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 52 January 2012
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'What’s a Wise Man?'

 Church of Ireland Cross
Three wise menEarly in Advent I found myself (along with other brave parishioners!) acting as a wise man in a humorous take on the wise men journeying to Jesus. It was great fun and taking part in the drama sketch got me thinking. What do we really know about these famous characters from Christmas?
How many were there? We don’t know. Yes we sing, “We three Kings” because of three gifts but the Bible doesn’t tell us their number or their names.
Were they even kings? Possibly not, though they clearly had wealth for gifts and travel and an audience with Herod.
Where were they from? The East you reply. Probably Persia (modern day Iraq) an area well known for studying stars and a long way from Bethlehem!
In many ways they are shrouded in mystery. One thing is for sure. I do know they weren’t called Casper, Jasper, Grasper & Fred as shared in our version of the story in Swanlinbar!
In truth Advent Sunday was a strange time to be thinking about the wise men. New Year is much more appropriate with a special day to celebrate the coming of the wise men at Epiphany (6th January).
As we think about the wise men, here’s another question. What makes a wise man? Ladies might mutter listening to the wife! You might answer knowing lots but you still need to know how to use the knowledge you have.
I still remember being given a sticker at Sunday school well over 30 years ago that perhaps contains the answer. It was a picture of wise men on camels and these words, “Wise men will seek him”. I thought it a worthy thought back then and 30 years on it carries more weight than ever in my heart. It’s not just a worthy thought. It’s true!
The wise men showed incredible perseverance seeking Jesus. As they first studied the stars and saw something significant happening with a new star and discerned it was a new king. They travelled a huge distance crossing great deserts to Jerusalem. Here was a logical place to find the new king. Here at a Palace they met Herod and with great wisdom were not to be taken in by Herod’s keen, and scheming interest in the child.
Finally after much study, discussion and journey their perseverance paid off. Prepared to look in unlikely places, among the poorest folk, they found Mary, Joseph and the growing babe. As they knelt before Jesus in wonder they looked into the face of God himself. Joy! Incredible joy! Words could hardly describe such joy.
I’m reminded of that well known Sunday school song based on Jesus teaching, “The wise man built his house upon the rock” while the foolish man built his house upon the sand. The final verse is true wisdom – “so build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ”
Richard's signatureCaptain Richard Beadle
I ask you a question I ask myself. Am I looking to build my life on the Lord Jesus Christ this year? In the coming year we may have less with budgets and recession. Some plans may have to be adjusted. Yet we need not be poor. We are reminded again through the wise men that one journey is crucial, changing all we see and do. As that sticker at Sunday school shared with me over thirty years ago, Church of Ireland CrossWise men will seek him.
May you know God’s presence in the coming Year as you seek his face.


 

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News Items

Bereavement

CrossWe would like to offer our sincere sympathy to Rev Brendan McCarthy following his mother Marie’s death on 29th December. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brendan, Hilary, Cara, Caolan, Erin and Michael, also his father Seámus, brother David, sister Phil, and all the family at this sad time.

We also extend our sympathy to John and Robert Greaves and Selina Berry on the death of their niece Diane Taylor in Scotland.

Heavenly Father, give us faith and light in times of darkness. May our trusting in you help us live with questions unanswered. Grant us a certain hope in You, that will grow to surpass immeasurably the greatest depths of despair felt now. In you our Lord we put our trust.


 

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Mothers Union logoMothers Union

There will be no Mothers Union meeting in January 2012. Our next meeting is on St Valentine's day, Tuesday, 14rh February 2012 in Kildallon when the Rev Andrew Quill from Derrylin parish will speak to us about Missionary work.

The MU outing will be on Saturday 5th May 2012 to Farmleigh House, Dundrum shopping centre and a meal at the Headford Arms Hotel in Kells on the way home. As we need to know provisional numbers to make the booking for Farmleigh House and the bus please let Vi or Margaret know if you are interested in this outing. Vi and Margaret's telephone numbers are on the front of your MU programme.

The Mother’s Union website may be found at: www.kilmore.mothersunion.ie

Happy New Year. God's Blessing and Peace to you all for 2012.
Many thanks for all your support and kindness in the last year.

