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Hall Updates

As I write the situation is quite fluid but we anticipate that in the next weeks both Tomregan hall and Newtowngore Hall will begin very necessary and welcome building works. The builder will be taking control of Tomregan hall a few days after publishing this. The hall will therefore be unavailable for our use. Newtowngore are finalising the choice of builder and work will hopefully start in October. This will all obviously effect where we are able to hold things over the coming term. Many thanks to all those who are busy working away behind the scenes to make this all happen. The church office will no longer operate from Tomregan hall and we are presently reviewing how we best operate in this regard.

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Mothers Union

The next meeting of the Mothers Union will be in Corrawallen Church on Tuesday 11th October at 8pm. The evening will include a talk on the group of parishs’ trip to the House of Peace Orphanage in India by Florence Bayliss and other members of the team. May we also gently remind members that membership fees are due at the meeting..

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Vestry Meetings

A number of vestry meetings are planned on the following Thursdays at 8pm.

29th September	Newtowngore	Newtowngore hall
6th October	Swanlinbar	The Rectory
13th October	Tomregan	Tomregan Church
20th October	Kildallon	Sunday School Room
27th October	Templeport	St Peter’s Church

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Looking after our Graveyards

Cavan - Monaghan Leader (CML) intend to run a Care and Conservation of Historic Graveyards Training Course in September / October 2011. This practical training course is targeted at volunteers and community groups who are or may be considering maintaining and conserving the historic graveyards in their areas. The training course will consist of four evening sessions and two all day sessions. The venue (likely to be Cavan based) and study trip will be decided based on the location of participants. It may possibly be most beneficial if we are able to get representatives from Kildallon, Swanlinbar, Templeport and Tomregan along to this. If you might be interested please have a word with Richard urgently.

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Breffni Holy Communion Service

Holy Communion services in the Breffni will be led by Rev Steve Clark at 2 pm on Tuesday 27th September. Rev Tanya Woods will lead our October Service on Tuesday 25th October.

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Old Time Dancing Lessons

Old Time Dancing Lessons will be held in the Old School Swanlinbar beginning in October, possibly on Tuesday or Thursday nights.Anybody interested in attending these please contact Jemina Wilson on 028 66348417.

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Swanlinbar Supper Dance.

Always a great night. The Swanlinbar Supper dance will be at 9pm in the regular Enniskillen venue on Friday 21st October. Dancing is to Larry & Co. Anyone wishing to buy a ticket at the bargain price of £12 can do so by contacting Alice Gould on 048 6774 8749

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Confirmation

If there is anyone interested in confirmation (and this does not need to just be young people) please have a word with Richard.

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Tribute

Canon John (Jack) Robertson Thomas Watson

The following is an abridged version of the address of the Revd Percy Patterson at the funeral service of Canon Jack Watson held in St Columba's, Knock, Belfast, Diocese of Down, on Friday 10th June.

We meet today to thank God for the life, witness and ministry of Canon Jack Watson.
John Robertson Thomas Watson lived a life of rich variety. Born in Belfast on 3rd March 1927, he was reared in the city and, at an early age, joined the local boxing club. He managed to pursue a steady rise through the amateur boxing ranks, while working in a series of jobs in building construction, engineering, the Shipyard and as a bus driver.
In the late 1940s, his standing in amateur boxing was such that he decided to turn professional. Fighting under the name of Dave Watson, he was a contender for the Irish lightweight title in 1948 and, later on, became a contender for the middleweight crown. He issued a challenge to any professional middleweight in Europe in 1950, but no one took him on.
He was also a keen footballer, having played for Glentoran Football Club in East Belfast in his young days, and he was a scratch golfer and a keen bowler.
He retired from boxing to study theology at Trinity College Dublin and in 1968, he entered the Church of Ireland Theological College.
In 1970, he was made deacon in Lisburn Cathedral and appointed curate­ assistant of St Stephen's, Millfield, in central Belfast; one year later, he was ordained to the priesthood.
From 1973-1982, he was bishop's curate of the Swanlinbar group of parishes, Diocese of Kilmore, and then he became rector of Arva, Carrigallen, Gowna and Columcille, also in the Diocese of Kilmore, where he remained until his retirement in 1998.
For the last 10 years of his ministry, he was a canon on the chapter of St Fethlimidh's Cathedral, Kilmore, holding the title of prebendary of Drumlease.
In the mid-1970s, he donned the boxing gloves again and issued yet another challenge to the leading middleweight contenders in Europe. However, this time, it was not a serious challenge, but, rather, a means of raising funds for the roofing of Swanlinbar church.
Amidst huge media interest, including a documentary programme by the BBC, he waited for his challenge to be answered. It was not answered, but the parish was £16,000 better off at the end of his fundraising campaign.
Jack was a prolific writer on theological a
social issues. His articles, ranging from The Church is the People in 1972 to All Creatures Great and Small in 1998, have appeared in several publications.
He took a keen interest in education and served on several school committees and boards.
His great love, of course, was the Church of Ireland. At times, he was concerned about the Church, not in an abstract way, but, rather, in the way loving parents often are, as they have to stand back and watch their children make their own mistakes.
He also recognised that there were other ways of doing things and that some of them were good or even better than our own.
He certainly lived life to the full. It has been said that "there are clergy and there are clergy and then there was Jack Watson". I think that just about sums him up.
In his retirement, Jack and his late wife, Paddy, lived at Church Road, Dundonald, Belfast. They were members of Knock parish. Indeed, he was chairman of the parish bowling club for many years. He was devastated when Paddy died about seven years ago.
Over the past few years in particular, he became very close to his sister and her family. He liked being with his nephews and niece and he treated his nephews like the sons he never had.
Jack was a man who inspired others. He encouraged his nephew to take a master's degree in his chosen profession and he always liked to see young people improving themselves.
He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and I would like to offer sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing. We think especially of his sister, Kathleen; his nephews, Peter, Andrew and Robert; his niece, Tracey; and all the family circle. You will all miss him, but I trust that the memories you have of Jack will be a source of comfort to you in the days ahead.
Today, we celebrate the life of one who was loved by many and who gave freely of his time, energy and love to those who needed him.
With this celebration are feelings of loss and grief and during this time, we can lean on God who will be our stronghold during times of trial.
As we both celebrate and remember - with all our emotions and feelings - let us not forget the great Christian hope that Jesus gave us when he said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." That is the greatest promise and source of hope that anyone could want.
As wonderful as memories are - as are the friends that come along to stand beside us and lift us up - our ultimate comfort comes from the Lord.
The struggle has ended for Jack and he rests in God's grace. It was a privilege to have known him and we thank God for his life and ministry which touched and enriched so many lives.
I believe he has heard those wonderful words: "Well done good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of thy Lord.

