greetings,
See you soon.
Edoh Clemence
   
Edoh's drawing
Drawing of Oranges by Edoh
Edoh Clemence
Below are two maps showing the location of Lomé in Togo, West Africa.
.
West Africa showing Togo Togo South showing Lomé

 

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Teaching the Bible to Children

Childrens Ministries
How relevant is it in today’s world?
There is a special evening on Thursday 24th September at 8pm for Sunday School teachers and others (parents perhaps?) who teach God’s word to children. The evening will be led by children’s author and former primary school teacher Alison Brown and held in the Salvation Army church, Hall’s lane Enniskillen. If you are involved in the children’s work in some way please take hold of this opportunity if you possibly can.

 

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Mothers Union News
Mother's Union Logo
The Mothers Union is starting a new calendar of events beginning with the forthcoming opening service on Tuesday September 15th in Corrawallen Parish Church at 8pm. The speaker will be Rev Hazel Hicks. Please do make every effort to come along.
Mothers Union meet on the 3rd Tuesday in the month. Ladies you can put the following dates in your diaries!
October 20th Flowers led by Sarah Jane and Buffet food in Ballyconnell hall.
November 17th Faith and fun led by Wendy Coulter in Kinawley.


 
 

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Confirmation 2010

A date for the Bishop to come to our group is provisionally arranged for May next year. If you want to be confirmed or would like to know more please speak with me so I can explore the most suitable way to prepare folk. It is usual to think of teenagers when we mention confirmation but possibly there may also be adults wishing to explore confirmation as well. If that is you please speak with me. Richard .

Confirmation - Laying on of hands

 

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Surgery Hours  Richard tied in office

 Day

Date

Time

Wednesday

16th  September

12.30 - 2.30

Tuesday

22nd September

10 - 12 am

Thursday

8th October

11am - 1 pm

Tuesday

13th October

9.30 - 11.30

Monday

19th October

2 - 4 pm


 

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GFS

A meeting for all parents involved in the GFS will be held on 15th September 8.30pm in Newtowngore hall. Please come along if your children attend as we look to the coming year.

G.F.S. logo

 

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Gift Day

Just to let folks know that the Annual Gift Day for St. Peter’s Templeport will be on Sunday October 18th at the service of morning prayer in the Parish Church. Anyone who has supported the gift day in the past should receive an envelope shortly. If you have not given to the Gift Day previously and would like it to be included, then please contact the Parish Treasurer, Linda Lovett (049 952 3332), who will make the necessary arrangements for you to receive an envelope in good time. .

Collection money

 

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Swanlinbar Supper Dance

For those annual pilgrims to the Swanlinbar Supper Dance, it’s to be at 8pm on Friday 23rd October in the usual venue in Enniskillen. Dancing is to the music led by Larry & Co. The usual excellent buffet will be served at 8 pm sharp. Anyone wishing to buy a ticket for the bargain price of £12 can do so by contacting Alice Gould on 048 6774 8749

Couple dancingCook with big bowl of food

 

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How about a Smile?

Sunday School Humour
At Sunday School they were learning how God created everything, including human beings. Johnny was especially intent when the teacher told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny, what is the matter?"
Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."

The Joys of Sunday School Teaching
The Sunday School teacher was describing that when Lot's wife looked back at Sodom she turned into a pillar of salt, when Bobby interrupted. "My mommy looked back once while she was driving," he announced, "and she turned into a telephone pole."

Another Sunday School teacher said to her children,
"We have been learning about how powerful the kings and queens were in Biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it is?"
Tommy blurted out, "I know! Aces!"

After explaining the commandment to honour your father and mother, a Sunday School teacher asked her class if there was a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters.
One boy, the oldest in his family, immediately answered, "Thou shalt not kill."
Lot again... A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt."
His son asked, "What happened to the flea?"

Last Journey?
A funeral service is being held in a church for a woman who has just passed away. At the end of the service, the pallbearers carrying the casket accidentally bump into a wall jarring the casket. They hear a faint moan. They open the casket and find that the women is actually alive. She lives for 10 more years and then dies. A ceremony is again held at the same church and at the end the pallbearers are again carrying the casket out. As they are walking, the husband calls out, "Watch out for the wall!"

 

Smile!

 

Sunday School


 

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Poetry Launch

The launch of the late Matt Duggan's Collection of poetry, "From Mountain to Lough" will be held in Aughakillymaude Community Centre at 8pm on Friday 18th Sept. Everyone is welcome.