Margaret Crawford & Vi Breen


 

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Vestry Meetings

Vestry meetingVestry meetings have been arranged on the following Thursday evenings:

Parish Date Time Venue
Templeport 26th January 8pm St Peter’s church
Newtowngore 2nd February 7.30 To be advised
Swanlinbar 2nd February 9pm Swanlinbar Vestry
United Group Vestry 16th February 8pm Ballyconnell hall or old school

 

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Breffni Health CentreBreffni Holy Communion Service

The next service of Holy Communion will be led by Canon Steve Clark on Tuesday January 24th at 2pm.
The February communion service will be on Shrove Tuesday, February 21st at the same time.
Please come along if you can, it’s great when other parishioners come and share in the service with the residents.

 

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DancersSwanlinbar Dancing

The dancing in Swanlinbar that went so well in the Autumn will be continuing again in the new year. Please contact Jemima Wilson 04866348417 for the latest details.


 

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Letter from Beryl Baker in Paraguay

Dear Praying Friends,

Paraguay in South AmericaJesus is saying to us, ''You must keep watch! For you don't know the day or the hour of my return.This morning at the service at St. Andrew's, Bishop Frank Lyons from Bolivia reminded us to be prepared as we near the season of Advent. Jesus also said to the people ''I am the light of the world.If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.''
In July many blind and semi-sighted people received surgery to let the light into their lives again via a team of American surgeons. Ferrying 90 people who live in isolated places to and from the eye specialists was no mean task but the results were more than worthwhile. Ironically my own glasses, digital camera, clinic torch and address book were stolen on the return trip to the Indian colony La Patria.
The number of people attending the church at Rio Verde has increased as many from the Salazaar ranch are able to worship regularly at San Mateo's. Pedro Gomez, 76 year old carpenter is one for whom we have prayed for years and he's praising the Lord with his hands in the air, full of joy to know his past is forgiven and that his place is prepared for him with Jesus in heaven.
Many visitors have come to the ranch and it was great seeing Claire Holmes with the team from Northern Ireland and have Richard stay for a couple of days. Later a 35 year old American with his beautiful brown Mexican donkey Judas, came.Jonathan has been walking with Judas for the past five years with the desire to give God time in his life.He makes an impact everywhere he goes by his simple testimony of how the Lord is protecting him and providing for him and Judas.After trekking through Brazil, Argentina and Chile he hopes to get a boat back to the States.
Taking part in the funeral service of 95 year old Juan Larrosa was a great privilege as he was well prepared to meet his Lord and Saviour. His two sons Teofilo and Polvo continue with their jobs at the ranch.
Oscar, the giant anteater took himself back to the wild and hopefully is doing o.k. Jeremiah's sister Brenda is continuing to work for me in the Chaco. Please pray for her 19 year old brother, Christian David who is again in the psychiatric hospital in Asunción.It was not possible to see him yesterday as he was in solitary confinement after hitting another lad in his ward.Smoking ''pot'' and involvement in the occult have led to his very serious mental condition.
Fermina Zavala whose cancer has spread is now in the San Rafael hospice and receiving all the care and attention she needs.She is up and about and giving Christian literature to the other terminally ill patients and their families.Her 80 year old father, Enrique, is in the Indian hospital with a fractured hip.
My truck needs a grand overhaul and I hope I'll be able to get it done while I'm in town.
Please pray for the Health promoters, Cirilo Benitez whose diabetes is causing quite a few problems, Norma Alvarez as she works and looks after her 90 year old mother Luisa, Narcisa Rojas whose baby Liz Damaris has Down's Syndrome also Lidia in La Patria, Monica at Lolaico and Daniel at a new settlement call 8 d'enero. All do their best with the minimum of medicines.
Beryl BakerPraise the Lord for the rain that has fallen and we wait on the Lord for more to come. Thank you for your patience in waiting for this overdue letter. May the Lord bless you.

Love and prayers, Beryl.

Casilla 1124, Asunción, Paraguay

(Letter forwarded by Julie Fagan.   Photo of Beryl by Richard Beadle )


 

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SAMSSAMS Irelamd

Once again SAMS are hosting a special evening sharing the work of the South American Mission Society in Craigavon Civic Centre. You are invited to ‘Friday night Live’ on 3rd February at 7.30pm. The evening will be hosted by Bishop Ken Clarke and will also include among many other items the commissioning of Claire Holmes as she returns to Paraguay. Claire was our harvest speaker in Corrawallen and led the team Richard joined last summer when he visited Beryl Baker. If anyone would like to go please speak with Richard so we can co-ordinate transport.