Percy Patterson

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India Quiz Sheets

A BIG ‘Thank you’ to all who helped with the selling of the Quiz Sheets in aid of the orphanage in India. Thank you too to all those who supported this worthwhile cause for which €620 was raised.

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Harvest

Our harvest season promises to be something really special as we explore with visiting speakers from all different places and experience our harvest theme: Stories of faith. Please make every effort to get to as many as you can and bring your friends.
Dates are as follows:

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Looking for Actors! “Welcome to Advent”

To mark the start of Advent there will be a special evening held in Swanlinbar church on 27th November. “Welcome to Advent” will be a special evening of music and drama. To help us prepare for that, we are looking for folk, young and old who would enjoy taking part in a drama. If you would like to know more, or might be interested please have a word with Brendan.

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Healing Service

There will be a special healing service on Sunday 30th October in St Peter’s Templeport at 8pm.

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November Bible Studies

During November we will be doing a 4 week bible study in a number of venues. Details will be announced in the next newsletter

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Prayer Meeting

We will have a prayer meeting on Tuesday 20th September at 8.30pm at the home of Beatrice Crawford.
While away on holiday I read a book on the work of some missionaries in the Philippines. I was again reminded of the incredible value of prayer. The work of a missionary was likened to a man who tried to push a boat off a sandbank. All on his own. As hard as he tried , the heavy boat would not shift. But when he prayed and called out to others to pray for a specific situation, and waited for the help of the Lord, the accumulative effect of believing prayer was like the rising tide, easily lifting and freeing that boat once stuck fast in the mud.

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Congratulations

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Adult Education Classes

West Cavan West Fermanagh Regeneration Project are running a number of free adult education classes at various centres in Blacklion, Killesher, Kinawley and Mullaghdun.. The subjects are, Start a Business, Social Media Marketing, Website Marketing, Basic Bookkeeping, Writing a Winning Tender and Basic Food Hygiene & Food Safety. If you are interested in any of these courses visit their web site at: www.cavanenterprise.ie or contact Eilish Gray on 071 9853979 or email her at: Eilish@cceb.ie

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Edoh wrote in May:

Thank you for your birthday gift.
May Lord bless you.
With this gift I have been able to buy (a) nice traveller’s bag to pack my clothes in it when I have to travel. I also bought a nice pair of shoes, food and also biscuits and sweets. Please pray for me in the Love of God.
Today it rained heavily in our place. How is the weather like in your place?
See you!
Edoh

Edoh wrote in June:

You can’t imagine my joy to receive your letters, photos and stickers.
I like the birthday card a lot.
I am at class 2. At which class are Ruth, Asher, Beth, Alicia, Claire and Emma?
Pray for me to be a faithful child to God
Edoh

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Paraguay Book

Richard has a book of photos from the summer visit to Beryl. It is not cheap (around €40) and is not a fundraising project. It is simply a powerful reminder of a most worthwhile trip As a couple of parishioners have expressed an interested in getting a copy we mention it. If interested please ask Richard who will gladly get one for you.

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Gift Day

Just a short note to let folk know that the Annual gift day for St. Peter’s Templeport will be on Sunday 16th October. Templeport parishioners will receive envelopes in the next newsletter. Contact Linda for further details.