Poetry reader

 

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Please Could You Contribute to future Newsletters?

If you have a digital camera or a camera on your mobile phone please take photographs of your local parish activities. We would love to hear from you or, just send your photos to the group office.

camera

 

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Gospel Concert
Yodelling Kenny Archer

Many thanks to all who helped with the concert in Templeport Community Centre in aid of Forward Funds. Approximately €1600 was raised on a really enjoyable and fun night. Just to remind everyone Forward helps to run some of our key events in the year such as the Sunday school BBQ and the Senior Citizens dinner. We had a great night with our guests Gary Wilson, Kenny Archer and friends Lesley, Bernie and Luke. Bernie and Lesley who sang on the night also sent a thank you .
Along with the hospitality they were also very grateful for nearly €500 in DVD/CD sales which will go to the hospice in Letterkenny. Thank you once again!

S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert S - K Group Gospel Concert

Hilarious Gary Wilson
These are only a few of the photos taken on the night.
Please click here or on any of the thumbnails above to open the Gospel Concert photo index in a new window

All proceeds were in aid of ForwardFunds.

Please remember the Forward quiz sheets need to be returned by 28th September.

 

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The Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O, Devine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
 

     
     


 

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Church of Ireland Cross   Prayer Points for the rest of September & early October  Church of Ireland Cross

Let us continue to listen to God in prayer and develop a daily routine of praying for the following on the day of the week indicated;

Sunday:
Pray that our life of worship to God would truly grow. May we come with expectation of meeting with Christ and his renewing;
Monday:
Pray for the appointment of a new Rector. We pray for our nominators who have the difficult task of seeking the person of God's choosing and anointing;
Tuesday:
Pray for our harvest services. That we will celebrate with grateful hearts and gain real insight into Christ’s spiritual work of harvest;
Wednesday:
Pray for the unemployed and those struggling financially. We pray for farmers. Help them make wise choices as they seek the best way ahead. We pray for continued dry weather to complete some of the outstanding farm work;
Thursday:
Pray for those struggling with illness and those missing loved ones. We ask that the sure and certain hope that Christ would lighten their darkness;
Friday:
Pray for those who have started a new commitment this autumn. In particular we pray for those newly married and for those young people starting college;
Saturday:
Remember those far away. For Geoff and family in Lurgan, Beryl Baker and Wendy Power in the Chaco region of Paraguay.

C of I CrossC of I Cross


 

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C of I Cross<empty>Service Schedule for the remainder of September & early October <empty>C of I Cross

Day & Date

Time

Location

Service

Speaker

Main reading

                  September  

Tuesday 15th

8 pm

Corrawallen

Mothers Union

Rev Hazel Hicks

 

Friday 18th

8 pm

Ballyconnell

Harvest

Sister Myrtle Morrison

 

Sunday 20th

10.00

Swanlinbar

MP 2

Richard

Mark 9:30-37 James 3:13-4:3,7-8  

11.30

Templeport

MP 2

Richard

8 pm

Newtowngore

Harvest

Canon Eric McGirr

Tues 22nd

2 pm

Breffni

HC 1

Rev Steve Clark

 

Friday 25th

8 pm

Corrawallen

Harvest

Sister Valerie Thom

 

Sunday 27th

10.30

Corrawallen

HC 1

Canon Reggie Twaddell

Mark 9: 38-50 James 5:13-20

12.00

Kildallon

HC 1

Canon Reggie Twaddell

8 pm

Swanlinbar

Harvest

Richard

                  October          

Friday 2nd

8 pm

Kildallon

Harvest

Capt George Newell

 

Sunday 4th

10.30

Newtowngore

MP 1

Richard

Mark 14:22-31

12.00

Kildallon

MP 1

Richard

8 pm

Templeport

Harvest

Capt Colin Taylor

 

Sunday 11th

10.00

Kinawley

HC 2

Canon Reggie Twaddell

Mark 14:32-50

 

1030

Corrawallen

MP 2

Richard

 

11.30

Ballyconnell

HC 2

Canon Reggie Twaddell

 

12.00

Kildallon

MP 2

Richard

1 after Service type indicates Traditional    2 after Service type indicates Contemporary
After the United Services all are invited to a cup of tea in the Church or local hall 
Enjoy a cup of tea after the united service


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