 

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Christmas Eve Nativity Service

Having had to cancell the Christmas Eve Nativity Service last year due to the extreme weather it was a real delight to have our Christmas family nativity service once again. It was super to have a good crowd of around 50 children and adults sharing in the wonder of Christmas with fun and joy, song and drama. May I thank families for throwing their enthusiastic support into the occasion helping create a great Christmas memory with Jesus at the heart.

Christmas Eve Nativity Service

Christmas Eve Nativity Service

 Christmas Eve Nativity Service

Christmas Eve Nativity Service

Christmas Eve Nativity Service

 

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Gospel EveningGospel Evening

There will be a Gospel Evening in Swanlinbar Parish Church on Tuesday 31st January 2012 at 7:30pm. Featuring the well known Gospel Singer Victor Hutchinson (Coleraine), Lorraine Vance (Arva), Rev Brendan McCarthy playing the guitar and singing with his family Cara and Caolan McCarthy.
Admission including supper: Adults £5 or €5, Under 12s Free. All Proceeds to the "House of Peace" Orphanage in India.
Tickets will be on sale from parishioners of Swanlinbar Parish or contact Margaret Crawford on 028 (048 from the South) 67748832.
This will be a wonderful night of praise and thanksgiving to God, your support would be greatly appreciated.


 

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Congratulations & Joyful Celebrations

Laura Foster Robert Love engagement

Congratulations to Laura Foster, Tomregan parish on her engagement to Robert Love, Kilskeery, pictured on the right.
We wish them God's richest blessing as they plan their future lives together.

Karen Breen Rodney Harron engagement.

Congratulations are also due to Karen Breen St Paul's parish, Kinawley on her engagement on New Year's Eve to Rodney Harron.
We wish them God's richest blessing as they too plan their future together.

 

Baptism of Jack Robert CrawfordBaptism Congratulations

There was much delight in Swanlinbar as Stephen and Jennifer Crawford and the family celebrated the baptism of Jack Robert on 4th December. (Photo right).


 

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Christmas Sunday school party Christmas Party

With Tomregan hall unavailable, our Christmas Sunday school party was held in Templeport Community Centre. Despite the wintry conditions a good number of children came along to enjoy fun, games and food, as well as the seasonal visit from that white bearded man in the red suit! Many thanks to parents for your support of this event and all who helped make it happen.

Santa Clause

 
 

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SchoolsChildren from Ballyconnell school

Ballyconnell and Newtowngore schools were both busy sharing in the joy of Christmas.

The children from Ballyconnell read the lessons wonderfully at the Tomregan carol service while they also shared a nativity service in school and sang carols at the Breffni. (Photo right.)

children from Newtowngore school

Newtowngore church was full for a carol service that saw the children from Newtowngore school delight us with songs, drama and poems as they explored the meaning of Christmas around the world. ( Photo right.)


 
 

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Prayer Meetings

Weekly Prayer meetingWinter Weekly prayer meeting will take place on Tuesday mornings at 10am in Kinawley in the following homes.

17th January Beatrice Crawford
24h January Vi & Mackie Breen’s
31st January Beatrice Crawford
7th February Vi & Mackie Breen’s
14th February Beatrice Crawford

 
 

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India Update

Thank You!Indian orphanage buildingThe House of Peace Orphanages in India say a big 'thank you' to everyone who has indicated that they are interested in sponsoring a child in the House of Peace Orphanages, India.
We now have the bank accounts up and running. We will be in touch with all those who have returned forms about sponsoring a child in the next week or two, so that regular contributions can begin from this month. If anyone else is interested in sponsoring a child or supporting the work of the orphanage, please speak to Brendan, Gail Lovett (Euro contributions) or Avril Graham (Sterling contributions) as soon as possible.
When we get the sponsorships set up, you will receive a photograph and information about the child you are sponsoring. If you wish, you will also be able to write to your child and send small birthday or Christmas presents, as well as receiving letters from them. Thank you again for your continuing generosity and support.