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Indian Harvest Supper

Click for a larger picture which should open in a new window

In July, a team of 23 intrepid souls drawn from across our parishes, visited the House of Peace Orphanage in Salem, Tamil, Nadu, South India. The House of Peace is one of the largest voluntary sector orphanages in India; at present, there are about 1200 children receiving residential care, with a further 800 children supported in day-care settings.
While in Salem, we visited a number of projects run by Dr Jayaraj Khrishnan and his team. We also conducted a health survey on some six hundred children at the orphanage and re-decorated a number of dormitories which included painting some stunning wall murals. Above all, we met dedicated and committed staff and hundreds of healthy and vibrant children who were keen to welcome us and to shower us with affection.
We should like to highlight our experiences and to explore how we can all become involved in sharing in the lives and development of children at the orphanage. To this end, we will be hosting a special Indian Harvest Supper on Saturday 24th September in Templeport Community Centre at 7.30. We shall serve an authentic Indian dish (alongside more traditional supper-fare) and give a brief presentation on the orphanages, explaining how we can all become involved in sponsoring children and supporting other aspects of the orphanage’s work. Home-spun entertainment, including school children, local balladeers and misguided vicars will be supplemented by Omagh-based folk/blues band Johnny Walker Wisdom.
This promises to be a great night’s craic as well as a great opportunity to hear about the orphanages and to become involved in their ongoing development (including participation in future visits to India). Please do come along and invite friends, families and neighbours to join us on the 24th. See you there!

Slan agus beannacht

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Time for a Smile!

My Dad is . . . .

Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, and they give him €50."
The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, and they give him €500."
The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes six men to collect all the money!"

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Date

Time

Location

Service

Leader

Friday 16^th September

8pm

Kildallon

Harvest

Rev Adrian McCartney

Sunday 18^th September

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP1

Mervyn & Brendan

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

8pm

Newtowngore

Harvest

Rev Craig McCauley

Friday 23^rd September

8pm

Corrawallen

Harvest

Claire Holmes

Sunday 25^th September

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2

Brendan

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP2

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Brendan

8pm

Swanlinbar

Harvest

Mark Dodds

Tuesday 25^th

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Rev Steve Clark

Friday 30^th September

8pm

Templeport

Harvest

Rev Jean Mackeral

Sunday 2^nd October

10am

Swanlinbar

MP2

Brendan

10.30

Newtowngore

MP1

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

MP1

Richard

8pm

Ballyconnell

Harvest

Bishop Ken

Sunday 9^th October

10am

Kinawley

HC1

Brendan

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2

Richard

11.30

Ballyconnell

HC1

Brendan

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Richard

Sunday 16^th October

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

10.30

Newtowngore

Family MP2

Brendan

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP1

Mervyn

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Brendan

Sunday 23^rd October

10am

Kinawley

Family MP2

Richard

10.30

Corrawallen

HC1

Brendan

11.30

Ballyconnell

Family MP2

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

HC1

Brendan

Tuesday 25^th October

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Rev Tanya Woods

Sunday 30^th October

11am

Newtowngore

United

Richard

8pm

Templeport

Healing

Brendan

Sunday 6^th November

10am

Swanlinbar

HC2

Brendan

10.30

Newtowngore

MP1

Margaret

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP1

George

11.30

Templeport

HC2

Brendan

Noon

Kildallon

MP1

Margaret

Sunday 13^th November

10am

Kinawley

MP2

Brendan

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2

Richard

11.30

Ballyconnell

HC2

Brendan

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Richard

Sunday 20^th November

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

10.30

Newtowngore

HC2

Brendan

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP1

Mervyn

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

HC2

Brendan

Tuesday 22^nd November

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Rev Steve Clark

Sunday 27^th November

10am

Kinawley

MP2 Family

Richard

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2 Family

Brendan

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP2 Family

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

MP2 Family

Brendan

8pm

Swanlinbar

Advent

Brendan

Sunday 4^th December

10am

Swanlinbar

MP2

Brendan

10.30

Newtowngore

MP1

Richard

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP1

George

11.30

Templeport

MP2

Brendan

Noon

Kildallon

MP1

Richard

Sunday 11^th December

10am

Kinawley

HC1

Brendan

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Richard

3pm

Ballyconnell

Carol Service

Richard & Brendan

Sunday 18^th December

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

11.30

Ballyconnell

MP1

Mervyn & Brendan

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

3pm

Newtowngore

Carol Service

Richard & Brendan

Christmas Eve

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Rev Steve Clark

6.00pm

Ballyconnell

Family Nativity

Richard

8.30pm

Swanlinbar

HC

Brendan & Richard

10.00pm

Ballyconnell

HC

Brendan & Richard

11.30pm

Templeport

HC

Brendan& Richard

Christmas Day

9.30

Corrawallen

HC

Brendan & Richard

11.30

Kildallon

HC

Brendan & Richard

1 after Service type indicates Traditional    2 after Service type indicates Contemporary
After the United Services there will be a cup of tea in the Church or local hall

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