 

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Children's Pancake PartyPancake tossing

Pancake partyTo mark the coming of Shrove Tuesday and the start of Lent we are planning a Pancake Party once again. The party will be from 3.30 -5.30pm.on Sunday 19th February. Mums and dads please put this in the diary. Please note the planning meeting for this has been rearranged and will now take place a day later than previously notified, on Wednesday 1st February in Kildallon Rectory at 8.30pm.

 

 

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Year of MissionMission

Bishop Ken is encouraging parishes in the diocese to explore mission and outreach in 2012. We would encourage you to continue to pray and dream. In January we will have a couple of meetings for anyone interested to begin to explore in real terms what we might be able to do. This really is the time to pray, plan and discuss what we believe might be the best way forward.
On Sunday 15th January we will be looking at Mission for adults
On Sunday 22nd January we will be looking at Mission for children
The meetings will be held in the old Ballyconnell School at 3.30pm


 

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SmileTime for a Smile!

 

Quotable Quotes

  • Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
  • "To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward."-- Margaret Fairless Barber
  • "Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance."-- Samuel Johnson
  • Freedom is never letting your fears stop you from following your heart.-- Susie Switzer
  • A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.-- Rober Heinlein
  • "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."-- Helen Keller
  • The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.-- Winston Churchill
  • I'm going through my Snapdragon phase: part of me has snapped and the rest of me is draggin'.
  • It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. -- Henry Ward Beecher
  • The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you -- B. B. King

 

 

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Church of Ireland Cross   Prayer Points for the Remainder of January and February  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 for the offering of our lives to God;
Monday: Pray for our response both as a diocese, parishes and individuals to God’s call to mission and outreach, the call to be witnesses;
Tuesday: Pray that our children and young people would come to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord;
Wednesday: Pray for all struggling as a consequence of economic cuts across the nation effecting young and old;
Thursday: Pray for Beryl Baker in the Chaco in Paraguay (her prayer letter is on page 6 in this newsletter);
Friday: Pray for the sick and the bereaved. May God grant ways of healing and peace in the midst of the storm;
Saturday:

Pray that the development of the halls in Newtowngore and Tomregan will progress as hoped and for good relationships between builders, grant providers and the churches.

C of I CrossemptyC of I Cross

 

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C of I Cross<empty>Schedule of Church Services until early March <empty>C of I Cross

Date

Time

Location

Service

Leader

Sunday 22nd January

10am

Kinawley

MP2 Family

Richard

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2 Family

Brendan

11.30

Tomregan

MP2 Family

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

MP2 Family

Brendan

Tuesday 24th January

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Canon Steve Clark

Sunday 29th January

11am

Ballyconnell

United

Richard

Sunday 5th February

10am

Swanlinbar

MP2

Brendan

10.30

Newtowngore

MP1

Richard

11.30

Templeport

MP2

Brendan

11.30

Tomregan

MP1

To be advised

Noon

Kildallon

MP1

Richard

Sunday 12th February

10am

Kinawley

HC1

Brendan

10.30

Corrawallen

MP2

Richard

11.30

Tomregan

HC1

Brendan

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Richard

Sunday 19th February

10am

Swanlinbar

MP1

Richard

10.30

Newtowngore

MP2

Brendan

11.30

Templeport

MP1

Richard

11.30

Tomregan

MP1

Mervyn

Noon

Kildallon

MP2

Brendan

21st Shrove Tuesday

2pm

Breffni

HC1

Canon Steve Clark

22nd Ash Wednesday

8pm

Kildallon

Lent Service

Richard

Sunday 26th February

10am

Kinawley

MP2 Family

Richard

10.30

Corrawallen

HC1

Brendan

11.30

Tomregan

GFS Service

Richard

Noon

Kildallon

HC1

Brendan

Wednesday 29th February

8pm

Kinawley

Lent Service

Richard

Sunday 4th March

10am

Swanlinbar

HC2

Brendan

10.30

Newtowngore

MP1

Richard

11.30

Templeport

HC2

Brendan

11.30

Tomregan

MP1

George

Noon

Kildallon

MP1

Richard

Wednesday 7th March

8pm

Corrawallen

Lent Service

Richard

1 after Service type indicates Traditional    2 after Service type indicates Contemporary

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